cannabis
Gary Johnson Links Border Security to Marijuana Prohibition
Border security has and will likely continue to be a point of debate in this election cycle. While we hear candidates talk about unrealistic and unaffordable “Great Walls” to separate Mexico and the United States, we hear very little in addressing the root causes of violence along our borders.
Giant security walls have not enjoyed their place in history. The GOP has taken a very rigid stance on immigration and border control (click here for a breakdown of recent statements made by GOP candidates regarding border security). However, the Republican modern hero, President Ronald Reagan famously said “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” and then we all know what happened in Berlin shortly after.
Former republican Gary Johnson has actually decided to engage in a conversation on border security that avoids the typical clichés and talking points. Mr. Johnson, former republican and now libertarian candidate for president, recently told Fox News “It should not be under-emphasized how much the violence on the border has to do with the prohibition of drugs, I think if we legalize marijuana, we will take a huge step toward a rational drug policy.” When asked about building a giant border fence, Gary Johnson responded by saying “It’s a no brainer, don’t build a fence; it’s an incredible waste of money.” The party of supposed fiscal conservatism may have a hard time selling Newt Gingrich’s moon base and extremely costly (approximately 3 million dollars per mile) border projects.
Many Americans truly want to see a new approach to marijuana reform, immigration, and border security. Supporting marijuana reform would go a long way to appease patients and advocates. Taking money and power out of cartel hands with new marijuana laws could also enhance the party’s credentials on border security. Political strategists have identified cannabis supporters and immigrants as vulnerable groups for President Obama as many of them feel he did not live up to expectations on these issues. However, if the policies of the GOP remain on the current path, those groups will likely (even if reluctantly) throw their support behind Barack Obama.
We have to ask ourselves how effective a giant barrier is going to be dividing the Mexican and US border. For one, marijuana.net recently ran a story that described the massively complex tunnel system cartel members are using to smuggle in marijuana. A giant wall will likely result in more cartel resources being directed at the often undetectable tunnels. In a sense, the fence may drive the problems underground, literally, with security becoming even more of a concern. Does ignoring a problem and erecting a barrier ever truly deal with any of our problems on either an emotional or physical level? If we had a problem with our next door neighbor we would not request tax dollars during a troubled economy to separate two homes from view of each other. Additionally, if we erected such massive wall, what would we do about Canada? Would criminals and terrorists direct their efforts to the even larger border we share with Canada? Sooner than later America will set aside all the emotionally charged rhetoric against marijuana and decide to simultaneously improve our security, economic, and healthcare concerns.
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.
Colorado Residents Will get to Vote on Legalizing Marijuana in November
The 2012 election already was gearing up to be a historic election between the GOP and President Barack Obama. We also cannot lose sight of the house and senate races which will bombard our televisions. Besides its 9 electoral votes being up for grabs, Colorado figures to be a focal point this November as they were finally able to collect enough signatures to get the legalization effort on the ballot.
There has been a push (lead by the group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol) in Colorado to collect enough signatures and get the marijuana legalization initiative on the ballot. Initially, almost double the required 86,105 signatures were submitted. State officials rejected many of the signatures on the basis that they were invalid. The initiative fell just short by about 2,400 signatures but over 12,000 were submitted just before the deadline. Yesterday, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office announced that enough signatures were collected and that the initiative will be placed on the ballots for voters to decide. Colorado voters had a similar opportunity in 2006 to legalize marijuana but chose not to. California also rejected similar measures in 2010, but advocates are hopeful that the current initiative is a better plan and polls show much more support around the country for legalization.
Colorado will not be the only state where recreational marijuana could be legalized. Through the efforts of New Approach Washington and their high profile team of U.S. attorneys, Judges, and law enforcement members, enough signatures were collected to place the issue on the ballots. The Washington plan calls for a system of regulation similar to alcohol. Other states may be poised to make serious changes to marijuana laws as well. Michigan and Missouri are among several other states where ballot initiatives are underway to legalize cannabis. There are also 17 other states with pending legislation to legalize medical marijuana and likely a few more on the way.
Calendar year 2012 already has the ingredients to make even more history than a normal presidential election year. This truly may be the year where we have one or more states that have totally legalized marijuana. While this may not provide any additional protection from the federal government, raids are harder to conduct when marijuana is permitted and available throughout a state and not just in easily identifiable store fronts. The federal government may be forced to consider reclassification earlier than they would like, unless they plan on storming the back yards of residents.
Families find Stress and Relief with Medical Marijuana Laws
As we constantly hear about “family values” in this election year, we find ourselves questioning the sincerity of those statements. The United States witnesses so many families struggling with healthcare, and even for those lucky enough to have access to pharmaceutical treatments it is often not enough to provide relief. Two families have been featured in the news recently as they try their best to provide a better quality of life for their children.
A recent article entitled “Without Marijuana, I’d Probably Be Dead” describes 17 year old Chaz Moore’s health struggles. Doctors say that Chaz is one of 50 people in the entire world who have been diagnosed with myoclonus diaphragmatic flutter. The condition causes muscle spasms that can occur dozens of times in one day alone. For most of his life, Chaz Moore was healthy, athletic, active and seemingly normal. Several years ago this all changed drastically and Moore started to notice hives and spasms several times a week. The symptoms became progressively worse as Chaz’s father recalled, “One week, we went nine times to the ER, we were going nuts, just totally freaking out. Nobody knew what was wrong.” Traditional medicine proved to be ineffective until Chaz was taking a combination of 16 pills per day.
Although doctors were able to treat his symptoms at first with an aggressive pill cycle, eventually the spasms returned and were unable to be controlled. Shan Moore eventually suggested to doctors that Chaz try marijuana as a way to regulate the attacks. To date, it is the only treatment that has proved to be consistent. Although Moore is one of 41 minors who possess a medical marijuana card in Colorado, he could benefit greatly from further marijuana legal reform. His situation requires him to medicate during the day and this has put him at odds with school administrators. Chaz Moore now takes online classes from his home.
Unfortunately, another family seeking relief for their child has even more legal hurdles to overcome. Gill and Catherine Mejias are seeking an alternative approach toward their son Deacon’s autism. Deacon is only seven years old which makes the situation even more sensitive. While it may sound extremely controversial to use marijuana in treatment for young children, many parents are claiming it has helped their children who have autism (click here for a letter from a mother titled “Why I Give My 9 Year Old Pot”). Deacon’s parents claim that his teachers noticed a drastic turnaround in his behavior after he started taking Marinol.
However, Catherine Deacon says that Deacon typically builds up a tolerance to synthetics and the Marinol regimen has lost its effectiveness. Oklahoma is not a state that permits medical marijuana although the Mejias family is hopeful that will soon change. State Senator Constance Johnson (D-Oklahoma City) has proposed senate bill 573, which would allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana. The Mejias family has stated they will move to another state if the bill does not pass. Oklahoma state governor Mary Fallin has indicated she would veto any bill to legalize medical marijuana.
We are a country that places an emphasis on “family”. Is it not equally important that the word “compassion” closely accompanies family? Current laws have forced little choice but to break the law for those who have true family values.
Keep it Clean
Purity of product is one of the most essential requirements of any medication. To date, it is not something that has been overly emphasized for medical marijuana. It’s a naturally occurring plant that grows in the ground; what could be wrong with it? Well, usually nothing. But that is no reason to assume that any crop is 100% pure cannabis. So, what can go wrong with marijuana? There are some naturally occurring problems that plague growers, like molds, fungus, and pests. These strike during the growing process and can damage yields and potency of crops, but have minimal effects on users. The other, more dangerous problems are those that are man-made. The nefarious and artificial treatment of marijuana can be very dangerous and is popularly known as “laced weed.” Both of these problems can be addressed through regulation and proper laboratory testing of marijuana.
The diseases that strike cannabis crops are usually detectable by the vigilant grower. All diseases have symptoms, and the primary caretaker should know how to spot them. Proper climate control is the key to maintaining crop growth. Sometimes the plant’s environment will have a pH (acidity) imbalance and that can effect calcium intake, which severely impairs a plant’s life processes. Calcium is key for proper osmosis within the plant’s cells, which is how plants take in energy and remove waste on a cellular level. Growers will observe plants with yellow leaves or brown stalks, and these are indicators of imbalances in pH or nitrogen shortages. Molds and fungus also strike at cannabis and must be treated immediately or else the crop will be lost. Pythium is one such mold that leads to rot in the roots and stem. Mold and fungus can be controlled with proper humidity. And if a mold or fungus attack is spotted early enough, the effected plants can be removed or sometimes treated with fungicides. However, be wary of treating plants with chemicals. They must be removed, or catalyzed before people can enjoy a safe product.
Pests can also be a big problem for growers, especially as grow operations continue to grow in size and complexity. An unnoticed invader can easily spread and damage a whole operation. One of problems with cloning operations is that all the plants in a crop will be identical. So, if one plant is susceptible to a pest or disease then all of them will be. That makes it very easy for plagues to multiply across a garden in very short time. Some pests that have been striking California growers include spider mites, white flies, and lice. These bugs are small but they pack a punch. But why do they attack our plants? For the sweet sweet sap, the plant’s life-blood. The majority of these pests hide from the eye, underneath leaves but you will notice their presence. They chew into the plant’s veins and suck out the sap. This leaves white spots on leaves, buds and any affected area. But there is good news for growers. There are natural remedies for some of these killers. Spider mites, identifiable by the webs they spin (and the fact they are spiders and not insects), are the favored snack of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Predator Mite). So, get a batch of those guys and a magnifying glass then you can watch as your enemies are eaten and destroyed! White flies and lice can be treated with Assassinator wasps (awesome name) and Amblyseius cucumeris. However, the most effective way to protect a crop is through proper climate control and sterile surfaces. This prevents plagues and pests from finding their way to the plants in the first place.
By far the most notorious impurities in marijuana are those added to it by people, after it is harvested. Manufactured drugs (cocaine, heroin, meth, crack) are routinely cut with impure chemicals to increase profit and decrease potency. For years people have known that they can find sugar, baking powder, drano, other herbs, and even Crisco in their designer drugs (that’s if their drugs even have any of the real drug in it). It doesn’t happen too often in the United States that laced marijuana makes it into the news. Why would someone do that? Sometimes a plant yields a weak potency (perhaps due to previously listed problems) or maybe a dealer wants to add weight to make it seem like a larger crop. And sometimes, they’re looking to get users hooked on other drugs and use a sprinkle of coke or heroin to jump-start a smoker into a profit-bearing coke addict. These are serious issues that can mean life or death for the unsuspecting cannabis user. Marijuana effects people because the chemicals in it mimic those already in our bodies. When foreign chemicals (pesticides, embalming fluids, meth) are inhaled the experience is much different and can be life-wrecking, even deadly. The big problem for most people in this country, is that the majority of users must purchase their marijuana illegally from black market sources, and there is no accountability for purity from these suppliers.
The key to ensuring pure marijuana for patients is regulation and quality-control testing. In states like California and Colorado where medical marijuana is legal, regulation is underway and patients have a communal voice that can call for enforceable standards. In other states, patients have no way to ensure their products will be clean. All they can do is avoid known crop-adulterers and hope the next bag is clean. The Werc Shop is one of the leading labs for cannabis control and testing. They ensure that patients are getting 100% pure marijuana from their suppliers. They test for anything that people should worry about. Their dedicated technicians spot spider mites, find fungi and fungicides, and sniff out poisons. Also, they analyze and break down the chemical contents of the buds. It helps patients figure out what to buy. Some people want a higher CBD content for treating inflammation and pain. Others want something with more THC to treat depression or anxiety. And as research unfolds, letting us know which chemicals help treat which ailments, these “ingredients labels” will be a great aid for future treatments.
Cypress Hill Presents: The 2012 San Bernadino SmokeOut
Okay patients, waiting for is nearly over. The 2010 San Bernadino SmokeOut from Cypress Hill is simply nearby. For individuals individuals that do not know, The SmokeOut is definitely an annual event that Cypress Hill has backed and set together since 1998. Their mission statement, “The SmokeOut Medicinal Marijuana Expo is founded in the fact that the general public is much better offered when people and public authorities work cooperatively to be able to effectively accomplish goals,” is all about uniting to make sure that the Medicinal Marijuana Movement continues forward, building upon its achievements and conquering the brand new hurdles that rise to bar progress. It’s also about getting a lot of fun. The 2010 selection features heavy-players like Korn, Sublime with Rome is headlining, and also the ever-present Cypress Hill, along with a couple of other treats.
How can this be evening not the same as other festivals? You are able to break it lower into three parts. First may be the music, which is really a large draw for many people. Cypress Hill happens to be about disregarding limitations, and then any fan of the music notice they don’t hesitate to combine up styles and influences. That’s fantastic since it means they’ll draw an audience from individuals with diverse interests. So, should you appear only for the background music, you’re going to get individuals who like a myriad of tunes. Which means individuals are getting uncovered to new ideas also it will make them open their brains a little. Second, it’s a professional-medicinal marijuana event along with a huge setup for individuals individuals who require medication. You will see another area where people from the medical community will have the ability to medicate (verification needed for those patients trying to medicate for the reason). Third, it’s a massive trade event event for that marijuana community. Individuals who attend might find vendor platforms for items and tools from the trade. You’ll also have areas put aside for discussions by experts within the medical area, in addition to individuals pioneers of politics that need to grow the legalisation/decriminalization efforts. You’ll also have people from Cannabis Testing Labs, that is a large deal. The regulation and standardization of marijuana for treatment is an integral part from the movement. All medications are strictly controlled and should stick to recommendations. It ought to be exactly the same for cannabis therefore, farmers (large and small-scale) have to be educated and attributed for his or her product.
NORML, People in america for Safe Access (ASA), a couple of political figures, LEAP (Police Force Against Prohibition) and many other organizations is going to be getting sections and cubicles to assist spread information and promote activism. Marijuana.internet may have representation to ensure that people in our community will have the ability to meet those who make our website and work possible.
For individuals who reach attend the big event, you want a safe and enjoyable day. Make sure to go to the SmokeOut occasions page and appearance the rules for medicating prior to going. It might be a pity if our buddies weren’t permitted in simply because they did not bring their documents. Have some fun, but don’t forget it is not concerning the eventually, it’s about using the movement forward.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Feb 24, 2012
La Moves Nearer to Dispensary Prohibit
 
 
The controversy in La regarding marijuana dispensary closings continues to be happening for several weeks. City Councilman Jose Huizar is leading your time and effort to shut lower the collectives. He’s mentioned that crime comes with the collectives which he’s worried about the content legal marijuana transmits to children. Advocates have accused him of attempting to look tough on crime on his method to run for Da. The storyline from the potential prohibit isn’t new however it seems a election from the la City Council will occur soon. If council votes from the collectives there’s certain to be legal challenges. Many citizens have taken care of marijuana prescription cards and California condition law (propsosition 215) guarantees “Safe Access” for patients. La isn’t the only town thinking about a prohibit that will not in favor of condition law. The California Condition Top Court may ultimately define how California’s medicinal marijuana system progresses. Lengthy Beach chosen to enact an identical prohibit, but has permitted people of the Lengthy Beach Collective Association to stay open for many several weeks pending the greater courts decision.
 
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New You are able to Senator Chuck Schumer Joins individuals Seeking Synthetic Marijuana Prohibit
 
Synthetic marijuana is really a growing concern for a lot of over the U . s . States. Many states have passed laws and regulations targeted at making synthetic cannabis illegal. The authorities made the component JWH-018 illegal for just one year pending further review. JWH-018 was formerly (and sure is still incorporated sometimes) the primary element of synthetic marijuana. Many reviews have appeared of teens being rushed towards the er after utilization of items like “K2” and “Spice”. New You are able to Condition Senator Charles Schumer has became a member of your time and effort to prohibit the harmful items. Senator Schumer is trying to rally support for Harmful Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2011 and was cited as saying “Synthetic marijuana shouldn’t be legal simply because it masquerades as potpourri.”
 
 
Vallejo Collective Raided By Government bodies
 
A marijuana collective in Vallejo was raided the 2009 week. Matthew Shotwell, the operator of Greenwell Cooperative, was arrested . Government bodies on federal, condition, and native levels matched within the raid. The California condition Franchise Tax Board and California Condition Board of Equalization also appear to possess performed a substantial role the problem too. Within the summer time the Condition Board of Equalization visited several companies such as the Greenwell Cooperative to evaluate whether proper tax codes appeared to be adopted. While there’s been no official word that tax infractions were the reason for the raid, it appears likely. The Federal Government has mentioned that they’re not focusing on shops who’re following condition law. It was why many shops were shut lower within the summer time and fall.
 
Study Shows Medical Marijuana States have Reduced Suicides
As study after study confirms the medicinal qualities of marijuana, we should probably stop being surprised. However, there are times when new benefits are discovered that are so groundbreaking, even advocates have to take a step back and breathe a sigh of relief.
While many medical marijuana advocates focus on physical pain relief from HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, MS, Nausea, and chronic pain, the psyche also benefits greatly from cannabis. New research has demonstrated a link between PTSD relief and marijuana use as many returning soldiers say it is the only way they can relieve their symptoms. Now it appears another significant link between the psyche and marijuana has been discovered. According to a research paper entitled “High on Life? Medical Marijuana Laws and Suicide”, states that have legalized marijuana have seen a significant drop in suicides. The paper was written by D. Mark Anderson, Daniel I. Rees, and Joseph J. Sabia.
The paper analyzed data from 1990-2007 and found an overall reduction by 5% in overall suicides. Males aged 20-29 saw an 11% drop in suicides. In states that do not permit legalized marijuana, suicide rates actually rose during this time period. While suicide does not garner the attention of many other causes of death, it is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. The authors mentioned above believe that legalizing marijuana may “lead to an improvement in the psychological well-being of young adult males, an improvement that is reflected in fewer suicides.” They also went on to say “The strong association between alcohol consumption and suicide-related outcomes found by previous researchers raises the possibility that medical marijuana laws reduce the risk of suicide by decreasing alcohol consumption.”
While lawmakers still drag their feet and state that marijuana is extremely dangerous, advocates are concentrating on how we can treat the a top ten leading cause of death in the United States. While this may sound naïve in this day and age, we are expected to look up to our government officials. How can we do that? How can we seek help from those who will not even pass a congressional insider trading bill, or allow Super Pacs to influence an election. For the time being, both physical and mental relief are in direct violation of federal law.
For the full research paper including additional statistics from the study click here
Proposed Kentucky Medical Marijuana Law Shows Change in Midwest Politics
The traditional ideas of red and blue state politics may no longer apply. Many Southern and Midwest states are seriously considering medical marijuana, a political issue that would have surely had little chance of passage only several years ago.
With Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama among states that either permit medical marijuana or have pending legislation that could legalize it, the political map has changed drastically. Medical marijuana is becoming a consensus issue, and Kentucky is the newest state to join the mix. Kentucky state senator Perry B. Clark (D-Louisville) has sponsored Senate Bill 129, which would move marijuana from a schedule I to a schedule II substance and allow physicians to prescribe marijuana. The bill is also being titled the Gatewood Galbraith Memorial Medical Marijuana Act, after the high profile attorney who advocated for marijuana reform. Unfortunately, Louis Gatewood Galbraith passed away last month.
Senator Clark cited a poll conducted by the Marijuana Policy Project which indicated that over 81% of Americans feel doctors should be able to prescribe marijuana to patients who are in need of relief. Under the new bill patients would be allowed to have up to 5 ounces of marijuana per month. He also said “Marijuana has positive medical benefits for patients dealing with illnesses like cancer, multiple sclerosis, and AIDS, to name a few, I want to allow this as another treatment option for those individuals.”
This proposed legislation comes from a state where many may be surprised to see considering medical marijuana. As mentioned above, predictable politics is no longer a sure business. Technology connects us at speeds only limited by our high speed internet connections. As patients continue to share their stories, it will not matter what state one resides in, health and relief are desired in both red and blue states alike.
Marijuana Advocates do something both Locally and Abroad
During the period of yesteryear couple of days, marijuana advocates have shown oneness and determination within the continual quest for sensible reform. From Colorado to Belgium, activists switched in the warmth within their efforts to legalize marijuana.
In Colorado, a ballot initiative headed through the group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol continues to be produced to legalize marijuana for medical and leisure use. Even though the recent financial bill that will have permitted collectives use of accounts unsuccessful, there’s been a lot of support for that legalisation initiative. To be able to obtain the initiative around the ballot for voters to determine, 86,105 signatures are needed. Over 160,000 were posted, however, condition authorities declined about 50 % from the signatures because that they are not valid. One more 2,400 signatures are needed to maneuver the initiative in to the next legislative phase. Over 14,000 signatures were posted to condition authorities a couple of days ago. Activists are hopeful they have done all they are able to which they’re going to have a lot more than the required signatures.
On the other hand around the globe advocates will also be trying their finest to create change. In Belgium, activists became a member of Polish parliament member Janusz Palikot, that has received considerable attention together with his public demos. Palikot and the surging left wing party happen to be pushing for dramatic changes to Poland’s marijuana laws and regulations. Janusz Palikot’s threat to illuminate a marijuana joint in parliament resulted in a huge number of media focus. Government bodies threatened to arrest him so he amended his plan and just lit marijuana incense throughout a session of Polish parliament. Palikot has adopted this up by leading an exhibition where marijuana was smoked freely inside a public protest. The activists were with decriminalization measures and consider Poland’s stance on alcohol production hypocritical. Belgium continues to be creating vodka for hundreds of years.
Marijuana.internet is going to be keeping track of the developing issues in Colorado and Belgium. Colorado may join Washington Condition where voters may have the chance to legalize marijuana this fall. Polish advocates could have a tough road ahead however they appear to become vitalized and prepared for any long-term legal fight.