President barack obama
Vice Presidential Showdown Being Held in Hemp Country
The political world has been buzzing since last week’s presidential debate between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. Most analysts and viewers felt Mr. Romney won the debate and that the President seemed distant and unmotivated. The president has vowed to turn up the intensity next week as the polls have shifted toward Romney a bit. However before next week’s showdown we will watch the right hand men of the two candidates go into political battle.
Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan will be in Danville Kentucky for their debate. While this may not seem significant for some, Kentucky is hemp country both in a historical sense and in a modern sense. Kentucky lawmakers, one of them being the widely known Rand Paul, have been fighting to reform hemp laws, which if possible, make even less sense than our marijuana laws. Our politicians are the quickest to include American flags on their lapelle but often the slowest to remember exactly what the stars and stripes stand for. America’s history on hemp will forever be intertwined as George Washington even required farmers to grow the plant in order to help during the revolutionary war.
Irrational and overblown fears of marijuana during the turn of the 20th century into the 1930s lead to lawmakers also outlawing hemp. The fact that it is virtually impossible to get “stoned” from this part of the marijuana plant would not serve as a deterrent for dogmatic lawmakers. Hemp stalks include a fraction of 1% of THC, where most strains of marijuana can range from 10-25% THC. As more is being uncovered about hemp’s versatility, even politicians who love reminiscing in the good old days of anti science are forced to reconsider their opposition.
The two vice presidential candidates will probably stick close to the talking points of their runningmates/bosses. Even as Joe Biden is known for abandoning the script, we do not feel he will be fielding questions on marijuana and hemp, even though much of the debate will revolve around recycled ideas as to how we get America back to work. If only each debate required a local segment, where the issues impacting the region where the debate is being held were discussed. If that were the case then last week we may have heard President Obama and Governor Romney articulate their position on compassion and relief while this week we would be treated to Paul Ryan and Joe Biden telling us how they would jumpstart hemp farming, create jobs, and educate Americans about the wonder fiber.
90 Minutes
Why is 90 minutes so important? It is about the average run time of a movie. It is the allotted time for a regulation soccer match. Ninety minutes is probably the length of your bosses lunch break. On Wednesday night, it represents the amount of time Americans have to formulate their opinion on who they will be casting their vote for the United States Presidency.
For political junkies the presidential debates offer a breath of fresh air. This is where the two candidates will actually be face to face and respond to each other. The system is not perfect, but this true reality show offers more than the same campaign speech rehashed over and over again to a receptive crowd. They certainly are not perfect, as many important topics will be skipped over, but in this age of hiding behind talking points, Wednesday’s 90 minutes may be the closest thing we get to an intellectual conversation about fixing this country.
Unfortunately for marijuana activists, it is unlikely that the “M” word will even be muttered during the 90 minutes. Even as politicians and residents remain sharply divided on medical marijuana dispensary raids, this issue will continue to be avoided. Though elections are won and lost on the issues, we never seem capable of moving forward. Roe V. Wade was decided 40 years ago, yet we are sure to hear the two men in suits talk at length about abortion rights. School vouchers, tax rates, the deficit, and tort reform, are all important but have dominated debate questions for many elections now. Instead of tackling a new age issue in marijuana reform, we are likely going to be relegated to hearing about the same old issues.
One would think that in 90 minutes, there surely is time to talk about those who struggling, about compassionate relief. Well if 90 minutes is too short for that, perhaps the wasted money and lives on the war on drugs can be fit in? Hmm,no? Certainly all of the lives (many of them teens) that are ruined by incarcerations linked to low level marijuana possession will get its day in the sun. Again you say no? Then personal freedom, in a country founded on the very principle should definitely spring marijuana into the presidential debate. Of course a discussion on returning rights and liberties to the people likely has virtually no chance of taking place whether the debate is 90 minutes or 90 days.
Click here for a schedule of all of the Presidential debates and a list of the moderators
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 31, 2012
Los Angeles Ban On Dispensaries Appears to be Put on Hold…
The controversial decision to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles was met with resistance from activists. Many patients have been anxious about how exactly they were going to safely access medication and if they would have to turn to traditional illegal methods of obtaining it. The Los Angeles City Council, especially Councilman Huizar have seemed especially determined to end dispensaries even as the legalities mount against their actions. It appears that court decisions have invalidated the right for municipalities to ban dispensaries. While that did little to stop the city from threatening a closure which was set to take effect in days, apparently the ballot initiative from Americans for Safe Access did succeed. Organizers submitted slightly over 49,000 votes with only 27,425 needed. The signatures will be examined and validated which typically takes at least a few days. If the signatures are approved then the Los Angeles City Council will have 30 days to either overturn the ban or put it a vote by residents. Councilman Huizar still seemed determined to wipe any perceived egg off his face. He said the city could still close shops that were in violation of state law and operating at a profit. Of course marijuana.net searched extensively and could not find where ASA, or other organizers said any different. However, eliminating all 700+ dispensaries, many of which are not making a profit is an altogether different story and may have been an overreach on the part of the City Council.
Marijuana Decriminalization May Come to Springfield Missouri…
Many activists in Springfield Missouri have been seeking a new approach toward marijuana laws. The goup Show Me Cannabis Regulation was successful in collecting enough signatures to get a ballot initiative to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana to the ballots. The group was successful in collecting the required signatures. As the case is in most areas, lawmakers can approve a ballot initiative or reject the issue and send it for residents to vote on. While the City Council of Springfield voted 6-3 to approve the decriminalization effort, lawmakers now have 30 days to amend the bill. The move appears to be a shrewd move aimed at keeping the issue away from a public vote. As stated already, if the vote failed then voters would get a chance to approve the measure. Now it seems several of the “yes” votes by the city council were simply to keep the issue in house. Now they have 30 days to change and basically strip away the decriminalization law. Councilman Jeff Seifried said of that he supported passing the legislation “then gutting, the entire ordinance.” Unless our interpretation of this comment is incorrect, it sounds as if Councilman Tommy Bieker has similar plans. He said “I will be voting in support with the intent of turning around and working out the amendment.” Many residents may grow resentful that the City Council would take drastic measures to avoid having the people of Springfield ultimately decide the fate of the law.
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President Obama Participates in Reddit AMA Though Some were not Pleased…
As we close in on the 2012 presidential election, the candidates will try to utilize every way to connect with the people. We are in the middle of the convention season as Mitt Romney concluded the Republican National Convention by making his speech and officially accepting the nomination. On Tuesday the Democratic National Convention will get under way. In the midst of high profile coverage it may be a surprise that the President decided to pursue a very new way of connecting with voters. On Wednesday President Obama participated in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) where he encouraged voters to submit questions. The president has also taken part in other online forums aimed at connecting with voters. While we cannot say they have not been effective, he has dodged the issue of marijuana reform and the war on drugs now several times. Yesterday many were upset that the president seemingly ignored the growing calls for marijuana reform. However, we at marijuana.net would like to applaud him for taking part, even if his answers were not ideal. The president seems to be more in tune with the growing online culture than other current and previous candidates. While he may be avoiding the conversation to some extent, it is a unique situation that a president would directly converse with voters. However, in the future a free pass may not be granted if he partakes in another online forum encouraging questions on everything but simply handpicking his answers.
Marijuana Gets Political As GOP Convention Gets Underway
This week the Republican National Convention has commenced. The goal of the convention will be to officially nominate former Governor Mitt Romney as the Republican candidate for president of the United States. The convention has been forced to do a balancing act because Hurricane Isaac has been looming. The guest speakers, which included Ann Romney, Rick Santorum and Chris Christie, were tasked with the goal of painting Mitt Romney as the man who can turn our country around. Absent from any of the speeches was marijuana reform, even as it is becoming a large concern for many Americans. The convention will continue throughout the week, however, since mainstream coverage will ignore the issue, marijuana.net would like to take this time to discuss some political updates that will not make it to the airwaves this week.
The two party system in the United States has disenfranchised many and created a sentiment that we have very limited choices. This could explain why the United States Medical Marijuana Chamber of Commerce has now officially endorsed a president that has overseen the largest attack on medical marijuana patients in 16 years. Fear of Mitt Romney seems to have prompted the endorsement. Thomas L. Leto III, President and Founder of the group said in a statement this week “The Economic Potential of the Cannabis Business in the U.S. is Limitless and President Obama understands this, It is our impression that Mr. Romney just doesn’t get it. Mitt Romney is known for his business success and would probably be able to forecast how large the legalized marijuana is set to grow in the coming years. However, his campaign has been forced to embrace far right wing ideals which would likely prevent him from enacting reform measures. Many are confident that an Obama second term would see a less toxic atmosphere for marijuana, while many fear the unknown with a Romney presidency.
We would also like to touch on another political issue that will likely fly under the radar this week. The NAACP has announced their endorsement of Washington States Initiative 502. New Approach Washington has been instrumental in collecting enough signatures from residents in order to get the issue of marijuana legalization and regulation in front of voters this November. As reported by marijuana.net last week, the group also backed Colorado’s Ammendment 64, a ballot initiative that will also face a vote by residents and is similar to Washington’s Initiative 502. NAACP President of the Alaska, Washington State, and Oregon chapter, Oscar Eason, Jr. said “Treating marijuana use as a crime has not only failed, it has perpetuated racial inequities through unequal enforcement.” He also went on to say “African Americans are no more likely than whites to use marijuana, but we are much more likely to be arrested for it.” This sentiment also matches the rationale for the NAACP backing of the Colorado legalization efforts.
As the road to the White House unfolds we will continue to provide updates. Next week is the Democratic National Convention to be held in North Carolina. While we expect a dodging of the marijuana issue there, we would like to remind the president that he could truly galvanize a large voting base by demonstrating some concern for reform and medical patients. We would also hope that Hurricane Isaac passes through with minimal damage. Our hearts, once again, are with the Gulf region.
News Of Marijuana Benefit May be Weighed Down By Political Arguments
Despite political squabbling as to how America should handle its growing healthcare problem, millions remain uninsured. With mental disorders being diagnosed more frequently and skyrocketing treatment costs, we seem to be heading down a path of widespread medical disaster, where many still will not be able to afford treatment.
Repealing Obamacare (the goal of presidential hopeful Mitt Romney who ironically can be considered its architect) will be a huge topic for debate in the upcoming presidential election. We have witnessed the obsession with eliminating the president’s healthcare plan since it was passed. However, we have heard very few ideas as to how the next plan would provide help to so many who are in desperate situations. Marijuana activists have offered their own plans to provide relief for millions, though marijuana alone cannot address all of our healthcare needs. However, when it comes to affordable medicine with little side effects, marijuana could act as an viable alternative. Government sponsored clinical trials with cannabis could produce some of the most effective treatments from both a standpoint of financial accessibility and medical effectiveness.
Neither President Obama nor Mitt Romney have embraced medical marijuana, but as their endless debate unfolds, we at marijuana.net want to make sure a new development does not get lost in the campaign squabbling. We were pleased to learn of even more evidence that cannabis holds more than just pain relief potential. In the journal titled “Psychiatry Research” a study was recently published that showed frequent cannabis users demonstrated higher neurocognitive performance when suffering from bi-polar disorder than those who did not use cannabis. The scientists were not willing to say that marijuana should be used specifically as a treatment for bi-polar disorder. Authors of the study were concerned about side effects and supposed links to possible psychological problems linked with marijuana use.
Scientists who were part of the study concluded that may need to develop treatments that mimic the positive effects of cannabis while limiting any negative side effects. Clearly more research is needed, but even if cannabis has some negative effects for those with mental disorders, lifting restrictions on marijuana research could eventually produce a strain of marijuana that could be ideal for bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, or other mental disorders. In Israel, where partisan politics have not restricted and severely hindered research, scientists were able to produce a strain of marijuana with high levels of CBD and low levels of THC (CBD and THC are both cannabinoids). The result is a strain that will address pain relief without creating the expected psychedelic effects commonly associated with marijuana. If our president and congress were to abandon the rhetoric, we may soon see scientists create treatments for the new age, medicine that is affordable, natural, and effective.
Where the Candidates Stand
The race for the American presidency has entered the period that can best be described as the calm before the storm. The candidates may be sniping at each other through the media, but otherwise we are in a lull waiting for the Republican candidate Mitt Romney to announce his running mate and the upcoming national conventions. However, before the race kicks into high gear we thought we would provide updates on the candidates and their plans marijuana reform.
Barack Obama:
The current president of the United States has upset many of his previous supporters by taking an unexpected harsh approach toward medical marijuana. Many federal raids have been conducted with letters and threats for more to come being sent out. The president has stayed mostly quiet about the war and drugs and it seems to be an inconvenient thorn in his side. Many are wondering if a second Barack Obama term would see a different approach. Many South and Central American nations have and are considering legalization/decriminalization measures as a way to try and reduce escalating violence by the cartels. Recently the president has said they are not going to legalize anytime soon but that he would be open to a discussion on the issue. Nancy Pelosi had recently signaled that there may be more movement on the issue after the election.
Mitt Romney:
Governor Romney has never supported medical marijuana (unless he has changed this view somewhere along the line) and does not appear inclined to start anytime soon. He famously walked away from a suffering man in a wheelchair who questioned the governor about medical cannabis. In a campaign stop on Colorado several months ago Mr. Romney was questioned about medical marijuana and he responded by asking if anyone wanted to discuss any “real” issues. Patients in Colorado were not pleased that Mr. Romney would not engage the issue and for those who are sick, the issue is all too real for them everyday. The campaign has been rough for the former governor lately, as his recent trip oversees was marred with controversy over his comments regarding Israel and Palestine, and his statement that London was not ready to hold the Olympics.
Gary Johnson:
Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson now serves as the flag bearer for marijuana reform on the presidential stage. While his chances of winning the White House may be slim, he is bringing a great deal of attention to the issue. The popular libertarian has polled as high as 8% nationally, which is a very high number for a third party candidate. His running mate is also a very well known advocate of marijuana reform and a former justice of the peace. Gary Johnson is trying to be included in the presidential debates, which would likely bring the issue to the forefront and prevent Barack Obama and Mitt Romney from sidestepping the issue.
Roseanne Barr:
The comedian and former television star has thrown her hat into the race. Similar to Governor Johnson, she has made marijuana reform one of her primary core issues. Recently she appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman and said they would have to pry a joint “out of her cold dead fingers”, an obvious parody to the late Charlton Heston and similar remarks he made regarding gun rights. Many have questioned if Roseanne is serious about a White House run, but so far she appears to be staying in the race.
The 2012 election appears to be heading down a historic path. It is unclear if marijuana reform will receive the attention it deserves but the time for dodging the questions seem to be running out. The war on drugs has long failed, and taxpayers have grown tired of watching their hard earned dollars be wasted during a time where we could put the money to better use. Check back with us as the race for the White House starts to heat up.
Developing Stories in California
From a national standpoint, marijuana reform efforts have been achieving a great deal of success as of late. Voters in Washington, Colorado, and Oregon will actually have the opportunity to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana use this November. Even though the situation is not as upbeat in California, the state remains the epicenter for American …continue reading
White House Denies Soldiers Petition to Use Marijuana for PTSD
Despite having no military combat experience or even approving any federal cannabis research, President Obama has come to a very well thought out conclusion, marijuana has no benefit for sufferers of PTSD. Of course many doctors, scientists, and war veterans of this country feel very differently than the president. A coalition of returning soldiers has …continue reading
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 22, 2012
Uruguay Looks to Legalize Marijuana In Effort to Reduce Violence and Crime…
Efforts by Central American countries to convince the United States government to reconsider their rigid stance on marijuana has proved unsuccessful. America’s demand for marijuana has lead to a rise in cartel power and violence all over Central America. Both President Obama and Vice President Biden have been hammered by criticism from leaders in the region on recent trips. Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico has been very vocal regarding how United States drug laws are having a devastating impact on Central America. Leaders in Uruguay are taking the initiative and will not wait for United States to take action at a glacial pace. Uruguay’s Defense Minister Eleuterio Fernandez Huidobro said this week that prohibition was causing “more problems than the drugs themselves.” Analysts believe this is only a start and that many nations will follow Uruguay’s lead.
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New Hampshire Governor Vetoes Bill To Legalize Medical Marijuana…
Recently New Hampshire lawmakers approved a measure that would permit medical marijuana. There has been momentum for such a program for several years as a similar measure was passed in 2009 only to be vetoed by Governor Lynch. He has done so again with the new 2012 bill however advocates and lawmakers are hoping they can gather enough votes to override the Governor’s veto. The bill passed by a wide margin in both New Hampshire’s House and Senate though it is still unclear if enough legislators would support overriding the governor’s veto.
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Two House Representatives Refuse to Let DEA Official Avoid Answering Marijuana Questions
Jared Polis (D-CO) is one of the nation’s most recognized marijuana supporters in Congress. Along with Barney Frank and Ron Paul (R-TX) Mr. Polis has certainly fought hard for marijuana patients. This week he grilled Michele Leonhart of the Drug Enforcement Administration during a Congressional hearing. As Ms. Leonhart was asked questions regarding marijuana, she seemed unwilling to elaborate as to why the federal government has marijuana classified as a schedule 1 drug. Steve Cohen (D-TN) also demanded straight forward answers from Leonhart Below you can find an excerpt of the exchange between Polis and Leonhardt:
POLIS: Is crack worse for a person than marijuana?
LEONHART: I believe all the illegal drug are bad.
POLIS: Is methamphetamine worse for somebody’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: I don’t think any illegal drug is good.
POLIS: Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: Again, all the drugs –
POLIS: I mean, either yes, no, or I don’t know. I mean, if you don’t know, you can look this up you should know this as the chief administrator for the Drug Enforcement Agency. I’m asking you a very straightforward question. Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: All the illegal drugs are bad.
POLIS: Does this mean you don’t know?
LEONHART: Heroin causes an addiction that causes many problems that’s very hard to kick.
POLIS: Does that mean that the health impact is worse than marijuana, is that what you’re telling me?
LEONHART: I think that you are asking a subjective question.
Marijuana.net Will Be Attending the High Times Cannabis Cup In San Francisco this weekend…
There is no rest for the weary as marijuana.net will be taking the excitement from San Jose’s Hempcon with us to San Francisco and the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup. If you are in the Bay Area come check us out on Saturday, Sunday, or both days. We will continue with our popular raffles and we encourage patients to learn more about which medication is right for them with a free one on one session with our strain master . We’ll also be showing off our comprehensive strain library and be providing education on the newest marijuana reform developments.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 1, 2012
Anti- Marijuana Stance may have caused Congressman his Job…
The Huffington Post’s website recently posted an article that describes a congressional election that may have been won and lost because of medical marijuana. What has marijuana advocates even more excited is this did not occur in California, Washington, or Colorado, but in Texas. El Paso Democrats decided to let Rep. Silvestre Reyes exit office in favor of Beto O’Rourke. While the race was for the primary, the mostly Democratic district is expected to choose O’Rourke, the winner of this race. Over the years, Reyes has been very adamant in his opposition to marijuana reform. The election seems to have highlighted El Paso voters concern with the growing violence along the Mexican border. Beto O’Rourke helped to push a 2009 legalization resolution in response to the growing problems along the border. Reyes, who maintains very close ties with President Obama and former President Clinton opposed and said that the district risked losing federal funding even if they simply discussed and debated the issue. Residents did not find the explanation of his opposition satisfactory and have moved on. Activists nationally are showing their political muscle as the Attorney General race in Oregon also may have been determined by the candidate’s position on marijuana.
Click here for the Huffington Post article which describes the story in further detail
Poll: California Residents overwhelmingly support medical marijuana but split on total legalization…
As the Los Angeles City Council is considering a ban on all dispensaries in the city, California residents should make them think twice. A new poll shows that an absolute vast majority of residents in the state support medical marijuana. Apparently, the growth of medical cannabis has not caused residents to want an end to the program. Today, the City Council may choose to shut down all of the dispensaries while allowing patients to grown their own medication. Activists say that could compromise “safe access” as many patients do not have the means or knowledge to grow safe medicine. Another plan will also be discussed that would limit the amount of legal dispensaries to 100. All of this is a temporary fix until the state supreme court issues a ruling which is expected next year. The poll also shows that Californians are mixed on recreational legalization and only 46% favored it. Interestingly enough, the rest of the country may support legalization even more than residents in California as a recent poll showed 56% of Americans were in favor. With such strong support from the people on medical marijuana but still opposition from lawmakers, an eventful year is expected.
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White House Ignores Returning Soldiers Pleas for Medical Marijuana…
It is not secret that for generations American soldiers have returned home only to fight a new internal struggle. While marijuana has showed great promise in treating PTSD symptoms, the federal government has refused to alter their position. Thousands of veterans banded together and sent in a petition requesting that the White House reconsider its stance on medical marijuana. Unfortunately they have been rejected. PTSD is a serious and often underrepresented condition. Statistics actually show that suicides are far more of a risk for military personnel as they outnumber combat deaths by a staggering 25-1 margin. Al Byrne, co-founder of the Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access (VMCA) said in response, “Vets have used cannabis for PTSD since the Revolutionary War, we know what we need and to be told by our President, the Commander in Chief, that he does not care about those he has sent to war by denying medicine to the wounded is unconscionable.”
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Strange News: Denny’s Customer tries to pay for meal with Marijuana…
Although marijuana.net is pleased with the progress the marijuana reform has made, the following story shows us why educating is so important. We encourage readers to check out our legal section and to verify the marijuana laws in your state. However, even education may not have been enough for a man in Niagara, NY. The man tried to pay for his burger and fries at a local Denny’s (approximately $10) with one dollar of acceptable United States currency, and the rest with marijuana. When employees did not accept the well thought out proposal, the man bolted for the nearby woods. Reports indicate that employees informed police of where the man lived. It is unclear as to what charges may be brought if he is caught because he did not eat any of the food and New York has decriminalized marijuana possession for amounts under 25 grams. The penalty is a civil citation carrying a maximum of a $100 fine. It is unclear if authorities will view the action more severely considering he attempted to use the marijuana in a transaction.