Cannitrol – Cannabis Control Agent

Marijuana news from around the world

Mexico

Mexico officially legalizes medical marijuana, but don’t expect a swift rollout

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto signed a decree this week legalizing medical marijuana. The measure also classified the psychoactive ingredient in the drug as “therapeutic.”

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Mexico’s former president slams Trump and Sessions in keynote at Cannabis Summit

Former president of Mexico, Vicente Fox, delivered a keynote address to a crowd full of cannabis industry businesses at the Cannabis Summit in California.

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Mexico’s Supreme Court Green Lights Pathway Towards Legalization

Sure to upset Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel and “El Chapo” Guzmán, yesterday was a great day for supporters of medical marijuana and those who support the outright legalization of pot south of the border.

On Wednesday, Mexico’s Supreme Court decided that prohibiting the cultivation and consumption of marijuana for personal use was unconstitutional. Potentially setting in motion the legalization of marijuana in Mexico. In a legal ruling handed down on Wednesday, Justice Arturo Zaldívar authored an 88-page decision based on the principles of human rights – reasoning that Mexico acknowledges an individual’s freedom to participate in activities…provided they don’t harm others.

That’s right, Mexico’s highest court has now decided that prohibiting individuals from smoking weed or growing it for their own personal use violates an individual’s human rights, according to the New York Times.

The vote by the court’s criminal chamber declared that individuals should have the right to grow and distribute marijuana for their personal use. While the ruling does not strike down current drug laws, it lays the groundwork for a wave of legal actions that could ultimately rewrite them.

Mexico’s Supreme Court Green Lights Pathway Towards Legalization

Mexico’s Supreme Court Green Lights Pathway Towards Legalization

Leaving in place the existing marijuana laws for now, the court’s ruling only applies to the cannabis club that filed a lawsuit on behalf of an eight-year-old girl known as “Grace,” who became Mexico’s first medical marijuana patient in 2015.

With the court’s new ruling in hand, many in Latin America are hoping this decision will spark an important debate on South America’s overly conservative drug laws – kicking open the door for similar challenges to Mexico’s marijuana laws.

Wednesday’s ruling represents the culmination of a tireless effort from the good people at Mexico’s United Against Crime.
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Marijuana Industry News October 18, 2013

california

California Marijuana Legalization Ballot for November 2014 Filed…

Residents in California have waited for the state lawmakers to fix their vague marijuana laws for years.  Activists are trying to rectify the situation.  A ballot initiative to be possibly be voted on in November of 2014 that would legalize marijuana has been filed.  The proposed law is aimed at addressing many issues including raising new tax revenues, preventing sales to minors, to ensure growing safety, and to reduce the power of illegal dealers.  There has been a growing push for residents to come up with their own plan, as elected officials have been unable to properly create marijuana laws since 1996, 17 years after medical marijuana became legal in the state.

 

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Dali Lama Supports Medical Marijuana Use…

The Dali Lama is a symbol of peace for many people around the world but  we at marijuana.net do not recall many instances where he has commented on marijuana.  He is currently on a three week tour of Mexico where  the Tibetan spiritual leader was invited to a  forum created by former Mexican President Vicente Fox. The forum was a pro marijuana event, as legalization gains momentum in Mexico, due to the reaction of out of control cartel violence/power.  The Dali Lama doesn’t care much for the recreational use but does join a growing list of influential figures calling for reform, as he see’s the medicinal potential in marijuana.

 

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Washington State Approves Rules for Legal Marijuana…

There has been considerable excitement and curiosity over how exactly Washington and Colorado will oversee their legal marijuana’s industries.  Legal sales are expected to begin sometime in the middle if 2014.  The issue is complex with tax rates, security, and trying to keep marijuana from being taken out of state leading the concerns.  Production will be capped at 80 metric to a per year and 334 dispensaries will be permitted state wide.  The states liquor board has held public hearings for the past year and hopes they have agreed on the best procedures.  The state hopes to generate tens if millions in new tax revenue.

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Marijuana Updates From Romania and Switzerland

rockstar-bud

The United States government has taken the first step toward repealing prohibition, Canada has relaunched and expanded the scope of their medical marijuana program, and Mexican leaders and celebrities are banding together in unprecedented fashion in order to legalize and reduce cartel violence.  It was an eventful month in North America. Perhaps riding the momentum spilling out of North America for marijuana reform, Switzerland and Romania have announced major changes to their cannabis laws.

As of this month, marijuana possession for adults in Switzerland has been decriminalized.  For those over the age of 18, getting caught with 10 grams or less will result in a ticket without  jail time or a court appearance.  The fine has been set at 110 Francs (approximately $120 in U.S. currency).  The move was aimed at freeing up the courts, law enforcement resources, and creating a clear law across the board, as local municipalities have enacted different and conflicting laws.  The penalties for selling marijuana to those under 18 have increased.

Romania also has moved forward with significant changes to their marijuana laws.  Recreational use will remain banned, but a new medical marijuana program received the green light this week.  They have become the 10th country within the European Union to legalize medical marijuana.  Patients with certain debilitating conditions may be able to legally obtain marijuana to help with their symptoms.  Manufacturers will soon be able to apply through Romania’s National Agency of Medicines.

We will keep you updated with any new developments on this or other international developments.  Cannabis’ reputation as a healer and economy driver seems to be traveling far and wide these days.

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Marijuana Industry News September 27, 2013

california

Poll: Majority of California Residents Support Legal Marijuana…

While many think that support for marijuana legalization in California is a foregone conclusion, that has not always been the case.  Residents have supported medical marijuana for years.  At times, residents against recreational legalization have seemed to outnumber those for it.  That trend is starting to change and recent polls show a majority of residents do support legal marijuana. With what happened last year in Colorado and Washington, and the DOJ’s recent admission that they will not prosecute those in accordance with state law, it may not be a surprise if the trend continues all over.  A recent poll conducted by Public Policy Institute of California, indicated that 52% of California residents would like to see marijuana legalized. Democrats favored legalization by a margin of 64-33 while Republicans favored keeping marijuana illegal by a margin of 53-45%.  The poll also found significantly more support for federal authorities to respect state laws,  68% of  likely voters said the federal government should not interfere with state marijuana laws.  California has encountered considerable financial and budgetary problems, perhaps making the idea of green lighting new tax revenues popular.

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NORML Makes Attempt at Getting Marijuana Ad to Air During Superbowl…

The NFL may not be able hide under its archaic marijuana policy for much longer.  Calls to reduce mandatory suspensions for marijuana violations
are coming from all over.  There is no mandatory suspension for Dui related arrests.  Marijuana  Policy Project recently put up a billboard outside of the Denver Broncos stadium that questioned the NFL’s pro alcohol and anti-marijuana policies.  The billboard received a great deal of press.  Now there may be a chance NORML takes the issue to even newer heights.  Intuit is running a contest where the organization that receives the most votes will have a Superbowl ad paid for.  NORML’s ad is currently the leader in votes.  It will be interesting to see if Intuit will award NORML or refuse to help the ad air.  Fox, the television host of the Superbowl may also elect not air the commercial.  Unfortunately for Intuit, they may find that you cannot send an open offer to the people if you are not prepared to discuss what is truly on their minds.

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High Profile Mexicans Urge Decriminalization In Newspaper Ad…

Former Mexican president Vicente Fox has been beating the marijuana legalization  drum for years.  The country is experiencing devastating cartel violence and the idea of legalizing marijuana to reduce cartel power is popular.  Earlier this week, a newspaper advertisement was printed with many highly successful Mexican residents including a Nobel prize scientist, businessmen, actors, and lawmakers coming together to call for marijuana decriminalization.  The ad had a caption that read :

“Mexico has paid a high cost for applying the punitive policy of prohibition.  We know well that neither decriminalization nor any other individual measure represents a panacea to end the violence, corruption and lawlessness in Mexico. But effective decriminalization of marijuana consumption by raising the dose permitted for personal use is a step in the right direction.”

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Marijuana Inudstry News August 30, 2013

world

World Drug Study: Marijuana Most Popular, Opiates Most Fatal…

The first ever global study on substance use was recently completed.  The study included data from surveys conducted around the world in 2010.  The goal was to measure substance use rates for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and others.  Marijuana proved the most popular substance surveyed across the world and opiates proved to be the most fatal.  Men in their 20s had the highest rate of abuse worldwide.  The U.S, Australia, Britain, and Russia were the countries with highest substance abuse rates.  Some of the data was may not be conclusive but “we can say definitely that there are drug problems in most parts of the world,” said Theo Vos, of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, the study’s senior author.

 

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Mexico City Considers Marijuana Legalization…

Since his departure from the Mexican presidency in 2006, Vicente Fox has been one of the most high profile and outspoken advocates of marijuana legalization. He even has said he would grow cannabis if legalized.  With the human and financial casualties taking a huge toll on Mexico, support for major marijuana reform has been growing steadily.  Now the discussion has escalated even further in Mexico City where legalization could soon be on the way.  Mexican lawmakers have recently been debating legalization of marijuana and other substances in order to regulate and save money.  Half of the marijuana consumed in the U.S. is believed to originate from Mexico.  There are now many seeking to tax and help Mexico’s struggling finances.  Additionally, legalization could help reduce the violence.  Over 100,000 people have either been killed or have gone missing since 2006 because of cartel activity.  Next month a final forum will be held by government leaders in Mexico City.   Though it is not clear that the result will be legalization it seems like more and more of a possibility.

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Utah Mom Seeking Medical Marijuana to Treat Son…

There has been a growing trend of desperate parents who have no choice but to turn to marijuana as their only hope of providing a quality of life to their ailing children.  Recently there was a high profile case in New Jersey where parents pleaded with Governor Christie to allow the use of medical marijuana for their child who struggled with an extreme form of epilepsy known as dravet syndrome.  Governor Christie did change the state law so the child could receive care.  This week we learned of another mother in a similar situation.  Jennifer May is a Mormon from Utah who has run out of treatment options for her 11 year old son.  He too has dravet syndrome.  Ms. May, a self identified republican initially felt that administering marijuana to children was a crazy idea.  Unfortunate Utah has not passed a law permitting medical marijuana.  Jennifer May has now been pushing to change that.  She recently said “We don’t think it’s a cure, we don’t expect it to be a miracle. It just needs to be something we can try for our kids that don’t have anything left.  I want to see if this can even give my child a quality of life for a few years.”  Utah is known as a very conservative state where legal medical marijuana previously seemed like a long shot.  Her story is gaining traction however, and could possibly become a rally point for medical marijuana support in Utah.

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Marijuana Industry News August 9, 2013

AARP

Older Generations Trying Marijuana in Higher Numbers Than Younger…

Earlier this week Marijuana.net reported on a recent Gallup survey that found the number of teens co summing marijuana has remained steady for years.  The conversation revolved the perceived notion that legal medical and recreational marijuana would lead to a spike in usage by the teen to 29 year old bracket.  In 1985,  56% of of those ages 18-29 had tried marijuana.  Now, according to the new Gallup data,  that number is just 36%.  Of from the ages of 30-49,  49% have tried cannabis.  As much or more of a surprise is that those from the 50-64 age bracket are smoking marijuana at much higher rates.  In 1985 only 9% of Americans from the age of 50-64 smoked marijuana.  Now that number has risen to 44%.  The makeup and attitudes of this age group is considerably different.  In 1985,  many people from this group were World War 2 and Korean War vets.  Today many from this age group were part of the Hippie Movement.  Additionally, critics of legal marijuana dismiss the chance that regulation works.  Any marijuana to them will result in waves of zombie like teens willing to anything for access with caregivers driving around in vans willing to distribute.  Perhaps medical cards has been a deterrent for teens.

 

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Chilean Psychologist Leads Push To Follow Uruguay’s Legal Marijuana Path…

Recently we learned that Uruguay has moved very close to legalizing marijuana.  The impact may be spreading thought Central and South America as there seems to be even more interest in Chilean marijuana activist, Dr. Milton Flores.  He is considered to be the most well known marijuana reform advocate in Chile. The psychologist has been a long time advocate of legalizing marijuana.  He is trying to end the criminalization of those who are non violent or require medical relief.  Dr.  Flores has been  He recently said “Cannabis is neither good nor bad.  Its use can be appropriate or inappropriate. It’s a tool that can have very significant effects.”  While Dr. Flores had been trying to bring awareness the issue for decades,  he has found much more support in recent years. There has been growing support for legalization in Chile as of late.  Mexico may also consider legalization soon as their former president, Vicente Fox had been quite vocal on the issue.  With Uruguay’s plans to move forward on marijuana legalization,  the idea seems to be generating momentum all over South and Central America.

 

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Arkansas Activists Revise and Resubmit Medical Marijuana Ballot…

The Deep South may represent the last stronghold of marijuana reform opposition.  When it comes to reform,  the west was first,  the northeast has been on fire,  and medical marijuana has even made its way to the Midwest.  However,  with Florida having an elderly population in need of medicine and already producing the highest quantities of illegal marijuana,  there clearly is demand in the sunshine state.  While reform in  Florida may be on the way,  it is Arkansas who may be the first to drastically alter marijuana laws.  The group Arkansans for Medical Cannabis are working hard to get the decision into the hands of the people. A previous ballot proposal was rejected by state Attorney General Dustin McDaniels lady month.  If approved this time,  which is certainly not guaranteed, those with Arkansans for Medical Cannabis would have the opportunity to collect enough signatures and put medical marijuana to a vote of the people in 2014.

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Medical Marijuana Industry News March 1, 2013

marijuana cannon

Police Confiscate Cannon used to Fire Marijuana Across Border Fence…

Many of us have fired a potato cannon at some point in our lives.  Watching a potato fly across a field is one thing, but drug traffickers have taken the idea a bit further.  Recently a homemade cannon had been used to fire bags of marijuana over fences dividing the United States and Mexico.  The cannons have been modified and seem to be a significant improvement over traditional potato cannons. Bags with as much as 30 pounds of marijuana have been travelling up to 500 feet.  This is not the first time cannons have been used.  Mexican authorities claimed to have recovered similar devices over the years.  Authorities have their hands full as this is another example of difficult it has been to try and stop drug smuggling.

 

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Medical Marijuana Support Taking Hold in More States…

The acceptance of medical marijuana seems to be spreading at an accelerated rate.  Even in the deep south, a change in attitude toward medical marijuana seems to be taking place.  In Iowa, a recent poll conducted by The Des Moines Register showed that 58% of residents supported medical marijuana.  In Florida, the support runs even higher.  About 70% of Florida residents support a state constitutional amendment to legalize medical marijuana.  The support numbers are so high that many political analysts believe the issue may impact the state’s governor race.  Florida has a high number of elderly residents who may need pain relief.  Additionally, Florida is also known for illegal indoor grows, and is considered to have the most in the United States.

 

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Majority of California Residents Support Legalization of Recreational Marijuana…

While many around the country think the title of this section is a no brainer, overall support to legalize recreational marijuana has a rocky history in the state.  Past efforts have failed to gain enough support.  Like many states, there is a difference in attitude in rural areas vs. urban areas.  However, as the entire country starts to accept marijuana, the state where the modern movement started may also be on board.  The Field Research Corporation conducted the poll which found that 54% of California voters support legalizing recreational marijuana.  In 2010, a similar poll found that 50% supported the idea.  Support for the continued federal efforts to raid medical marijuana dispensaries received support from only 27% of residents.

 

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Medical Marijuana Industry News October 26, 2012

courtroom

Medical Marijuana Industry Sees Major Victory in San Diego Appeals Court…

For the most part, defendants are allowed to invoke state laws as a defense, otherwise why would the laws be on the books.  However, in California this is not always the case.  California Attorney General, Kamala Harris, has fought hard to prevent dispensary operators from citing state laws in their defense.  This may have all changed as a Jovan Jackson was found guilty on marijuana sales charges after a lower court refused to allow them to use California’s legal medical marijuana laws as a defense.  However an appeals court in San Diego has handed Ms. Harris a a defeat and has ruled that Jovan Jackson will be entitled to using California’s state law as a defense.  Many analsts feel this case will be helpful for future protections against federal prosecution.

 

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Drug Cartels Pleased With U.S. Election…

As marijuana.net mentioned earlier this week, there has been almost no mention of the War on Drugs and cartel violence.  With over 60,000 deaths related to cartel violence in over the last several years, it is inexcusable that the issue does not receive more attention.  Marijuana accounts for the cartel’s largest export and the United State’s policy of criminalization has resulted in massive profits for  Mexican drug cartels.  The popular news outlet, www.examiner.com breaks down the issue in more detail.


Click here for the examiner article

 

Former LSU Player Arrested on Charges of Marijuana Possession….

Tyrann Mathieu used to be nicknamed the “Honey Badger”.  He has certainly fallen from grace as he was dismissed from LSU over the summer for several failed drug tests.  Mathieu has now been arrested again for possessing “10 bags of high grade marijuana”.  Before the arrest he was planning on enrolling and returning to LSU and had already entered and returned from rehab.  Many thought his dismissal was severe punishment and the story in August highlighted the NCAA”s profiting off of student athletes and their names without returning any of the profits to the players.  Even LSU’s coach, who is not a marijuana supporter, questioned the University’s decision to turn their back on Mathieu.  He even questioned what would happen of Mathieu drank beer instead of using marijuana.  Of course the recent arrest will not elicit sympathy from the public but may highlight the difficulties and pressures of NCAA football and how disposable the student athletes seem to be when they face difficulties.


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