1996 Compassionate Use Act
Lawmakers Propose New Tactic in Fight for Marijuana Reform
For decades the idea of high profile politicians taking on the issue of marijuana reform was laughable. Even after the Proposition 215 passed, many lawmakers outside of California would not publicly consider proposing changes to marijuana law. Currently there are now 16 states, (with Connecticut expected to join the growing list) and the nation’s capital where marijuana is permitted for medical use.
Americans have stated their desire for a compassionate medical system. We are seeking to move on from medical treatments that rely on addictive pills and unaffordable bills. However, the greatest threat to our new compassionate medical system are the people who work for us. The Federal government, despite statements from President Barack Obama that the Department of Justice would not be using tax payer resources to circumvent state laws, has tried to dismantle relief one dispensary at a time. Fortunately, U.S. House of Representatives members Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) and Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) have proposed outlawing federal funds from being used to interfere with state laws. The debate is over HR bill 5326, the bill that determines the funding for the Department of Justice.
Most of the reform conversation has revolved around protests and ballot initiatives. While these have been successful, ballots to change the law have not been able to protect caregivers from federal raids. It is only recently that our elected officials have decided to push the issue and get more creative. Many of us are familiar with the popular legalization bill proposed by Barney Frank (D-Mass) and Ron Paul (R-TX). The bill was met with predictable opposition, but at least kept the issue in the spotlight. An attempt to defund the DOJ is a new method being utilized by lawmakers and may be a more effective way to frame the discussion. If deficit spending continues to dominate the campaign coverage then saving money on raiding marijuana dispensaries should match the national financial conversation in step.
Like the ghosts of a haunted past, marijuana reform is rearing its pretty head everywhere. The president has been taking criticism on marijuana policy seemingly everywhere he goes. Foreign leaders (Vicente Fox), domestic allies (Nancy Pelosi), presidential candidates (Gary Johnson), comedians( Jimmy Kimmel), evangelicals (Pat Robertson) and of course patients seeking pain relief are all voicing their opinion in support of cannabis reform. Now that politicians on a national stage are starting to support compassionate reform, hopefully they will use even more creativity in trying to pass legislation that will finally end a century long error.
La City Councilman Proposes Prohibit on Marijuana Shops
Like a nation it seems we’re very unclear about what we should want legally. Political figures always appear to be a re-election campaign and don’t desire to join the countless unemployed People in america. They want to do something and grab head lines and put their mark on any political situation.
The protections granted to citizens of California through the 1996 Compassionate Use Act might be in danger. Also called Proposition 215, this law guaranteed marijuana’s safe use of patients. Councilman Jose Huizar features a motion to prohibit all shops until condition courts can resolve the problem. Councilman Huizar feels that shops are opening their doorways throughout and also the industry may grow past the city’s control. The town should consider an accreditation process for shops. Organizations like GLACA curently have associated with shops such as the following strict recommendations and hold patient safety and also the law like a priority.
Whether it prohibit provides any legal clarification is unclear. Many agree that some shops aren’t motivated by serving patients and following rules. However, even when Councilman Huizar is attempting to repair an problem, the opportunity of extended lawsuit might just complicate matters. Mr. Huizar feels the condition needs examine laws and regulations and hang more stringent rules for shops. Wouldso would a prohibit that will face numerous legal cases provide any legal clearness? Furthermore it’s not obvious how condition courts will see the problem. Despite the fact that Federal raids appear to possess produced momentum for local political figures to enforce restrictions, a condition judge ruled 2 yrs ago that rules restricting new shops in La wasn’t valid. This doesn’t always guarantee how justices will rule later on however it does indicate at the minimum a split view within the state’s judicial people.
We’ll update this story as occasions unfold. People from around the globe have started to La looking for medical relief. Our prime density of patients will probably need to be taken into consideration. Even when the town council does enact a prohibit (it’s not obvious the way they will election) then citizens can get a lengthy and attracted out legal fight. Consequently, this may lead to no movement around the situation before the legal aspects are completed. Any prohibit might be temporary before the courts problem a binding decision. Additionally, you should be aware from the ongoing and lengthy struggle for patients regarding federal law. California is exposed to raids because federal law supersedes California condition law. Likewise, California condition law must take priority over city law. California’s marijuana law might be looking for some clarification only one statement happens to be obvious. Proposition 215 pulls no punches and it is very direct in stating an assurance for patient’s safe access.
 
Pushback After Federal Raids
Like many facets of our way of life, not so good news can frequently are available in waves. Medicinal marijuana lately experienced what might have been its worst bi weekly period since California passed the 1996 Compassionate Use Act. However, because the tide turns and also the waterline recedes, this news has moved toward sleep issues. There’s been considerable pushback within the wake from the federal government’s actions toward the California shops.
Most news shops happen to be confirming around the recent federal raids on California shops. Some companies as well as their land lords received 45 days to shut up shop or face further disciplinary action. Newspapers along with other media have been threatened by the us government about transporting ads for shops.
Stunned advocates of medicinal marijuana have experienced a lot more positive news in recent days because the raids. The doesn’t appear to become taking these occasions laying lower. The month of October has witnessed the medicinal marijuana restore its footing and return fire. The audience Safe Access has released a suit against the us government proclaiming that the current string of raids comes down to an “illegal assault on condition sovereignty.” Prominent house member Steve Cohen (D-TN) and eight other people of congress will also be with an finish towards the raids. Furthermore, Chicago (coincidentally where leader Obama has his political roots) has had the very first steps toward decriminalizing small quantities of marijuana.
You will find numerous proverbs relating to get affordable being released of the bad situation therefore we could save you the clichés for the time being. Is that this what the us government was seeking? With recent polls showing overwhelming support for medicinal marijuana along with a in the past high support for total legalisation, further raids may stimulate this conversation on the national level.
Colorado Issues First Condition License for Medicinal Marijuana
It’s not so frequently that the industry can survive, grow, and thrive inside a 15 year period of time when confronted with a lot of legislative and political obstacles. Medicinal marijuana is a good example of this rare marketplace occurrence. Despite support increasing, the us government made the decision to conduct raids and change the whole medical cannabis industry.
Colorado has had an unexpected bold move at the time of federal violence toward other states. With what ought to be heralded among the bigger medicinal marijuana victories because the 1996 Compassionate Use Act, Colorado has released the very first ever condition level marijuana license. Seven other candidates are also informed that it’s likely they’ll get a condition level license too. Colorado has lengthy been creating a status as the condition using the best controlled medical cannabis program. This move is only going to enhance that status.
Furthermore, it might ease the current fears of patients and shops triggered by aggressive federal action. While patients and care providers need to consider moving with other cities, Colorado has had a significant step toward showing that it’ll still pursue methods for supplying medication to the citizens. While the us government can continue to reason that its law supersedes condition law, they might find a lot more resistance from the condition government. It’s one factor to push around local companies and mayors, but bullies usually meet their match once the older brother steps to the scene.
The us government is free of charge to pursue a battle having a swing condition whether it so selects, however there would probably be serious consequences to do this within an election year. Colorado directed its 9 electoral votes toward leader Obama in 2008. Using what looks to become a hotly contested election for 2012, leader Obama will probably depend upon the aid of democratic governor John Hickenlooper to assist deliver individuals votes again within the crucial condition. A lengthy attracted out court fight over condition versus. federal laws and regulations isn’t exactly what the whitened house needs whether it seeks re-election.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News March. 24, 2011
Town of Bay Area Finds Itself in the court Over Marijuana Dispensary
The Town of Bay Area might be having to pay a problem to be wishy-washy. Greg Schoepp received permission in the city to spread out a medicinal marijuana dispensary. San Francisco’s Board of Appeals suspended the permit granted, stating there is a typo in city planning code which citizens weren’t interested in the thought of a dispensary. This apparently is the very first time a dispensary takes the town of Bay Area to the court for the best to market cannabis. Since you will find no shops around the west side from the city, Schoepp might find a friend in condition law. The 1996 Compassionate Use Act guarantees “safe access”, creating a strong situation for Schoepp.
Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Takes SF To The Court