medical marijuana
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Expected to Open in Washington D.C. by Summer
With the iconic Berkeley Patient’s Group being forced to close its doors, the Federal government has demonstrated its desire to uphold not only its failed war on drugs, but also the war on patients. Interestingly enough, inside the belly of the beast, medical marijuana centers will be opening up within months.
Washington D.C. is expected to start serving medical marijuana patients by this summer. The process has already begun as cultivators are filling out the paperwork for leasing growing space. Sixty nine percent of D.C. voters approved a measure to legalize medical marijuana way back in 1998, but Congress stood in the way several times. In 2010, the City Council in D.C. approved another measure and this time Congress decided to respect the decision of both the council and residents of Washington. Residents who qualify will be purchasing marijuana within miles of the white house and congress, even as patients thousands of miles away fear raids and shutdowns.
The medical marijuana program in Washington D.C., like many other new states enacting programs, will have a much stricter set of guidelines than California’s system. This may be why the federal government, for the moment, seems to be far less concerned. California does not have a state run program, and municipalities have different interpretations of what rights are afforded under proposition 215. However this is all speculation and with little information available as to how the federal government selects its raid targets, advocates are left without an answer. Even if laws become stricter in California, many patients and advocates are hoping for a unified system so that everyone can operate legally.
Until the federal government decides to take the guessing game out of the legal realm, medical marijuana will remain in limbo. Although Washington D.C. will be allowed to serve patients now, no one can be certain of what the new faces in congress will decide after this November. No one wants a prolonged battle with the federal government, and a government should not be seeking to battle sick patients. The debate seems to be getting sillier each day and if our government cannot decide what they even want in their own backyard (City of Washington D.C), then can we really expect to look to them for leadership elsewhere?
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 16, 2012
Berkeley Patients Group to Close its Doors
One of the largest medical marijuana dispensaries in the state of California has been ordered to shut down. Berkeley Patients Group has served many patients and has one of the best reputations in the industry. They are known for charitable donations to the poor and helping the community. Local politicians have even referred to it as the model business for how a dispensary should operate. Federal authorities were not moved by Berkeley Patients Group’s compassionate for both its patients and the community. They claimed the dispensary was in violation of Federal law but also that it was within 1,000 feet of two schools and in violation of state law.
Montel Williams and Dan Morhaim Continue Fight for Medical Marijuana even after Legislation Fails
Although patients in Maryland were hopeful that they would finally be permitted to medicate with marijuana, Governor O’ Malley has decided to veto the bill citing his fear of Federal intervention. Celebrity and longtime cannabis advocate Montel Williams has joined state Senator Dan Morhaim who is also a medical doctor The two men also held a gathering where patients voiced their desire for medical marijuana. Montel was quoted as saying “What you are trying to accomplish is being compassionate to those who are suffering.” Williams provides a national platform for the medical marijuana conversation and Morhaim has submitted several bills in the Maryland Senate.
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Legalize Medical Marijuana Billboards are Put Up in Florida
Billboards supporting marijuana reform have been appearing in the Sunshine State. Florida holds the title of largest indoor grower of cannabis in the country which clearly demonstrates a high demand. However Florida has been known for a very strict approach toward marijuana enforcement and many of the state’s residents are elderly and do not support marijuana reform. The man responsible for the signs is 69 year old Robert Platshorn. Platshorn spent 30 years in prison for smuggling marijuana and says he does not want others to suffer his fate. One billboard reads “Legalize Medical Marijuana. I’m a patient not a criminal” while others call for a rescheduling of marijuana.
Mitch McConnell links Marijuana with Death as Santorum has big day in Primaries
The information age is making it more difficult for politicians to make fraudulent statements and avoid any repercussions. Years ago, a politician may have said something at a rally or to a local reporter that would not make it to the national discussion. This has obviously changed drastically as those who try to regulate our social behavior do not even seem to understand quite how it works.
Mitch McConnell is the latest example of an out of touch representative who may be haunted by his impulse statements. The Senate Minority Leader seemed to learn little from Lamar S. Smith’s failed crusade to crush the internet with the SOPA legislation which encountered an embarrassing political death. The SOPA bill clearly appeared to suffer from a lack of research and analysis as to just how far reaching it would be. Mr. McConnell recently told a constituent in a letter that he cannot support marijuana legalization because “it leads to death”. He then also said that THC was available in pill form indicating that legalization is not necessary. The Minority Leader was likely referring to Marinol, which has proven to ultimately not be nearly as effective medically as unprocessed natural marijuana. McConnell took his statements even further and said he had concerns that marijuana legalization would not be following “the scientific process” of the FDA.
Advocates of marijuana will most certainly take offense to McConnell’s statement about the scientific process. This has become the new criticism as decades of fear mongering talking points against marijuana have been proven hollow. However, many are left to scratch their heads as to how exactly marijuana is supposed to closely follow “the scientific process” of the FDA if our government officials use every resource at their disposal to deny any such research.
Marijuana reform has the support of the majority of Americans and Mr. McConnell and those like him may regret their stubbornness on this issue. This is not the only area where the GOP seems to be out of step with Americans. The race for the Republican nomination for president has turned largely into a battle of antiquated ideologies. The race is now about eliminating abortion rights, contraception, and women’s health. Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973 and women (who vote in higher numbers than men) may not want our culture to backtrack 40 years and give up their privacy. Many political analysts expected the Republicans to campaign on the economy, energy policy, and jobs.
The information age is here to stay and expand, our elected officials need to realize that there now can be a quick backlash for empty politically charged statements. We will see if President Obama and those vying for his job will take note.
Speaking of those running against the president, Rick Santorum had a big day on Tuesday. He was the winner in the coveted southern states of Mississippi and Alabama keeping himself in the race. Mitt Romney won in Hawaii as Newt Gingrich was not victorious in any state yesterday. Many are urging Gingrich to drop out of the race as his chances of rebounding seem slim. Analysts predicted that Gingrich’s best chances resided in the south. Although the day was a disappointment for Romney, who is still struggling to gain the support of conservative voters, he did get 1/3 of the delegates yesterday maintaining a healthy lead in the race.
Medicating with Cannabis gets Patient Kicked out of Hospital
Western medicine has been very rigid in its approach toward treating patients, leaving little room for alternative ideas. Accepted medical techniques are bound to the law in America so alternative approaches are often illegal. This week a highly publicized example of the battle between stubborn “accepted practices” vs. alternative methods found its way into the news.
Angel Raich is a widely recognized marijuana advocate who has fought tirelessly over the years for marijuana reform (click here for info on the U.S. Supreme Court Case Gonzales v. Raich) She has suffered debilitating issues since 1995 and most recently has developed an inoperable brain tumor. She attempted to vaporize marijuana while at the UCSF Medical Center and was forced to leave the hospital. Angel Raich has claimed that her quality of life has improved drastically with marijuana use and that she would have been wheelchair bound for the last 17 years without it. Her physician Frank Lucido M.D. has said that “Angel has no reasonable legal alternative to cannabis for the effective treatment or alleviation of her medical conditions…Angel will suffer imminent harm without access to cannabis. Angel needs to medicate every two waking hours. After a certain number of medications have been tried, it would be malpractice to subject the patient to further unnecessary harm.”
We do not recommend that anyone violate the laws of a hospital, but we do understand that patients can be left without much choice. As her physician has previously stated, Angel Raich’s life is threatened constantly by excruciating pain if she is unable to medicate with cannabis. Ms. Raich is not a teenager trying to get exposure, she is a trailblazer trying to make her days tolerable. We also understand that hospitals must be concerned with smoke of any kind, but perhaps they will consider an alternative to turning their backs on sick patients.
The UCSF medical center released the following statement:
“UCSF is a smoke-free campus and this includes medical marijuana. Several members of the media have asked if UCSF allows the use of a vaporized form of marijuana. It does not. Even a vaporized form of medical marijuana releases particles in the air that are damaging to the lung. Any particles from vapor and odor could have an impact on other patients and hospital employees.
Under federal and state law, a physician is at legal risk related to any activity that could be construed as prescribing medical marijuana to a patient.”
At some point we hope to see a medical facility that will challenge federal guidelines and place more emphasis on relief rather than worrying about the legal backlash for permitting patients to medicate with marijuana. As Angel Raich struggles, we hope her story will highlight the obstacles that many patients face. In all facets of life, established ideas rarely die without kicking and screaming but there is room for more than one idea. Medical marijuana does not have to be at odds with traditional medical treatments, rather it can work simultaneously with established treatments.
Marijuana Advocates Lobby California Officials while Patients Suffer Defeat in Maryland
Although laws should be based on facts and common sense, it would be incredibly naïve to assume this was the case. Patients and advocates have found out the hard way that simply having a superior argument is not enough to change the legislative culture.
Marijuana advocates have become increasingly sophisticated in the methods they employ to push for legal change. A high powered group consisting of growers, dispensaries, and union members are shifting course from running a ballot initiative to getting their message on the airwaves with television and radio advertisements. The group will now also use the millions it has collected to lobby California lawmakers to fix the legislative mess that marijuana law finds itself in. Democratic assembly member Tom Ammiano is already on board and has proposed a new system for marijuana regulation in California. Ammiano’s plan would create a state run system that could avoid the pitfalls of the current system where individual municipalities interpret state law differently. The state would oversee dispensary permits, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis. The system would offer a flexible tax system where local governments could institute a tax of up to 2% on transactions. One of the most interesting provisions was designed with patients in mind as Ammiano’s plan would require one dispensary for every 50,000 people, ensuring patient’s “safe access”.
Maryland activists may also have to consider lobbyists as Governor Martin O’Malley has vetoed a recent bill that would have allowed medical marijuana. Patients were hopeful they would be receiving their medicine soon as there seemed to be considerable momentum for a medical bill. State legislators passed this recent measure and last year a law was passed in Maryland that eliminates penalties for those possessing marijuana if they have a debilitating illness. All hope is not lost in Maryland, but Governor O’Malley stated that the federal climate would have to change in order for him to pass a medical marijuana bill. Citing a fear of state employees being arrested the governor said, “I will say that, would the federal landscape look different, then I would support a bill like this.”
California stands to have an eventful legal year as it tries to overhaul its medical marijuana program. Advocates have taken their movement to the next level and politicians may have no choice but to listen. While the defeat in Maryland is unfortunate, patients can at least have hope as their legislators are not staunchly against providing relief.
Pat Robertson becomes an Unlikely Supporter of Marijuana Reform
As the minority in our country refuses to back off of its culture war against a plant, supporters for marijuana reform are revealing themselves from all walks of life. We have all heard that politics make strange bed fellows, but even medical marijuana advocates still must have been shocked to find an ally in Pat Robertson.
The anti-liberal icon, Pat Robertson, is a former Baptist minister who has caused more than his fair share of controversy over the years. Robertson has taken a harsh stance on almost all groups of people outside of his circle. He has often attributed natural and man-made disasters to God’s fury, blaming Hurricane Katrina on America’s abortion policy. He also famously claimed that 9/11 was the joint effort of the ACLU, feminists, as well as gays and lesbians. Mr. Robertson also feels that the people of Haiti suffered the 2010 earthquake because of a pact they made with the devil to escape French rule.
For individuals who consider themselves to be on the liberal side of the political spectrum, they would likely not be expecting to see eye to eye with Pat Robertson on social issues. Surprisingly however, Pat Robertson has recently come out in support of marijuana legalization on his televangelist show “The 700 Club”. Perspective can be fascinating as Mr. Robertson has blamed liberals for the current state of marijuana laws while marijuana smokers (who are often assumed to be liberal), would likely place blame on many of the conservatives who have been against marijuana reform for decades. In what could only be categorized as a progressive approach, Pat Robertson said “I just think it’s shocking how many of these young people wind up in prison and they get turned into hard-core criminals because they had a possession of a very small amount of controlled substance.”
Although many marijuana advocates may not be seeking a political alignment with Pat Robertson, it is clear that America’s sentiments on marijuana prohibition are changing rapidly. When a staple of American conservatives is seeking an end to the war on drugs, who exactly is left supporting the failed policies of the last 40 years?
Marijuana in Music
“See I think drugs have done some good things for us. I really do. And if you don’t believe that drugs have done good things for us, do me a favor and go home tonight and take all your albums, all your tapes and all your CDs and burn them. Because you know what, the musicians that have made all that great music that’s
enhanced your life throughout all the years were reeaaaal f*cking high on drugs.” -Bill Hicks
Music and Marijuana, it’s like peanut butter and jelly. Some things just go great together. Musicians have been writing songs about cannabis for years. And it transcends all genres, too. Country, rap, rock, metal, blues, there are fans to be found everywhere, except maybe opera (although it may enhance the fan experience). Why does this matter? Some of the most outspoken members of society who are in favor of legalizing marijuana are musicians. The most famous event for music and cannabis was, of course, Woodstock. That began a grand tradition of music festivals that continue to this day. The most recent event was the San Bernadino SmokeOut, sponsored by Cypress Hill, and featuring many other bands who believe in the power of the leaf. But what do these bands have to say about it? Pop on an album and listen to them.
Cypress Hill has written numerous songs about marijuana, how much they love it, when they smoke it, and why they smoke it. One track, “K.U.S.H.” off their latest album Rise Up is all about a specific strain, and why they like that one more than the others.
K.U.S.H keeps us so high
the more I smoke, the higher I get
the better I feel, I can’t quit
One reason they love it, it brings people together. Everybody is down with Cypress Hill, “Snoop Dogg and Dre are down with us/ Cheech and Chong they’re down with us.” And so are Willie Nelson, Bruce Willis, Halle Berry, Dave Chapelle, and Dionne Warwick. It is a uniter, not a divider; how could smoking it be wrong?
Sublime’s “Smoke Two Joints” (written by The Toyes in 1983, not Bob Marley) is one of the most famous pro-marijuana songs of all time. Why not, “I smoke two joints in the afternoon, it makes me feel alright.” Some will argue, it can’t be good because drugs killed Bradley Nowell, Sublime’s original lead singer. It wasn’t marijuana that killed him; it was heroin. Hard drugs have killed many musicians, but not one has overdosed on cannabis.
Bands from the SmokeOut weren’t the first ones on the block singing about marijuana. Black Sabbath, the godfather’s of Heavy Metal, were all about the “Sweet Leaf.” That song really gets the introspective properties of smoking.
When I first met you, didn’t realize
I can’t forget you, for your surprise
you introduced me, to my mind
And left me wanting, you and your kind
I love you, Oh you know it
My life was empty, forever on a down
Until you took me, showed me around
My life is free now, my life is clear
I love you sweet leaf, though you can’t hear
Come on now, try it out
Straight people don’t know, what you’re about
They put you down and shut you out
you gave to me a new belief
and soon the world will love you sweet leaf
Ozzy vocals capture all the positive aspects that people look for when medicating with marijuana. It brings clarity of mind, and surety of self. A life once so negative is now euphoric. And then he invites all the non-believers to try it out too. Maybe it is something that the world could do with more of, open minds.
Anti-Marijuana Propaganda from the Mid-20th Century
For over 70 years Marijuana has been illegal in the United States. In that time, the powers-that-be have used many forms of propaganda to maintain their control over people’s fear of cannabis in order to prevent the reforms happening today. Initially, the fear and hatred of marijuana was stirred up by Henry J. Anslinger and his cunning use of racism and bigotry. Anslinger and William Randolph Hearst (Hearst publishing) preyed upon the feelings of the white majority and ideas of miscegenation (white women + not-white men). They also made sure people feared a minority uprising, led by unstoppable drugged-out berserker pot-heads. To this day there are still people who fear this, and push for continuing anti-marijuana legislation. However, one fear cannot be stoked continuously for 70 years. As time went by new fears were co-opted and put to use for the war on drugs.
Cannabis and hemp were made illegal in the 1930’s, but hemp was then re-allowed in World War 2 because of its industrial use. After the war ended the ban was reinstated and something else was needed to enforce it. Enter the threat to National Security. That’s right, after the Nazis were defeated and ideas of Superior Races were less popular the country needed something else to unify it. America had a new enemy… Communism! After the war, Anslinger continued to consolidate power into the government apparatus that would eventually become the DEA. With Senator Hale Boggs as his partner, President Harry Truman was convinced that drugs were being utilized by Communist China to subvert Americans and undermine our democracy. In 1951 Truman signed the Boggs Act which imposed strict penalties for violating the import/export laws pertaining to drugs. Part of these penalties were tough mandatory minimum prison sentences. In 1961, Anslinger had JFK used the US influence at the UN to push for an anti-drug convention that eventually saw over 100 countries agree to make marijuana illegal. It would not be the last time that national security would be used as a scapegoat for anti-drug sentiment. All of this helped build the reaction to the counterculture of the 1960’s and 70’s.
In the 1980’s and 90’s, most anti-drug PSA’s (Public Service Announcement) were focused on the negative effects of drugs on the mind, body and social ties. Anybody remember the “This is your brain on drugs” video with the smashed egg? Well, after the terror attacks of September 11, that type of ad moved to the back burner in favor of a terror and drugs cocktail. Many drugs are produced and exported by terror-supporting organizations (not going to debate that here) but once again cannabis was also targeted in these ads. So the teenager buying a bag from his dealer (which was probably grown domestically, in some backwood) is now helping Al-Qaeda to blow up airplanes and shoot marines. One particular PSA shows two men debating the truth of this. The skeptic says he doesn’t believe it, and the other guy says “It’s true,” repeatedly until the other man is convinced. There’s no evidence offered, or even a counterargument. He maintains his position and eventually the other guy is converted. As a 30-second tv spot makes a strong emotional impression, which is the crux of most propaganda. Facts are distorted in order to evoke an emotional response, which has been proven to create a stronger impression than just a factual argument… so far.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 9, 2012
Study on Endocannabinoids Reveals Potential for Marijuana Weight Loss Pill
Several months ago researchers discovered that marijuana users were less likely to be obese. A variety of reasons including many lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet were suspected. In a newer study, scientists were able to alter the endocannabinoid levels in mice, and alter their weight. Mice lost weight without changing any diet or exercise habits. Study researcher and professor at University of California Daniele Piomelli said “We discovered that these mice were resistant to obesity because they burned fat calories much more efficiently than normal mice do.”
New Hampshire House Approves Marijuana Decriminalization by Slim Margin, but Bill faces additional Challenges
New Hampshire legislators approved a measure to decriminalize marijuana by a razor thin margin. House members in New Hampshire voted 162-161 in favor of less harsh penalties for marijuana possession. Currently the law allows for fines as high as $2000 and one year in prison. The amended law would carry a maximum fine of $250 on first offense and $500 on the second offense. The New Hampshire senate still has to vote on the bill but Governor John Lynch has promised to veto the bill if it crosses his desk.
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Border Patrol Agents Seize 1300 Pounds of Marijuana from Abandoned Vehicle
Critics have been loud lately in their opposition to the United States current marijuana laws. Joe Biden received an earful from Central American leaders at a meeting in Honduras earlier this week where they urged the United States to reconsider its stance on marijuana policy. The leaders believe cartel violence could be reduced dramatically with a different approach. The cartel has also developed a sophisticated tunnel system which has also threatened security. Border patrol agents found another disturbing sign of the dangerous marijuana smuggling industry. An abandoned vehicle was discovered by agents and had 1300 pounds of marijuana in it. Smuggling marijuana is a lucrative industry as agents say the 1300 pounds would was worth $680,500. Often violence can accompany the smuggling activities. Advocates for marijuana reform site these instances as yet another reason marijuana should be legalized.
Legislators in Connecticut Consider Medical Marijuana Again
While most of the focus from the major news outlets yesterday was on the Super Tuesday results, patients in the northeast may have been even more engaged in another development. Connecticut residents may find relief as state lawmakers are again proposing a medical marijuana program.
Previous efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Connecticut have failed, however advocates feel they have addressed the issues that led to political failure. The executive director of the Connecticut branch of NORML, Erik Williams, has reportedly said that a newly proposed bill would be the best in the nation if passed. Marijuana cultivators would have to submit to a detailed licensing process. The bill would require dispensaries to have licensed pharmacists either present or on call which Williams claims is a key difference between this and past legislation.
Erik Williams is not the only one who senses a different political environment for medical marijuana in Connecticut. State senator John Kissel, (R-Enfield) said “For some reason, even though this is a short session, I think this is the year.” Another state representative, John Hetherington, (R-New Canaan) backed up Senator Kissel’s feeling. In 2007, a bill made it through the state legislators only to be vetoed by former Governor Rell. While the current governor Daniel P. Malloy has not commented on this new bill, his spokesman Andrew Doba said, “The governor has said in the past that he supports the concept of the palliative use of marijuana for debilitating illnesses.”
Momentum seems to be in favor of patients residing in Connecticut as many state legislators and the governor seem to support medical marijuana. If Connecticut legalized medical cannabis they would join several northeast neighbors. Rhode Island, New Jersey, Vermont, and Delaware have legalized marijuana (click here for all states with legalized marijuana) while states such as New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland (here is a list of all states with pending marijuana legislation) have pending legislation that could start medical marijuana programs in those states.