medical marijuana
Medical Marijuana Industry News April 27, 2012
President Obama Finally Addresses Medical Marijuana…
While it may not have been exactly what patients and activists were hoping for, the constant pressure from voters and media outlets may have finally forced the president into speaking about a topic he has tried so vigorously to avoid. In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, President Obama may be shifting the blame on to Congress, somewhat. He told the popular culture magazine that “What I specifically said was that we were not going to prioritize prosecutions of persons who are using medical marijuana. I never made a commitment that somehow we were going to give carte blanche to large-scale producers and operators of marijuana – and the reason is, because it’s against federal law. I can’t nullify congressional law.” He then went on to say “I can’t ask the Justice Department to say, ‘Ignore completely a federal law that’s on the books. What I can say is, use your prosecutorial discretion and properly prioritize your resources to go after things that are really doing folks damage.’ As a consequence, there haven’t been prosecutions of users of marijuana for medical purposes.” Even if the president does not agree with over 70% of Americans who agree with medical marijuana, it is a step in the right direction that he is finally addressing the issue and articulating his position, even if some consider it a policy shift. The President seems to have placed the issue in Congress and said there will be no legalization “anytime soon”. If Congress were to pass a law requiring his signature, it would prove to be an interesting situation. If he wins re-election maybe we will get the chance to see how it plays out.
Click here for a link to the Rolling Stone Interview
Marijuana Found in Mendocino Prosecutor’s Home…
An unfortunate trend seems to be making itself known. Another high profile public prosecutor has been caught defying marijuana laws. Recently, a prosecutor in North Bergen New Jersey was found to be aiding a highly lucrative marijuana smuggling ring. Now, we have another public official who has been caught with marijuana in his home. Deputy District Attorney Sergio Fuentes, The Mendocino prosecutor was supposedly found to have approximately 150 plants in his home, according to the County Sheriff’s Capt. Kurt Smallcomb. Since we are now seeing this occur often it may be time for authorities to re think their marijuana laws. If they cannot abide by them perhaps they should amend them, unless authorities find black markets too profitable to amend the law.
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Marijuana Vending Machine Tested in Santa Ana…
Perhaps replacing your red box movie dispenser could be an automated marijuana machine that is not bound to hours of operation. This story is quite surprising considering marijuana’s delicate legal situation. However, in Santa Ana a marijuana dispensary machine is being tested. The machine is called Autospense. There are high tech safety measures included such as a prescription card reader and finger print recognition. However critics will likely jump all over this concept. How would a community feel about a beer vending machine? That too may alarm residents. It is understandable that the community may not be in love with this, but it is interesting to take note of technology. The company responsible for creating the machine is known as Dispense Labs. They will not be filling the machine with marijuana. Dispense Labs clearly have done a great job from a technological standpoint and maybe a machine like this would be best used at a dispensary, such as ticket kiosks located inside the airport to provide quicker service.
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Global Marijuana March To Be Held Next Week…
Known by several different names including Million Marijuana March and World Cannabis Day, the Global Marijuana March occurs on the first Saturday of May every year. There have been 738 cities and 64 countries that have signed up for the event since its inception in 1999. This year is expected to have a large turnout as marijuana has gained significant traction over the course of the previous year.
Click here for more on this and to see about the Global Marijuana March Event in your area
Barney Frank Confronts President Obama on Medical Marijuana Flip Flop
This time of year is very uplifting for medical marijuana patients and activists. It is a time where the community comes together and patients can share their stories with others. Of course there is a lot of fun at 420 events but hopefully not lost during the weekend was Rep. Barney Frank’s (D-Mass ) comments on the Obama Administration’s handling of medical marijuana.
Known for their expert coverage of American politics, Politico ran a story describing Barney Frank’s recent quotes regarding the white house and medical marijuana. Over the weekend Politico caught up with Mr. Frank and the representative said “I’m very disappointed…They look more like the Bush administration than the Clinton administration.” Barney Frank has been a long time advocate of marijuana reform and has co-sponsored bills with Ron Paul to amend cannabis prohibition.
Additionally, Opposing Views reported that both President Obama and Rep. Frank attended a lavish fundraiser across from Norml’s offices at the St. Regis Hotel. The fundraiser cost about $35,800 to attend with mostly rich liberals (Obama’s supposed base) filling the room. Reports indicate that Barney Frank challenged the president on his handling of the recent medical marijuana raids. The president then claimed that they were only going after dispensaries on a case by case basis and was unaware of what the DOJ was doing. Rep. Frank did not agree with this assertion and furthered challenged Obama on his supposed “hands off” policy. The president frustratingly said that the 2009 policy was still in place, to the best of his knowledge. The statement is strange because it seems to either indicate the president is not being truthful about his marijuana policy, or that he has no control over the federal authorities conducting the raids. Neither scenario will likely be acceptable to the American public. Representative Barney Frank has vowed to send President Obama press clippings covering the raids in case he missed the stories.
Progressives may be weary. Obama has also disenfranchised them on other issues like immigration reform, which was a staple of his 2008 election campaign. Perhaps he thinks he needs to be “tough on crime” for the election and then after the possibility of losing office disappears he will backtrack to his 2008 sentiments. At least this is what many are hoping. However, the president is gradually losing support from the medical marijuana community, which includes much of the president’s progressive base. There are surprising supporters of marijuana letting themselves be known all the time and, as Barney Frank said “Obama now lags Pat Robertson in a sensible approach to marijuana.” A dubious distinction that likely does not sit well with progressives and maybe even Barack Obama himself. Frustration may be building in the American public with both President and the likely GOP candidate Mitt Romney (nobody even seems to want to be his running mate), a third party option like Gary Johnson may seem more appealing with each day.
The idea of Obama shifting his policy once to get re-elected, then again to match his true feelings may be politics as usual. Unfortunately for a man who ran his 2008 campaign on change and avoiding politics as usual must be held to a higher standard. It is true that progressives may feel their choices are limited but Barack Obama provided so much hope for so many. The president now seems concerned with his legacy and this is not to say he has not accomplished some great things in his presidency, but does he want his legacy to simply be “better than the last guy, better than anything the GOP offered up in 2012”?
Stunning Reversal in New Jersey as Montclair Dispensary is Granted Permission to Grow Marijuana
Activists are preparing for the annual celebration of marijuana tomorrow and throughout the weekend. Several legal developments this week may make for an even more upbeat 420 weekend than normal. Marijuana.net already reported on such stories as President Obama facing pressure from the international community to legalize marijuana. Additionally, Colorado lawmakers demonstrated huge support for Amendment 64, which if passed by residents in November would legalize marijuana under state law.
What is even better news is that one negative story covered earlier this week may have quickly turned into a positive. Marijuana.net highlighted the exhausting delays patients have had to deal with in New Jersey and the corruption associated with a Bergen prosecutor Over two years ago lawmakers approved the legal use of medical marijuana, but state officials have seemingly thrown every bureaucratic obstacle in its way. This may all have changed as Greenleaf Compassion Center of Montclair has been given the green light to start growing medical marijuana immediately.
It is unclear if all red tape will finally be cut and even Green Leaf Compassion Center’s CEO Joe Stevens is approaching the situation cautiously. He said “My opinion hasn’t really changed. It’s great, and it’s a show of good faith on the department’s side, but what it comes down to is the patients. They still don’t have access and they don’t know when they will have access. It’s still meaningless to me, to be growing marijuana for patients who don’t have access.” Stevens is seeking stronger assurances from Governor Steve Christie that the medical marijuana program will not be weighed down with additional delays. The CEO does not want to grow the medicine only to have it sit around and lose its usefulness.
The news shows that persistence can ultimately achieve victory, especially when fighting for compassion and relief. There has been a great deal of pressure put on Governor Christie and New Jersey legislators lately. Joe Stevens issued a harsh letter to the Governor citing what appears to be intentional delays and the fact that his group has spent over $160,000 in trying to open Green Leaf Compassion Center. Others have also come forward and have even filed lawsuits against the New Jersey government. Perhaps wanting to avoid court cases that would not paint a flattering picture of our elected officials and their agenda to prevent the people of New Jersey from finding relief.
State Legislators show Support for Marijuana Legalization in Colorado
In a matter of a few years marijuana has made tremendous strides in shedding its taboo status and gaining mainstream acceptability. Polls are regularly showing an increase in positive views on medical marijuana and marijuana legalization. Is our elected representation shifting their attitudes as well?
How many high profile state democrats would have backed marijuana legalization in the 1970s, 1990s, or even 2005? The efforts of Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol have played a large roll in changing the political atmosphere in Colorado. RMLA helped to collect more than the 86,000 signatures needed collected to get amendment 64 on the ballot. If passed the bill will legalize marijuana and set up a system, as the name suggests, to regulate marijuana like alcohol. The chair of the Denver Democratic Party, Cindy Lowery-Gra ber, has recently stated her support for bill and said “this is a mainstream issue. Polls show that more than 60 percent of Democrats and a solid majority of independents believe marijuana should be treated like alcohol. A broad coalition is forming in support of Amendment 64 and I am proud to say that it now includes the Colorado Democratic Party.”
The endorsement comes from the right person at the right time. Democrats have a strong presence in Colorado and the state’s residents may be poised to be the first (several other states like Washington will also vote on legalization in November) state with totally legalized marijuana on a state level. Colorado has taken precautions to avoid the legal mess in California as they have put a more structured program run by the state. This singular authority eliminates the problem of individual municipalities interpreting medical marijuana law as they see fit. It seems many elected officials agree with Cindy Lower-Graber as 8 of the 10 largest counties in Colorado support amendment 64.
The fight for marijuana reform is no longer being fought solely by hardcore activists. Although the feds seem intent on fighting its own people over a healing plant, many other government officials have now joined the movement. As stated above, supporting marijuana publicly was a difficult political platform previously, but in a few years it may be a difficult position not to support it.
Outside of U.S. Comfort Zone President Obama Forced to Discuss Failed War on Drugs
Over the weekend President Obama attended the 6th Summit of the Americas in Columbia. Most of the media focus will be on the secret service prostitute scandal and Cuba’s exclusion from the event. However, medical marijuana patients were treated to at least a glimmer of hope from the weekend summit.
President Obama has sidestepped discussions on marijuana several times over the past several months. In two separate online votes, the White House has encouraged participants to submit topics they wanted the president to discuss. Marijuana reform dominated the votes, but was sidestepped by the White House. This comes at a time where patients are genuinely concerned about the administration’s handling of medical marijuana and feel that President Obama is not keeping his promise to uphold state law.
Unfortunately for the president, he was unable to maneuver out of a drug policy discussion at the Summit of the Americas. Momentum for marijuana legalization seems to be growing significantly. Many Latin American countries have voiced their opposition to the American War on Drugs recently. Vice President Joe Biden also was pressured on marijuana policy last month in his visit to Central America. As the violence has escalated out of control in the region, especially in Mexico, many former and current world leaders including former Mexico president Vicente Fox, have called for a change of course.
At the summit, President Obama maintained his current position that legalization is not the answer to combat drug cartel violence. Instead he feels we need smarter laws, better law enforcement structure and stronger economies. These general statements may not sit well with U.S. patients and residents of Latin America although President Obama did indicate that he was willing to hold a debate on the issue. He did acknowledge that the war on drugs has not been successful over the past 40 years.
While the United States Federal government seems reluctant to enact any changes to its approach on marijuana policy, other countries seem more than willing to do so. The United States now trails many other countries in education, crime rates, and stem cell research. Is America willing to take a backseat on yet another global issue?
Jersey Officials seem more preoccupied with Corruption and Bureaucracy instead of Compassion
Although there has been incremental progress in trying to institute New Jersey’s medical marijuana program, the delays are highlighting the ineptitude of modern government. New Jersey passed legislation permitting medical marijuana use over two years ago in January of 2010. Since that time, patients have witnessed a litany of delays which include opposition from Governor Christie, local zoning resistance for dispensaries, and political squabbling.
A new story in the news cycle may also explain why New Jersey officials have been dragging their feet. It apparently may be more desirable for New Jersey authorities to profit off marijuana as an illegal substance as opposed to regulating it legally. A municipal prosecutor representing the township of North Bergen has been charged with aiding two giant marijuana operations launder their money. Marcanton Macri was freed over the weekend after posting his $50,000 bail. One of the men Marci conspired with was the manager of a local bank. The forty-four year old attorney is officially being charged with financial facilitation and money laundering charges.
While Marcanton Macri may represent the dysfunction of government officials, Rich Caporusso symbolizes the frustration patients are experiencing in New Jersey. Years ago he noticed a sick family member benefiting greatly from medical marijuana use. Now over a decade later, Mr. Caporusso suffers from muscle spasms and Crohn’s Disease. His condition qualifies for medical marijuana use in New Jersey. However such a program is not operational at this time. The former corrections officer is on disability due to injuries he suffered on the job, making his situation even more desperate. He is seeking medical marijuana but says that New Jersey lawmakers have set up “a million roadblocks.” He and his physician have now filed a lawsuit against the state’s Department of Health and have accused them of intentionally delaying the program. The program was set to start on July 1, 2010 after former Governor Corzine approved the legislation. Lawmakers extended the deadline by 3 months, but an additional year and a half delay has angered patients.
Rich Caporusso is an actual person and if lawmakers were to actually interact with the suffering patients they legislate against, they may not take these decisions so lightly. Caporusso suffers and can be arrested seeking relief while Marcanton Marci is out on bail and reaps the benefits of marijuana’s black market. If Rich Caporusso and his physician are successful they may be able to eliminate avenues of corruption for Marci, grant compassionate relief for the sick, and show the legislators of New Jersey that bureaucracy will stop hurting patients and start hurting political careers.
Medical Marijuana Industry News April 13, 2012
Marijuana Advocacy Groups put Pressure on U.S. Attorney John Walsh to Cease Raids
Activists are fighting back after federal raids have targeted the core of the marijuana reform movement. Eleven groups have joined together to request that U.S. attorney John Walsh back off of the threatening letters he has sent to 25 medical marijuana dispensaries, citing violations such as proximity to school zones. The coalition would like to see Walsh respect the dispensaries and patients they serve and have sent a formal letter to the attorney’s office. Among the 11 members of the group is the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, who recently inducted workers from medical marijuana dispensaries from both California and Colorado. It appears the strength of the union may already be paying activists dividends. Additionally, a Denver attorney, Rob Corry, has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to Walsh, requesting all information Walsh has on medical marijuana and exactly how Walsh determined which dispensaries were too close to schools. Corry has also asked to see evidence of the “the outpouring of thanks and appreciation” that Walsh claims to have received since closing dispensaries.
Mayor of San Francisco Calls Marijuana a Nuisance, Compares it to Liquor Stores and Exotic Clubs
While most Americans may not jump for joy at being referred to as a nuisance, marijuana advocates in San Francisco have been seeking such a description for some time. Mayor Ed Lee now considers marijuana dispensaries as “nuisance retail” but finally called marijuana dispensaries “legitimate.” This may put dispensaries under the same legal category as strip clubs, liquor stores and pawn shops. San Francisco has seen a lot of bickering over its medical marijuana dispensaries. San Francisco currently has 22 dispensaries, with the possibility of more opening as additional permits have been granted.
420 Celebrations Gets Ready for Notable Weekend
Marijuana reform has been gaining significant momentum in 2012 and with April 20 is exactly one week from today, activists voices will not be ignored. Even those outside of marijuana culture realize the significance of this day. Many individuals will be attending the exciting events planned for next weekend. The High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup will be held in Denver next week. Marijuana.net is proud to be one of the sponsors of the event and for those in Colorado, we hope to see you there. Additionally, other events such as “Overgrow The Government”, Deep Green Fest, and Washington D.C.’s 420 fest will be taking place. Those who comment on this article are encouraged to talk about other events that will be taking place next weekend.
Medical Marijuana may become Reality in Massachusetts
Momentum for marijuana reform has swept the Northeast. Policy makers in Massachusetts have been debating whether or not to legalize medical marijuana for some time now. Federal intervention seems to be a concern so politicians seem keen on leaving the issue to the people. In November, it seems likely that the people of Massachusetts will get a chance to vote on whether or not to legalize medical marijuana.
Small Village in Spain Considers Growing Marijuana to Pay Off Debt
The United States is not the only country to struggle financially over the past several years. Many feel that the European debt crisis may be on the verge of a financial catastrophe. New age economic issues are not always fully understood by elected officials, and as always, people have to rely on their own creativity.
A small village in Spain has proposed an idea appropriate for the new financial age. The residents of Rasquera recently voted on a measure that would allow land to be leased to marijuana growers. The village is weighed down heavily with debt and the money generated from leasing the land would be directed toward climbing out of debt. In February, Rasquera was planning to move forward with the plan but delayed due to many voicing their opposition. As a result the plan was put to a vote by residents. The measure passed with 56% in favor but fell well short of the required 75% that was required to move forward. It is unclear what will happen and if a new plan will be created. In the meantime, the people of Rasquera are desperate for economic relief and new jobs.
With little help from world leaders, as always, it will be up to the people to try and better their own situations. Rasquera is one of countless areas in the world that has to consider alternative ideas to generating economic success. Will the government’s of the world accept a new approach, or will they place a higher value on being “right” and continue a century of fighting a plant that will continue to grow naturally. At this point, marijuana advocates are not asking for help, rather, they just want the world’s governments to step aside and stay out of the way of progression.
Rasquera may not currently be in a position to start leasing their land to marijuana cultivators, but the story has garnered worldwide attention. Surely another village, city, or country will take a long hard look at the idea. All it will take is one municipality willing to utilize a progressive approach toward marijuana regulation. Cannabis may be the most financially secure crop in the world to grow with corn and tomatoes not being enough to usher in a new age of financial prosperity.
Landmark Case: Will the United States Choose Religious Tolerance or Marijuana Intolerance?
Religious tolerance is one of the founding principles of the United States. As the election process has unfolded we have heard about perceived religious persecution of Christian America, especially from Rick Santorum. Yesterday he suspended his campaign for president and vowed “We’re going to continue to fight for the Americans who stood up and gave us that air under our wings that allowed us to accomplish things that no political expert would have expected.”
The continued “fight” will likely revolve around religion but will Santorum and the rest of the government support religious tolerance for other groups? The Oklevueha Native American Church utilizes marijuana as a part of their religious rituals. As the title of this article suggests, will our country choose religious freedom or continue to wage war against individual liberties? A new lawsuit, Oklevueha Native American Church of Hawaii Inc. V. Holder, may force the federal government to make that choice. The suit may stimulate a national conversation on marijuana and stop the federal government from avoiding an honest discussion with the American people.
Earlier this week the Ninth Circuit Court of Federal Appeals ruled that Okleveuha Native American Church could sue the federal government over marijuana seizures. The decision reverses the ruling from a lower court decision rendered by U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway. The group is seeking protection through the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the case is the result of authorities seizing marijuana from Rex Mooney, member of the church. The Okleveuha Church is affiliated with the larger Native American church and already has been granted legal use of peyote for religious rituals.
The Okleveuha Native American Church aims to promote education on “American Native indigenous ceremonies.” With peyote already being having been granted legal status for religious uses, it would seem like typical petty pot politics to prevent marijuana from attaining the same legal status. The case may prove to be historic on several levels. For one, it could be an extremely pivotal moment for religious rights for the original Americans, and may also force the federal government into legalizing at least some form of marijuana use.
Medical Marijuana Finally Gains Momentum with New York State Lawmakers
Although the Oaksterdam situation has received national media coverage, it is important not to lose sight of the larger picture. Everyday members of state level governments show they are not intimidated by federal bullying. Unfortunately, in the third largest state in U.S., medical marijuana discussions have been surprisingly quiet in the political spectrum, until now.
New York has approximately 20 million residents, many of which are seeking relief from debilitating medical conditions. The Empire State has failed to enact legislation that permits medical marijuana previously, but the political tides seem to be turning. State Senator Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island) is the lead sponsor of a new medical marijuana bill that will be introduced shortly in the state assembly. The assembly is controlled by Democrats and has approved several of the previous measures that were rejected by the New York Senate. State Democrats are confident that they can muster enough Republican support for the bill, leaving New York’s Governor as the wild card.
Governor Andrew Cuomo ran a campaign in 2010 where he directly stated his opposition to legalizing medical marijuana in New York. However, his stance seems to be softening a bit. Governor Cuomo now acknowledges that there has been more research on marijuana’s benefits and that the issue can be revisited. However, he says he does not feel there is enough time left in this year’s legislative session to properly hold the discussion. While the statement may buy time for Cuomo, it does not seem like he is willing to outright dismiss the idea any longer. There could be good reason for this as a Quinnipiac University poll conducted shortly after Cuomo took office in 2010 showed that 71% of New Yorkers were in favor of medical marijuana.
Andrew Cuomo is a second generation Governor and likely learned a great deal about what it takes to succeed running New York State. His father Mario Cuomo, spent 12 years as Governor of New York state. It does not take a political genius to realize that ignoring the wishes of millions of New Yorkers may not be politically savvy . Patients may place pressure on the Governor in order for him to accelerate discussions, and make up his mind sooner rather than later.