New Mexico
Medical pot laws no answer for U.S. opioid deaths, study says
A new study shoots down the notion that medical marijuana laws can prevent opioid overdose deaths, challenging a favorite talking point of legal pot advocates.
Colorado communities pocket big bucks from legal marijuana, but threats loom for some
The roll-out of recreational marijuana sales five years ago has raised tens of millions of dollars annually to tackle a litany of local concerns — from paying for main street makeovers in cash-strapped small towns to expanding programs to address Denver’s opioid crisis and housing affordability crunch.
The Spot newsletter: Colorado legislative session ends with fireworks, a look at the state’s most competitive congressional race and a sad update on Aurora’s mayor
Welcome back to The Spot, where The Denver Post’s politics team captures what’s happening this week — from the Colorado legislature to Denver city hall, with a stop through the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C.
New Mexico fifth-grader finds out too late the gummy candies she shared at school were her parents’ marijuana
A 9-year-old student in New Mexico gave fellow students gummies – only to find out they contained medical marijuana.
New Poll Shows Marijuana Reform Winning in New Mexico and Indiana
With less than 30 days to go before the 2016 general election decides the fate of our beleaguered nation, there’s little doubt those who support marijuana reform will likely be the true winners on the morning of November 9. Astonishing a few and pleasing the masses, a new poll shows 73% of Indiana’s likely voters […] Thanks to marijuana.com
Hawaii Senate Votes to Decriminalize Marijuana
New states seem to be joining the marijuana reform movement on a regular basis. Last week we discussed that several states, including Maine and Maryland, are considering drastic changes to their marijuana laws. This week another state joined the conversation.
The Hawaii Senate has voted in favor of decriminalizing marijuana. The bill will now have to go before Hawaii House members. If passed by the House, the bill will decriminalize possession marijuana up to one ounce. For those charged with possession of less than one ounce, they will receive a civil citation and a $1,000 fine. The fine was included in the bill because lawmakers wanted to stress that marijuana is still illegal. A bill to legalize recreational marijuana was rejected several weeks ago by Hawaii lawmakers.
Hawaii state Senator, Clayton Hee, stated that the change in the law was not to legalize marijuana, but rather, an attempt to reduce the backlog of marijuana cases awaiting trial. If the bill passes it is expected to save Hawaii taxpayers money that would normally be allocated toward arrest, incarcerations, and trials. New Mexico lawmakers have also passed a similar bill, but former prosecutor and current Governor, Susana Martinez, has indicated that she is against relaxing any drug laws.
As economic struggles continue in America, there may be many other states that decide to re-consider how they allocate tax dollars. This week we are starting to feel the effects of sequestration. Unless Congress comes to an agreement soon, the sequestration cuts will have an even greater impact on our economy. There may be no better time for activists to make the financial case for marijuana reform.
Where the Candidates Stand
The race for the American presidency has entered the period that can best be described as the calm before the storm. The candidates may be sniping at each other through the media, but otherwise we are in a lull waiting for the Republican candidate Mitt Romney to announce his running mate and the upcoming national conventions. However, before the race kicks into high gear we thought we would provide updates on the candidates and their plans marijuana reform.
Barack Obama:
The current president of the United States has upset many of his previous supporters by taking an unexpected harsh approach toward medical marijuana. Many federal raids have been conducted with letters and threats for more to come being sent out. The president has stayed mostly quiet about the war and drugs and it seems to be an inconvenient thorn in his side. Many are wondering if a second Barack Obama term would see a different approach. Many South and Central American nations have and are considering legalization/decriminalization measures as a way to try and reduce escalating violence by the cartels. Recently the president has said they are not going to legalize anytime soon but that he would be open to a discussion on the issue. Nancy Pelosi had recently signaled that there may be more movement on the issue after the election.
Mitt Romney:
Governor Romney has never supported medical marijuana (unless he has changed this view somewhere along the line) and does not appear inclined to start anytime soon. He famously walked away from a suffering man in a wheelchair who questioned the governor about medical cannabis. In a campaign stop on Colorado several months ago Mr. Romney was questioned about medical marijuana and he responded by asking if anyone wanted to discuss any “real” issues. Patients in Colorado were not pleased that Mr. Romney would not engage the issue and for those who are sick, the issue is all too real for them everyday. The campaign has been rough for the former governor lately, as his recent trip oversees was marred with controversy over his comments regarding Israel and Palestine, and his statement that London was not ready to hold the Olympics.
Gary Johnson:
Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson now serves as the flag bearer for marijuana reform on the presidential stage. While his chances of winning the White House may be slim, he is bringing a great deal of attention to the issue. The popular libertarian has polled as high as 8% nationally, which is a very high number for a third party candidate. His running mate is also a very well known advocate of marijuana reform and a former justice of the peace. Gary Johnson is trying to be included in the presidential debates, which would likely bring the issue to the forefront and prevent Barack Obama and Mitt Romney from sidestepping the issue.
Roseanne Barr:
The comedian and former television star has thrown her hat into the race. Similar to Governor Johnson, she has made marijuana reform one of her primary core issues. Recently she appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman and said they would have to pry a joint “out of her cold dead fingers”, an obvious parody to the late Charlton Heston and similar remarks he made regarding gun rights. Many have questioned if Roseanne is serious about a White House run, but so far she appears to be staying in the race.
The 2012 election appears to be heading down a historic path. It is unclear if marijuana reform will receive the attention it deserves but the time for dodging the questions seem to be running out. The war on drugs has long failed, and taxpayers have grown tired of watching their hard earned dollars be wasted during a time where we could put the money to better use. Check back with us as the race for the White House starts to heat up.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 8, 2012
Dean Skelos and NY Republicans Oppose Governor’s Decriminalization Plan
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo made national headlines earlier this week when he announced that he was seeking to amend New York’s marijuana laws. Though marijuana was decriminalized in the 1970s, possession of less than 25g is still a misdemeanor crime if it is in plain sight. Police officers often exploit a loophole by demanding that that people empty their pockets, then say the marijuana is in plain site, eliminating the possibility of the lighter civil citation ticket that would be issued. Many New Yorkers have been outraged at the tactics that seem to target the Black and Hispanic communities. Cuomo has expressed a desire to change the eliminate the plain sight provision and now only smoking marijuana in public would be considered a misdemeanor offense. State Senate Majority leader Dean Skelos was joined by other New York Republicans in opposition to Cuomo’s proposal. The Senator issued a well thought out statement and said “Being able to just walk around with 10 joints in each ear, and it only be a violation, I think that’s wrong.” John Vlasto, Governor Cuomo’s spokesperson responded by saying “Carrying 10 joints in each ear would require some set of ears.” Mr. Skelos did say that those keeping small amounts of marijuana should not be penalized just because they were following a policeman’s orders.
For more on this story click here
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Prescription Drug Abuse has become an Epidemic…
Though opiates are legal through pharmaceuticals pills, they pose a major addiction problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently stated that opiate addiction has become an epidemic in the United States. Additionally, many feel that painkiller addiction is so high that a recent crackdown in opiate pills has pushed addicts to seek out illegal heroin because it contains the similar opiates found in products such as Vicodin and Oxycontin. While this may be news to some, marijuana advocates and patients have long been aware of the dangers that many legal medications possess.
For more on this story click here
New Hampshire Senate Passes Medical Marijuana Bill…
New Hampshire lawmakers are attempting to make their state become the 18th state to permit medical marijuana. This week they passed a bill that would make that happen, but many feel Governor John Lynch will not sign the bill due to fears of how it will be distributed. In 2009 a similar scenario occurred where lawmakers passed a bill only to be vetoed by the Governor. An override of the veto fell two votes short and state legislators fear that could happen again. Evalyn Merrick, a state representative who attributes marijuana with helping her personal fight with cancer said “Over the years, we have convinced many legislators to support this critical reform, With support either from Gov. Lynch or from two additional senators, this bill can finally pass and patients will finally have legal access to medical marijuana.”
For more on this story click on this link
Marijuana Advocate and Presidential Candidate Gary Johnson Appears on the Daily Show…
Getting your fair share of the political spotlight is not always easy if you are a third party candidate. However, former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson has been doing well in getting his libertarian message out there. Johnson is known for supporting progressive social issues such as same sex marriage and marijuana legalization. This week he appeared on “The Daily Show” to talk about his approach to fixing America. He has also been featured several times on “The Colbert Report”. As always he was not shy about calling for an end to the failed war on drugs and continues to be an advocate of small government.
Click on the video below to see the interview
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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.
Gary Johnson Demonstrates Conviction by selecting Judge Jim Gray for VP
Although the current political system has disenfranchised many eligible voters because of two party domination, the 2012 presidential election may get a necessary injection of 3rd party conversation. Polls show that 80% of Americans would consider voting for a 3rd party candidate. Coincidentally (or perhaps not so coincidentally) that is a similar number to the amount of people who support a physician’s right to prescribe medical marijuana.
Former two term Governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson appears poised to win the Libertarian Party’s nomination for the 2012 presidential election. Ahead of the more well known and establishment financed Mitt Romney, Gary Johnson was able to come to a quick decision about his running mate. The popular marijuana culture website tokeofthetown, is reporting that Mr. Johnson has selected retired California Judge Jim Gray to be his vice president. Justice Gray is known for his progressive views on marijuana. This move appears to be paving a way for marijuana to be prominently on display for the Johnson campaign. Governor Johnson told Reason.com he selected Justice Gray because “The thought process all along has been to find somebody that can articulate libertarian ideals and beliefs and I’ve thought all along that he would be a really solid pick.”
Conversely, the representatives of the two party system Mitt Romney, and Barack Obama, certainly do not seem to have as much conviction in some of their decisions. Mitt Romney has changed his position (sometimes more than once) on virtually every important social issue (click here for compilation of Mitt Romney articulating then contradicting his views). The former Governor of Massachusetts has prospective VP candidates running from his offer. Unfortunately for the American public, it seems the only issue Mitt Romney has not waivered on is medical marijuana. He actually has famously walked away from a wheelchair bound man who asked him about changing marijuana laws during his failed 2008 presidential bid. The other major party representative, President Obama, is just starting to acknowledge medical marijuana questions directed his way. Critics feel it may be possible that the president reverts back to his 2008 tone if re-elected, but of course what guarantees are there in American politics?
The move by Gary Johnson does not appear to simply be a gimmick. With a vast majority of Americans supporting medical marijuana and now at least half supporting overall legalization, marijuana is no longer a fringe issue appealing to a small passionate base. Gary Johnson has selected a running mate who is a legal expert and a supporter of repairing one of the greatest injustices of this generation. While politicians may often feel that an election should be scripted with the same talking points, it is important to understand that elected officials work for us. Without a doubt some critics will try to dismiss Gary Johnson and Jim Gray as trying to capitalize on marijuana supporters. While we have all heard this before, marijuana can provide relief to the economy, patients, and an overburdened penitentiary system. We at marijuana.net have to ask why anyone would have a problem with making a rare American consensus issue the center of a political platform?