California
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 2, 2012
California Courts Rule against using Nuisance Ordinance to Shut Down Collectives
As the legal debate continues in California over medical marijuana, there were several new twists in the situation this week. The Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled that municipalities cannot use nuisance ordinance to shut down marijuana dispensaries. This would seem to be a victory for advocates as municipalities have shut down medical marijuana collectives through use of the nuisance ordinance before. The court also included in its decision that dispensaries can only dispense marijuana from where it is grown and cannot be imported from any outside source. The state supreme court is expected to review California’s medical marijuana laws later this year. Another court case that was decided this week involved a lawsuit against the Obama administration. The suit claimed that the White House was disingenuous and claimed they would not conduct any raids on dispensaries. The case was thrown out.
Marijuana Advocates From all parts of the Community Gather in Michigan
Residents of Michigan have been very active in pursuing marijuana reform. Last year, Kalamazoo residents voted to make marijuana law enforcement the lowest priority for police officers. A ballot initiative is underway to get a marijuana legalization bill to the voters in November. This week marijuana advocates from all walks of life joined came together to pursue changes in cannabis laws. Patients, caregivers, and advocacy groups all met at the Clarion Hotel in Ann Arbor in an effort to coordinate their legal efforts and testimony.
New Jersey Joins other states in Synthetic Marijuana Ban
New Jersey has joined the nationwide crackdown on synthetic marijuana. On Wednesday New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced that the state has outlawed synthetic cannabis. Across the country many have been worried about the potential side effects of products such as “K2” and “Spice” which have been linked to seizures and heart attacks especially in teens. The substance will now be held in the same regards as heroin and cocaine can result in a $25,000 fine and 3 to 5 years in prison if convicted of possession. New Jersey is now a part of an overwhelming 39 states that have outlawed synthetic marijuana products.
Feds Oversee Colorado Marijuana Collective Shutdowns
The latter part of 2011 put a chill down the spine of many patients who were concerned about where they would have access to medication. Federal raids in California received a great deal of media attention as many news outlets claimed medical marijuana in America was over. Now that the dust has settled and the vast majority of collectives remain open, the raids seem to be targeting an altogether different goal than a total annihilation of the program.
The federal attention has now shifted toward Colorado. Several months ago, federal authorities issued letters informing 23 collectives that they would have to relocate or close their doors because they were too close to schools and in violation of Colorado law. Earlier this week federal agents were sent in to oversee the shutdown, which occurred without incident according to reports. While this is an inconvenience for patients, hopefully most will still be able to access relief without major issues.
Most patients felt that President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder indicated that the administration would not conduct federal raids on collectives. That seemed to match the tone of the statements made on the 2008 campaign trail, however, team Obama choose their words very carefully. They mentioned not raiding any establishment that followed state law, and even as recently as two months ago Eric Holder reiterated the position by saying “our thought was that where a state has taken a position, has passed a law, and people are acting in conformity with a law, not abusing the law but acting in conformity with it, and, again, given our limited resources, that would not be an enforcement priority for the Justice Department.” Of course the statement seems to be filled with exit clauses, but it does indicate that those following state law should not be a federal target.
Much of the media signaled the end for medical marijuana toward the end of 2011. That does not seem to be a well thought out idea as no state has revoked its medical marijuana program even in the face of federal pressure. Additionally, there are 17 other states considering medical marijuana laws and other states considering total legalization. Although California is in a state of legal uncertainty, the pending decision of the state Supreme Court may re-establish order and consistent laws so that patients are ensured their legally protected “safe access”. Colorado has over 700 medical marijuana collectives. With 23 shutting down, that represents approximately 3% of collectives. While those who are against providing accessible relief brag about the closings, it truly is just a drop in the bucket. Of those 23, many may relocate and be able to open up legally elsewhere.
While no advocates/patients want to hear about dispensaries being forced to shut down, it is important to keep everything in perspective. America has changed its views on marijuana and the Federal government does not even seem willing to challenge state laws. While the closings appear to be defeat on the surface, the fact that the federal government is only willing to enforce its laws on 3% of Colorado collectives may signal a victory for patients and advocates alike.
Money Talks
 
In the end frequently wish it was not the situation, we’re all unwillingly instructed to accept the truth that money truly does make much around the globe go round. Regrettably, altering decades of laws and regulations and anti marijuana sentiment needs a considerably large amount of cash.
A ballot initiative in California is focusing on serious change in the usa marijuana laws and regulations. The initiative is known as “Regulate Marijuana Like Wine” (RMLW). The committee for RMLW only has elevated $80,000 to date. Normally this might pose a significant problem, but new polls in California indicate otherwise. Based on reviews, 62% of qualified voters within the condition offer the initiative. This will bring considerable focus on RMLW which is likely the cause will attract contributor with large pockets. A current article in SF Weekly describes your time and effort by RMLW and it is titled “Marijuana Legalisation Measure Courts Billionaires for Vital Campaign Cash”.
Strangely enough, stated billionaire might be supporting serious legalisation efforts in Massachusetts. Marijuana.internet has formerly reported around the much talked about and possibly wealthiest marijuana advocate, Progressive Corp. Chairman, Peter B. Lewis. Individuals supporting RMLW might want to contact Mr. Lewis, because he has demonstrated he prepared to help financially with measures targeted at altering marijuana laws and regulations. Peter B. Lewis has lately contributed $525,000 towards the Committee for Compassionate Medicine (CCM). This comprises the majority of their money handy. A pr firm stated with respect to CCM their goals will be to “to make sure that Massachusetts patients have a similar accessibility necessary medical assets to battle debilitating illnesses that are offered in 16 other states.” Underneath the suggested program the condition Department of Public Health would problem cards after patients receive documentation from doctors. Centers would then result in cultivation of marijuana in addition to creating other items for example food items, oils, tinctures, and creams. If CCM is effective in collecting the needed signatures, they’ll expect voter approval in November.
Even though it is regretful that legislative change frequently requires bundles of money, we applaud the efforts of Peter B. Lewis. You will find many billionaires who don’t want to be also connected with marijuana, but his personal expertise with medicinal marijuana has permitted him to determine just the number of people his internet worth might help.
Financial Possibilities may open for Colorado Shops
Although rely upon the economic climate might be in a historic low, many experts wouldn’t recommend keeping cash under our beds. Even while rates of interest on accounts is nearly nonexistent, companies depend heavily on controlling their cash and financial records with the major banks. For individuals running marijuana shops, they’ve been avoided from using the most fundamental of economic tools, a banking account. It has led to difficult documentation and shops have to house more money available than is protected, opening the opportunity of robbery.
In September of this past year, Colorado Springs Condition Bank closed their accounts with marijuana shops. At that time these were the final bank to freely work with medicinal marijuana shops. Democrat Sen. Pat Steadman and Republican Repetition. Tom Massey are trying to find to alter this. They’ve introduced Senate Bill 75 which may create financial cooperatives that might be controlled just like a bank. Obviously these lending institutions wouldn’t be insured government, since many banks are.
Insufficient proper banking and forcing a business to depend only on cash appears to provide ripe possibility of a growing underground community. If there’s a conflict between federal and condition law however the shops remain open, why would a regulating body think that the reply is to prevent monitoring the paper trail? If there’s any suspicion of illegal activity, accounts and assets could be frozen immediately. Sue Harank, co-who owns Denver’s All downhill Herbal Wellness agreed and mentioned “It’s in everybody’s interest these individuals don’t have piles of money laying around.” Another advocate in Colorado, Robert Friechtel, director from the Medicinal Marijuana Business Exchange was cited as saying “Forcing shops to visit cash-only is crazy. Just how can proprietors securely and effectively run their companies with no spot to deposit money?”
This isn’t the very first example that highlights how Colorado is paving the way in which for any well run and controlled medicinal marijuana program. Being attentive to the issues in California, Colorado has produced a uniform system using their condition licenses. California continues to be forced to go to its condition Top Court to be able to clarify how Proposition 215 is used as numerous cities are unclear regarding how you can enforce medicinal marijuana laws and regulations. Colorado appears set on safeguarding its patients and without correctly run shops just how can safe access be guaranteed? Senate Bill 75 is really dependent on good sense. Many patients depend around the shops and then any business proprietor can’t be likely to function correctly by hiding money in a basement or acting like gangsters.
Feds Concentrate on Colorado shouldn’t Overshadow Progress in other States
As the advocates and detractors of marijuana will probably be concentrated around the potential approaching raids in Colorado, you will find a number of other new developments worth keeping track of. Because it stands, 23 shops in Colorado received letters from the us government warning these to shut lower because of condition law violations. Obviously with this country still spinning from the downward economy, no jobs deficits could be dismissed, nor are we able to disregard the problem of compromising patient’s use of medication. However, once we viewed using the fall raids in California, only a tiny proportion from the overall shops are facing any possible complications. Within the situation of Colorado roughly 3% of shops, at this time, face possible closure.
When we change our focus from Colorado to California we might notice another recent story that highlights marijuana’s acceptance racing past tobacco. A week ago marijuana.internet reported on new research which demonstrated that marijuana might not have any impact on long-term breathing. We’ve also found that Marin County has changed language within their new smoking prohibit to simply concentrate on cigarettes. The county is implementing a stride that will eliminate authorized cigarettes in non incorporated apartment models. County Supervisor Kate Sears had initially mentioned that “tobacco, weed, spices or herbs, herbal or any other plant existence” would come under the prohibit. She’s since backtracked and stated the prohibit would only focus strictly on tobacco items.
Obviously you will find lots of new developments around the America’s other coast too. Patient worries in Nj happen to be well recorded because the program continues to be met with each and every bit of bureaucratic bureaucracy your garden Condition could muster. However, patients in Vermont are wishing for any much softer process to get their shops ready to go. The Burlington Free Press is confirming that shops might be serving patients with this summer time. Condition authorities state that the particulars from the program ought to be available over the following couple of days. Return with marijuana.internet once we will give you further particulars because they emerge.
As the us government does nothing when it comes to sensible marijuana reform, don’t be surprised states to consider more action. As states find it difficult to stay afloat financially more will need to consider repel old federal law and consider medicinal marijuana. People are progressively not able to pay for prescription medicines and condition government authorities are increasing fed up with the economical strain of incarceration. Condition privileges is a speaking point for those political figures seeking election this year and because the authorities refuses to alleviate the burden on battling cities, expect more states to consider initiative.
Get more information at information on states with pending medicinal marijuana legislation
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News The month of january 13, 2012
Feds Change Focus to Colorado Attack
 
As numerous expected, federal government bodies have moved assets toward Colorado and also have cautioned 23 shops of violations against condition law. The shops received letters in the U.S. government warning them they unlawfully operating within 1,000 ft of colleges. The letters were sent by U.S. attorney John Walsh, who mentioned “When the voters of Colorado passed the limited medicinal marijuana amendment in 2000, they couldn’t have anticipated their election would be employed to justify large marijuana stores situated within blocks in our schools.” Many experts happen to be baffled regarding how the us government goes concerning the raids. Federal government bodies appear to become only pursuing shops that aren’t consistent with condition law even while every one is repel federal law. The problem of condition privileges has witnessed its appeal grow lately also it seems the us government doesn’t desire to be charged with walking in it. The amount of shops in danger of Colorado is gloomier than we had in California last fall. This really is likely because of Colorado getting an even more controlled program which involves condition licenses, screening and approval. Recent estimations indicate that Colorado has roughly 735 shops.
 
 
New You are able to Attorney General Expresses Deep Concern over Prescription Medicine Abuse
 
News from the growing epidemic that’s prescription medicine abuse has gotten a lot of media attention recently. Lately, marijuana.internet reported on the the introduction of a pure hydrocodone pill that’s 10 x more effective than vicodin. Now, New You are able to Condition Attorney General Eric Schneiderman stated that “Prescription medicine is permeating society.” The statement was at reaction to reviews that demonstrate that medications for oxycodone are up 82% within the Empire Condition. The Brand New You are able to health system continues to be overburdened with er visits. Particularly Nassau County saw a 57% rise in er visits associated with prescription overdoses. Attorney General Schneiderman is asking to have an online monitoring system that will pressure doctors to report patient history just before prescribing a controlled substance.
California and Colorado try New Approach toward Marijuana Law
As increasing numbers of details are revealed concerning the fall’s federal raids of medicinal marijuana shops, it’s becoming obvious that advocates have to take with an alternate approach. Although supporters of medicinal marijuana are equipped with solid details, the effective minority within our government isn’t prepared to admit defeat. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder lately stated that recent raids were targeted at shops who weren’t in compliance with condition law. This could explain why there has been states going for a more organized approach toward safeguarding medicinal marijuana patients from the us government.
Based on a current article from MercuryNews.com, advocates in California are trying to find to institute a state-wide certification system for controlling the medicinal marijuana program. This could setup uniform screening systems for shops and patients. It might also create a far more structured tax code. People in america For Safe Access are leading the ballot initiative and believe that California often see less federal intervention when the condition implements these new rules. When the process goes well, California would create “The Board of Medicinal Marijuana Enforcement” which may oversee the non-profit companies creating, selling and lab testing the strains.
California isn’t alone within their new method for 2012. Colorado has implemented a state-wide license system. Additionally, Colorado makes a proper request towards the DEA to re-classify marijuana. When the DEA finally relented and accomplished it, states will not have to choose from following federal law and supplying relief to the citizens. Two governors from Rhode Island and Washington Condition have previously made such formal demands. Barbara Brohl, mind of The Colorado Department of Revenue authored the request which incorporated the next statement “As lengthy as there’s divergence in condition and federal law, there’s deficiencies in certainty essential to provide safe access for patients with serious health conditions.Inch
Even though the DEA hasn’t behaved on such demands previously there appears to become momentum as states have finished the legislative conflict between condition and federal law. Civil privileges issues previously have proven that it takes only a couple of brave pioneers to stimulate massive change. We’re now seeing more states setup systems that goal to safeguard their sufferers. Colorado’s program will probably function as a model for most of the already established states with medicinal marijuana, along with the 6 others with pending legislation. Since there three states presently asking for reclassification of cannabis, more are certain to join.
The Entire Year in Review
As you may know, 2011 would be a wild ride year for marijuana reform. While there have been much talked about occasions like the Federal raids in California and Montana, there have been also many positive developments. Allows recap the lengthy year:
 
We found that indoor marijuana growing accounts for approximately 1% from the U . s . States overall electric consumption. This interesting fact will hopefully cause us to become eco-friendly, about being eco-friendly. Get more information at more.
 
Medicinal Marijuana formally surpassed the A Million offered mark. What is the news was a watch opener for a lot of and shows that it’s no more a fringe group. Take a look at our previous coverage.
 
While claims were already available regarding marijuana’s benefits toward helping with Post traumatic stress disorder, official studies launched confirmed this. Because of so many soldiers yet others going through distressing occasions, what is the news was heralded. Take a look at our article about this problem.
 
Israel introduced that they are likely to significantly improve their medicinal marijuana program. The best minister’s office designed a statement we frantically are awaiting within the U . s . States, “The Cabinet today approved plans and supervision concerning the way to obtain cannabis for medical and research uses. This really is in recognition the medical utilization of cannabis is essential in some cases. The Ministry will – in coordination using the Israel Police and also the Israel Anti-Drug Authority – oversee this and you’ll be accountable for supplies from imports and native cultivation.” Additional coverage.
 
This season provided us positive news regarding medicinal marijuana states visiting a significant decrease in DWI’s and overall traffic deaths. The entire year also demonstrated more teens are trying to find marijuana, but it’s a general trend and no greater in states with legalized medical cannabis. More the following.
 
Holland made the decision to outlaw marijuana sales to vacationers. They raided the still legal High Occasions Cannabis Cup. They postponed the brand new limited laws and regulations. Now they don’t appear sure. Was a fascinating year for Amsterdam as you would expect, we’re certainly confused.
In a lot of ways, Colorado demonstrated us that medicinal marijuana could be controlled, which condition government will really attempt to safeguard patients. Colorado released the very first ever condition license for medicinal marijuana.
 
New Approach Washington come up with the very best and many much talked about legal cast with former and current U.S. lawyers and idol judges, within their efforts to possess marijuana controlled like alcohol. Take a look at more
 
Delaware approved their medicinal marijuana program. Take a look at more about that.
 
Many states including New You are able to and Ohio have medicinal marijuana bills pending. Here’s more about pending states.
 
We discovered that marijuana use might help to combat weight problems and it is generally utilized by individuals with greater intelligence.
 
We’d quite an eventful political year for marijuana. Candidates expressed their sights on marijuana and Newt Gingrich stole the head lines together with his comments. Ron Paul supported his previous claims and Gary Manley, the so known as “marijuana candidate” was excluded from debates. Ron Paul also became a member of Barney Frank yet others by presenting legislation that will legitimize the with tax breaks for care providers and solid legal status.
 
2011 saw marijuana’s acceptance achieve its modern high water mark. Polls show roughly 50% of the nation is perfect for legalisation and as much as 85% support medicinal marijuana. Very couple of if any political issues come with an 85% consensus. Read this article.
Sadly, the unsuccessful fight against drugs switched 40 this year. A lot on the planet has transformed since that time, but Richard Nixon’s Fight Against Drugs remains a continuing.
 
Sythetic Marijuana put their hands up on everyone’s radar. 2011 saw many cities attempt to regulate the underground community, possibly not enough past too far.
Copenhagen made the decision they no more wanted a underground community for marijuana and required major steps toward legally controlling it. Take a look at our coverage.
 
Calls were noisy and obvious for any deleting of marijuana. Two prominent governors lead the charge.
 
Michigan citizens demonstrated they’d not buckle when confronted with the infamous anti-marijuana condition Attorney General, Bill Schuette. Not just did Kalamazoo voters make marijuana enforcement its cheapest priority, they’re also on the road to voting on repealing marijuana prohibition.
 
Regrettably, California’s earliest dispensary, Marin Alliance For Medicinal Marijuana Closed it’s doorways.
 
We can’t wait to know what you think regarding your ideas regarding 2011. Leave us comments on these tales or make reference to highlights that didn’t appear here. Marijuana.internet is searching toward talking with you. Be safe while you celebrate 2012.
Heather Donahue finds Success with New Career with Marijuana
Very few of us remain in the same career for our entire working lives. It is now common to change career paths three or four times during a work life. The Great Recession has forced or encouraged many of us to reinvent our self-marketing, although it is certainly not the only reason people are favoring more than one career lifespan.
While Hollywood is often accused as being out of touch with the working class, it seems even actors with success find themselves seeking occupational variety. Heather Donahue, who starred in “The Blair Witch Project” and also appeared on “Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia” has decided to change direction and is now an author. Her new upcoming memoir is titled “GrowGirl: How My Life After The Blair Witch Project Went to Pot.” In the book she describes the instant fame she received from the cult hit scary movie and the aftermath of trying to maintain an acting career. After the Blair Witch Project, she summed up her career by saying “The acting projects I was lucky enough to work on weren’t always things that I felt good about putting out into the world.”
Her first major career change seems evident in the title of her book. Heather Donahue spent a year in a place called “Nuggetown” with growers where she learned to cultivate marijuana. After a close friend found trouble with Federal agents, Ms. Donahue pursued another yet safer career move. We have seen more of a comfort zone in regards to members of Hollywood opening up about marijuana, but Heather Donahue offers an even more unique perspective. She seems genuinely concerned with patients and was one herself. In 2007 she was prescribed marijuana to treat symptoms related to PMS(Here is what our database recommends for PMS). When questioned if she believed marijuana should be legalized she seemed conflicted. Heather Donahue feels that while it would be unfortunate if corporations overpowered “mom and pop” growers, she thinks everyone should have safe access.
While we regret to hear that Heather Donahue may have had some emotional struggles after early acting success, we are thrilled to see her cut out a new niche for herself. She described herself as “a solitary country girl” after her time in the limelight. While we can definitely appreciate that, we hope she continues with her newfound success in writing. Heather Donahue may be able to use her public persona as a way to draw more attention toward patient needs.
A Letter to Santa
Dear Santa,
This year for Christmas what I want the most won’t fit in a stocking. You see, things down here, south of the pole, are a little bit out of sorts. We have a lot of sick people who are having problems obtaining their medication. Some of us have found that nothing helps our ailments like marijuana. But it’s illegal to buy, own, and sell it in most of the country. California’s been nice enough to allow dispensaries for medical marijuana, but even the Golden State seems to be confused about what they want. In other states they have really strict drug laws and someone can go to jail just for having their meds on-hand for when they need them.
There are countless instances where this is a major problem. We have ill grandmothers out there in poor health, waiting for some relief. Do we need people with arthritis and bad hips turning to street vendors?. We have situations where these people have to seek treatment illegally. Sometimes they have to depend on loved ones to for access to their medication. Santa, what an unfair situation this is to put people in. We do not want to break the law, but we are not heartless and do not want to watch those close to us suffer.
Could you figure a way to drop a bill into the stockings of all the senators and representatives in congress? I’m not good at lawyer-speak but could you write up some new legislation for marijuana in America? I think it needs to be reclassified into a schedule 2 substance because of its medical properties so doctors can prescribe it. Also, I guess we need to find additional ways to tax it on both a federal and state level. This way it can help to reduce the nation’s deficit. Look, I’m not just asking for me. This could help a lot of people. It could keep young kids from ruining their lives and can put money into the hands of government officials instead of criminal cartels. And it can help make lots of people who are sick to feel better and cope with harsh treatments.
I know its asking a lot, but do you think you can do it? If you can’t, I understand. You have elves in your workshop and I don’t think any of them went to Harvard Law. If this doesn’t work out, my back up wish is for our stockings to be full of that Northern Lights (is that what you grow up there?) so many patients eyes will fill with joy!
Thank you Santa,
From all the patients in our community.
P.S. still holding out for peace on earth and goodwill towards mankind.