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Marijuana news from around the world

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The finish is nigh? Feds claim forget about interference with condition marijuana laws and regulations

end prohibition

The cost from the fight against drugs continues to be well recorded. The majority of us understand the rising violence south in our border, patients influenced by insufficient access, people imprisoned for possession, and also the expense of prohibition towards the tax payer. We at marijuana.internet wrote about this for a while now.

We’ve learned about these problems again and again, without a whisper of the sensible response from the us government. Just whenever we all increased fed up with the legal stalemate with federal government bodies attempting to hold condition law under control, it seems a significant alternation in federal policy might be going ahead.  Last week, the Justice Department introduced it wasn’t likely to prosecute marijuana crimes legal under condition law.  While the best objective of reform activists might be reclassification, this might indeed be federal government bodies waiving the whitened flag.  Paul Armantano of NORML stated “It certainly seems to become potentially “the start of the finish”  in relation to its prohibition.

The timing from the DOJ statement is curious because the agency was asked for an approaching forum on medicinal marijuana and repairing condition versus. federal law.  Eric Holder was asked towards the conference and lots of were searching toward getting him obvious in the murky waters that represent  the Whitened House’s stance on marijuana.  Single questions about marijuana have demonstrated hard for Holder and the staff to reply to formerly.  They have stated lack of knowledge towards the research while concurrently declining to confess marijuana was less destructive than heroin along with other opiates.  Perhaps a congressional Q&ampA with follow-up questions wasn’t going to talk about well for that already battling Attorney General.

The general public has significantly transformed their position on marijuana, and they’ll not soon be returning towards the times of “Reefer Madness”.  The new policy direction means a lot of things if federal government bodies maintain their word.  Many companies and traders happen to be waiting for some indication that they’ll ‘t be jailed for joining the most popular growing industry.  Patients might have more bit of mind when attempting to gain access to medication.

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Marijuana Industry News This summer 19, 2013

crohns

Study: Medicinal Marijuana Puts Chrons Disease into Complete Remission for a lot of Patients…

The study on medicinal marijuana is continually changing.  Based on research conducted recently released within the journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the  another condition might be joining the ever growing listing of conditions curable by marijuana.  The research scientists at Israel’s Meir Clinic recognized that research was required to examine a suspected outcomes of crohn’s remission and marijuana.  “The marijuana plant Cannabis sativa continues to be reported to create advantageous effects for patients with inflammatory bowel illnesses, however this is not looked into in controlled tests,” the scientists authored. “We carried out a potential trial to find out whether cannabis can induce remission in patients with Crohn’s disease.”  About 50 % from the study patients found their conditions to stay in total remission.

For additional about this story click the link

Rules Transformed for Olympic Marijuana Testing…

After many years of delivering home top sports athletes in the Olympics for positive marijuana tests, The Planet Anti-Doping Agency is changing the tests they will use to identify cannabis.  Formerly, a sports athlete who examined in a low-level of 15 mammograms per milliliter would fail the exam.  This led to many positive tests.   Ross Rebagliati,  a Canadian snowboarder who won gold within the 1998 Olympic games, almost had his medal removed from for barely testing positive for marijuana.  He claims it had been second hands smoke, and also at the reduced degree of 17.8 ng/ml it might be possible.  The brand new rule will penalize olympians when they test at 150 ng/ml, raising the accepted levels by 10 occasions.  As the WADA hasn’t exactly mentioned why they transformed this limit, there has been calls growing even louder and even louder all over the world to allow them to achieve this.  The brand new tests might not allow sports athletes to smoke cannabis near to the test, but shouldn’t produce positive tests for individuals around second hands smoke, or individuals who marijuana semi lately.  Allen St. Pierre of NORML stated a sports athlete would need to be “quite a devoted cannabis consumer” to check positive underneath the new rules.

For additional about this story click the link

Tigard Citizens to Election on Legalizing Leisure Marijuana…

Last November,  we witnessed  historic changes to marijuana laws and regulations as Washington and Colorado grew to become the very first two states to legalize leisure marijuana.  Tigard, Maine could also join the growing listing of cities that enable the legal utilization of leisure marijuana.  In November, citizens from the city may have the opportunity to election for marijuana legalisation in the polls.  If went by citizens,  possession as high as 2.5 oz . of marijuana could be permitted.  Maine already has decriminalized laws and regulations as possession as high as 2.5 oz . has a potential fine of $200-400 and it is considered a civil citation.  We’ll still monitor this story and also the entire northeast.  Major marijuana reform appears to become happening in nearly every condition in the region.

For additional about this story click the link

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Two Marijuana Bills Introduced in Iowa Show Post Election Momentum

iowa rally

Over the course of the past year, there have been polls conducted on a daily basis in order to gauge the mindset of the American public.  Most of these polls ended up being accurate but only the actual vote of the people provides the final word.  The victories in Washington, Colorado, Michigan, and Massachusetts show a changing electorate, an electorate that no longer wants to continue our failed marijuana policy.

In Iowa, we are seeing the momentum from the election spill over.  Iowa is known for its impact on presidential elections, as it is the first event to kick off the campaigns.  President Obama credits Iowa as a main reason for his initial 2008 election, as she shocked the political world at the time and defeated Hilary Clinton.  Even this year, both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama fought very hard for its 6 swing electoral votes and the president made it his final campaign stop.

Lawmakers have now introduced two bills that would drastically reform Iowa’s marijuana laws.  Iowa state Rep. Bruce Hunter plans to introduce a bill that would decriminalize marijuana possession for personal use.  The law would not protect those selling cannabis.  Additionally, Rep. Hunter also plans to bring back a medical marijuana bill that has not previously been passed.  Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has threatened to veto any bill that would legalize marijuana in any capacity.  It is unclear if decriminalization or a compromise on that front would be something the governor would consider.

Even as Governor Branstad displays his reluctance to adjust with the times, momentum around the country has clearly shifted.  Steve Morrow, president of Iowa’s NORML chapter agrees.  He said the recent votes in Colorado and Washington “helped the cause”.   Iowa may be small state from population standpoint, but it has a tremendous impact on American politics.  Even if Iowa does not pass new legislation now, change certainly appears to be on the horizon.  Presidential politics now encompass the almost entire four year period between elections, and if Iowa changes, those seeking the White House will also have to change.

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Gary Johnson in Charlotte During DNC

gary johnson

As the Democratic National Convention occupied most of the headlines this week, another candidate for President was also in Charlotte.   Gary Johnson attended several events in the Charlotte area which included a NORML demonstration and a Tea Party event about a half hour away from the DNC.  The marijuana reform advocate seemed to enjoy his status as a third party candidate and possible spoiler for either Mitt Romney or Barack Obama.  Johnson said “I really do wish I was known as a spoiler on both sides, that the notion that people really do care about the fact that we are in endless wars, the fact that we do care about civil liberties, that we have a growing police state.” While third party candidates have little chance of winning the presidency they can bring attention to their cause.  Many feel that Ralph Nader and Pat Buccanan had a significant impact on the 2000 election.  Both candidates should probably be fearful but Mitt Romney his campaign in particular seem worried about Johnson upsetting their chances for the White House.  Attorneys for the Romney campaign have been filing legal challenges in many states including important swing states such as Virginia, which could be the key to the election.  Mr. Johnson is a former Republican and may still have support from voters in the party who are not energized by Mitt Romney.

For more on Gary Johnson and his upcoming appearances click here

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Medical Marijuana Industry News August 10, 2012

closure

Ten Dispensaries in Colorado Warned to Shut Down by Federal Government….

U.S. Attorney John Walsh has issued a new round of threatening letters to marijuana dispensaries.  This time the letters are targeted at 10 collectives in Colorado.  The ten dispensaries targeted by Walsh are in violation of state law with many being closer than 1,000 feet to a school.  The collectives have 45 days from when they received the letters to either close or move their business.  California dispensaries have dealt with a crackdown on their medical marijuana industry as well, however, since Colorado has more defined laws there have been far fewer closures.  In November Colorado residents will have the opportunity to legalize medical marijuana due in large part to the efforts of Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol.


For more on this story click here

 

North Dakota Residents May Get to Vote on Medical Marijuana

Much of the success of the marijuana reform movement is linked to ballot initiatives votes by the people.  North Dakota may also see its people vote on legalizing medical marijuana this November.  The group North Dakotans for Compassionate Care helped collect the required 20,000 signatures.  The signatures were recently submitted to North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger’s office.  Only 13,500 signatures were required, however the signatures will be reviewed to determine if they are valid.  If the signatures are valid voters in North Dakota will have the chance to legalize medical marijuana.  If voters pass the proposed measure then patients will be able to possess up to 2½ ounces of pot for medical reasons and grow their own supply.

 

For more on this story click here

 

Governor of Vermont Seeks Help From NORML in Re-Election Effort

It used to be that groups such as NORML struggled to acquire funding.   Apparently the tables turned with politicians seeking help from marijuana activists.  Recently, Governor Shumlin of Vermont decided to contact NORML’s executive director Allen St. Pierre.  He pledged his support for NORML’s cause be a national spokesperson for the national marijuana reform movement.  Of course no political favor comes without a price tag and the governor asked for a contribution toward his re-election campaign.   This shows cannabis reform has reached the highest level of politics.  Governor Shumlin vowed to push for a decriminalization law if Allen St. Pierre and NORML donate the money.  Shumlin is known to support a new approach toward cannabis law and the election for Vermont’s Governorship should interesting as Shumlin’s Republican opponent, Randy Brock said he was against any decriminalization message and was worried about the message it sends to children.

 

For More on this story click here

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Medical Marijuana Industry News July 6, 2012

DEA Michele Leonhardt

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.


For more on what Oliver Stone had to say click here

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Important Dates in Marijuana History: November 24, 1976

robert randall

The famous and brilliant marijuana advocate, Peter McWilliams, often used to cite the fact that the U.S. government does in fact provide marijuana to a handful of people.  He would say he just wanted to join the elite group.  While the fact that the federal government is providing four people with marijuana is becoming more well known, many of us do not recognize how this contradictory program came to be.

November 24, 1976 is one of the most important dates in medical marijuana’s history.  On this date federal Judge James Washington ruled that Robert Randall could legally use marijuana out of legal necessity.  Mr. Randall became the first person in the United States to be granted the legal right to use marijuana since 1937.  He suffered from glaucoma and cultivated his own supply of marijuana to alleviate symptoms associated with his condition.  He was arrested but as stated above, US v. Randall would become a landmark case and launch the medical marijuana movement.

As with successful movements, a superior understanding of the charges, authorities, and legal rights granted can often be the best weapon to bringing about true change.  Randall utilized a little known defense at the time called The Common Law Doctrine of Necessity.  A judge agreed and thus the government was forced to create a program for distributing medical marijuana.  At its peak the program served 14 patients but still provides marijuana to 4 of the remaining participants.  The program is rarely covered in the media, but last year an Oregon woman made headlines as she was pulled over with marijuana.  Police officers were surprised about her claim that she received marijuana from the federal government, but after a series of phone calls Oregon police were able to verify her story.

Robert Randall passed away in 2001 but NORML founder Keith Stroup has called him “the father of medical marijuana.”  Even after his death Robert Randall serves as a reminder that the federal government’s case against marijuana is contradicted by none other than the federal government.  They have acknowledged marijuana’s medical benefits and have even proved competent enough to cultivate and distribute it.  Although the battle is far from over, on November 24, 1976, we witnessed the end of the government’s ability to suppress one of the greatest healing agents we have ever known.

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Marijuana.net at the San Francisco Cannabis Cup

sf cannabis cup

Over the weekend, Marijuana.net was proud to attend the 2012 High Times San Francisco Cannabis Cup.  The event took place next to the incredible waterfront view at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, CA.

The Cannabis Cup was not only about great views of the Bay Area.  Our community can always be relied upon to partake in a peaceful and fun event.  As we have come to expect from these gatherings, we did not notice any major incidents with security personnel.  Attendees were happy to come and have fun, socialize and learn about the newest developments in the medical marijuana industry.  The weekend’s finale saw the famous Cannabis Cup trophies being issued.  Many quality dispensaries such as San Jose Patients Group and Kush Connection brought along their impressive strains.  Mama P’s Grinders won their 4th consecutive Cannabis Cup for their innovative grinders.  Click here for the entire list of the winners.

Throughout the weekend guest speakers took the stage and spoke with the audience about the newest developments and legalities regarding marijuana.  David Bienstock of High Times moderated a legal panel which also included criminal defense attorney Michael Stepanian in addition to NORML members Liana Held and Paul Armentano.  Attendees were also treated to an edible panel, an activism Q&A, and of course a fun party held Saturday night.  While we are fans of The Werc Shop, we were fortunate enough to be located next another quality laboratory, CW Analytical.  The future of a safe and patient oriented industry will rely heavily on quality lab testing so it was great to speak with another proficient laboratory.

As the academic discussions took place patients and others in attendance had so much to do including stopping by the popular marijuana.net booth.  As always we found an engaging audience happy to enter our raffle, talk with our strain expert to find their perfect strain and to hear about the newest developments described in our news and articles.  Many visited our both including the internationally known Mila Jansen who showed off her “Pollinator”.  Representatives from Xternal Topical Spray were nice enough to give us free samples of their product (very popular with MMA fighters) which is great for all pain including joint, back, and headaches.  Signing our “I Medicate Because” banner was popular as patients are eager to share their reasons for choosing medical marijuana.

Reflecting San Francisco’s progressive culinary culture, we also were impressed with the city’s incredible and healthy edibles.  There were so many different tasty treats that stood out including Eleve Gourmet Organic Truffles  (organic, soy Free, vegan friendly, gluten Free, and dairy Free), and the Treescake Factory.  There was also Cousin Mary Jane (with delicious and healthy toasted hemp seeds) and Chronic Ice Tea (who also had great ice cream sandwiches).

We feel fortunate any time we get to meet with fellow members of the medical marijuana community.  For those in the Los Angeles/Anaheim area, you can check out Marijuana.net at The Werc Shop’s booth for next month’s Kush Expo.  Check back soon for more detail on that event.

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Gourmet Medibles

marijuana cooking

Hungry, craving good food to enrich your day and help you stay medicated?  Well, for patients living in Oregon there are a few choices available to them.  The first cannabis serving eatery in the United States opened in Portland, Oregon over two years ago.  The Cannabis Cafe was a smashing success when it debuted.  Following most recently on its heels is the new Earth Dragon Edibles, in Ashland, Oregon.  Now the state has coverage in both the North and South sides.  Although the two restaurants are very different in look and feel, they both cater to the growing medical marijuana community.

The Cannabis Cafe is on its second iteration. Originally it opened at 4:20PM on November 13, 2009 in the Woodlawn section of North Portland.  Madeline Martinez of Oregon NORML fame opened the establishment in concert with the building’s lessor Eric Solomon.  The cafe itself was similar to those found in Amsterdam, a coffeeshop with accommodations for medicating.  They offered baked goods, coffee, drinks and snacks.  They had a few pool tables, HDTV, and Wifi access for patients to enjoy as they dosed.  It was a nice, relaxing setting in a laid-back area of town.  However, due to differences between NORML and the lease-holder, the Cafe shut down after six months.  Luckily, Ms Martinez sorted things out and the Cannabis Cafe was reopened, albeit in a new location. Now it resides at 322 SE 82nd Ave, in the Montavilla section of Portland and business continues to do well, despite having an exclusive clientele.  Visitors of the Cannabis Cafe must be card-carrying members of Oregon’s NORML chapter and must also have Oregon medical marijuana program (OMMP) cards. The cafe also has its own membership dues, $5 per visit in addition to the NORML dues. Also, no medical is sold on the premises. Patients may bring their own to the cafe. Cannabis Cafe keeps marijuana on hand for patients, and thanks local growers and dispensers for the donations.

Earth Dragon Edibles Restaurant and Lounge is an establishment of a different flavor.  It is a full-fledged restaurant that has marijuana-infused items available on the menu.  Located at 1662 Siskiyou Blvd in Ashland, Earth Dragon is a Mongolian barbecue joint that decided to spice things up a little differently than their competitors.  They offer both regular and medicated items on their menu, with three levels of intensity to their hashish-infused grapeseed oil.  They also have a desert menu for after dinner medicating.  Patients must show proof of OMMP membership, though NORML membership is not necessary.  Furthermore, they skirt marijuana sales laws by requesting donations for their dishes.  The restaurant also contains a hash bar where patients may medicate while they wait, choosing from hash or herbs, vaporizers, pipes or bongs.  However, in accordance with Oregon state laws, there is no smoking in the restaurant section.  And, the medication at the bar is also free, though “donations suggested.”  Earth Dragon has been doing well despite a legal challenge.  They operate without a city-required business license, because they are in violation of Federal statutes.  Local police chief Terry Holderness said that Earth Dragon is not a priority they are pursuing, “Nobody’s life is at risk here…We will prioritize this appropriately. But ultimately, if they are in violation of the law, they will be shut down.”  Ashland authorities appear to be lenient for now, perhaps waiting for further marijuana law resolution from higher levels of government.

We’ve had plenty of exciting news from Oregon.  Hopefully marijuana patients can see more growth like this in other states. Colorado is jumping on the bandwagon too. Maybe California and Washington will follow soon.  Perhaps this phenomenon will find its way to the East Coast.  New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Washington DC patients should keep their eyes open for opportunities.  For those in Oregon, with the proper credentials, Bon Appetit!

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Bruce Margolin’s Congressional Run Brings Hope for Marijuana Patients and Activists

bruce margolin

To the dismay of some of our elected officials, marijuana reform is moving higher on the list of voter priorities. President Obama has has been dogged by questions regarding what appears to be a shift in his marijuana enforcement position.  More recently, voters showed that they are no longer willing to tolerate the failed 40 year war on drugs and elected retired judge Ellen Rosenblum, a huge supporter of marijuana rights.

High profile attorney and longtime ally of the marijuana movement, Bruce Margolin, provides even more hope for those seeking a common sense approach to cannabis law.  Margolin announced last month that he would be running for California’s 33rd Congressional district.  This district covers the Los Angeles’ coastal area and many feel the district could benefit tremendously from Mr. Margolin’s leadership.  He is running on a platform that seeks changes in many key areas such as immigration reform, economic fairness, and defending civil liberties.

Bruce Margolin also has a long track record for defending patients and activists.  He has lent his assistance to individuals involved with marijuana cases for over 40 years.  On his legal website 1800420laws.com, Mr. Margolin directly states his view on marijuana by saying “NO ONE belongs in jail for marijuana.”  He also has served as a director of Los Angeles chapter of NORML for 29 years, contributing to so much of the progress in the marijuana reform movement.  His long track record in marijuana law has made him the premiere legal expert on cannabis law in the United States.

With the injection of Super Pacs on an already polarized nation, the 2012 election already had the makings of a historic and nasty election.  Additionally, there will be at least two states (Washington, and Colorado) and possibly others where residents will have the opportunity to vote on legalizing recreational marijuana use. Bruce Margolin is entering the congressional race at the perfect time.  Patients, marijuana activists, immigrants, same sex couples and so many others desperately need representation in this political climate where federal authorities are still intent on violating our freedoms.

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