City Council
Dallas Texas: Chief of Police Admits Tickets Over Incarceration Is “just so damn practical”
The Dallas City Council and local Police Chief are pondering the cultivation of a much-needed pilot program – similar to the cite and release program scheduled to roll out in the Houston area on January 1, 2016 – Dallas police would instead issue citations to individuals busted with a small amount of cannabis. Currently in the […]
Medical Marijuana Industry News January 6, 2012
Federal Judge Dismisses Governor Jan Brewer’s Medical Marijuana Lawsuit
Arizona’s medical marijuana program has been delayed since it was approved in November of 2010. Five days before the state was set to accept applications from potential dispensaries, Governor Jan Brewer and Attorney General Tom Horne filed a lawsuit requesting that federal courts decide whether or not Arizona could carry out its medical cannabis program. Governor Brewer’s administration has not accepted any applications as they awaited the outcome of this court decision. Brewer has claimed she was seeking clarity and wanted assurance that no state employees could face federal prosecution. U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton ruled the state did not clearly establish a “genuine threat of imminent prosecution.” Joe Yuhas, a member of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Association, stated “We would hope that our state leaders will now recognize it is time to stop wasting taxpayer dollars in an effort to thwart the will of the voters and move ahead with full implementation of the initiative.” It is unclear how Governor Brewer’s administration plans to move forward. Governor Brewer’s spokesperson said the ruling was a “tremendous disappointment”. Advocates for medical marijuana are hoping to finally see the program move forward. (Catch up on our earlier coverage of the story).
Portland Dispensary Will Change Plans to Include Vapor Lounge
Last week marijuana.net reported on Wellness Connection, a medical marijuana dispensary in Portland, Maine seeking to add social comforts to their business. As reported, the move would seem to go against state law. Newer reports now indicate that Wellness Connection is no longer planning a vapor lounge, which would have encouraged social gatherings. Stories on this new development have not commented on whether or not Wellness Connection would move forward with their plans for other socializing such as its coffee/tea bar and an acupuncture center.
San Jose Collectives May be Spared as Mayor Seeks Compromise on Law
San Jose Mayor, Chuck Reed indicated that he was willing to reconsider the scope of a new law approved by the City Council. In September, the council approved a measure to restrict the number of collectives from over 100 to 10. They would also have to grow all marijuana on site which could be very difficult due to space restrictions. In turn, this could have an tremendous impact on the city’s ability to meet patient demand. Medical marijuana advocates were able to collect over 49,000 petition signatures in order to qualify a referendum. The mayor has also requested that the city council raise the current tax rate on collectives from 7% to 10% as a way of generating additional revenue to cover upcoming costs associated with the upcoming election. This week the mayor said that there are changes he could support to the current law but that “The question is whether a council majority will support them. My preference is that we can negotiate some kind of ordinance that we can all live with.”
Tags: Jan Brewer, Arizona, medical marijuana, cannabis, ganja, weed, San Jose, Chuck Reed, City Council, collectives, Arizona Medical Marijuana Association, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton, federal court, vapor lounge, wellness connection,
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.