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Marijuana Industry News April 26, 2013
California Condition Set up Committee Passes Medicinal Marijuana Regulation Bill…
 
The legislative mess that signifies California’s medicinal marijuana law continues to be well recorded. Since Proposition 215 was passed in 1996, when medicinal marijuana was initially legalized in California,government bodies, patients and collectives have observed a lot of confusion regarding what is allowable underneath the law. The possible lack of proper regulation has permitted illegitimate collectives to thrive while well intentioned institutions have frequently found trouble. Condition Assemblyman, Tom Ammiano introduced AB 473, an invoice to possess California’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Control oversee a lot of this program. He walked from an identical bill this past year when congress tried to give a provision to permit cities to prohibit shops. Now, condition set up committee passed AB473 the 2009 week. It’s unclear whether it can survive the whole political process and be law.
 
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Michigan Congress Introduce Decriminalization Bill…
 
Michigan has already established probably the most progressive marijuana laws and regulations around the books. Attorney General Bill Schuette had attempted to battle against medical and native decriminalization laws and regulations despite citizens outwardly supporting reform measures. It seems his efforts may fail short as state-wide decriminalization bill with bi partisan support continues to be introduced. Democratic Condition Repetition. Shaun Irwin features an invoice that considerably reduce the seriousness of low-level marijuana possession charges. For individuals caught with under one ounce, the penalty will be a civil infraction along with a fine. Presently, individuals with no valid marijuana prescription caught with similar amount could address annually of incarceration along with a misdemeanor charge. Repetition. Irwin lately stated “Even though we are investing no less than $325 million annually on arresting, trying and incarcerating marijuana customers within this condition, we all know marijuana has not been more available. We all know that police force is not effective at keeping marijuana from the hands of anybody within this condition.” The balance has got the support of some Republican congress within the condition government too, including Repetition. Mike Shirkey. Mr. Shirkey spoke concerning the bill lately and stated “This is actually the proper time to possess this debate in Michigan. “We are using lots of money, energy and assets in Michigan and nationwide to complete something we have unsuccessful at.”
 
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NY Condition Set up Committee Passes bill to Legalize Medicinal Marijuana…
 
Despite the fact that most of New You are able to citizens have supported medicinal marijuana for quite some time, there continues to be little movement around the problem. Recently, however, NY political figures appear to become conditioning their stance. Governor Andrew Cuomo has began to guide electric power charge toward reform and it has notoriously adopted stop and frisk. Now a committee in the condition set up has transpired a medicinal marijuana bill. The election was almost unanimous and went by a margin of 21-4. New You are able to congress have battled to obtain previous medicinal marijuana bills off the floor. However, Gabriel Sayegh, director of recent York’s Drug Policy Alliance feels things may change soon. He told news shops “I believe it is becoming progressively obvious that regarding medicinal marijuana, New You are able to is actually behind the occasions.” He continued to state “We still heavily criminalize it, yet we’re encircled by states which are permitting medicinal marijuana.” There’s been lots of movement recently within the northeast also it appears only dependent on time before NY joins the growing listing of states enabling using medicinal marijuana
 
Puerto Rico Congress Considering Marijuna Legalisation
The continuing fight between your states and authorities over marijuana law continues to be well recorded. American media shops feast on images of medical dispensary raids and from time to time a federal official attempts to flex their muscle making tough public claims regarding marijuana.
We all know the way the Feds cope with their very own states, no regard for local law, even when the folks want legalized/medicinal marijuana. However, how would the U . s . States government cope with a typical wealth that’s in breach of federal law? We may soon discover as some Puerto Rican authorities are thinking about a marijuana legalisation bill.
Puerto Rico is renowned for standing on the conservative side on most political issues, making many experts question if your legalisation bill could be passed there. However, the same might be stated of numerous of states in the usa which have either considered or passed decriminalization, medical or legalisation bills. Officials in Puerto Rico are clearly divided. Senator Itzamar Pena lately told media shops that “It’s crazy that somebody who had been chosen through the people attempts to use his position to result in addiction, sicken and destroy Puerto Rican society.” However, Senator Miguel Pereira filed the legalisation bill and it has reported the large problem Puerto Rico has using its over crowded jails. 80 percent of inmates within the Puerto Rico penal system exist for non violent crimes.
This develop in Peurto Rico appears to participate an increasing trend of Hispanic regions which are frustrated with unsuccessful draconian marijuana guidelines. Columbia has legalized as well as our close ally, Mexico, is seriously thinking about a departure in the U . s . States strategy. Will we soon see federal raids by U.S. agents in Puerto Rico? It is doubtful that will review well politically.
Marijuana Industry News April 19, 2013
Illinois House Grants Medicinal Marijuana…
 
Even while leader crosses his fingers and wants marijuana reform to merely disappear, the condition where he earned his political title might be legalizing medicinal marijuana without his consent. This week the Illinois House approved a stride that will legalize medicinal marijuana. The election went by a narrow margin of 61-57. The bill necessitates the approval of both condition senate and also the governor to be able to become law. However experts are positive concerning the Faye from the bill because the senate has approved previous medicinal marijuana legislation. The House was formerly viewed as the main obstacle and it has delayed past bills. Governor Pat Quinn has mentioned that’s unbiased towards the idea.
 
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Marijuana Maqui berry farmers Market Growing in Recognition…
Farmer’s marketplaces are extremely well-liked by good fanatics, or simply individuals who appreciate quality, choice, and cost. We have observed the “foodie” culture and also the marijuana culture grow concurrently. The Organicann Harvest Market is a superb illustration of how marijuana fanatics get together to talk about techniques and tales, just like individuals submerged within the food culture do. Site visitors can socialize and consult with farmers along with other experts. More marketplaces will probably open as legal marijuana is distributing to a lot of states in a quick pace. One other popular marijuana companies are situated in Tacoma, Washington. The “Renowned Cannabis Maqui berry farmers Market” is continues to be featured around the G4 network, and Occasions Magazine.
 
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Decriminalization one step Closer in Vermont…
 
Once we at marijuana.internet pointed out the 2009 week, the northeast is rapidly being a hotbed for marijuana reform. Almost every condition in the area has already established cool it’s marijuana laws and regulations in certain means by the past few years. Vermont already became a member of the ever growing listing of states that enable medicinal marijuana. They might be taking another major step toward modernizing their marijuana laws and regulations. This week congress within the Vermont House passed legislation to decriminalize small quantities of marijuana possession. Condition Repetition. Tony Klein said “I believe that if this sounds like the procedure it requires to get at where I believe you should be, that is legalisation, regulation and taxation, then that’s the step that I’m prepared to take.” You will see another round of voting in the home prior to the bill would achieve Governor Gov. Peter Shumlin, that has formerly stated he supports the thought of marijuana decriminalization.
Marijuana Updates In the Northeast
Nearly all People in america support legalized leisure marijuana based on recent polls. The huge most of People in america are in support of medicinal marijuana. It isn’t any surprise that there’s been much movement on legal marijuana within the northeast, a region if America with one when the greatest population densities.
Rhode Island is placed to determine it’s first medicinal marijuana dispensary open. On Friday the Thomas C. Slater Empathy Center is anticipated to spread out their doorways. The center is centered on safety and won’t treat the recognition to be the very first dispensary in Rhode Island as a given. The cultivation director of Slater Empathy, Joel T. Allcock, is rejecting about 40% from the medication posted to him to be able to ensure people are not place in danger.
Another northeast condition has developed in the news recently for marijuana related issues too. However, while “stop and frisk” remains a hotly debated problem, there is really a new update in the Empire Condition. For the very first time there seems to become a realistic chance that NY congress may pass an invoice legalizing medicinal marijuana. Polls reveal that over two thirdof NY citizens desire to view it happen. A quantity of similar bills have unsuccessful over the past few years, but condition lawmaker Richard Gottfried feels this time around might be different. The Manhattan Democrat lately mentioned openly “I am positive this season partially because polling data is constantly on the show a rising degree of public support.”
We’ll keep close track of these tales and supply any updates because the develop. Almost every condition in the area has thought about amended their marijuana laws and regulations or have seriously considered doing this previously couple of years. The western U . s . States might be ahead when the northeast if this involves legalized marijuana however the northeast seems to become moving in an faster pace now.
Marijuana Industry News April 12, 2013
Maryland Senate Passes Medicinal Marijuana Bill, Fate As much as Governor….
 
Maryland has among the oddest medicinal marijuana laws and regulations within the U . s . States. It’s not outright allowed, however, an affirmative defense is permitted. People can avoid conviction of the possession charge should they have a debilitating condition for example MS or cancer. Furthermore, if someone doesn’t have a “debilitating” condition, but could still prove medical necessity the sentence could be reduced to $100 fine. There’s been serious discussion to completely legalize medicinal marijuana during the last many years in Maryland, however, Governor Martin O’ Malley continues to be up against the idea, particularly stating fears of federal government bodies defending Maryland condition employees. The Maryland Condition Senate has passed another bill that legalize medicinal marijuana and also the Governor has had a rather much softer stance. It’s not known without a doubt if he’ll sign the balance now that it’s on his desk however, many expect the governor to enact what the law states. The Governor lately known as the balance a yellow light. It might signal an enormous victory for activists as Mr. O’Malley is really a close connect of Leader Obama.
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Federal Government Grows Prohibit on Chemicals to produce Synthetic Marijuana…
 
Synthetic marijuana has turned into a problem that nearly appeared to increase from nowhere. Items for example “K2” and “Spice” made an appearance in supermarkets and increased in recognition rapidly. This Year there have been over 11,000 er visits credited to synthetic marijuana. Of individuals accepted in to the er 75% were age range 12-29. The items are frequently offered at supermarkets and don’t have age limitations. Developing teen metabolisms appear to become influenced probably the most seriously. Congress already outlawed certain compounds accustomed to create synthetic cannabis, including jwh-018. However, it is extremely hard for what the law states to maintain synthetic makers, as they possibly can use a variety of compounds to produce new items. The Whitened Home is thinking about trying to outlaw a couple of new substances including UR-144, AKB48,and XLR11. Many experts have credited the increase in market interest in synthetics as a result of the marijuana prohibition.
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Marijuana Policy Project Replaces Vandalized Billboard…
 
Vandals happen to be focusing on advertisements for any very long time, however, it is just lately where they’ve had the opportunity to target marijuana ads. In Tigard Or a commercial that implied marijuana was safer than alcohol appeared to upset a minumum of one person. For only being up for 2 days it had been torn lower. A brand new sign is rising, due mainly towards the group Marijuana Policy Project. This time around, in mention of first billboard, the saying “The Truth can’t be destroyed” continues to be added. Marijuana Policy Project is certainly the most effective and common marijuana reform organizations across the nation.
Legal Marijuana Sales Could Bring Economy Into The New Age
The foundation of progress and our consumer based economy is clear to everyone. It is physically represented by George, Abraham, Andrew but those symbols are becoming just that, symbols. Money has now become a complex web of online transactions, Wall Street speculation, and confusion for the masses. This transition from simple dollars and sense to complicated finances has been progressing over a long period of time. It continues today and may have been most noticeable in 2008 during the worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression. There was a lesson for many during the dark days of 2008. The taxpayer, for reasons not entirely apparent to them, were forced to bail out huge companies, including AIG, whose demise could have brought down everything with it. The only universal clarity to rise from the fiscal ashes was the idea that money had clearly changed and the new world economy required a different approach if we are to sustain ourselves. Now we are all money conscious and do not seem inclined to continue to watch the federal government continue to throw money at useless pursuits. Creating new revenues has proven to be extremely difficult during this period of super partisanship. America no longer seems capable of brave and new ideas. Many financial experts , for years, have been discussing the huge economic boost legalized marijuana would create. If our elected leadership decided to expand their horizons, and join us in 2013, we may be able to work together to create the next economic boom. The idea of legal marijuana stands on its own merits and has grown considerably even as the highest levels of government remain an obstacle. In a recent Huffington Post article, author Caroline Fairchild cites a Medical Marijuana Business Daily study that predicts legal marijuana sales will rise from 1.5 billion dollars this year to 6 billion dollars by 2018. With 18 medical marijuana states and counting (Maryland could join this list within days) and two ( with several more considering full legalization) states that will tax and regulate sales of recreational marijuana it is easy to see why financial analysts are predicting tremendous revenues from the future of legalized marijuana. While these numbers are staggering, they may yet still be on the conservative side. The reform movement has maintained a pace that is quicker than most predicted. Additionally, legal marijuana creates so many other jobs in the areas if security, business lawyers, physicians, dispensary workers, delivery employees, construction workers and many more positions. Income taxes are generated for every job. Revenues could possibly exceed even the boldest predictions by 2018. Even if our favorite presidents and paper currency go the electronic route, money will remain a concern, it is time to let legal marijuana take us into the future.
Marijuana Industry News April 5, 2013
New Poll Shows Growing Majority of Americans Want Legal Marijuana …
Recent polls in the past few years seem to highlight a shrinking gap between those for and those against the legalization of marijuana. Even more recently, polls have started to show that a slight majority of Americans, for the first time since polling on the issue began, support the legalization of recreational cannabis use. There now seems to be a gap growing in the opposite direction. This week,we learned that a new poll found that Americans are in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana use by a margin of 52-45%. Adults between the age of 18-32 supported legal marijuana in even higher numbers (65%). Tom Angell of Marijuana Majority commented on the poll by saying “Not too long ago, it was widely accepted in political circles that elected officials who wanted to get re-elected needed to act ‘tough’ on drugs and go out of their way to support the continued criminalization of marijuana. “The opposite is quickly becoming true.”
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Colorado Hoping for Big Revenues from Marijuana Industry…
Even as the Federal government refuses to provide their outright approval, states are already making plans to generate new revenues in order to combat the long lasting fiscal crisis. In November, Colorado residents passed historic legislation that potentially created a tremendous new stream of revenue. Matt Brown and James Walker have started a marijuana travel agency of sorts. My 420 Tours will serve as an all in one travel company that will lead customers to marijuana friendly hotels, tours of dispensaries, as well as tickets to other marijuana events. State officials are likely not thrilled about the idea however it shows the degree of variety that businesses can capitalize on. Many jobs, in theory, could be created with revenues and taxes pouring in. Matt Brown recently told NBC “It’s an opportunity for people who prefer marijuana to alcohol to come to Colorado and know that they’re not going to have to walk around downtown asking strangers for pot.”
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Marijuana Legalization Super PAC Joins a Growing Trend….
Super PACs were certainly in fashion during the 2012 presidential campaign season. Even Comedy Central host, Stephen Colbert, formed a Super PAC. The corporate groups, free from traditional campaign regulations, have been sprouting up all over as interest groups have found a new way to target their audience. Brothers Mark and Dennis Rogers have started Legalize Marijuana Super Pac.com. The timing seems to be advantageous as there already is a eager audience. As we pointed out in one of the above stories, support for legalizing marijuana is reaching historic levels. Mark Rogers told the Huffington Post this week “We do a lot of activism up and down the West Coast, and we have relations with many dispensaries, so it just made sense. If we could all pool our collective interests and pockets books, maybe we could actually shine a light on the hypocrisy of the laws being put on the books.” Super Pacs have a tainted reputation at best, but activists may be forced to utilize them in order to push marijuana past the bureaucratic roadblocks and into mainstream media conversation. Concern may rise over the direction of the marijuana reform movement once a high level of politicized/corporatized money enters the arena.
Marijuana may be used to treat addiction in Columbia
Marijuana’s reputation was relentlessly attacked for decades. We at marijuana.net have spoken in great length about the propaganda our government has utilized to attack a plant. Movies such as “Reefer Madness” were used to scare much of the general population, while the War on Drugs has worn out everything from morale to finances. Propaganda movies and failed politics appear to be on the way out.
While the new marijuana reform movement and medical research has helped to change the perception of cannabis considerably, we have just learned of a new development that is groundbreaking. It appears that Columbia’s capital city, Bogota, is considering a new approach to combating the issue of serious drug use. In this case marijuana is not the villain, but may in fact be the savior. The mayor of Bogota in the city may administer a program that would have basuco users (a cocaine derivative often compared to crack) use marijuana to help combat their physical addiction.
Basuco is considered to be one of the least pure forms of cocaine and there is widespread concern over its health implications. Experts estimate that there are over7000 problem users (those who take 15-20 hits per day). There are likely many other users in need of help who use slightly less.
It will be interesting to see if such a program ever makes its way to the united states. Amanda Reiman of The Drug Policy Alliance does not think it will be anytime soon as she recently told ABC news “Unfortunately, universities rely on grants from the federal government for research, so most of what they do is what the feds want done. As you can probably guess, the feds are not too interested in beneficial uses for marijuana, and even less interested in how to help people who are addicted to substances, so most of the research in this area occurs outside the U.S. or through private funding.” If the program is successful in Colombia us authorities may have no choice. Support for medical marijuana is growing rapidly, and research is regularly revealing new ways in which cannabis can aid patients.
Marijuana Industry News March 29, 2013
Portugal Decriminalization Yielding Positive Results…
The idea of decriminalizing marijuana has become increasingly popular over the years. At times, it seems only elected officials are seeking to maintain the failed approach. The idea of decriminalization and re diverting money while keeping teens out of jail is winning the argument. Those who support outdated drug laws never seem to take Portugal into consideration. Twelve years ago, Portugal underwent a major overhaul of their approach to controlled substance regulation. Even in the midst of many critics, they decided to pass decriminalization laws. The results are not shocking to activists as Portugal has seen the new laws produce results. Doctor João Goulão, a former family physician, has contributed a great deal to the new policies. He recently said that decriminalized laws needed to be considered because “We figured perhaps this way we would be better able get things under control. Criminalization certainly wasn’t working all that well.” While the idea enjoys more acceptance today, Dr. Goulão explained that Portugal was a pioneer in their approach over a decade ago. He said “At the point when we designed the law, we had hardly any data to draw on. We weren’t the least bit certain this would work.” The bill passed is referred to as “Law 30/2000” and Dr. Goulão explains that it has been successful. Specifically he said “This is working. Drug consumption has not increased severely. There is no mass chaos. For me as an evaluator, that’s a very good outcome.”
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Bill to Legalize and Tax Marijuana In Maine receives Support From Many Lawmakers…
With Colorado and Washington’s historic laws to legalize marijuana, it is not surprising that many other states are following their lead. We at marijuana.net have been pleased to report about all the new states considering decriminalization, legalization, and medical marijuana laws. Maine has recently introduced a bill that would legalize and tax marijuana. While it is unclear if the bill will pass, it is making sizable waves in the state government. There are already 35 co-sponsors for the bill and now it will move to a legislative committee hearing. If passed, there would be a $50 tax per ounce, with individuals being permitted to posses 2.5 ounces. Earlier this week, Maine’s political director for the Marijuana Policy Project, David Boyer said Maine can and should take a more sensible approach to marijuana policy and we are glad to see so many legislators agree.” Another interesting element of the Maine legalization bill is that is was lawmaker initiated. The legalization laws in Washington and Colorado were voter driven, as activists collected enough signatures to get the laws on the ballot and by a vote of the people. Maine appears to highlight a turning point, where introducing a marijuana legalization bill no longer hurts and perhaps even enhances their standing with voters.
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Dispensaries May Open this Year in Massachusetts…
It is clear that he northeast region of the United States is becoming a hotbed for marijuana reform. We have spoken at great length about New Jersey finally getting its medical program off the ground. Additionally, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo has been fighting hard to reform “stop and frisk” in order for decriminalization laws function as they were intended. Connecticut has also legalized medical marijuana and just above this story we spoke about Maine considering legalization. Massachusetts may see the doors open to dispensaries before 2013 is over. The Massachusetts Department of Health has now filed draft regulations on medical marijuana use and expects to have a finalized version by May. The Department of Health is expected to start accepting applications for dispensaries over the summer. Last November, 63% of Massachusetts voters elected to legalize medical marijuana.
List of Potential Medical Marijuana States Growing
As we have been reporting (with regularity), support for medical marijuana is swelling. Many new states appear to be on the verge of passing laws that would permit the use of medical marijuana. Currently, there are already 18 states that have passed laws to legalize medical marijuana.
Missouri may be one of the newest states to join the rapidly growing list of medical marijuana states. The push to reform marijuana laws has moved beyond the the coastal states. A recent poll suggests that over half of Missouri residents support a physician’s right to prescribe marijuana. Yahoo.com asks if Missouri could be the next state to legalize medical marijuana, and provides a breakdown of the polling data.
Florida is also another state where the conversation is picking up. While momentum has been gaining for years in the Sunshine State, it truly seems to have hit a high water mark. Last week, we at marijuana.net spoke about John Morgan , who has now assumed the role of chairman for activists group People United for Medical Marijuana-Florida He has an incredible track record for raising money (even for President Barack Obama) and he will likely now take those skills and place tremendous pressure on lawmakers to take action. Mr. Morgan should have a captive audience as a recent poll showed that 70 percent of Florida residents support medical marijuana.
It appears that in the near future a majority of states will decide to let residents make their own choices in pain relief. If Florida or Missouri legalize medical marijuana, then there could be many other previously unexpected states to follow suit.