News & Articles
Are California Lawmakers Lost in the Clouds?
Although it is often medical marijuana patients and advocates who are accused of hazy judgment, recent legal developments have us wondering how clearly those in power are thinking. With conflicting decisions and a poor medical marijuana system that was never properly regulated, patient’s safe access has been seriously compromised.
Lawmakers have acted lazy and lethargic when it comes to regulating California’s medical marijuana program. Instead of basing decisions upon research and information, they never checked on how the program is being run or made changes. Now that the system is not functioning as they would like, many are trying to dismantle it. How would Social Security fare if we never monitored or adjusted during its 70 year lifespan? The difficult task is actually analyzing what works, speaking with law enforcement, legitimate dispensary workers, lawyers, and patients in order to determine the proper course of action. After 16 years, California is in desperate need of re-reforming its cannabis laws. Patients are confused as to where they can seek relief.
Despite the guarantees of “Safe Access” outlined in Proposition 215, many municipalities have taken it upon themselves to interpret the legal language as it suits them. Legal experts have witnessed a series of confusing rulings, with the most recent ruling having been issued approximately a week and a half ago. The July 2nd ruling by The Second Appellate District Court of Appeals stated that city municipalities do not have the right to outlaw marijuana dispensaries. The ruling is being applauded by many marijuana advocates and patients. It appears to have at least delayed some of the pending dispensary bans in places such as Long Beach and San Leandro. Joe Elford of Americans for Safe Access said “The court of appeal could not have been clearer in expressing that medical marijuana dispensaries are legal under state law, and that municipalities have no right to ban them.” All eyes will now turn to the California’s Supreme Court as they will be taking up the issue after the new year and will hopefully end the legal guessing game.
The lawsuits and pending court cases could have been avoided had California’s elected officials taken some sort of initiative on this issue. After Dennis Peron fought for the right for patients to medicate, California became the first state to permit medical marijuana. Did anyone think that a hands off program for the first legal cannabis state would just govern itself? It is time for our representation to get their heads out of the clouds and do their job, even if that requires actual work and thinking.
Power to the People
The cynic will often lament the absence of American democracy. Phrases such as “we have no power” or comparisons to a police state are very popular. There is a cynical side to all of us, but equally, most of us hold onto a least a shred of optimism even if we bury it under negative talking points. Such defense mechanisms make it easier to converse with strangers and get through the day. There is no doubt that the decks are stacked against us, as most of us do not have paid lobbyists fighting for our jobs, but to those who think the average person can longer make a difference, November may provide a breath of fresh air.
Our elected officials have failed us on many issues and have become complacent and/or unwilling to take a controversial stand. As a result, with no more free time at anyone’s disposal, we the people have risen. Marijuana.net reported earlier in the week that Oregon was on its way to becoming the 3rd state (also Washington and Colorado) to put a marijuana legalization vote to its people. Ignored political issues do not find their way to the ballots itself, rather, it requires the sweat and effort of activists willing to go door to door and collect signatures. It takes optimism even as some may slam a door in their faces. It takes compassion, never to forget teens in jail or sick patients running out of options and it takes resiliency to fight on even as our federal government uses every tool at its disposal to sidetrack these efforts.
Advocates were rewarded with even more positive news as this week it was announced that Massachusetts voters will have the option of voting to enact a medical marijuana program. If passed the law would allow for up to 35 dispensaries statewide. Over 11,000 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State William Galvin’s office. The system looks as if it will be strictly regulated and Massachusetts residents would only qualify if they have debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, ALS or Parkinson’s disease and others. The state will register dispensaries, employees, and patients and will set rules for the cultivation and storage process. Additionally, if access to transportation, physical inability to travel, or financial hardship compromise a patient’s access then they will be able to register with the state’s department of health to grown their own plants.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. It is the specific intent of reform opponents use to make us feel this way. However, they are now the minority and even if they have the ears of our representation, we have proven that they all can have each other. True power rests in the hands of the people and successful ballot initiatives bypass the dysfunction and corruption in Washington D.C. Change is coming and with all its documented problems, the United States of America still offers such beautiful freedom. Perhaps we have to work harder for it than we want but it is there, waiting for signatures and the support of our neighbors. As the election season heats up, expect to hear more news about more legalization/medical votes. When the curtain is closed behind you, pay close attention because your state may have the option of voting for compassion.
Marijuana May be Able to Help Weight Loss and Diabetes
New study findings are constantly providing us with surprising news regarding the potential of medical marijuana. The question we have to start asking is why are we still shocked to hear about these developments. No other treatment available has demonstrated such a wide variety of applications. Marijuana is producing results in areas that have baffled doctors and scientists. Recently we learned that cannabis appears to posses the potential to help combat the spreading of the AIDS virus. Additionally, new information is showing much promise for marijuana helping victims of PTSD and schizophrenia, two conditions where research has not been able to yield quality treatments. This of course, is beautifully combined with the older and more well known applications of medical marijuana such as pain and nausea.
New research actually shows that marijuana may be helpful in an area that could seem silly if only analyzed from the surface. While smoked cannabis is known for appetite stimulation (or the munchies as its more commonly referred as) GW Pharmaceuticals has found that two specific cannabinoids may be useful in appetite suppression and weight loss. Cannabidiol (more commonly referred to as CBD) and THCV (a homologue of THC) could help burn calories and reduce hunger. In tests, GW Pharmaceuticals found that animals introduced to the two cannabinoids displayed a boost in metabolic rates and fat burning. Professor Mike Cawthorne, who has been conducting the trials and director of metabolic research at the University of Buckingham said “Overall, it seems these molecules increase energy expenditure in the cells of the body by increasing the metabolism.”
This research builds on previous findings that the two cannabinoids were also effective in treating animals with type 2 diabetes. The two studies provide hope for a new avenue of treatment for heart disease, stroke and other conditions that can result from weight gain and a breakdown of the metabolism. Dr. Steph Wright, director of Research and Development at GW Pharmaceuticals agreed and recently said “We are interested in how these drugs effect the fat distribution and utilization in the body as a treatment for metabolic diseases.”
The pursuit of a magic weight loss pill has seemed as daunting as discovering the fountain of youth or spotting a unicorn. However this quest is usually undertaken for cosmetic reasons and not always to improve health. In either case, America’s obesity epidemic has reached dangerous levels with new and younger generations already dependent upon processed and unhealthy foods. New research is confirming that cannabis is not taking lives, but may hold the potential for saving lives.
Residents of Oregon May Vote to Legalize Marijuana
While the bad news tends to stay ingrained in our psyche, it is important to note all of the success the marijuana reform movement has accomplished. Dispensary raids and the DEA’s recent refusal to admit that marijuana is less harmful than crack and heroine can give the false impression that patients and marijuana advocates have not been successful. This sentiment could not be farther from the truth. There are already 17 states and Washington D.C. (plus more states with proposed legislation)that have already enacted laws that permit medical marijuana. Additionally 13 states have approved measures to decriminalize low level marijuana possession.
2012 may be the year where marijuana reform is taken to even further heights. Earlier in the year we already learned that both Washington State and Colorado will see its residents vote on whether or not they want a legalized and regulated marijuana system. The groups New Approach Washington and Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol were instrumental in collecting enough signatures to get the issues to the ballot this November. If passed in either or both of those states, marijuana will be regulated and handled in a similar fashion to alcohol.
Late last week we at marijuana.net were encouraged to hear that it appears a third state may also be joining the legalization list. Oregon activists collected and submitted over twice the required signatures to the state in order to get the issue on the ballot and voted on by residents. The proposed law is being called the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act. Another interesting aspect of the bill is that it would also permit farmers to grow hemp, which can be used in a variety of ways including food, fuel, rope, building materials and paper. If approved, Oregon stands to create many jobs including new employees that would be required to operate the hemp farms.
Though the government still is attempting to derail the will of the people, their battle appears futile. Elected officials often forget who they work for and with over half the country supporting legalization and approximately 75% supporting medical marijuana, reform seems to be a matter of inevitability. Their jobs require votes and it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict where they will come from if they ignore several generations of Americans who will no longer tolerate the failed war on drugs, unnecessary youth incarcerations and denying relief to needy patients.
Germany May Follow Worldwide Marijuana Reform Efforts
While much of our focus on marijuana.net centers around the domestic United States patient, we are always trying to keep our readers up to date on international developments regarding marijuana reform. The past two weeks have treated us to great news coming out of Uruguay and Colombia with the former legalizing and the latter decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.
We at marijuana.net were excited to learn that Germans are also voicing their pleas for decriminalization and legalization efforts. German government officials have been conducting online polls in an effort to engage the people in the political process directly. According to Reuters, 152,000 German residents voted online to make cannabis legal. Also up for vote was a bestiality law, which received 93,000 votes, another vote we agree with. Apparently in 1969 sexual abuse of animals was decriminalized, decades before serious marijuana reform (if in fact it even happens soon).
Germany is known for their innovation and has successfully navigated through the rough economic currents challenging most of the world. In fact, much of the rest of Europe and those who utilize the Euro as their main currency have been depending on Germany to provide funds for a bailout in order to stabilize the effects of the European Debt Crisis. As they are typically forward thinkers in terms of industry, Germany may want to think of unconventional ideas in order to stay ahead of the economic curve. Additionally, their online polling and voting system may prove to be a great tool for future governing, letting the people actually have a say.
As stated above, there have been some great develops internationally for marijuana reform. It appears change is now occurring rapidly. Marijuana.net recently wrote about a U.N. study that showed marijuana has now become the most used “drug” in the world. Regulated cannabis could be used to solve financial issues (a small town in Spain tried to lease their land to growers as a way to climb out of debt) and bring much needed medical relief worldwide. Legalization could also make Oktoberfest even more fun.
Hemp’s Rich Legacy May be Showcased Soon in Kentucky Museum
As cannabis buds continue to impress the medical field as an all purpose medicine, it is important that we do not forget that the entire plant has so many benefits. Hemp is the all purpose fiber and it is no surprise that another part of the cannabis plant would offer as much variety as the medicine. Here at marijuana.net we have spoken about how hemp can be used in rope, building materials, paper, jewelry, clothing, fuel, medicine and food (this list can go on for quite a bit). With many historians believing that hemp has been cultivated since approximately 8000 B.C., we have had a long time to appreciate and learn more about this natural wonder (with new uses constantly being discovered).
In an effort to bring awareness to the varied uses and long history of hemp, Katie Moyer plans on opening the Kentucky Hemp Museum. She has amassed a collection of items that include agricultural equipment and historic memorabilia. The collection is currently in Lexington but Ms. Moyer would like to transport it to its new home in Hopkinsville, where the museum is planned.
Kentucky has a long history with hemp and at one point produced 96% of the nations supply before it was outlawed. Katie said recently about hemp that “ It’s as much a part of our history as horses, or bluegrass, or anything and we don’t realize it. And the goal of having the museum is to educate people about Kentucky’s history.” We at marijuana.net agree and would love to see a resurgence in the hemp industry. Kentucky could certainly use the economic boost as they, like most states, have been hit hard with the bleak economy over the past few years. Also embracing the state’s history could help people to see this plant is not evil and would remind people of all of it’s benefits.
The moral objection to hemp is confusing at best. Hemp cannot produce any of the psychedelic effects associated with smoked cannabis and in an age where we can use cost efficient but quality solutions, hemp can re-emerge at the perfect time. In this digital age, it would be great to remind people how much we can accomplish with traditional farming. Keep checking back with us as we will soon revisit hemp and its under represented brilliance.
Medical Marijuana Industry News July 6, 2012
California Government Sponsored Study Contradicts DEA Position on Marijuana…
Those seeking a reclassification of marijuana as a schedule 1 narcotic may have gotten some uplifting news. A study sponsored by the California state government and conducted by the University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research may help make this a reality sooner than later. The study published in The Open Neurology Journal indicates that marijuana was effective in helping to counter neuropathic pain and muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis. Paul Armentano, director of NORML, said in response to the study results that United States drug policy “is neither based upon nor guided by science.” The study suggests that cannabis does have some risk for dependency but should place it in the schedule III category. DEA officials have received considerable criticism lately as they were grilled by US Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) and would not admit that heroin and crack were more dangerous than marijuana.
Click here for more on this study
Long Beach Police Appear to Use Excessive Force During Dispensary Raid…
The Long Beach Police department is now engaged in an investigation into whether or not its officers used excessive force during a recent dispensary raid. A surveillance video appears to show an officer standing on the neck and placing all of his weight on Dorian Brooks, a volunteer at the dispensary. The officers did not seem to notice the camera until after they became physical with Brooks. Immediately after discovering the camera, officers appeared concerned as they proceeded to destroy the surveillance equipment. Attorney Matt Pappas plans on assisting Brooks in filing a lawsuit against the police department. Check out the surveillance video below.
Activists Confident Marijuana Legalization Ballot will Pass in Detroit…
Two years ago Detroit activists collected enough signatures to get marijuana legalization on the ballot. Last month, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the referendum should go to the voters this November. While residents have overwhelmingly supported decriminalization, medical marijuana, and legalization efforts, many law enforcement officials (most notably state Attorney General Bill Schuette) have tried to derail the reform measures. Recently Tim Beck, chairman of the Coalition for a Safer Detroit stated that he was very confident that Detroit residents will pass a legalization bill. Mr. Beck went on to say “The poll numbers are so far ahead … This thing is going to pass, period.” If in fact the referendum is passed, residents over the age of 21 will be permitted to possess under one ounce of marijuana on private property without risk for prosecution or arrest.
For more on this story click here
Longtime Marijuana Advocate Oliver Stone Wants to See End to Cartel Violence
High profile director Oliver Stone has been a marijuana reform supporter for years. The director of successful films such as “JFK”, “Natural Born Killers”, “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Wall Street” served as an infantryman during the Vietnam War. Stone has had an opportunity to open up lately regarding his views on marijuana as he is promoting his new film “Savages”. The film depicts Mexican Cartel violence that is associated with the current war on drugs. Mr. Stone said he would like to see marijuana legalized, regulated and taxed. He believes revenues could help pay for education costs. In the short term Oliver Stone said decriminalization efforts could be undertaken right away to reduce violence associated with the cartels.
Marijuana Becomes Most Popular “Drug” Used Around the World
With no proven physically addictive properties, marijuana seems no more a “drug” than other pain relievers, though it does offer psychedelic effects. However, many still classify marijuana as a drug even as alcohol escapes this dubious distinction. Alcohol can result in a physical addiction, which is why many face difficult times when trying to quit drinking. Whatever the case is, it is now generally accepted that marijuana is far less harmful than consuming alcohol and new reports show the entire world agrees.
Several days ago Time Magazine published an article online entitled “Marijuana Now the Most Popular Drug in the World”. The article cites a U.N. report that shows as many as 224 million adults worldwide smoke marijuana. These staggering numbers do not even include those under the age of 18 who use cannabis. We have learned lately that teen use in the United States is climbing and it would not be a stretch to assume this is the case worldwide. Including teens would drastically inflate the U.N. statistics. Though the numbers are not rising as much in the North America, marijuana use is climbing steadily in Africa and Asia.
As we have been reporting, the international movement for marijuana reform is outpacing the United States. In a recent article, we reported on Uruguay making a historic move to legalize marijuana and how Colombia decriminalized marijuana days later. The momentum around the world is clearly picking up as we now know from the U.N. data that the two largest continents are also seeing an increase in marijuana acceptance. Israel is several steps ahead of America in their medical marijuana industry and has recently developed strains that have high levels of CBD (one of the 50 plus cannabinoids in marijuana) as opposed to the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. These medically friendly strains will not produce the well known psychedelic “high” most commonly associated with marijuana use.
Though the Time article omits any mention of alcohol, it does not seem to include alcohol in the “drug” category. With growing social and medical acceptance marijuana may be able to shed the “drug” classification in years to come especially as it has demonstrated far less addictive qualities and does not induce vomiting. There may yet still be some setbacks for patients and marijuana advocates but the worldwide trend seems to indicate that marijuana is here to stay.
A Day To Celebrate Our Independence
Besides Tom Cruise, there is another high profile birthday this week. While alcohol, red meat, and fireworks are sure to dominate the day for many Americans, July 4th represents our country’s birth. On this day the Founding Father’s adopted the Declaration of Independence and sent a clear message to the Kingdom of Britain that the original 13 colonies would no longer tolerate existing under such tyranny.
July 4th should remind us of the freedom that was won against all military odds. However at times it seems this freedom is dissipating a bit. Patients are not legally allowed under most states and federal law to relieve their medical ailments. George Washington would not have outlawed marijuana, in fact he did the opposite. It was mandated that farmers grow hemp, the all purpose wonder fiber which was instrumental in winning the Revolutionary War.
Our victory in the war provided us with freedom but with the turn of the century the political and propaganda machine took over, even though the Constitution was designed to combat this. Now patients such as Bob Crouse have to break the law to medicate. With a mounting deficit, several military engagements worldwide, and the often ignored issue of American poverty, why exactly is it imperative that we formulate battle strategies against a plant?
While we do not advocate breaking the law we do want people to feel good. July 4th is an upbeat holiday and there are people who would not be able to enjoy the days festivities without medicating with cannabis. Certain barbeque foods may not palatable for patients without nausea relief. Walks on the beach or hikes may not possible either if it were not for the world’s best naturally growing medication. Lets enjoy the day and appreciate the great things the United States has to offer. Our government is certainly off base on this one issue but if we get back to work after enjoying this holiday we may be able to make sure that this is the last July 4th where patients have to secretly improve the quality of their life.
The Walls Are Caving In: America’s Neighbors are Amending their Marijuana Policy
On June 22nd we at marijuana.net reported that Uruguay would be drastically altering their policy on marijuana. Frustrated with the United State’s unwillingness to help reduce Central and South American cartel violence, Uruguay decided to take matters into their own hands and legalize marijuana. In a stunning move the government in Uruguay government will cultivate, distribute, and regulate legalized cannabis.
Only days after Uruguay made history, Colombia has also decided to shift away from a failed drug policy. Colombia’s Constitutional Court approved the government’s legislation that aimed to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana and cocaine. Individuals caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana and 1 gram of cocaine can be sent to psychological rehabilitation but cannot be arrested or detained.
Even if the United States federal government does not realize it, the walls appear to be caving in on our failed drug policy. Federal inaction has prompted many of our 50 states to enact decriminalization and medical marijuana laws. In addition, our closest geographic neighbors are also riding the reform momentum. Besides Uruguay and Colombia, Mexico just witnessed a presidential election that revolved heavily around the issue of cartel violence. On Sunday it was announced that Enrique Pena Nieto of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was the apparent winner. The president elect has vowed to reduce the surging violence linked to cartel activities, though it may take some time to win over all the people as the Institutional Revolutionary Party was known to rule in brutal fashion. Other leaders in Central and South America are also pro decriminalization, especially newly elected Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina.
The evidence of our failed war on drugs is overwhelming. Other than an upcoming presidential election, many analysts are left wondering exactly why the United States has decided to relinquish its traditional leadership role in international politics, and has instead chosen to be reform’s largest obstacle to overcome. As is often the case with American policy, it seems easy to ignore a problem that is not immediately a domestic threat. However, the United States’ failure to forecast how deep the cartel violence problem would become has now compromised our own security. The Mexican cartel has funneled money through race horses, set up a strong operational presence in Utah, and successfully dug over 75 tunnels (that we know of officially), complete with electrical lighting and ventilation. These breaches in security represent far worse than drug smuggling, and government officials should hope that Al Queda or other terrorists do not seize on these tailor made opportunities. Though its late in the game, the United States can recapture its leadership role and enact true marijuana reform which could eliminate the need for the Mexican Cartel’s supply and significantly reduce their funding and power.