Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol
After Historic President Obama May Be Ready to Examine Marijuana Reform
Often a politician’s true feelings are not decipherable until after they no longer face the prospect of re-election. While President Obama’s 2008 campaign included a progressive tone to the war on drugs and marijuana reform, his first term drifted away from those sentiments. Federal raids on dispensaries have been at an all time high under President Obama, more so than the Clinton and Bush years combined.
While normally an elected official could risk paying a high price such misleading political statements, marijuana advocates were left with little choice as Republican challenger Mitt Romney stated that he would medical marijuana “tooth and nail”. One year ago, sensible marijuana reform and all the hard work for 15 years seemed to seriously be at jeopardy. Raids were underway in California and Newt Gingrich (who vowed to increase government efforts on the failed war on drugs) was the frontrunner for the GOP nomination. While the atmosphere was starting to appear toxic, activists remained undeterred. Groups such as Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (Colorado) and New Approach Washington were able expand awareness and help collect enough signatures to get legalization to the ballots. The legalization of marijuana in Washington and Colorado seems to be a game changer
Elections clearly have winners, losers, and consequences. The international community, especially our neighbors to the south have been calling on the United States to alter its approach to the War On Drugs. The Obama administration seemed unmoved by the international pressure. President Obama even sidestepped online forum questions on marijuana several times. Through all of this many kept their fingers crossed that President Obama would take on a softer tone as he likely will never be running for public office again. The second term is here and marijuana activists were thrown a bone recently.
Even as the media coverage is narrowly focused on the so called “fiscal cliff”, the president must have taken notice of what happened in the two now legal marijuana states as he felt compelled to comment on the issue last week. He recently told Barbara Walters that “We’ve got bigger fish to fry,” Mr Obama said in a nationally televised interview. “It would not make sense for us to see a top priority as going after recreational users in states that have determined that it’s legal.” He also went on to say that the Justice Department is researching how they can reconcile the differences between federal and state law. The president does not even have to draft his own legislation as The Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act of 2012 has already been introduced to congress. The bill, which is sponsored by Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, would amend the US Controlled Substances Act and prevent federal law from taking precedence over state law.
It remains to be seen what exactly President Obama will do in regards to marijuana reform. Unlike previous politicians, President Obama has previously professed his love for marijuana in print. In his 1995 memoir “Dreams from My Father,” the president stated that he smoked marijuana like Dr. Suess wrote about Green Eggs and Ham. Here, there everywhere. Other reports suggest he was part of a pot smoking group named “The Chrom Gang”. This is not to say that he must be forever tied to his actions as a teen and college student. However, for a president that had a personal love for marijuana, and now has first hand experience in the failings of the drug war, it should be expected that he try his very best to fix this mess. While the future is unclear, it is encouraging that marijuana would even get any airtime as fiscal cliff coverage, the aftermath of the Newtown shooting, and a re-energized conversation on gun control is dominating the airwaves.
Game Changers After Historic Election
There were many highlights from Tuesday’s election. Obviously the headlines are focusing on President Barack Obama’s re-election which came by dominating the electoral college. However the President won a much slimmer popular vote victory. There were also tremendous victories for the LGBT community and anyone who supports equal protection. Minnesota residents voted against outlawing same sex marriage Maine and Maryland passed legislation allowing the unions. Other stories include the fact that the majorities in the House (Republican controlled) and the Senate (Democratically controlled) stayed the same, with the exception of a few seats shifting. Another victory for the people was the apparent failure of the Super PACS(outside political groups with no limits to how much they can spend) to impact the election. Perhaps there will be a few less advertisements in 2016 or for the 2014 midterm elections, though that is likely wishful thinking.
In the world of marijuana reform, America saw a true game changing events. Massachusetts has now become the 18th state to pass medical marijuana legislation. The list almost grew to 19 but the ballot initiative narrowly failed(51-49%). However, activists should be pleased as a narrow defeat shows even the deep south is changing and is receptive to marijuana reform. What is even more striking is that Colorado and Washington State voters have passed an initiative that will regulate, tax, and distribute recreational marijuana.
Although the legalization in Colorado and Washington State does not end the conflict with the federal government, it does provide even more legitimacy for legalized marijuana. Now there will be tighter regulation and greater tax revenues collected from marijuana sales. If federal agents intervene, they now will have to compromise local economies and infringe on state laws. They will have to take marijuana from safe and regulated environments and return it to street dealers. Additionally, we are fresh off of a major statement by the people and while the feds have not respected our will previously, the writing on the wall is becoming more and more apparent. All over this country the people want to see a different approach toward regulating marijuana, and the old system is simply obsolete.
Thankfully the election cycle is finally over. It may be instinctive and easy to take a cynical outlook on what occurred but we should all be encouraged by the fact that the biggest changes in this country came directly from the hard work of the people and groups such as Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol and New Approach Washington . Ballot initiatives have produced same sex marriage equality and common sense marijuana reform. The 2012 election was historic and will set the stage for even more states to return rights back to the people.
Colorado Residents Appear Ready To Legalize Marijuana
Many states have now joined the marijuana reform movement and it appears more on the way. At one point, certainly 12 years ago, passing legislation to allow for the use of medical marijuana was a much more controversial move. With only a handful of states previously legalizing medical cannabis, Colorado voters passed Amendment 20 and officially altered the state’s constitution.
This November, Colorado residents will have another controversial choice when they enter the voting centers. Thanks to the efforts of many residents and groups such as Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, Colorado residents may take the next logical step in providing relief and adopting new progressive strategies for a struggling economy and new age safety measures. If residents pass amendment 64, they will effective legalize, tax, and regulate the sale of marijuana even for recreational use. While the usual detractors have and will continue to dust off the same decades old talking points memo, many want to see a different approach. Amendment 64 even has the support of many parents who would rather see safety mechanisms in place to prevent their teens from purchasing marijuana as opposed to just hoping they do not seek out street vendors.
A similar bill was voted on in 2006 and narrowly failed. However, in the previous six years Colorado has seen its demographics change considerably. While this can be measured by Census figures, it only takes a copy of the 2008 electoral map, and current polling data to show Colorado has changed drastically in the political arena and now appears to be a lean Democrat or at the very least a toss-up state. Other than Bill Clinton in 1996, no Democrat has won Colorado in a modern election besides Obama. A new poll seems to highlight the shift and now shows that Colorado residents are leaning heavily toward enacting Amendment 64. The poll was conducted by The Denver Post and shows that Colorado residents are in favor of the bill by a margin of 51-40% (with 8% undecided).
Even if passed it does not guarantee that Federal agents will not interfere. However, now many more tax dollars and jobs will be at stake should the Feds decide to demonstrate their legal authority. However, if that fear governed Colorado residents before, they would not have persevered through the last 12 years. With more national support that ever, and certainly than in 2000, Colorado residents again seem poised to bring about major change.
New Teen Marijuana Study Shows Need for Regulation
As the Republican National Convention concludes tonight with a speech from Mitt Romney and the Democratic Convention kicks off next week, the election season is officially shifting into high gear. Polling and coverage of the upcoming 2012 presidential election, and the three previous held in 2008, 2004, and 2000 show an extremely divided country. On most issues one side of the other is quick to jump on any information that can make their stance seem like the singularly correct position. However, often this can be much more of a matter of inflating one’s ego then laying out helpful advice for the future of our nation.
Medical marijuana has been a topic with strong support, and of course strong opposition. However, polls show Americans have quickly shifted their attitude toward medical marijuana (approximately 75% of Americans support a physician’s right to prescribe marijuana to patients), the failed war on drugs, and useless incarcerations of non violent offenders. Research and patient testimony is starting to build a rather concrete case that marijuana does in fact offer substantial medical usefulness.
However, opponents of any cause ignore overwhelming evidence on one side only to embrace any fact that strengthens their own argument, usually through exaggeration or distortion. This week, a study conducted at Duke University was released that indicated that frequent use of marijuana (4x per week) in teens could possibly lead to lower IQs later in life. Study researcher Madeline Meier said “The findings are consistent with speculation that cannabis use in adolescence, when the brain is undergoing critical development, may have neurotoxic effects.” The study also concluded that IQ reduction seemed limited to teens. Those who started smoking marijuana as adults showed no change in IQ levels.
The news did not take long to excite those who have been salivating for their chance to condescend toward cannabis. OC Weekly quickly published an article titled “Smoking Pot Makes Teens Stupid, Study Says”. Of course the study actually said it lowers IQ by up to 8 points. Absent from many of the knee jerk responses is the fact that most drugs that are illegal for teens to use can have a negative impact on their still developing brains. According to many authorities, including the journal Psychology of Addictive Behaviors teenage alcohol use can lead to litany of developmental disorders including the damaging of brain tissue and memory loss. Many other studies on teen alcohol use have been conducted that also do not offer an optimistic picture those who start drinking earlier in life. With prescription pill abuse skyrocketing and far more accessible for teens, do we really think it has no impact on the developing adolescent mind?
While marijuana will receive the venom by virtue of the fact that it is illegal we have to stop and think how this continues to make opponents call for no regulation. Alcohol is legal but requires proper identification to purchase it. We know that alcohol can harm our teens, so in turn we do not ignore the issue and hope beyond hope that it simply disappears. In fact, Colorado’s Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol often features concerned parents in their ads. These parents are not pushing for regulation because they want their children to smoke marijuana. To the contrary they are seeking legalization and regulation to keep it out of teens hands. While opponents may be pleased to read about bullet points that satisfy their intellect, would they not be more satisfied to provide answers? The bottom line is that we have to pay attention to what is going on and as the conventions unfold and the election season progresses, will we hear anything about how to deal with the issue of teenage drug abuse? Not likely, but concerned citizens already have concluded that the situation falls into the hands of the people.
Updates on Upcoming Ballot Initiatives
We at marijuana.net are always trying to report on the newest developments for the upcoming 2012 election in November. Ballot initiatives have been the largest contributor to a restoration of rights that we have seen dissipate over the last century. Because of this, we would like to provide highlights on some of the ballot initiatives that could see result in more legalization and decriminalization of cannabis.
First we were happy to read about new polls that show Colorado residents seemed inclined to legalize marijuana this November. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol collected enough signatures to get the issue to the ballots and will be voted on by the people. However, a previous 2006 vote in Colorado was rejected by the people so there is still doubt. Fortunately polls are showing that a majority of residents in Colorado seemed more likely to approve the measure this time around. A survey conducted by the Public Policy Polling group showed that 47% are currently in favor of Amendment 64 and legalization while 38% oppose the measure with 15% unsure. There appears to be a very real chance that Colorado will be legalizing and regulating marijuana after November.
Michigan has demonstrated the value of ballot initiatives for a while now. Kalamazoo had its residents vote and approve a measure that made marijuana the lowest priority for its police department. Additionally, Detroit will vote to drastically decriminalize marijuana this November. Grand Rapids appears to be the next Michigan city ready to take matters into their own hands. A group named Decriminalize GR collected enough signatures which had to amount to 5% (6,565 signatures) of the Grand Rapids population. The signatures were approved and were considered valid by the City Commission.
A failure of governing has resulted in the people taking the initiative. We need access to medication and a system of regulation that will tax, test, and dispense marijuana. As politicians have begged for the issue to disappear we can thank the people for accepting that cannabis is here to stay, and needs to be regulated.
Residents of Oregon May Vote to Legalize Marijuana
While the bad news tends to stay ingrained in our psyche, it is important to note all of the success the marijuana reform movement has accomplished. Dispensary raids and the DEA’s recent refusal to admit that marijuana is less harmful than crack and heroine can give the false impression that patients and marijuana advocates have not been successful. This sentiment could not be farther from the truth. There are already 17 states and Washington D.C. (plus more states with proposed legislation)that have already enacted laws that permit medical marijuana. Additionally 13 states have approved measures to decriminalize low level marijuana possession.
2012 may be the year where marijuana reform is taken to even further heights. Earlier in the year we already learned that both Washington State and Colorado will see its residents vote on whether or not they want a legalized and regulated marijuana system. The groups New Approach Washington and Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol were instrumental in collecting enough signatures to get the issues to the ballot this November. If passed in either or both of those states, marijuana will be regulated and handled in a similar fashion to alcohol.
Late last week we at marijuana.net were encouraged to hear that it appears a third state may also be joining the legalization list. Oregon activists collected and submitted over twice the required signatures to the state in order to get the issue on the ballot and voted on by residents. The proposed law is being called the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act. Another interesting aspect of the bill is that it would also permit farmers to grow hemp, which can be used in a variety of ways including food, fuel, rope, building materials and paper. If approved, Oregon stands to create many jobs including new employees that would be required to operate the hemp farms.
Though the government still is attempting to derail the will of the people, their battle appears futile. Elected officials often forget who they work for and with over half the country supporting legalization and approximately 75% supporting medical marijuana, reform seems to be a matter of inevitability. Their jobs require votes and it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict where they will come from if they ignore several generations of Americans who will no longer tolerate the failed war on drugs, unnecessary youth incarcerations and denying relief to needy patients.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 29, 2012
New Billboard Featuring Father and Son for Marijuana Regulation put up in Colorado…
Supporters of Colorado’s Amendment 64 are starting to add up. Amendment 64 will be voted on by the people of Colorado in November and would see marijuana regulated and taxed. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was instrumental in getting the signatures required to get the issue to the ballots. A new campaign that focuses on families was recently launched. The group has placed a billboard close to the stadium that is home to the Denver Broncos. Opponents were predictably critical and asserted that legalized marijuana will find its way into the hands of children. Recent studies have shown this not to be the case in Sacramento for medical marijuana. The group feels this is not the case and their billboard actually depicts a father and a son with the slogan “Please, Card My Son.” Under that it says “Regulate the sale of marijuana and keep it out of his hands.”
Chicago Passes Law to Ticket Small Level Marijuana Offenders…
Media outlets have been reporting on a plan to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in the city of Chicago. Aldermen (term used for Chicago City Legislators) had a long debate on the issue the other day but in the end overwhelmingly approved the measure, 43-3. The law was supported by President Obama’s former Chief of Staff, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In response to dissenters who claimed the law sent a poor message to children, the Mayor actually stated that no action would send a far more devastating signal. Chicago has seen a tremendous rise in homicides, up 38% from this time last year. Many are concerned with police resources being tied up combating low level marijuana cases instead of more serious crimes. Alderman Will Burns said “The calls I get at 2 o’clock in the morning are not about marijuana possession, they’re about someone who’s been shot in my ward, I want those calls to cease and the way we do that is to make sure our police are fighting violent crime.” Residents of Chicago are also concerned, like New York City, about the disproportionate amount of marijuana arrests for Black and Hispanics, compared with Whites who actually smoke more marijuana.
For more on this story click here
New Jersey Assembly Approves Marijuana Decriminalization Bill…
New Jersey Lawmakers have been discussing a bill that would decriminalize marijuana for about a month. Earlier this week they passed it as many residents feel their tax dollars are being wasted on low level marijuana possession arrests. The New Jersey State Assembly passed measure A1465 by a margin of 44-30. Unfortunately for marijuana advocates, New Jersey Mayor Chris Christie has already indicated that he will veto the measure. Judging by the governor’s opposition to a medical marijuana program that was already passed before he came to office, New Jersey residents may be in store for a bitter battle over a sensible decriminalization debate. Check back with us as we will be covering the Governor’s response and possible veto in further detail to the decriminalization bill.
For more on this story click here
President Obama to Sign Bill Banning Synthetic Marijuana…
Momentum for outlawing synthetic marijuana has been building for over a year. Many states have their own laws against products such as “K2” and “Spice” but now it appears a federal ban will be signed by President Barack Obama soon. Recently a bill (led by NY Senator Charles Schumer) passed in the United States Senate and will make its way to the president’s desk soon. Dangerous side effects, especially for teens have been reported. Many feel a tightly regulated marijuana industry would have prevented the synthetic black market. The bill comes at a time when advocates are desperate for the White House to engage in a serious marijuana reform conversation. Many were offended when DEA officials refused to acknowledge that heroin and crack were more harmful than marijuana.
Medical Marijuana Industry News May 11, 2012
Presumptive GOP Nominee Mitt Romney Irritated by Marijuana and Gay Marriage Questions…
The GOP primary race is all but officially over with Mitt Romney expected to accept the party’s nomination in August. The election season is heating up and the candidates now will be grilled over policy related issues on a daily basis. Earlier in the week, North Carolina passed a ban on Same Sex Marriage and Civil Unions. Proponents of the ban feel they are protecting marriage’s traditional values while opponents are concerned with civil rights and children who stand to lose health benefits. Mitt Romney indicated he did not agree with same sex marriage while President Obama has now come out in support of same sex couples being wed. While the marriage issue is predictably a large political issue, it is often now being followed up with questions on marijuana reform, showing that reporters are taking the issue seriously. At a campaign stop in Colorado on Wednesday, Mitt Romney was asked about both issues to which he responded by saying “Aren’t there issues of significance you would like to talk about?” Many residents in Colorado likely feel that these are issues of significance, especially to struggling patients and families. The fact that marijuana reform is now being asked as much as other social issues demonstrates its growing importance to Americans.
For more on the exchange between reporters and Mitt Romney click here
Attempt to Defund Marijuana Raids Fails but Shows Promise…
Yesterday marijuana.net ran entitled “Lawmakers Propose New Tactic in Fight For Marijuana Reform” which described members of the House attempting to prevent the Department of Justice from using any funds to conduct marijuana dispensary raids. The gesture was significant and signals a new method policy makers can use in order to push issue of marijuana reform. The vote did fail by with a 163-262 vote. Only 29 Republicans supported the measure while seventy-three percent of democrats were in favor of the bill. The margin is not politically insurmountable and it will be interesting to see if future votes will be tighter or even in favor of outlawing the raids.
Arizona Courts Rule that Contracts With Medical Marijuana Companies are Not Enforceable…
Arizona has passed its fair share of confusing and seemingly unenforceable laws in recent years. Another ruling earlier this week added to the state’s legal confusion. Michele Rene Hammer and Mark Haile, issued a $500,000 loan to a medical marijuana company in Colorado. When the company failed to repay the loan Hammer and Haile filed a lawsuit. Maricopa County, Ariz., Superior Court Judge Michael McVey threw the case out of court because federal law prohibits marijuana on any level, even though the state the judge rules in does permit medical marijuana. Randy Nussbaum, who is from the firm representing Hammer and Haile, fears that no contract with any medical marijuana company is valid in Arizona now. Specifically Nussbaum said “The macro view of this is, if it’s true that anyone who has a contractual relationship with anyone dispensing medical marijuana and that contract is not enforceable, how does anyone enforce a legitimate contract in this business?”
For more on this story click here
Prominent Advocacy Group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Takes to the Airwaves…
One of the most successful and influential marijuana advocacy groups is about to take their successful message even further. “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol” is largely responsible for Amendment 64, which would accomplish exactly what the group’s name states. If passed, marijuana would be governed in a way very similar to liquor. The group was instrumental in collecting the over 80,000 signatures needed to get the marijuana initiative onto the ballot. As a result, Colorado residents will have the chance to vote on legalizing cannabis. Now the group will be running its first television ads over the Mother’s Day weekend. You can look out for their “Dear Mom” ad on several broadcasts including Friday’s “Today Show’, “Ellen” show and the Mother’s Day episode of “The Doctors”.
Colorado Shows Medical Marijuana can be a Thriving Industry
We are still only a few days removed from the tremendously successful 420 weekend. Celebrations occurred around the world and Marijuana.net was fortunate enough to attend the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup. As always patient access and safety are the most important issues, but the Cup also provides a forum for other interesting aspects of the industry.
The cup gives a unique chance to compare top strains and while the award ceremony may be the biggest attraction (click here for the winners), attendees were treated to a convention that highlighted the many and varied businesses in the medical marijuana industry. In any tough economic times, job creation and tax revenue are popular issues. Fortunately medical marijuana can do so much to create better economic conditions while providing safe and affordable relief. Unfortunately, lobbyists and stubborn politicians have not allowed this industry to reach its full potential. The Cannabis Cup in Denver demonstrated the tip of the iceberg.
We at marijuana.net would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the quality businesses that were present at the Cup. Marijuana.net was located right next to, Judge Jars, which was providing high quality jars and storage options. Education groups were also a big part of the event. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol let their presence be felt. This group has been instrumental in collecting the required signatures to get a legalization vote to the people this November. Sensible Colorado was also at the event fighting to stop federal raids of dispensaries. Another group providing education was the Cannabis Business Alliance. They are advocates for patients, small businesses owners and employees of the medical marijuana industry. There were so many great dispensaries also at the event such as Green Man Cannabis, AMA, and Mahatma. We were also very impressed with Essential Extracts victory for their solvent-less wax. As they did at the Los Angeles Cannabis Cup, Mama P’s won for the best product with their popular grinders. Good Chemistry had an amazing lounge set up in the patient room. As always we support laboratories that promote safe medicine. We can always rely on our friends, The Werc Shop to help spread knowledge to patients about their medicine and the latest testing methods. Lets not forget the Mad Hatter Smoke Shop and Dope Ass Glass. As in any quality cultural gathering, art is an important element. We were happy to meet the talented artist Marie, with Kushed Out Fashions. There were so many other quality businesses so please forgive us if they were not mentioned here.
While Marijuana.net was in Denver over the weekend there were many other 420 events that we could not attend. We are encouraging viewers to describe their weekend in the comment section of this article. Tell us about an event you attended or future events celebrating our wonderful community and the potential to bring physical and economic relief to Americans.
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.