News & Articles
History of the Cups
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It is finally time for the Denver Medical Cannabis cup. If you are in Denver this weekend, please come and visit us as we will be one of the sponsors of the event! We are sure patients will gather for another safe event as they have in the past. But first, a quick look on how we got here…
The first Cannabis cup was organized by Steven Hager, of High Times Magazine. In 1987 Amsterdam was the most famous of cities for legalized consumption of marijuana. So it was held there, in a great smoke-off to find the finest marijuana that a person could smoke. In 25 years the contest has matured; there are multiple categories, seeking the best strains, hybrids, consumables, seeds and so forth. It has also developed into a massive trade show, where builders of bongs can showcase their latest pipes, vaporizers, and novelty papers. Vendors also bring in t-shirts and other apparel and all other kinds of accessories. As the Cup has grown, it has incorporated other elements that have accompanied marijuana use. It has embraced spirituality and the counterculture ideas of the late 60’s and 70’s. Also, as politics have shifted across the world, so have the ideas espoused by the Cup’s sponsors and attendees.
Today, the United States is host to four of High Times’s Medical Marijuana Cups. In Detroit, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The First one was the San Francisco Cup in 2010. Last year saw the inaugural events for Denver and Los Angeles also. These are not just pothead toke-fests as conservative demagogues would paint them; they’re not dens of sin, iniquity and crime, or doorways to destruction. These are modern affairs, full of people with honorable agendas seeking to help people who are suffering from various ailments. For many of these patients, cannabis holds the best treatments they can hope to receive. New categories include judging for high CBD (cannabidiol) strains, which the medical community now agrees hold the key to treating many neuromuscular disorders. One of the largest growing segments of the Cup community is for political activism. Most major events now have devoted sections to increasing political awareness. On a national stage most politicians won’t touch the topic of marijuana; there are few candidates, like Ron Paul and Gary Johnson, who are willing to discuss it. But on state and local levels, many politicians are eagerly discussing with their constituents. Also, there are many active groups like NORML, LEAP and ASA who attend these gatherings and try to increase awareness and activism. For years the pro-marijuana lobby was small and quietly ignored. Now attitudes are turning from universal recreational use (like alcohol and tobacco) to a focus more on compassionate care and medical use, at least in enough cases now to be taken more seriously. Also, by highlighting the many failures of the 40 year-old “War on Drugs” people have realized that change, on a federal level, is necessary for the health of the Union and its people. All of this has helped the Cups to grow from crowds of hundreds to tens of thousands of supporters.
The Seattle HempFest is another event that has grown from very humble roots. The first one was held in Seattle in 1991, with only 500 people in attendance; last year’s event estimated close to 300,000 attendees! At each of these events people have gathered peacefully for several days. Recently, Cannabis use, in public, has been tolerated with no ill effects. Alcohol sales are banned at Hemp Fest, too. And in that wake, there have been no riots, no fights, no dangerous crimes committed. This is a far cry from the mighty fears that Henry J Anslinger stirred up when he pushed to have marijuana made illegal in the 1930’s. In 1991, there were no laws anywhere for compassionate use. Then, in 1998 Washington State passed their medical marijuana legislation. In 2003, Seattle made marijuana its lowest police priority and in 2008 the city stated it “would no longer prosecute simple possession cases.” This year, the state legislation approved patient cannabis gardens and an ordinance for cannabis collectives. With perseverance and patience, even the smallest of groups can hope to accomplish great deeds.
Medical Marijuana Industry News April 20, 2012
420 Recognized Around the World…
Today people are gathering around the world in celebration of the hugely popular international marijuana holiday. Events will be held in appreciation for everything marijuana has to offer. Marijuana support has been growing steady and the community, as always, peaceful and fun gatherings are expected. Fortunately this year 420 falls on a Friday, leaving the entire weekend full of events. Marijuana.net will be at the High Times Medical Marijuana Cup in Denver. We will be celebrating 420 by providing patient awareness and education at the cup. You may also find us mingling with patients at the Deep Green Festival in San Franscisco. Check back tomorrow for a history on The Cannabis Cup and other 420 events.
Click here for More on the History of how 420 came to be
Oaksterdam Reopens in Limited Capacity…
Patients and dispensary workers were happy to find out that Oaksterdam has opened its doors again. News of Oaksterdam University’s raid by federal authorities drew national attention. Patients, students, and dispensary workers were shocked but claims to see the university open again proved true. The school had to release 25 employees at the school and another 20 dispensary workers affiliated with Oaksterdam after federal authorities seized assets. Oaksterdam is currently going to be operating at a smaller capacity and they will not use actual marijuana in classes and demonstrations. Richard Lee will not be overseeing Oaksterdam.
Proposed Law In California Could Make Local Municipalities Permit Marijuana Dispensaries…
Local governments have adopted different interpretations of California’s medical marijuana program. Some municipalities have attempted to ban dispensaries with others limiting them. There have been conflicting court rulings making the legalities even less clear. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano has introduced legislation that could fix legal inconsistencies in California. AB 2312, The Medical Marijuana Regulation and Control Act, would set a standard for California medical marijuana law. It would actually require municipalities to permit medical marijuana dispensaries. The bill has cleared its initial hurdle and was passed by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. Many think the bill has a legitimate chance to pass and now will go before the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Stunning Reversal in New Jersey as Montclair Dispensary is Granted Permission to Grow Marijuana
Activists are preparing for the annual celebration of marijuana tomorrow and throughout the weekend. Several legal developments this week may make for an even more upbeat 420 weekend than normal. Marijuana.net already reported on such stories as President Obama facing pressure from the international community to legalize marijuana. Additionally, Colorado lawmakers demonstrated huge support for Amendment 64, which if passed by residents in November would legalize marijuana under state law.
What is even better news is that one negative story covered earlier this week may have quickly turned into a positive. Marijuana.net highlighted the exhausting delays patients have had to deal with in New Jersey and the corruption associated with a Bergen prosecutor Over two years ago lawmakers approved the legal use of medical marijuana, but state officials have seemingly thrown every bureaucratic obstacle in its way. This may all have changed as Greenleaf Compassion Center of Montclair has been given the green light to start growing medical marijuana immediately.
It is unclear if all red tape will finally be cut and even Green Leaf Compassion Center’s CEO Joe Stevens is approaching the situation cautiously. He said “My opinion hasn’t really changed. It’s great, and it’s a show of good faith on the department’s side, but what it comes down to is the patients. They still don’t have access and they don’t know when they will have access. It’s still meaningless to me, to be growing marijuana for patients who don’t have access.” Stevens is seeking stronger assurances from Governor Steve Christie that the medical marijuana program will not be weighed down with additional delays. The CEO does not want to grow the medicine only to have it sit around and lose its usefulness.
The news shows that persistence can ultimately achieve victory, especially when fighting for compassion and relief. There has been a great deal of pressure put on Governor Christie and New Jersey legislators lately. Joe Stevens issued a harsh letter to the Governor citing what appears to be intentional delays and the fact that his group has spent over $160,000 in trying to open Green Leaf Compassion Center. Others have also come forward and have even filed lawsuits against the New Jersey government. Perhaps wanting to avoid court cases that would not paint a flattering picture of our elected officials and their agenda to prevent the people of New Jersey from finding relief.
State Legislators show Support for Marijuana Legalization in Colorado
In a matter of a few years marijuana has made tremendous strides in shedding its taboo status and gaining mainstream acceptability. Polls are regularly showing an increase in positive views on medical marijuana and marijuana legalization. Is our elected representation shifting their attitudes as well?
How many high profile state democrats would have backed marijuana legalization in the 1970s, 1990s, or even 2005? The efforts of Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol have played a large roll in changing the political atmosphere in Colorado. RMLA helped to collect more than the 86,000 signatures needed collected to get amendment 64 on the ballot. If passed the bill will legalize marijuana and set up a system, as the name suggests, to regulate marijuana like alcohol. The chair of the Denver Democratic Party, Cindy Lowery-Gra ber, has recently stated her support for bill and said “this is a mainstream issue. Polls show that more than 60 percent of Democrats and a solid majority of independents believe marijuana should be treated like alcohol. A broad coalition is forming in support of Amendment 64 and I am proud to say that it now includes the Colorado Democratic Party.”
The endorsement comes from the right person at the right time. Democrats have a strong presence in Colorado and the state’s residents may be poised to be the first (several other states like Washington will also vote on legalization in November) state with totally legalized marijuana on a state level. Colorado has taken precautions to avoid the legal mess in California as they have put a more structured program run by the state. This singular authority eliminates the problem of individual municipalities interpreting medical marijuana law as they see fit. It seems many elected officials agree with Cindy Lower-Graber as 8 of the 10 largest counties in Colorado support amendment 64.
The fight for marijuana reform is no longer being fought solely by hardcore activists. Although the feds seem intent on fighting its own people over a healing plant, many other government officials have now joined the movement. As stated above, supporting marijuana publicly was a difficult political platform previously, but in a few years it may be a difficult position not to support it.
Outside of U.S. Comfort Zone President Obama Forced to Discuss Failed War on Drugs
Over the weekend President Obama attended the 6th Summit of the Americas in Columbia. Most of the media focus will be on the secret service prostitute scandal and Cuba’s exclusion from the event. However, medical marijuana patients were treated to at least a glimmer of hope from the weekend summit.
President Obama has sidestepped discussions on marijuana several times over the past several months. In two separate online votes, the White House has encouraged participants to submit topics they wanted the president to discuss. Marijuana reform dominated the votes, but was sidestepped by the White House. This comes at a time where patients are genuinely concerned about the administration’s handling of medical marijuana and feel that President Obama is not keeping his promise to uphold state law.
Unfortunately for the president, he was unable to maneuver out of a drug policy discussion at the Summit of the Americas. Momentum for marijuana legalization seems to be growing significantly. Many Latin American countries have voiced their opposition to the American War on Drugs recently. Vice President Joe Biden also was pressured on marijuana policy last month in his visit to Central America. As the violence has escalated out of control in the region, especially in Mexico, many former and current world leaders including former Mexico president Vicente Fox, have called for a change of course.
At the summit, President Obama maintained his current position that legalization is not the answer to combat drug cartel violence. Instead he feels we need smarter laws, better law enforcement structure and stronger economies. These general statements may not sit well with U.S. patients and residents of Latin America although President Obama did indicate that he was willing to hold a debate on the issue. He did acknowledge that the war on drugs has not been successful over the past 40 years.
While the United States Federal government seems reluctant to enact any changes to its approach on marijuana policy, other countries seem more than willing to do so. The United States now trails many other countries in education, crime rates, and stem cell research. Is America willing to take a backseat on yet another global issue?
Jersey Officials seem more preoccupied with Corruption and Bureaucracy instead of Compassion
Although there has been incremental progress in trying to institute New Jersey’s medical marijuana program, the delays are highlighting the ineptitude of modern government. New Jersey passed legislation permitting medical marijuana use over two years ago in January of 2010. Since that time, patients have witnessed a litany of delays which include opposition from Governor Christie, local zoning resistance for dispensaries, and political squabbling.
A new story in the news cycle may also explain why New Jersey officials have been dragging their feet. It apparently may be more desirable for New Jersey authorities to profit off marijuana as an illegal substance as opposed to regulating it legally. A municipal prosecutor representing the township of North Bergen has been charged with aiding two giant marijuana operations launder their money. Marcanton Macri was freed over the weekend after posting his $50,000 bail. One of the men Marci conspired with was the manager of a local bank. The forty-four year old attorney is officially being charged with financial facilitation and money laundering charges.
While Marcanton Macri may represent the dysfunction of government officials, Rich Caporusso symbolizes the frustration patients are experiencing in New Jersey. Years ago he noticed a sick family member benefiting greatly from medical marijuana use. Now over a decade later, Mr. Caporusso suffers from muscle spasms and Crohn’s Disease. His condition qualifies for medical marijuana use in New Jersey. However such a program is not operational at this time. The former corrections officer is on disability due to injuries he suffered on the job, making his situation even more desperate. He is seeking medical marijuana but says that New Jersey lawmakers have set up “a million roadblocks.” He and his physician have now filed a lawsuit against the state’s Department of Health and have accused them of intentionally delaying the program. The program was set to start on July 1, 2010 after former Governor Corzine approved the legislation. Lawmakers extended the deadline by 3 months, but an additional year and a half delay has angered patients.
Rich Caporusso is an actual person and if lawmakers were to actually interact with the suffering patients they legislate against, they may not take these decisions so lightly. Caporusso suffers and can be arrested seeking relief while Marcanton Marci is out on bail and reaps the benefits of marijuana’s black market. If Rich Caporusso and his physician are successful they may be able to eliminate avenues of corruption for Marci, grant compassionate relief for the sick, and show the legislators of New Jersey that bureaucracy will stop hurting patients and start hurting political careers.
Hemp for Victory!
In 1943 the US was embroiled in World War II. The Japanese had been invading islands in the Pacific, going after the Philippines. Their fleet had cut off access to Manila and many supplies that the US war effort relied upon. One of those supplies was hemp. Hemp was widely used by the US Navy. But, thanks to the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, Cannabis was no longer legal to grow on domestic soil. Once we were cut off from those precious hemp supplies, the government realized that they needed to supply their own hemp. Afterward the Department of Agriculture put together a piece of wartime propaganda called “Hemp for Victory.” This short film was distributed and shown to American farmers as an instructional guide for growing and preparing cannabis crops for industrial use.
“Hemp For Victory” outlines the proper way to pick seeds, and proper soil types for optimum growing conditions. It then goes on to discuss harvesting techniques and how it gets turned from a plant into the many items the Navy uses. In 1942 the US harvested 36,000 acres of hemp and for 1943, with the help of some patriotic farmers, they were looking to yield upwards of 50,000. They needed it for the war effort; a battleship required 34,000 feet of hemp rope for mooring lines, tows, anchor lines, tackle and gear. The army used hemp for parachute webbing, light duty fire hoses, threads in shoes and clothing, twine and more. Of course to plant all these crops, American farmers needed a special permit from the Internal Revenue Service, or else they would be criminals, instead of patriotic planters.
It’s amazing how the US government is willing to turn a blind eye against their own laws, when it suits their purposes. Marijuana the medical herb is the scion of this plant yet it was completely banned. Suddenly America needed it again and it was legal for a special few to grow it. However, after the war the film was mothballed and the official word from the USDA was that it did not exist. The government denied its existence until two copies of it surfaced and were donated to the Library of Congress in May 1989, by Mia Farrow, Carl Packard and Jack Herer. On one hand marijuana is evil, but on the other it is the most useful plants Americans needed to win the war.
Hemp Seed Oil
Cannabis sativa L, that ever-so-helpful plant has been used for many thousands of years, for many thousands of reasons. Oil from hemp seeds is one of nature’s most beneficial oils that people enjoy. For a long time its popularity has waned, but it is making a comeback thanks to some progressive entrepreneurs and their dreams of a happier and healthier lifestyle for all of us. Why bother with the seed oil, when so many people seem to be happy enough with buds? Well, hemp seed oil has excellent nutritional value and none of the psychotropic properties of the buds and leaves. It is also legal to sell and consume in the USA (still working on legal to grow) so anybody can enjoy it at anytime.
Nutritionally speaking, hemp seed oil is about as perfect an oil as nature can provide for us. About 70-80% of the oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (that’s the kind doctors say are good) and 9-11% is the saturated kind. It also contains numerous essential fatty acids that humans need to live, but cannot produce within our bodies. These acids are in perfect ratio of 3:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3 acids. According to nutrition experts, that is exactly the ratio that people should ingest on a daily basis. Doctors should recommend this in a diet because of its balance and how it can help our daily health. The nutrients in hemp seed oil can help maintain a healthy digestive system, strong immune system and keep skin healthy too. Hemp oil has long been used as a treatment for eczema. It contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E and carotene, numerous minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and zinc and more.
Have we mentioned that hemp seed oil also tastes good? When fresh, it has a clear, to light green color and nutty flavor to it that many people enjoy. It goes great on salads as a dressing, can be used in mayonnaise and butters, and is great to marinated with as well. But it is not good for cooking/frying with. As an unsaturated oil, it becomes denatured above 150 degrees and produces unhealthy trans-fatty acids and has raised peroxide values. That increases the amount of free radicals in the oil, which can lead to rancidity of the oil and spoiling of food it is mixed with. Food experts agree that hemp seed oil should be stored cold, in sealed containers and out of sunlight.
Hemp seed oil is not so popular now, but that is changing and it can now be found in more stores now than in the last few years. Because hemp grows profusely and has few pests that attack it, it can be grown organically, pesticide and herbicide free. There are growers and distributors popping up around the country, in Ohio and Kentucky to name a few. Also, Canada’s hemp industry is growing rapidly thanks to companies like Hemp Oil Canada Inc, HOCI for short (pronounced “hockey”, duh). If you are yet to try it, we hope you will. Enjoy it in good health!
Medical Marijuana Industry News April 13, 2012
Marijuana Advocacy Groups put Pressure on U.S. Attorney John Walsh to Cease Raids
Activists are fighting back after federal raids have targeted the core of the marijuana reform movement. Eleven groups have joined together to request that U.S. attorney John Walsh back off of the threatening letters he has sent to 25 medical marijuana dispensaries, citing violations such as proximity to school zones. The coalition would like to see Walsh respect the dispensaries and patients they serve and have sent a formal letter to the attorney’s office. Among the 11 members of the group is the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, who recently inducted workers from medical marijuana dispensaries from both California and Colorado. It appears the strength of the union may already be paying activists dividends. Additionally, a Denver attorney, Rob Corry, has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to Walsh, requesting all information Walsh has on medical marijuana and exactly how Walsh determined which dispensaries were too close to schools. Corry has also asked to see evidence of the “the outpouring of thanks and appreciation” that Walsh claims to have received since closing dispensaries.
Mayor of San Francisco Calls Marijuana a Nuisance, Compares it to Liquor Stores and Exotic Clubs
While most Americans may not jump for joy at being referred to as a nuisance, marijuana advocates in San Francisco have been seeking such a description for some time. Mayor Ed Lee now considers marijuana dispensaries as “nuisance retail” but finally called marijuana dispensaries “legitimate.” This may put dispensaries under the same legal category as strip clubs, liquor stores and pawn shops. San Francisco has seen a lot of bickering over its medical marijuana dispensaries. San Francisco currently has 22 dispensaries, with the possibility of more opening as additional permits have been granted.
420 Celebrations Gets Ready for Notable Weekend
Marijuana reform has been gaining significant momentum in 2012 and with April 20 is exactly one week from today, activists voices will not be ignored. Even those outside of marijuana culture realize the significance of this day. Many individuals will be attending the exciting events planned for next weekend. The High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup will be held in Denver next week. Marijuana.net is proud to be one of the sponsors of the event and for those in Colorado, we hope to see you there. Additionally, other events such as “Overgrow The Government”, Deep Green Fest, and Washington D.C.’s 420 fest will be taking place. Those who comment on this article are encouraged to talk about other events that will be taking place next weekend.
Medical Marijuana may become Reality in Massachusetts
Momentum for marijuana reform has swept the Northeast. Policy makers in Massachusetts have been debating whether or not to legalize medical marijuana for some time now. Federal intervention seems to be a concern so politicians seem keen on leaving the issue to the people. In November, it seems likely that the people of Massachusetts will get a chance to vote on whether or not to legalize medical marijuana.
Small Village in Spain Considers Growing Marijuana to Pay Off Debt
The United States is not the only country to struggle financially over the past several years. Many feel that the European debt crisis may be on the verge of a financial catastrophe. New age economic issues are not always fully understood by elected officials, and as always, people have to rely on their own creativity.
A small village in Spain has proposed an idea appropriate for the new financial age. The residents of Rasquera recently voted on a measure that would allow land to be leased to marijuana growers. The village is weighed down heavily with debt and the money generated from leasing the land would be directed toward climbing out of debt. In February, Rasquera was planning to move forward with the plan but delayed due to many voicing their opposition. As a result the plan was put to a vote by residents. The measure passed with 56% in favor but fell well short of the required 75% that was required to move forward. It is unclear what will happen and if a new plan will be created. In the meantime, the people of Rasquera are desperate for economic relief and new jobs.
With little help from world leaders, as always, it will be up to the people to try and better their own situations. Rasquera is one of countless areas in the world that has to consider alternative ideas to generating economic success. Will the government’s of the world accept a new approach, or will they place a higher value on being “right” and continue a century of fighting a plant that will continue to grow naturally. At this point, marijuana advocates are not asking for help, rather, they just want the world’s governments to step aside and stay out of the way of progression.
Rasquera may not currently be in a position to start leasing their land to marijuana cultivators, but the story has garnered worldwide attention. Surely another village, city, or country will take a long hard look at the idea. All it will take is one municipality willing to utilize a progressive approach toward marijuana regulation. Cannabis may be the most financially secure crop in the world to grow with corn and tomatoes not being enough to usher in a new age of financial prosperity.