San Diego
Medical Marijuana Industry News October 26, 2012
Medical Marijuana Industry Sees Major Victory in San Diego Appeals Court…
For the most part, defendants are allowed to invoke state laws as a defense, otherwise why would the laws be on the books. However, in California this is not always the case. California Attorney General, Kamala Harris, has fought hard to prevent dispensary operators from citing state laws in their defense. This may have all changed as a Jovan Jackson was found guilty on marijuana sales charges after a lower court refused to allow them to use California’s legal medical marijuana laws as a defense. However an appeals court in San Diego has handed Ms. Harris a a defeat and has ruled that Jovan Jackson will be entitled to using California’s state law as a defense. Many analsts feel this case will be helpful for future protections against federal prosecution.
For more on this story click here
Drug Cartels Pleased With U.S. Election…
As marijuana.net mentioned earlier this week, there has been almost no mention of the War on Drugs and cartel violence. With over 60,000 deaths related to cartel violence in over the last several years, it is inexcusable that the issue does not receive more attention. Marijuana accounts for the cartel’s largest export and the United State’s policy of criminalization has resulted in massive profits for Mexican drug cartels. The popular news outlet, www.examiner.com breaks down the issue in more detail.
Click here for the examiner article
Former LSU Player Arrested on Charges of Marijuana Possession….
Tyrann Mathieu used to be nicknamed the “Honey Badger”. He has certainly fallen from grace as he was dismissed from LSU over the summer for several failed drug tests. Mathieu has now been arrested again for possessing “10 bags of high grade marijuana”. Before the arrest he was planning on enrolling and returning to LSU and had already entered and returned from rehab. Many thought his dismissal was severe punishment and the story in August highlighted the NCAA”s profiting off of student athletes and their names without returning any of the profits to the players. Even LSU’s coach, who is not a marijuana supporter, questioned the University’s decision to turn their back on Mathieu. He even questioned what would happen of Mathieu drank beer instead of using marijuana. Of course the recent arrest will not elicit sympathy from the public but may highlight the difficulties and pressures of NCAA football and how disposable the student athletes seem to be when they face difficulties.
For more on this story click here
Presidential Debate On Foreign Policy Omits International War on Drugs
Last night millions of Americans tuned in for the 3rd and final debate of the 2012 presidential election. The event was less tense than the last week’s town hall debate which the saw the candidates create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Perhaps surprisingly, the attack on the American Consulate in Libya was only briefly mentioned. The candidates did engage on some important international issues regarding Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan. However noticeably missing was much of any conversation on our South American neighbors.
The war on drugs is foreign policy area that has a much more direct impact on the lives of daily Americans. Violence over drug trafficking is out of control and the Cartels have now infiltrated and have a presence in several states including Arizona and Utah. Additionally, U.S. authorities have found underground tunnels complete with railcars that have been constructed by the Cartels that run between San Diego and Tijuana. This foreign threat could not be hitting closer to home and there has been almost no mention of the war on drugs on the national stage last night.
Failure to alter the failed course of the war on drugs has now become a decades long blunder. By electing to ignore the problem, tens of thousands have died in only a few year span. Additionally, our borders have become less secure. It is honorable that the United States is compelled to help the civilians in the Middle East, but we should not forget some of our closest allies both geographically and culturally who live in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Failure to act and amend our laws has also cost the United States money through incarcerations and court expenses while also diverting police resources from other issues.
Instead of using the last best chance to talk directly to the American people about a range of crucial foreign policy issues, the two candidates seemed satisfied by sampling falling back on their domestic economic talking points during last night’s debate. There was no mention of the European Debt Crisis, only a whisper regarding Greece’s financial meltdown, and of course the violence only miles from our border. If violence, money, and the security of this nation are important to whoever lives in the White House in January, the War On Drugs cannot afford to be an ignored issue.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 15, 2012
Rhode Island Governor Signs Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession…
Rhode Island will follow the momentum for reform that is taking that is going on northeast. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has already proposed eliminating unintended marijuana arrests in New York’s controversial “Stop and Frisk” program. That debate is sure to heated as Albany lawmakers are known for partisan politics. Governor Lincoln Chafee is a step ahead of New York as he has just signed a bill that will decriminalize marijuana possession of less than one ounce. Previously that amount would have resulted in a misdemeanor with possible jail time and a $500 fine. Under the new law the penalty will be a civil citation and a $150 fine. Minors would be required to complete a drug awareness program and community service.
For more on this story click here
Medical Marijuana Bill Passes New York State Assembly but tough Road Ahead…
As mentioned above New York lawmakers will consider the Governor’s proposal to eliminate or amend the plain sight provision in the “Stop and Frisk” program which has become a loophole for law enforcement officials to arrest New Yorkers on serious marijuana charges. In another development coming out of the Empire State legislators in the state’s assembly have passed a bill that would see New York join the growing number of states that permit medical marijuana. However the bill appears to have a tough legislative road ahead of it. Multiple medical marijuana bills have failed in New York state in the past. The momentum seems to be gaining as more state lawmakers are joining the 80% of residents who feel a physician should have the right to prescribe medical marijuana. Governor Cuomo has indicated that he would likely not sign the bill. There is hope for the future for New York patients as the governor has amended his view considerably since his 2010 campaign.
For more on this story click here
Imperial Beach Residents may get chance to Repeal Ban on Dispensaries…
Imperial Beach residents may get a chance to change what is considered the most restrictive marijuana laws in San Diego County. Even those with medical licenses are not permitted to keep any cannabis plants. There is a petition being circulated in Imperial Beach and so far the response has been very supportive of repealing the ban. Over 15% of registered voters have signed the petition. Eugene Davidovich of Americans for Safe Access (ASA) said “Strong regulations like the ones we’re proposing would keep medical cannabis away from children and schools, and create a safe means for those who are qualified, to have safe, reliable, local access to that medicine.” He also went on to say . “At the same time, we’re taking into strong consideration the concerns of the neighborhood.”
Marijuana.net Will be Attending the 2012 Hempcon in San Jose…
For those who plan on being in the San Jose area we encourage you to check out Marijuana.net at Hempcon this weekend. As always, we will be providing education on patient issues, new legal developments, and the future of cannabis in the United States and rest of the world. We will even have our staff on hand who can provide advice on what strains are appropriate for individual. The one on one session will result in a recommendation based on several criteria including ailments to be treated and desired effects. We will also be continuing our popular vaporizer raffle which has been a success as many previous events. Hope to see you there!