New York
New Jersey Lawmakers Consider Decriminalization Efforts
Yesterday, marijuana.net reported the developing story in New York pertaining to medical marijuana. It appeared that New York may in fact be following the lead of its neighboring states New Jersey and Connecticut. Now it appears, that New Jersey may be playing copycat with New York when it comes to marijuana decriminalization efforts.
We have frequently mentioned all of the momentum in the northeast for marijuana reform. Fortunately, there have been constant and positive updates for advocates of reform. Yesterday several news outlets reported that some New Jersey lawmakers are proposing legislation that would decriminalize low level marijuana possession. Currently, 50 grams or less can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The proposed measure would penalize marijuana possession similar to how New York does, with a civil citation ticket. This helps to ensure that a small level marijuana possession charge would not have an impact on the rest of a person’s life.
The newly proposed law comes at a time where New Jersey, like every state, could benefit substantially from the savings decriminalization efforts provide. Jails are filled with those incarcerated for possessing a harmless plant as tax revenues can certainly be better used elsewhere. As the popular HBO show depicts, New Jersey knows firsthand the long term damage that prohibition can have. Alcohol prohibition launched a crime syndicate on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Now the potential for crime and large scale distribution of another banned substance is hurting New Jersey again. However, it is the youth, specifically in the minority community where the ultimate price will be paid. So many futures are ripped away by a frivolous charge for possessing a small amount of marijuana.
Although the entire west coast has legalized medical marijuana, new developments in the northeast seem to be making the region emerge as a safe haven for patients. Northeast states also seem to be considering a change of heart when it comes to jailing its youth. Even New York City’s controversial “stop and frisk” program has come under fire. With medical marijuana on the horizon and the possibility for decriminalization efforts, New Jersey is poised to become one of the most progressives areas for marijuana reform. However, no one is certain as to how Governor Christie will react to a decriminalization bill as he has demonstrated his opposition to the states medical marijuana program previously. However, as residents of the garden state grow weary from watching their loved ones suffer, their children going to prison, and their hard earned tax dollars being wasted, the Governor’s hand may be forced. It may be time for New Jersey to utilize a new approach as they can ill afford another Boardwalk Empire.
New Yorkers Reaffirm Support For Medical Marijuana
Residents of the Empire State may not have legal medical marijuana in their state, but there certainly seems to be momentum to change that. New Yorkers are known for speaking their mind and they certainly are not afraid to share their opinion in polls, especially when it comes to medical marijuana.
Northeast patients overall have received a great deal of good news recently. With New Jersey finally making progress on opening dispensaries, Connecticut passing laws to permit medical marijuana, and Rhode Island also set to open marijuana dispensaries, the quality of life in the northeast should be improving for many. While New York is the typically the trendsetter in fashion and night life, they may actually be copycats when it comes to compassionate relief. The momentum from other states in the northeast seems to be spilling over into New York. Recently, 74% of New Yorkers told Mason-Dixon Polling & Research pollsters that they want to see an end to federal raids on marijuana collectives and respect state laws.
This matches previous polls which show an overwhelming amount of New York residents are in favor of medical marijuana. The message seems to have been received by lawmakers as Governor Andrew Cuomo seems to be shifting his position on the issue. On the campaign trail for the 2010 race for governor he took a very rigid stance against medical cannabis. He had very harsh words for proponents of medical marijuana and said “The dangers of medical marijuana outweigh the benefits.” When asked about its potential to raise revenue candidate Cuomo said “A lot of things could raise revenues. Legalizing prostitution could raise revenues. I’m against that, too.” Much seems to have changed since 2010 as comparing medical cannabis to prostitution may be a thing of the past. Only months later the governor said “We’re looking at both sides of the issue if you will and we’re reviewing it, but we don’t have a final position.” Last month his position evolved even more as Governor Cuomo stated I understand there’s more research and there’s more evidence, and it can always be re-evaluated. I don’t believe there’s going to be time this legislative session to look at that issue.
Andrew Cuomo is a seasoned second generation politician. Perhaps he is looking ahead and unwilling to pick a fight on an issue that has the support of an overwhelming amount of some of the most outspoken voters in the country.
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.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 30, 2012
Rhode Island Lawmakers Consider Legalizing Marijuana For Recreational Use…
Rhode Island has been full of marijuana updates lately. Earlier in the week it was reported that RI is considering three new medical marijuana facilities. Currently, medical marijuana is permitted if patients meet certain criteria. They are allowed to possess 2.5 ounces and 12 plants but there are no dispensaries. In a newer development, it was revealed that legislators in Rhode Island are now even considering legalizing marijuana for recreational use. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear both sides of the debate on Tuesday. Decriminalizing cannabis will also be discussed at Tuesday’s hearing.
Initiatives to Make Marijuana Enforcement Lowest Priority are Underway in 6 Washington State Cities…
Washington State has already considered serious marijuana reform by the actions of New Approach Washington. The group was able to collect enough signatures for marijuana legalization (Initiative 502) to make it to the ballot and face a vote by the people. In the meantime however, it looks as if residents in Washington will attempt other ways in which to reform marijuana law. Sensible Washington is making a huge effort to push the decriminalization initiatives in Spokane, Olympia, Kent, Bellingham, Everett, and Bremerton. Seattle and Tacoma have already passed similar legislation making marijuana enforcement for personal adult use the lowest priority by authorities.
New York State Bans the Sale of Synthetic Marijuana…
Lawmakers in New York State have been pushing for a ban on synthetic marijuana for the past several months. They have finalized the ban preventing convenience store and tobacco shops from selling the popular products such as “K2” and “Spice”. Many have been concerned with recent health reports on the products. Teenagers seem especially vulnerable as there have been many emergency room visits reported that have been linked to use of synthetic marijuana. Many of these instances involve teens not being able to speak or acknowledge their surroundings. The National Poison Control Center has received 8,000 calls involving synthetic cannabis since 2011. The rise in the numbers is staggering as New York had 4 such instances in 2009 and 2010. New York State Senator Charles Schumer has led the charge for both a national ban and New York’s ban on synthetic cannabis. He has met opposition on a federal by those who feel any ban should be left up to individual states. Most states have already enacted similar bans.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News The month of january 13, 2012
Feds Change Focus to Colorado Attack
 
As numerous expected, federal government bodies have moved assets toward Colorado and also have cautioned 23 shops of violations against condition law. The shops received letters in the U.S. government warning them they unlawfully operating within 1,000 ft of colleges. The letters were sent by U.S. attorney John Walsh, who mentioned “When the voters of Colorado passed the limited medicinal marijuana amendment in 2000, they couldn’t have anticipated their election would be employed to justify large marijuana stores situated within blocks in our schools.” Many experts happen to be baffled regarding how the us government goes concerning the raids. Federal government bodies appear to become only pursuing shops that aren’t consistent with condition law even while every one is repel federal law. The problem of condition privileges has witnessed its appeal grow lately also it seems the us government doesn’t desire to be charged with walking in it. The amount of shops in danger of Colorado is gloomier than we had in California last fall. This really is likely because of Colorado getting an even more controlled program which involves condition licenses, screening and approval. Recent estimations indicate that Colorado has roughly 735 shops.
 
 
New You are able to Attorney General Expresses Deep Concern over Prescription Medicine Abuse
 
News from the growing epidemic that’s prescription medicine abuse has gotten a lot of media attention recently. Lately, marijuana.internet reported on the the introduction of a pure hydrocodone pill that’s 10 x more effective than vicodin. Now, New You are able to Condition Attorney General Eric Schneiderman stated that “Prescription medicine is permeating society.” The statement was at reaction to reviews that demonstrate that medications for oxycodone are up 82% within the Empire Condition. The Brand New You are able to health system continues to be overburdened with er visits. Particularly Nassau County saw a 57% rise in er visits associated with prescription overdoses. Attorney General Schneiderman is asking to have an online monitoring system that will pressure doctors to report patient history just before prescribing a controlled substance.
The Entire Year in Review
As you may know, 2011 would be a wild ride year for marijuana reform. While there have been much talked about occasions like the Federal raids in California and Montana, there have been also many positive developments. Allows recap the lengthy year:
 
We found that indoor marijuana growing accounts for approximately 1% from the U . s . States overall electric consumption. This interesting fact will hopefully cause us to become eco-friendly, about being eco-friendly. Get more information at more.
 
Medicinal Marijuana formally surpassed the A Million offered mark. What is the news was a watch opener for a lot of and shows that it’s no more a fringe group. Take a look at our previous coverage.
 
While claims were already available regarding marijuana’s benefits toward helping with Post traumatic stress disorder, official studies launched confirmed this. Because of so many soldiers yet others going through distressing occasions, what is the news was heralded. Take a look at our article about this problem.
 
Israel introduced that they are likely to significantly improve their medicinal marijuana program. The best minister’s office designed a statement we frantically are awaiting within the U . s . States, “The Cabinet today approved plans and supervision concerning the way to obtain cannabis for medical and research uses. This really is in recognition the medical utilization of cannabis is essential in some cases. The Ministry will – in coordination using the Israel Police and also the Israel Anti-Drug Authority – oversee this and you’ll be accountable for supplies from imports and native cultivation.” Additional coverage.
 
This season provided us positive news regarding medicinal marijuana states visiting a significant decrease in DWI’s and overall traffic deaths. The entire year also demonstrated more teens are trying to find marijuana, but it’s a general trend and no greater in states with legalized medical cannabis. More the following.
 
Holland made the decision to outlaw marijuana sales to vacationers. They raided the still legal High Occasions Cannabis Cup. They postponed the brand new limited laws and regulations. Now they don’t appear sure. Was a fascinating year for Amsterdam as you would expect, we’re certainly confused.
In a lot of ways, Colorado demonstrated us that medicinal marijuana could be controlled, which condition government will really attempt to safeguard patients. Colorado released the very first ever condition license for medicinal marijuana.
 
New Approach Washington come up with the very best and many much talked about legal cast with former and current U.S. lawyers and idol judges, within their efforts to possess marijuana controlled like alcohol. Take a look at more
 
Delaware approved their medicinal marijuana program. Take a look at more about that.
 
Many states including New You are able to and Ohio have medicinal marijuana bills pending. Here’s more about pending states.
 
We discovered that marijuana use might help to combat weight problems and it is generally utilized by individuals with greater intelligence.
 
We’d quite an eventful political year for marijuana. Candidates expressed their sights on marijuana and Newt Gingrich stole the head lines together with his comments. Ron Paul supported his previous claims and Gary Manley, the so known as “marijuana candidate” was excluded from debates. Ron Paul also became a member of Barney Frank yet others by presenting legislation that will legitimize the with tax breaks for care providers and solid legal status.
 
2011 saw marijuana’s acceptance achieve its modern high water mark. Polls show roughly 50% of the nation is perfect for legalisation and as much as 85% support medicinal marijuana. Very couple of if any political issues come with an 85% consensus. Read this article.
Sadly, the unsuccessful fight against drugs switched 40 this year. A lot on the planet has transformed since that time, but Richard Nixon’s Fight Against Drugs remains a continuing.
 
Sythetic Marijuana put their hands up on everyone’s radar. 2011 saw many cities attempt to regulate the underground community, possibly not enough past too far.
Copenhagen made the decision they no more wanted a underground community for marijuana and required major steps toward legally controlling it. Take a look at our coverage.
 
Calls were noisy and obvious for any deleting of marijuana. Two prominent governors lead the charge.
 
Michigan citizens demonstrated they’d not buckle when confronted with the infamous anti-marijuana condition Attorney General, Bill Schuette. Not just did Kalamazoo voters make marijuana enforcement its cheapest priority, they’re also on the road to voting on repealing marijuana prohibition.
 
Regrettably, California’s earliest dispensary, Marin Alliance For Medicinal Marijuana Closed it’s doorways.
 
We can’t wait to know what you think regarding your ideas regarding 2011. Leave us comments on these tales or make reference to highlights that didn’t appear here. Marijuana.internet is searching toward talking with you. Be safe while you celebrate 2012.
Albany Lady Seeks to spread out Marijuana Processing Business
New You are able to has already established much discussion regarding medicinal marijuana in the last many years. Legislation targeted at legalizing cannabis like a medication continues to be created by New You are able to Senate Health committee Chair, Tom Duane (D). A brand new turn of occasions may promote much more conversation within the Empire Condition concerning the problem.
A lady has lately introduced that they needs to begin a marijuana processing business within the Albany, NY area. Rhea Graham intends to open “Canna Kitchen and Research”, a facility which will take marijuana and convert it into a electric form. She states that they is wishing for marijuana card holders to create cannabis to her. Consequently, she’ll clean it and extract the ingredients that you can use in butter, oil, tinctures, and capsules. Monthly subscriptions will vary from $35 to $100.
Based on Graham her primary problem is to supply healthy medical options. She gets that electric options ought to be offered because “It’s much more healthy and delay pills work better for a number of conditions. For most of them just smoking the marijuana does not work.” Graham seemed to be quick to point that her facility won’t be a hangout and will also be an intensely focused business. She gets this can address abuse potential.
Although this is a fascinating development, the storyline surely won’t finish here. New You are able to shares its edges with medicinal marijuana states Nj and Vermont. However, association might not just be enough as New You are able to condition has yet to eco-friendly light a medicinal marijuana program. Although she isn’t creating the cannabis, legal challenges will probably ensue. The Linn County Da along with local information examining the legitimacy from the situation. This case does demonstrate the interest in medicinal marijuana within the country’s more populous and various states. Meanwhile, if “Canna Kitchen and Research” does open with no major legal hurdles, this facility could serve New You are able to citizens well for the moment, before (when) any legal shops open.
ABC News Funnel 9 KEZI.com Albany Lady Intends to Open Electric Marijuana Business