pot
Feds May Not Be Able to Flex Muscles After New State Laws
Similar to an annoying gym rat who screams as he exhales while hogging up any full body mirrors, our federal government acts like a “juicehead”, usually eager to show off and flex any chance it gets. We witnessed this during the medical marijuana raids of the Clinton and G.W. Bush presidencies but in 2008 we were then promised newer and smarter ideas. We were promised a fully body approach complete with calisthenics and nutritional eating. However, despite such claims we find ourselves back to square one, paying taxes to a government that is more concerned with feeding its inflating ego and only working out its upper body. Last fall, dispensary raids conducted a rate previously unseen.
Recently, 23 medical marijuana businesses in Washington were sent threatening letters from the DEA, informing them they would have to shut down or face prosecution. The letters were sent out to dispensaries that are in violation of Washington state law as they are operating within school zones. Matthew G. Barnes, of Seattle’s DEA sent the letters which asked dispensaries to “Please take the necessary steps to discontinue the sale and/or distribution of marijuana…within 30 days.”
While the federal government has made it clear they would like to dismantle the entire medical marijuana program, they have chosen a careful route in doing so. Because they do not want to be accused of interfering with state laws, they so far claim to only target dispensaries that are in violation of state law. Many feel that threats to Harborside Health and other high profile California collectives had nothing to do with state law. In addition to the comments included above, Mr. Barnes made statements that did not seem to be concerned with upholding Washington State law as he said “The DEA will not turn a blind eye to criminal organizations that attempt to use state or local law as a shield for their illicit drug trafficking activities.”
The statement actually seems to insinuate that these collectives were attempting to “traffic drugs” at a profit and that respecting state laws had little to do with the decision. Of course anytime the White House is challenged on the issue they still maintain that they only get involved once state laws are broken. This is a statement that could soon backfire as three states will allow its residents to vote on totally legalizing marijuana, even for recreational use. How sacred will state law be to the feds if Washington, Oregon, or Colorado or all three legalize marijuana? Will the feds continue to flex their muscle and admit their disregard for state laws after using it as their defense for so long? Will they try to be more subtle, or will they walk away from the mirror and try to use all of their resources and strength to help instead of harm?
New York Public View Marijuana Law Ranked Dumbest in America
Here at marijuana.net we have printed many articles that focus on New York state’s controversial public view marijuana law. Even though New York decriminalized marijuana in the 1970s, lawmakers left in a key provision that takes away much of the intended progress. If marijuana is in “plain view” then a misdemeanor charge can be brought up instead of the far less severe civil citation ticket. Unfortunately, many officers especially in New York City have used this loophole to arrest many especially African Americans and Hispanic teens. Officers utilized “stop and frisk”, a tactic that has police demanding residents empty their pockets. Once this occurs then police often arrest people on the more serious charge because the marijuana is now in plain sight. The popular NYC newspaper, The Village Voice, recently published an article that describes how New York’s marijuana law is considered the dumbest in the nation by reason.com. Although Governor Cuomo made an effort to fix the law, many mocked him and the problem does not seem to have any chance of being fixed anytime soon.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 24, 2012
Court Ruling Could Reverse Dispensary Bans in California…
The Los Angeles City Council has come under much scrutiny after its controversial decision to ban all medical marijuana dispensaries. Many even wondered if they had the legal authority to even enact such a law with a decision by California’s 2nd District of Appeals stating that dispensaries could not banned. The city decided to move forward with the ban even though it was clear they would have to spend considerable tax dollars defending their ill advised legal decision. A lawsuit has already been filed by the “Patient Care Alliance” challenging the ban. Additionally, Americans For Safe Access have been in the process of collecting the necessary signatures to get a ballot initiative off the ground that would present residents with a chance to overturn the ban themselves. The lawsuit and the ballot initiative may not even be necessary in the end as we recently learned that the court case Pack V. Long Beach was thrown out by the California Supreme Court. Previously, the decision in Pack V. Long Beach ruled that marijuana dispensaries could be banned on the basis that medical marijuana is not permitted by federal law. As a result, municipalities such as L.A. and Long Beach used the decision to ban dispensaries. The state supreme court ruled that since the municipalities have abandoned their federal argument in the recent bans, then everything pertaining to Pack V. Long Beach has been invalidated. Joe Elford of Americans for Safe Access applauded the decision and said “The California Supreme Court has essentially pulled out the rug from under local officials who have used the Pack decision to deny access to medical marijuana for thousands of patients across the state.”
For more on this decision click here
NAACP Backs Marijuana Legalization Effort In Colorado…
A group familiar with social struggles announced its support for Amendment 64 and Colorado’s marijuana legalization efforts. The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was formed in 1909 setting out on a mission “to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.” The oldest civil rights organization is now seeking passage of Amendment 64. However, their support is not entirely linked to the right to smoke marijuana itself as the group is also very much concerned with the disproportionate numbers of African Americans being jailed for cannabis related convictions. Rosemarie Harris Lytle, president of the NAACP’s Colorado branch said “Marijuana prohibition policy does more harm to our communities than good. “That is why we have endorsed Amendment 64 which presents a more effective and socially responsible approach to how Colorado addresses the adult use of marijuana.” Arrests numbers by race are discouraging across the country but Colorado seems to have an even greater racial disparity in marijuana arrests than other areas of the country. In Colorado, African Americans make up 4% of population but make up 9% of marijuana possession arrests and 22% of sale and cultivation charges. In Denver the numbers are even more alarming as 11% of Denver’s population is African American even as they represent 31.5% of marijuana possession arrests.
For more on this story click here
Medical Marijuana Makes Arkansas Ballot for November Election…
Activists in Arkansas faced a major setback when they were unable to deliver enough votes to get medical marijuana to the ballot earlier this summer. However, a renewed effort has been successful with 74,406 signatures being submitted this time. The number is higher than the 62,507 needed. However ballot initiatives often see a significant number of signatures disqualified. This was not the case in Arkansas as the Arkansas Secretary of State said earlier this week that “Our office verified over 69,000 signatures for Arkansans for Compassionate Care. They will be certified to the ballot.” If residents approve the measure Arkansas will join the 17 other states (and Washington D.C.) that permit medical marijuana. They would, however, become the first southern state to start a medical marijuana program.
US Government Burns Through More Than One Billion Dollars in Recent Marijuana Crackdown
Over the past year, the federal government has intensified its anti-marijuana crusade. Analysts are unsure of the exact reasons, especially as it seemed tolerance was in the air when President Obama was elected. Starting last fall, federal raids on medical marijuana dispensaries were carried out in several states including California, Montana, and Colorado. However, burning through marijuana this way may just show how out of touch our elected officials with the wishes of the average American.
However, the DEA reported this week that they have destroyed well over 1 billion dollars worth of marijuana since launching an intense effort on July 1st. The popular news site “The Raw Story” said that, according to the Justice Department “Federal, state and local law enforcement in the seven states have eradicated more than 578,000 marijuana plants from public lands. The DEA estimates the value of this marijuana to be well over $1 billion.” Over 80% of the plants destroyed by the government were located in California.
Sending out huge teams to search, locate, and terminate the plants does not come without cost. No one has confirmed just how much the recent effort is costing taxpayers. There are understandable reasons as to why the government would go after the grows (other than just pursuing their outdated policies on marijuana). The Department of Justice said they removed “Huge amounts of trash, miles of irrigation line, and many pounds of fertilizer and pesticides were removed from grow sites on public lands.” All of this only further highlights the need for a regulated system. Under a more defined system,
As the American public calls for both medical and recreational legalization of cannabis, how long can we expect federal agencies to keep these efforts up? Though they frame their actions as a way of helping the public, no one wants to lose their job. Recently, heads turned when Todd Akin showed just how disconnected he was with his comments on “legitimate rape” and women’s health. Both major political parties stand to lose considerable power as the people will continue to bypass ineffective leaders with ballot initiatives to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana as a way to fix both our healthcare and economic system. Instead of destroying 1 billion in cannabis (plus the cost of sending out agents) jobs, tax revenues, and preserving the natural beauty of America could be our focus instead.
Brazilian Artists Substitutes Paint With Marijuana Smoke
Marijuana and art have enjoyed a successful union for decades in the United States, and perhaps for even thousands of years in other regions. Marijuana.net has been proud to report on stories that highlight artists inspired by marijuana. However, a new story has come to our attention that takes the marriage of art and cannabis to a new level.
While most artists have a preferred medium, Brazilian painter Fernando de la Rocque’s palette is particularly unique. This artist utilizes marijuana to craft his paintings. Fernando de la Rocque actually smokes and then exhales cannabis through a stencil and onto paper. The results are actually beautiful works that have a golden tint to them. Though it may seem like a lazy way to create his drawings, the finished product actually requires him to blow up to five joints through the stencil per day for about a week. There may be a translation issue with the title of his new collection as Fernando is calling it “Blow Job”. All jokes about the title aside, Fernando de la Rocque was very serious in describing his work. He recently said “more important than freedom to smoke marijuana is the freedom to think about it and make art with it.”
Fernando de la Rocque’s work is showing just how much marijuana acceptance is growing. His work will even be included in the La Cucaracha Gallery in Rio de Janeiro. Obviously his work will not be relegated to a fringe audience as a mainstream gallery feels it deserves floor space. The pictures typically are sold for approximately $2,500 each. While that may seem expensive to some (though work from other artists can be sold for much more money) Fernando del Rocque’s medium costs considerably more than pastels or water paints.
Fans of his work may also appreciate his dedication to his craft. As is the case in most countries, marijuana is illegal in Brazil so there is risk in the art Fernando creates. Artists have been depicting images for thousands of years that could get them in trouble, though this may be one of the first instances where it is the medium itself that cause the controversy.
Growing Marijuana Helps Save Families Across the World
While much of our news coverage focuses on domestic issues and our own western culture, it is important that we do not lose sight of the marijuana movement worldwide. In recent months we have had encouraging news in Central and South America as Columbia, Mexico, Uruguay and other countries have now seriously discussed decriminalization and legalization plans.
Moving toward the rest of the world, we can see that the recession has an even greater impact on struggling countries. With no industry and help in sight, villagers in trouble have turned to a new way to make ends meet and feed their families. Several months ago many news outlets reported that Rasquera, a small village in Spain was considering renting out their fields to help pay off a large debt owed to the European Union. The small village has been growing concerned that its younger population is moving out, seeking jobs in larger metropolitan areas. Though the village voted to enact the plan, an official from the Spanish government said there was virtually no way this program would ever get started. Officials in Spain may be forced to think outside of the box as Spain is suffering from 23% unemployment (unemployment is considered a huge problem in the U.S. and is currently at 8.3%) with economists predicting another upcoming and prolonged recession.
While the Spanish government may be dragging their feet and standing in the way of villagers taking their own initiative, the New York Times recently reported on a grandmother in Swaziland who has become a cannabis grower as a way to support her 11 grandchildren. Khathazile, (she only provided her middle name to the Times reporter) has lost her 3 daughters who all died young and is growing the famous “Swazi Gold” strain as a way to take care of her motherless grandchildren. Marijuana was not necessarily her first choice to grow but traditional crops do not provide enough for the large family to survive. As Khathazile says “If you grow corn or cabbages, the baboons steal them.” Another local woman, Sibongile Nkosi, started to grow marijuana before her daughter died and was impressed with the ease of the grow. She described her first attempt by saying “I put the seeds in the ground, watered them, and it grew. I was able to feed my children.”
While these stories may seem controversial to some, it is easy to criticize the idea from more economically vibrant regions of the world, where we may not be faced with having to break the law in order to clothe and feed our children. HIV/AIDS has ravaged much of Africa with so many children becoming orphans at a young age. We can no longer afford ignorance, and the luxury of fear mongering and propaganda. Simply put, marijuana saves and improves lives both medically and economically. As men in pressed suits try to put their expensive western education to work and try to create elaborate economic recovery plans, Khathazile already has a sustainable low cost plan for pulling the world out of this recession.
FSU Star Greg Reid’s Dismissal Highlights Huge Contradiction
Evidence of organized athletics outdated views on marijuana have been mounting. Recently, marijuana.net published an article that described several American athletes being banned from the Olympic games for testing positive on marijuana tests, even as marijuana is not considered a performance enhancer. Even Michael Phelps was suspended from competition (previous to the London Games) for being photographed smoking marijuana and never officially failing a drug test. As marijuana has gained acceptance, most sports organizations have not done their homework or acknowledged the generational differences.
We no longer live in an “alcohol only” society. Marijuana is quickly becoming the new generations choice when it comes to social substance use. Marijuana is not known to produce the common “hang over” side effects of alcohol. Additionally, research is showing that it does not seem to have the long term health implications found with alcohol or substance use. Unfortunately, the approach by most sports organizations is as archaic as ever. Another star joining the list of those suffering extreme consequences due to marijuana use is former Florida State corner back Greg Reid. Reid was pulled over recently and was charged with a misdemeanor after an officer discovered a small amount of marijuana in the car. As a result, the talented Greg Reid, both a media and fan favorite has been dismissed by Florida State University. As Orlando Sentinel reporter Mike Bianchi said in a recent article, “if Reid had been arrested for DUI with an open bottle of Jack Daniels in the front seat, he’d probably still be on the team.”
It is understandable that will only naturally be a generational gap when accessing the dangers of marijuana. Previous generations endured pseudo science and decades of anti marijuana propaganda. Newer generations have grown up in a world where shared experiences are accessible on their cell phones with information on marijuana being readily available. Teens are smoking marijuana at higher rates the propaganda ultimately may have had the opposite effect than its initial intention, as distrust in the government’s approach toward cannabis has increased. However, even for those who may not support marijuana, it still is abundantly clear that cannabis is here and needs to be dealt with.
Florida State’s coach, Jimbo Fisher is not exactly a supporter of marijuana use. He sees it as a drug with its use reaching “epidemic” levels. However, he seems to accept that cannabis is here and does not want to turn his back on the issue. At a recent press conference he said “We look at alcohol like it’s not a problem. “Alcohol isn’t illegal, and I understand that, but I’ll tell you what, it causes as many deaths and bad circumstances as any other drug. But alcohol is accepted.” He then went on to say “What if somebody told everybody in this room that you can’t drink a beer again or you’re going to get fired?” Coach Fisher feels it is our duty to help and also told reporters “There’s more drug and alcohol abuse in this country than there’s ever been. We can stick our head in the sand and act like it’s not there, but it is. It doesn’t make them bad kids; it’s our job to help fix it.”
Even if many of us do not totally agree and view marijuana as dangerous as alcohol, we at marijuana.net were pleased to see a high profile coach engage the issue instead of pretending it does not exist. For those who oppose marijuana, we challenge you to explain why the approach of sticking your fingers in your ears and yelling loudly had been an acceptable solution for what you consider such a destructive substance?
Hempcrete To Be used in Construction of Florida Home
We at marijuana.net have posted many articles that highlight hemp’s varied uses. Food, paper, clothing, rope, and so many other products can be made by utilizing the hemp plant. During a time where we hope the green movement catches on, American Lime Technology is begining the construction of a home that will showcase an entirely new way of construction. America’s first home made from hempcrete will hopefully pave the way for future buildings. The home is expected to sustain hurricane force winds (up to 123mph). Bob Clayton of American Lime Technology is hoping hempcrete construction catches on across the U.S. He says that it is common in Europe to use hempcrete in construction and would like to see it gain popularity here. Many believe hempcrete offers a healthier lifestyle and does not trigger allergies linked to latex and other materials used in building traditional American homes.
For more on hempcrete an Americal Lime Technology click here
Patient Care Alliance To Sue Los Angeles Over Dispensary Ban
It did not take long for activists to fight back against the recent ban on medical marijuana dispensaries by the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles City Council made a very controversial decision to ban all of its medical marijuana collectives. A decision so controversial, it may even be illegal when considering the recent ruling of California’s 2nd District of Appeals Court which said cities do not have the right to ban marijuana dispensaries.
Many analysts wondered exactly why the city when forward with the ban as many lawsuits were expected, especially as it seems activists have the upper hand legally. Marijuana.net mentioned yesterday that letters were sent to marijuana dispensaries informing them that they have until September 6th to shut down, or face a fine of $2,500 per everyday they remain open. We now have learned that the September 6th forced closure date may be in jeopardy.
According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, the trade group named “Patient Care Alliance”, which represents 300 area dispensaries has filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles over the upcoming dispensary closures. Marc O’Hara who is in charge of the group called the ban “heartless”. The city of Los Angeles is also likely to have another legal headache as GLACA (The Greater Los Angeles Collectives Alliance) and ASA (Americans for Safe Access) are working on a ballot initiative to overturn the ban. They have already began to collect signatures and if they are successful residents of Los Angeles may vote to repeal the ban.
Critics of the ban are concerned that patients will no longer have access to safe medicine and may even have to turn to illegal methods of obtaining cannabis. The City Council claims that patients have not been left out in the cold because they are still allowed to grow their own cannabis and distribute it within groups of three. This proposal seems unenforceable (how exactly will law enforcement prove patients are operating within their groups?) and seems to carry the potential for organized crime to regain their stronghold on the Los Angeles marijuana market. However, growing quality and safe marijuana that is free of pesticides, mold, and other harmful agents can take years of practice, something many patients are unable to do. Additionally there is considerable cost associated with starting a grow operation from scratch. The need for safe access to medication is important, especially for a city that has had legalized medical marijuana for 16 years. Check back with us soon as well will keep an eye on any new developments pertaining to the September 6th closures.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 17, 2012
Los Angeles Marijuana Dispensaries Ordered To Close on Sept 6…
Several weeks ago the Los Angeles City Council decided to issue an order to ban all marijuana dispensaries within city limits. The move has caused a fair amount of commotion and legal experts do not even know for sure if they city is operating within their rights. A recent decision by California’s second District of Appeals ruled that local municipalities cannot outlaw marijuana dispensaries. Earlier in the week, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office sent out 1,000 letters to buildings they believe are dispensaries informing them that they need to close their doors or face possible fines of $2,500 per day fine after September 6th. There is a considerable amount of legal confusion in the air. Besides the 2nd district decision, there are also referendums in the works with activists collecting signatures. This could also delay or eliminate the city’s ban. Kris Hermes of Americans for Safe Access said “We don’t have a clear-cut response for them on what’s going on. It would be imprudent to tell them to stay open. But at the same time, there is all this other activity going on that could change the situation in a matter of weeks.”
For more on this story click here
Colorado Legalization Initiative Could Mean Big Bucks for State…
Earlier in the week marijuana.net ran a story that described how much money could be made in the state of Washington should residents vote to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis. Colorado has also released a report that shows how much money could be generated if their similar law, amendment 64 is passed. A report released by The Colorado Center on Law and Policy (CCLP) indicated that in the first year alone legalizing cannabis could generate $60 million in its first year and rise to $120 million by 2017. Of the $120 million $80 million would go toward alleviating financial burdens of local and state government with the remaining $40 million being directed to a fund that would construct new schools. Showing its potential for job creation the program would create 350 new construction jobs. This is independent of the jobs created for medical personnel, dispensary workers, security companies and several other industries.
For more on this story click here
New Jersey Off to Slow Start in Registering Patients…
Matching the snail’s pace of the launching the entire medical marijuana program in New Jersey, only 50 patients so far have been approved to be legal cannabis patients in the Garden State. The good news is that the program is moving forward after almost no action for two years after it was approved by exiting former Governor Jim Corzine. So far state lawmakers have delayed the program for as long as they can and the small patient registration numbers come as no surprise. The point of the program is to prevent patients from having to secure their medication from illegal sources. So far the program is doing the opposite. Chris Goldstein, a spokesperson for The Coalition for Medical Marijuana in New Jersey said “Patients meanwhile are going on the underground market. “It’s not like they’re not accessing medicine out there.” New Jersey aimed to be a state with strict guidelines but has been outpaced by other known strict medical marijuana states such as Arizona. However, there is reason to believe that patient registration will pick up as every aspect of the program has been hastened by the threat of lawsuits. Expect more of the same as advocates will surely pursue the legal route if patients are not being accepted into the program.