Arizona
Marijuana Updates Across the Country
With the federal government’s refusal to reclassify marijuana, medical cannabis progression has been achieved state by state. Most states have with medical marijuana programs are the result of ballot initiatives and efforts of local residents as state policy makers are unwilling to disobey federal law. The birth of modern medical marijuana got off to a bumpy start, and there may yet be future setbacks. However, in a country that cannot agree on much, it appears we are coming together over compassion, relief, and the law.
In Maine we recently learned of a story that shows how important it is to regulate cannabis and not turn a blind eye . Glenn W. Martin, a marijuana grower, used to illegally sell his crop to customers in New York and Boston. He has struggled, like many, with rising cost of living and had trouble paying his rising property taxes. Now that Maine has altered their laws, he is allowed to sell to patients and no longer has to hide his skills and the industry that he excels in. Last week Martin said “I’m focusing on how to make a high-quality product,’’ and It’s one of the best things to happen in our area.”
Moving across the country, there has been great news coming out of Arizona. Residents of the state passed a marijuana program about two years ago. However, Governor Jan Brewer and other state officials made every effort they could to derail the program. Having realized that ultimately the state has little choice but to allow the program to operate, there has been a different tone lately. The governor recently rejected formal letters by 13 county lawyers to stop the program. Ms. Brewer stated that she could not do so and was bound to the resident passed law. It now appears that dispensaries should be operating relatively soon. The town of Gilbert has started things off and is expected to hold a lottery to determine which dispensary applicants will be granted permission to start operating. Six potential dispensaries will be keeping their fingers crossed and hope that their name is on one of the two selected lottery balls drawn. Gilbert has 900 qualified medical marijuana cardholders and overall Arizona has 30,000 approved patients.
It may have taken some time but Arizona finally appears ready to abide by the wishes of its residents. On the side of the country Maine is showing a progressive approach to 40 years of failed laws and is starting to allow a necessary industry from operating in the shadows. Maine and Arizona are on opposite sides of the political spectrum but are showing that relief and compassion has little to do with blue vs. red states.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 3, 2012
Federal Crackdown on Dispensaries Continues in San Francisco…
There does not appear to be any end in sight for federal raids targeting marijuana dispensaries. Attorney General Eric Holder has reiterated that they will not use federal resources to go after law abiding collectives, however that statement no longer appears true. Without any evidence of wrongdoing, federal authorities announced their intention to shut down the iconic and world’s largest marijuana dispensary, Harborside Health Center. This week we learned that two prominent San Francisco collectives, Vapor Room and Hope Net would also be forced to shut their doors. HopeNet Co-founder Catherine Smith said, “The Justice Department sent our landlord one of those nasty letters. So this is our D-Day, we have to leave.” Ray Chico who operates the popular jar company Doob Tubes, said the dispensary closings are hurting more than just patients and collective employees. He noticed his business also take a turn for the worse and has been forced to let go of staff.
For more on this story click here
Michigan Court of Appeals Rules Cities Cannot Ban Marijuana Dispensaries…
Recently California’s 2nd Circuit of Appeals ruled that cities cannot outlaw marijuana dispensaries. The Los Angeles City Council seemed undeterred by this and went forward with what may be considered an illegal ban on dispensaries. Michigan courts have now issued a similar ruling. In the city of Wyoming Michigan an ordinance was passed that outlawed collectives. John Ter Beek of Wyoming Michigan filed a suit in 2010 challenging the ban, and the ACLU also joined the suit. Michigan’s appellate court ruled that a local ordinace does not overrule a state law. In this case since medical marijuana is protected on a state level, local municipalities cannot enact laws that conflict with state laws and outlaw dispensaries. Dan Korobkin of the ACLU was pleased with the ruling and said “In 2008, people across the state overwhelmingly voted to protect patients who use marijuana to treat their medical conditions from punishment and penalty.”
For more on this story click here
Arizona Asked to Expand Medical Marijuana Program…
Arizona’s medical marijuana program got off to a rocky start and was delayed by two years after being passed by a vote of the people. There are still calls by opponents of medical marijuana for Governor Jan Brewer to end the program. Ms. Brewer did not have her most triumphant political moment in court and was chided by a federal judge for the way they handled the situation. However, as the Governor has received a great deal of criticism by marijuana advocates, they may be praising her today. Thirteen county attorney’s in Arizona drafted a letter formally requesting that Governor Brewer halt the medical marijuana program. She has rejected the request and wrote a response letter where she said “I am duty-bound to implement the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, and my agency will do so unless and until I am instructed otherwise.” Patients will be pleased to hear this as the it ultimately is the responsibility of elected officials to carry out the will of the people, even if they do not agree with a situation on a personal level.
For more on this story click here
Activists Urging Costa Mesa Voters to Lift Medical Marijuana Ban…
Advocates of medical marijuana submitted close to 6,800 signatures in an effort to get an initiative on the ballot to legalize non-profit medical marijuana collectives. Dispensary owner Robert Martinez said “It’s imperative to provide safe access for veterans and cancer patients. I’m super stoked to bring these signatures.” The number of signatures is 1,000 more than the 5,812 required signatures which represents 10% of the Costa Mesa population. However, often many signatures are invalidated during ballot initiatives and if the effort requires more signatures activists will only have until August 10 if they wish to have the issue placed before voters this November.
Arizona Gives Cold Shoulder to Returning Veterans
While it is usually a difficult time to be a veteran integrating back into civilian life, last week was especially difficult. First the White House denied a petition to allow PTSD to be legally treated with marijuana. The petition was signed by thousands of war veterans though the White House maintains there is not enough …continue reading
Mitt Romney Secures Enough Votes with Win in Texas to become GOP Nominee
Although thought to be a foregone conclusion, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has secured the GOP nomination for the 2012 presidential election. The race has been all but official for some time now as other GOP candidates such as Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Jon Huntsman, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Perry had already exited the primaries. Long time marijuana supporter, Ron Paul has remained in the race. Romney will accept the party’s nomination at the Republican National Convention, which is to be held in Tampa Florida during late August.
Mitt Romney now will turn his focus squarely on his run against President Barack Obama. The road has been long for Romney who attempted a failed candidacy in 2008 only to lose to the popular senator from Arizona, John McCain. In a statement Romney said “Our party has come together with the goal of putting the failures of the last three and a half years behind us, I have no illusions about the difficulties of the task before us. But whatever challenges lie ahead, we will settle for nothing less than getting America back on the path to full employment and prosperity.” Mitt Romney has and will likely to continue his attacks on the president regarding the economy.
Should he secure the presidency, Americans will hope to see Romney keep his word to fix the the economy. Although job reports and GDP numbers seem to be improving, the economy is fluctuating and with the impending doom of the Greek economy, and continued reports on the European Debt Crisis, Romney may still have his political opening.
Supporters of marijuana legal reform have their own ideas as to how Mitt Romney can accomplish this. Marijuana and even economic advocates would hope that he would pursues decriminalization and taxation measures that could tremendously boost the economy. This year’s presidential election is already proving to be monumental and cannabis reform does not appear to be going away. Judging by the Oregon race for Attorney General, candidates may no longer be able to turn their backs on the issue. Although the candidates will talk about the important standard issues such as tax rates, immigration reform, maintaining or overturning Roe V. Wade, one issue is emerging as the American consensus issue. At about 75% approval, medical marijuana is more popular than any living or recently deceased president. At this point both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama would be happy enough to enjoy the same popularity as legalization of recreational cannabis, which hovers above either candidates approval rating at 56%.
Legal Updates On Medical Marijuana
Marijuana.net is hopeful that everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Getting together with friends and family is always important, as is remembering those who have fought hard for our freedom, and those who are less fortunate. We would like to take this time to mention some of the legal updates that came to light toward the end of last week, over the weekend and yesterday.
While North Dakota is often more recognized for the Coen Brother’s classic film “Fargo”, marijuana activists are trying to have the state join a very high profile group. Activists are attempting to run a ballot initiative, which would see North Dakota become the 18th state to permit marijuana use for patients. State Rep. Steve Zaiser (D-Fargo), is chairman of the campaign and recently stated “Marijuana has proven that it has helped people, and doctors will testify to that effect, I don’t want any more North Dakotans to suffer unnecessarily.” The initiative was submitted to Secretary of State Al Jaeger last week. There will have to be 13,452 signatures collected from eligible voters in North Dakota in order for the issue to come to a vote in November.
We also learned about some good news coming out of Arizona. Unfortunately, Arizona often provides negative or legally baffling news, however we are pleased to see that after a tumultuous start the medical marijuana program there is looking to help even more patients. The law passed in 2010 actually requires that the Department of Health Services officially considers requests to expand the programs coverage. The law may soon allow medical cannabis to be used for migraines and PTSD. Other states, such as Colorado have declined to expand their programs for PTSD. However, as more studies and testimonials are revealed that show PTSD symptoms being aided by cannabis, the momentum seems to be mounting.
Arizona and Governor Jan Brewer has taken a great deal of political heat over the past few years. Thankfully, their medical marijuana laws are more progressive than other states in certain areas. Our duty to provide compassion to one another is taking a deeper hold on us than our blue and red politics. Relief is unaware of what side of the political aisle it sits on. Only a few years ago many would have laughed at the prospect of medical marijuana in North Dakota. It is not clear if the law will pass there (voters in South Dakota have previously voted down the issue previously) but it seems no longer possible to assume that any state will just downright dismiss marijuana reform.
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”.
Arizona Lawmakers Approve Measure to Censor the Internet
Censoring communication has become a common method used in trying to suppress human rights. Syria has an “electronic army” and the country is well known for having censored internet communications as an uprising called for an overthrow of President Bashar Al-Asad. During Libya’s liberation similar tactics were used in order to suppress an uprising as well. China has finally relaxed some of its censorship efforts (not all) and is well known for restricting the access of political information and viewpoints that may not pain their governing practices in a flattering light.
The next body of government taking sweeping action against the internet is actually part of the United States. Arizona lawmakers have just passed House Bill 2549 which “prohibits using any electronic or digital device, instead of a telephone, with the intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend a person.” The intent was to expand upon telephone harassment laws and to protect against bullying but may have created a series of unmanageable laws. The Media Coalition, whose goal it is to defend first amendment rights, said that the law would “apply to the Internet as a whole, thus criminalizing all manner of writing, cartoons, and other protected material the state finds offensive or annoying.” They have written a formal letter encouraging Jan Brewer not to sign the bill.
While this may seem like an odd and possibly unconstitutional law, this is the same state that has passed other laws that have bypassed the Constitution. In Arizona, police officers are required to assume federal responsibilities and determine the immigration status of Arizona residents via racial profiling. Additionally, Governor Jan Brewer has fought everything she can muster against her own residents and potential voting base to stand in the way of a people initiated medical marijuana program. Let us not forget that teaching ethnic study programs in Arizona (K-12) is also illegal and there is also discussion to expand this into the college classrooms as well. Click here for a list of Arizona’s other strange laws.
One of the great things about America is that individual states can address the needs of its residents and it is understandable that a corn farmer in Iowa may have a different set of priorities than an investment banker in New York. However, suppression of information on the internet is hard to justify as an “American value”. Our goal is to separate ourselves from regions where human rights are jeopardized, not to take notes on how they accomplish this. Arizona is demonstrating yet another example of how politicians are skilled at creating headlines for their never ending re-election campaigns, but they no longer seem capable of connecting the dots and realizing the complexities of a digital world. Similar to the SOPA bill which failed miserably, ending the internet as we know it will strip the United States of jobs we can ill afford to lose. The world is not flat and out of touch representatives need not fear new ideas on the grounds that they are “offensive”.
This article may be considered offensive according to Arizona law. Marijuana.net hopes we can continue to provide frequent news updates, if we can avoid being arrested by Arizona authorities. Not every article we write is going to please all readers, but we never previously feared being arrested for writing “annoying” material. People against medical marijuana who do not want to grant compassion, care and relief to suffering patients can be offensive. Reading about controversial laws being passed about internet censorship may be offensive and is absolutely annoying, will Arizona legislators arrest themselves?
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 23, 2012
Jeremy Lin calls a foul on “Linsanity” marijuana strain
New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin has taken the world by storm with game play that electrified Madison Square Garden. The internet has been abuzz with plays on his name, but “linsanity” has taken hold. Like other parts of popular culture, it would not be long before business owners would try to profit off of “Linsanity”. Jeremy Lin was not amused with those trying to capitalize on his name and his lawyers have sent out many cease-and-desist letters to dispensaries who are selling the “Linsanity” strains. Twenty four other dispensaries highlighted the problem with the “marijuana name game” and tried to apply for patents to a name they have no connection to. Lin’s lawyer, Pamela Deese said “You can’t file a trademark when there’s a clear connection to someone else’s name, In this case, Jeremy Lin has the right to his name and related names and marks, as well as his signature, voice and likeness. That’s all part of his intellectual property.”
Medical Marijuana Bill Overcomes First Legal Obstacle in Connecticut
A recent Quinnipiac poll of Connecticut residents was released on Wednesday. The poll showed an overwhelming support for medical marijuana with 68% of respondents favoring while only 27% opposed. Only hours after the poll results were released, a legislative committee in Connecticut voted in favor (35-8) of a newly proposed medical marijuana law. Lawmakers also approved a medical cannabis measure in 2007 only to see it get vetoed by then Governor Jodi Rell. Current Governor Dannel P. Malloy supported a medical marijuana bill last year that failed. Several Republicans voiced their concern over the potential for federal intervention. Under the proposed state run system, prescriptions would be valid for one year and all patients would register with Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection.
New Data shows that many Medical Marijuana Cardholders Over 50 in Arizona
New research in Arizona shows that patients possessing medical marijuana are hardly young rebels. The Arizona Department of Health Services has released new dating showing that patients between the ages of 31-50 make up the largest percentage of cardholders (40%). Patients who are 51-81 represent 35% of all medical marijuana cardholders in Arizona and 18-30 year olds make up the smallest major block at 25%. Less than 1% of medical marijuana patients are under 18. The data may surprise many as marijuana, even for medical use, is closely associated with younger populations. Some officials in Arizona claimed the data shows they are doing a good job of keeping recreational users out of the medical program while Carolyn Short, chairwoman of Keep Arizona Drug Free, felt that some recreational users are faking symptoms and that medical marijuana should only be available after patients have exhausted all other medical options and treatments.
For more click here
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Feb 10, 2012
New Jersey Collective Seems to possess Removed Final Hurdle
 
 
 
 
New Jersey appears prepared to finally be ready to open its first marijuana collective. State legislators approved medical utilization of marijuana over two years back. Individuals trying to open collectives happen to be met by many people legal hurdles. Most lately the delays happen to be over local zoning permits . New Jersey’s townships happen to be unwilling to grant the permits keeping this program grounded . They’ve released a permit towards the Compassionate Care Foundation. The foundation’s Boss William J. Thomas stated “This continues to be hard. I have really experienced hell it.Inch
 
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Arizona Passes Law To Prohibit Medicinal Marijuana on College Grounds
 
 
Another condition which has observed its great amount of delays with their medicinal marijuana program is Arizona. Once we have recorded before, Arizona passed legislation for medicinal marijuana using a ballot initiative chosen on through the state’s citizens. However, Governor Jan Maker then challenged what the law states unsuccessfully in the court. As the prospects of the completely functional program appear likely for that summer time, up to now no patients happen to be offered. A brand new bill passed will restrict the privileges of scholars to possess medicinal marijuana on campus even when they’re legitimate consumers. House Bill 2349, that was backed by Repetition. Amanda Reeve, (R-Phoenix) helps make the having marijuana around the property associated with a educational institution not permitted. The balance appears particularly targeted at ensuring students who receive Federal Pell grants or loans aren’t being specific by police force.
 
Police Force Agents Believe Current Marijuana Enforcement Encourage Crooks
 
Two top Federal police force agents think that the Mexican drug cartel and also the gang centered the marijuana market in Canada and also have been embolden by U.S. marijuana laws and regulations. Charles Mandigo that has been an element of the FBI for 27 years, and it has offered because the mind from the Dallas office stated “It may be the money, not the drug, that drives these cartels and gangs.” John McKay, an old U.S. attorney for that condition of Washington agreed and mentioned that “Criminal enforcement of marijuana doesn’t work,” McKay contended. It “creates a massive flow of cash to worldwide drug cartels, crooks and thugs.” These claims were created in a hearing for proposition 502, which may legalize and regulate marijuana much like alcohol if passed. There appears to become considerable momentum for that passing of proposition 502, which may make Washington Condition the first one to legalize marijuana for private use.
 
High Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup in LA a few days ago
 
Below is a few quick information on this weekend’s event. Benefit from the first class competition and are available greet marijuana.internet if you notice us.
Event: HIGH Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup – La, 2/11/12
Date: Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 at 12:00 PM – Sunday, Feb 12, 2012 at 9:00 PM (PT)
Location:
La Center Galleries
451 South Beaudry Ave
La, CA 90017
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News The month of january 27, 2012
Not Awesome Dude: Guy From La Charged with Smoking Pot on Plane
 
Modern conveniences for example food, internet, and tv might be making people feel an excessive amount of in your own home. A guy from La is charged with smoking marijuana on the Jet Blue flight on the way to Newark, N.J. from Fort Lauderdale, FL. The 42 years old Adam Blumenkranz was stated to possess illuminated within the bathroom from the aircraft. A surprised Blumenkranz stated he felt he didn’t do anything wrong while he is really a medicinal marijuana cardholder in La. We request that Mr. Blumenkranz inspections along with us at marijuana.internet more frequently, to ensure that he’d be aware of distinction between condition and federal law. Once a person makes its way into an airport terminal they’re in federal territory. Furthermore, he clearly left the condition so you should keep in mind that he only had protection under California condition law. Also, Mr. Blumenkranz, most sufferers realize that if you fail to smoke a cigarette in a plane, then smoking marijuana might be frowned as well.
 
 
 
Patients See Progress In Kansas
 
For that third consecutive year, Kansas legislatures happen to be given a medicinal marijuana law for review. However, unlike years past where legislatures lifted their noses in mid-air and declined to carry a discussion, they’ll really discuss The Cannabis Care and Empathy Act, HB 2330. Repetition. Gail Finney (D-Wichita) introduced the balance and it is likely pleased the tides have switched across the country regarding medicinal marijuana. States appear reluctant recently to merely dismiss the problem as momentum is attaining in lots of states for patient relief. Also, fortunately for patients is always that when the bill is passed it’s needed to become passed rapidly. Unlike other states which have pulled their ft, Kansas could be needed to simply accept programs within 3 months of passing the measure.
 
 
 
Giant Cultivation Center In Phoenix is going to be To begin a sort
 
Since Governor Jan Maker has stopped fighting laws and regulations her very own citizens have passed and moved onto shouting publically before cameras at Leader Obama, Arizona patients should anticipate the medicinal marijuana program continuing to move forward. A 5,000 sq . ft . grow center assists because the hub for around 45 care providers and it is run by philanthropist and businessman Gerald Gaines. Many advocates have the center might make it simpler to watch qc for patients as a lot of the medication is going to be produced in an area.