San Jose
Marijuana Industry News October 25, 2013
Marijuana Breathalyzer May Come to California with Legalization…
One of the largest obstacles in governing the legal recreational marijuana industries is being able to assess a driver’s impairment. Tests for alcohol and drunk driving have become reliable and acceptable. Setting a blood alcohol limit of .1 or .08 is straight forward. Determining acceptable marijuana levels has not been as easy. California authorities and law makers are looking into having a similar test put into place. However deciding on where to set the legal levels may prove difficult. When asked about hard limits set in Washington state, Gabriel Reeves, the executive Chef at the Elemental Wellness Center in San Jose recently told NBC don’t feel that that sort of a limit has been established as scientifically accurate or something that would able to be standardized across the medical cannabis industry for each patient. Because each patient, each patient’s needs, vary with the amount of milligrams of THC that they need to alleviate their symptoms.”
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Support for Legalizing Marijuana Rising Quickly to all Time High…
American’s support for legalizing marijuana has been rising steadily over the past few years. Washington and Colorado provided evidence if this, but until recently, most polls showed just over 50% of Americans were in support with higher numbers backing decriminalization and medical use. A recent Gallop poll indicates that even the idea if legalizing for marijuana for recreational use is gaining support. In the poll 58% supported legalization, an all time high. The news came at a time when federal authorities have signaled a softer stance on marijuana. Marijuana enjoys a much higher approval rating than congress and may even offer a better chance at helping the economy.
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D.C. Mayor Seeks to Decriminalize Marijuana…
It has taken federal authorities years to even signal the possibility of bringing common sense to marijuana policy. However, right under their noses, in Washington D.C., the city has moved forward with major marijuana reforms. Medical marijuana has already been legalized, giving patients the chance at a better quality if life. Now there is a bill sitting with the D.C. Council that, if passed, would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray has now signaled his support for the bill making passage more likely. Possession of less than one ounce would no longer accompany a six month jail sentence and $1,000 fine, rather, the penalty would be a civil citation ticket for $100 and no jail time. Like many other municipalities, D.C. has financial and correction center overcrowding issues to deal with.
2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup San Francisco Winners
Marijuana.net is proud to be at the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup in San Francisco. If you are in the bay area stop by and say hello to us. The weekend’s events have treated us to so much including engaging speakers, top quality products and industry updates. There were also some of the world’s highest quality medical strains on display. The weekend was to be capped off by announcing the results of the highly anticipated awards show. We updated the results live as they were announced. Below you can check out the full list of Cannabis Cup winners, and be sure to see all the photos we took at the event:
Best Indica
1. Cordero Kush Platinum from San Jose Patients Group
2. Master Yoda Kush from Kush Connection
3. Cherry Cola from Sonoma County Collective
Best Sativa
1. Premium Jack Herer from Playbud Delivery Service
2. Yogi Diesel from Elemental Wellness in San Jose
3. XJ13 Cracker Jack from Santa Cruise Mountain Naturals
Best Hybrid
1. Larry OG Kush from Cali Connection
2. Ken’s Phantom from Grand Daddy Purple Collective
3. OG Sky from Buddies Cannabis
Best Concentrates
1. Hardcore OG Butter from Superior Extracts for West Coast Cures
2. OG Super Sexy Budder from L.A. Confidential
3. Unfuckwitable OG Wax from Venice Medical Wax Center
Best Solventless Hash Concentrate
1. Solventless Bamf Hash from Buds and Roses
Best Product
1. Mama P’s Grinders
2. Ko Nail
3. V Syndicate Grinder Card
Best Glass
1. Hitman Glass
2. Pulse Glass
3. Dope Ass Glass
Best Booth
1. Mama P’s
2. Elemental Wellness
3. Cali Connection
Best Edibles
1. Organic Medicated Truffles from Hills Pharmacy
2. Canna Chocolate from Tea House Collective
3. Spicy Orange Drops from Greenway Compassion Relief Inc.
Best CBD Strain
1. Master Control Unit ATF from Hills Pharmacy (MCU ATF)
2. Lemon remedy from Harborside Health Center San Jose
3. Harlequin from Buds and Roses
Dr. Lester Grinspoon Award For Lifetime Achievement
1. Richard Lee, Activist and Founder of Oaksterdam University
San Jose Hempcon 2012 Shows Diverse Marijuana Culture on Full Display
Over the weekend marijuana.net reported on site from the floor of the San Jose Convention Center. To no one’s surprise our community held another peaceful, fun, and educating event. Hempcon appeared to be a very successful event, largely due to the patients, guest speakers, businesses, and educational organizations who were in attendance.
We would like to take this time to briefly touch on some of those who made the event a memorable one. As always dispensaries were on hand to show off their quality medication. Papadon’s had an excellent showing and patients were thrilled to try their XJ-13. Aunt Zelda’s and Utopia Health Group provided excellent delivery services and were happy to talk about their businesses at Hempcon. Patients and dispensary workers were excited to look up the strains they saw at Hempcon in our comprehensive strain database. Singing Bird Family Farm brought their excellent honey products. Building on their best product winners from the most recent Denver, Los Angeles, and Detroit Cannabis Cup’s, Mama P’s brought their quality grinders with them to Hempcon. They’ll also be attending next week’s High Times Cannabis Cup in San Francisco as they look to win for best product again.
Those seeking information regarding the newest educational and legal developments were not disappointed by Hempcon. There were firms such as Hallinan & Hallinan, who were on hand to discuss the newest legal developments with attendees. We at marijuana.net found a very engaging audience eager to hear about some of the newest entries in our news and article section. There were also guest speakers which included a great speech from Melissa Balin.
Getting together with fellow members of the medical marijuana community is always a memorable experience. While we enjoyed Hempcon we are looking to carry that excitement over into this weekend’s 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup in San Francisco. As always, we encourage you to come down and say hello. Keep checking in as we will provide up to date info as next weekend unfolds. You can check with us immediately after the Cup is over for a detailed listing of next weeks winners.
Marijuana.net Reports From Hempcon San Jose 2012
For years the medical marijuana community has put together memorable events. These gatherings are known for being peaceful and fun. So far this weekend we at marijuana.net have noticed more of the same, which in this case is welcomed.
The 2012 San Jose Hempcon has been a success so far with many in attendance feeling that the crowds and popularity of the event have grown this year. The diversity of those attending Hempcon is a testament to the greater marijuana community. All walks of life have been represented as both younger and older patients have come out for Hempcon. The diversity can also be found in all of the different businesses and educational organizations that attended. There were also great and informative presentations from a variety of people representing different aspects of the medical marijuana industry.
It has been exciting to talk to patients and provide them with up to date information on Marijuana.net’s strain library, the internet’s largest and most comprehensive strain database. Patients were also eager to consult with our Strain Master in one on one consultation sessions. After speaking with the strain master patients were able to identify their ideal medication. As always our vaporizer raffle and spin wheel are popular. We also had many engaging conversations regarding the newest political, legal , and social issues that are described in our daily articles and updates.
If you have not yet come to Hempcon and are able to make it to the San Jose Convention Center today please stop by and say hello to us. We would love to thank the city of San Jose and those who organized Hempcon and the weekend’s festivities. Check back with us this week as we go into further detail about many of the businesses and organizations that helped to make Hempcon a success.
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.
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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.
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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!
Medical Marijuana Industry News January 6, 2012
Federal Judge Dismisses Governor Jan Brewer’s Medical Marijuana Lawsuit
Arizona’s medical marijuana program has been delayed since it was approved in November of 2010. Five days before the state was set to accept applications from potential dispensaries, Governor Jan Brewer and Attorney General Tom Horne filed a lawsuit requesting that federal courts decide whether or not Arizona could carry out its medical cannabis program. Governor Brewer’s administration has not accepted any applications as they awaited the outcome of this court decision. Brewer has claimed she was seeking clarity and wanted assurance that no state employees could face federal prosecution. U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton ruled the state did not clearly establish a “genuine threat of imminent prosecution.” Joe Yuhas, a member of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Association, stated “We would hope that our state leaders will now recognize it is time to stop wasting taxpayer dollars in an effort to thwart the will of the voters and move ahead with full implementation of the initiative.” It is unclear how Governor Brewer’s administration plans to move forward. Governor Brewer’s spokesperson said the ruling was a “tremendous disappointment”. Advocates for medical marijuana are hoping to finally see the program move forward. (Catch up on our earlier coverage of the story).
Portland Dispensary Will Change Plans to Include Vapor Lounge
Last week marijuana.net reported on Wellness Connection, a medical marijuana dispensary in Portland, Maine seeking to add social comforts to their business. As reported, the move would seem to go against state law. Newer reports now indicate that Wellness Connection is no longer planning a vapor lounge, which would have encouraged social gatherings. Stories on this new development have not commented on whether or not Wellness Connection would move forward with their plans for other socializing such as its coffee/tea bar and an acupuncture center.
San Jose Collectives May be Spared as Mayor Seeks Compromise on Law
San Jose Mayor, Chuck Reed indicated that he was willing to reconsider the scope of a new law approved by the City Council. In September, the council approved a measure to restrict the number of collectives from over 100 to 10. They would also have to grow all marijuana on site which could be very difficult due to space restrictions. In turn, this could have an tremendous impact on the city’s ability to meet patient demand. Medical marijuana advocates were able to collect over 49,000 petition signatures in order to qualify a referendum. The mayor has also requested that the city council raise the current tax rate on collectives from 7% to 10% as a way of generating additional revenue to cover upcoming costs associated with the upcoming election. This week the mayor said that there are changes he could support to the current law but that “The question is whether a council majority will support them. My preference is that we can negotiate some kind of ordinance that we can all live with.”
Tags: Jan Brewer, Arizona, medical marijuana, cannabis, ganja, weed, San Jose, Chuck Reed, City Council, collectives, Arizona Medical Marijuana Association, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton, federal court, vapor lounge, wellness connection,