congress
Dr. Sanjay Gupta Not Only Apologizing For Previous Stance on Marijuana
Marijuana patients and activists have been disappointed regarding the across the country known Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s sights on Cannabis. For a long time he appeared to dismiss the numerous patient recommendations and lots of studies carried out highlighting the advantages of medicinal marijuana. Dr. Gupta has considerable affect on established medical community, and federal policy (he’s a detailed ally of Leader Obama and it was offered a situation within the Whitened House).
Pat Kennedy Claims Legal Marijuana is Finest Threat to American Mental Health
Leisure marijuana is based on a most of People in america and medicinal marijuana is based on a huge majority of People in america. Evidence of their benefits and occasional danger are obvious despite almost of century of propaganda and lies from government authorities. With this being stated, we still expect some remains from the old misleading guard.
What we should tend not to expect, at this time, may be the marijuana misleading in the future from your more “progressive” leaders. Based on ontheissues.org, Patrick Kennedy was as left because they came throughout his amount of time in Congress. However, on “listen for this guy discuss marijuana”, he scores within the prehistoric category if this involves progression. Lately, Mr. Kennedy stated marijuana was connected with IQ loss, psychosis, and self-reported dissatisfaction with existence. Obviously we all know that certain are only able to be dissatisfied with existence when they smoke marijuana, hence why you will find not too many anti-depressants and opiate laced drugs available. He stated “The science informs the story”, though he didn’t remember to specify which science. There’s most likely more reliable science inside a Creationism textbook. Mr. Kennedy also stated marijuana “takes you to definitely the same location as cocaine or heroin. You just need longer.” Since Patrick Kennedy sees marijuana because the single finest threat to the society, he wasn’t shy to explain the way we should cope with it. Also, he ensured to state “Incarceration is really a effective motivator….That’s the level: hearing that judge say treatment or jail.”
For any guy that’s a part of a household who fought against for civil privileges within the sixties, we’re surprised to determine him present this type of cut and dry ultimatum. You either surrender your to medicate (to enhance your quality of existence like a sick patient) and to take part in responsible leisure behavior, or put forth jail. This is actually the same guy that has had extreme bouts together with his dependence on cocaine. In The Year 2006, he crashed his vehicle after being at the top of prescription medications. Fortunately for him, he’s found help. Regrettably for that relaxation people, he cannot rehabilitate and cope with his existence without attempting to criticize everybody else. To Congressman Kennedy we are saying this, simply because you can not handle yourself does not necessarily mean everybody else is going to come unglued. The comparison of the cocaine and prescription destructive addictions to marijuana is laughable. Patrick Kennedy crashed his vehicle due to his dependence on anything else apart from marijuana. Now he decides to choose the little one within the class using the best status and bully him around.
Let’s remember our government has turned into a conduit for energy, fame, and cash. Based on NBCNEWS.com, Mr. Kennedy feels that “the single greatest threat to America’s mental health is free of charge-market marijuana.” How about alcohol being offered at ballgames, or their advertisements all around the television? We didn’t hear much when it comes to his sights on free-market alcohol? Does which have related to the truth that his family achieved their energy and cash by bootlegging throughout alcohol’s prohibition? Anybody that discusses the risks of marijuana and fails the apparent comparison to alcohols addictive traits need not say anything further. Furthermore, within this economic age, if you fail to include an agenda to cover the extra incarcerations you seek, please, there truly isn’t any point getting your opinions towards the table.
Congress Asks Obama to Reschedule Marijuana
The separation of forces was among the best ideas hatched in the American founders. With the manager, judicial, and congressional branches, the concept is the fact that each would over see certain facets of the federal government. Unfortunately, the concept wasn’t supposed to have been a game title of hot potato.
However, creating the duty is exactly what we have seen very frequently from D.C. authorities. The separation of forces wasn’t meant to confuse chosen leaders. It did appear to complete exactly that as Leader Obama appeared to forget that deleting marijuana, is definitely an concept that would fall to him, and also the executive run Department of Justice. When asked inside a recent interview, Mr. Obama attempted to change down to deleting marijuana to Congress. The interviewer, getting a clearer knowledge of how our government works, remedied the Leader and tell him that deleting is really a responsibility from the Whitened House.
The Leader attempted for everyone the ball to Congress, but they have came back the volley. Days ago, 18 people of Congress sent instructions to Leader Obama, requesting him to reschedule marijuana, because the current policy “is not sensibleInch. The people of congress are attempting to get marijuana separated from cocaine, heroin, along with other substances which have no medicinal value. According to Yahoo, the letter says “Classifying marijuana as Schedule I in the federal level perpetuates an illegal and irrational system. Schedule I recognizes no medical use, neglecting both medical evidence and also the laws and regulations of up to 50 % from the claims that have legalized medicinal marijuana.Inches Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), author from the letter stated that reclassifying marijuana “is one step the administration may take to begin to rationalize federal marijuana policy to create it using the advances which are happening in the usa.Inches
Weight loss states legalize both leisure and medicinal marijuana, pressure on Mr. Obama is only going to increase. It is obvious the huge most of People in america are trying to find a significant change. The insufficient action by federal government bodies, and today specially the Whitened House, is definitely an absolutely irresponsible act. Patients and individuals buying leisure marijuana legally under their condition law possess a to be protected, not persecuted by chosen leaders.
People in america Like Marijuana Greater than Congress and Leader Obama
Leader Barack Obama’s recent approval rankings are at 42%. Congress is affected with a level worse approval rating of 13%. We can’t just blame a moody American public because you will find some approval amounts increasing. The thought of legalizing leisure marijuana is greatly accepted individuals two battling branches of presidency.
Inside a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, 55% of participants supported the thought of legalizing marijuana and controlling it in an identical fashion to Colorado and Washington Condition. Another 24% of the nation didn’t support legalisation but didn’t feels laws and regulations went by condition congress and voters ought to be repealed. The amounts are shifting rapidly toward a huge most of People in america searching to repair a nearly century old damaged system. The support isn’t unanimous and could be divided by groups. For example, as NBC NEWS stated, People in america aged 18-34 favor legalisation with a massive 49 point margin. Individuals over the age of 65 are against 59-38, though that’s considerably less resistance than a couple of years back for your age group. Older People in america tend to be more split lower the center. The amounts also break lower along party lines as Dems largely favor the concept (34 point margin) with Republicans opposing (By 23 points). Independents support legalizing 60-39%.
This signifies that it’s likely support is only going to grow. Recent claims may accelerate the support as Leader Obama lately established that marijuana wasn’t any more harmful than alcohol. U.S. Senator, Charles Schumer (D-NY) publically stated that the testing out new strategies in Colorado and Washington would be a “good idea.” Even among the champions of contemporary conservatism, Texas Governor Ron Perry, recommended he may aim to decriminalize marijuana.
The thought of legalisation, decriminalization, taxation, and also the growth of medicinal marijuana aren’t new. Most are able to see the possibility economic benefits. It leads someone to think that our chosen leaders simply love disorder and drama. When they legalized marijuana, are they going to fight less as tasks are produced and much more tax revenues are available in? What can they argue about when less teens are jailed, or our edges are safer having a less strong Mexican cartel? The thought of legalisation isn’t solely Republican or Democrat there might not be your final push until one for reds from the aisle understands a method to steal the loan. Meanwhile, People in america will still be awaiting our government to trap as much as the relaxation people.
Marijuana Industry News October 25, 2013
Marijuana Breathalyzer May Come to California with Legalization…
One of the largest obstacles in governing the legal recreational marijuana industries is being able to assess a driver’s impairment. Tests for alcohol and drunk driving have become reliable and acceptable. Setting a blood alcohol limit of .1 or .08 is straight forward. Determining acceptable marijuana levels has not been as easy. California authorities and law makers are looking into having a similar test put into place. However deciding on where to set the legal levels may prove difficult. When asked about hard limits set in Washington state, Gabriel Reeves, the executive Chef at the Elemental Wellness Center in San Jose recently told NBC don’t feel that that sort of a limit has been established as scientifically accurate or something that would able to be standardized across the medical cannabis industry for each patient. Because each patient, each patient’s needs, vary with the amount of milligrams of THC that they need to alleviate their symptoms.”
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Support for Legalizing Marijuana Rising Quickly to all Time High…
American’s support for legalizing marijuana has been rising steadily over the past few years. Washington and Colorado provided evidence if this, but until recently, most polls showed just over 50% of Americans were in support with higher numbers backing decriminalization and medical use. A recent Gallop poll indicates that even the idea if legalizing for marijuana for recreational use is gaining support. In the poll 58% supported legalization, an all time high. The news came at a time when federal authorities have signaled a softer stance on marijuana. Marijuana enjoys a much higher approval rating than congress and may even offer a better chance at helping the economy.
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D.C. Mayor Seeks to Decriminalize Marijuana…
It has taken federal authorities years to even signal the possibility of bringing common sense to marijuana policy. However, right under their noses, in Washington D.C., the city has moved forward with major marijuana reforms. Medical marijuana has already been legalized, giving patients the chance at a better quality if life. Now there is a bill sitting with the D.C. Council that, if passed, would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray has now signaled his support for the bill making passage more likely. Possession of less than one ounce would no longer accompany a six month jail sentence and $1,000 fine, rather, the penalty would be a civil citation ticket for $100 and no jail time. Like many other municipalities, D.C. has financial and correction center overcrowding issues to deal with.
After an Up and Down 2012, Americans Welcome 2013
The new year represents a fresh start for everyone. Last year was eventful and saw difficult times especially toward the end. The Newtown school shootings (among the other horrific acts which include3 the Aurora movie theater massacre) and Hurricane Sandy have made the end of this year painful for so many. A tense election and the so-called “fiscal cliff” left a sour political taste for many Americans.
However there were many highlights in 2012 as well. The November election saw one of the rarest sights in America. Individual rights were returned to the people in several ways. Several states legalized and/or voted down amendments to outlaw same sex marriage. Children brought here through no fault of their own illegally, will be allowed to stay since President Obama signed an executive order in June. Of course, there were marijuana victories as well. Connecticut and Massachusetts will join the growing list of states that will provide relief for patients through medical marijuana. New Jersey also served its first patient, after years of bureaucratic delays. Of course, the biggest developments in marijuana reform took place in Colorado and Washington where recreational marijuana will now be taxed, regulated, and distributed by state governments.
The ripple effects from Colorado and Washington appears to be putting pressure on the federal government to stand aside. There is much to look forward to in 2013, including the future of a bill introduced in Congress that would prevent federal agents from interfering with state marijuana laws. The bill, which is being referred to as “The Citizens Rights Act” and “Respect States Act”. This bill would allow federal law to remain intact, but it would step aside and not take precedence over state laws. Although 2012 was a wild year, we have high hopes for 2013. We wish everyone a happy and safe new year!
Medical Marijuana Industry News September 14, 2012
New Bills In Congress Would Allow States to Decide Medical Marijuana…
As detailed often on marijuana.net, one of the biggest concerns for the medical marijuana industry is that is in a state of legislative limbo. Patients are often left to wonder if they will have access to their medication. Additionally, dispensaries face many difficulties operating in under the current system. For the most part they are prevented from utilizing bank accounts or credit unions. This results in high levels of marijuana and cash on premises, and dramatically increases the likelihood of being robbed. Additionally, these businesses cannot benefit from the tax code or deduct expenses, making their survival challenging. Several new laws in Congress have been introduced that would actually address these concerns. Three different bills, HB 1983, HB1984, and HB1985, would allow dispensaries to take advantage of electronic banking, tax deductions, and would allow states to decide if they wish to permit medical marijuana by re-scheduling marijuana. While similar bills have failed previously, there seems to be more bi-partisan support than ever for re-hauling the government’s approach toward medical marijuana. While support was previously higher from Democrats, they have now been joined by fiscally conservatives who no longer want to see funds wasted on DEA raids. Additionally, there is a growing call for returning many rights back to the states.
Two Marijuana Dispensaries to Open in Vermont…
The federal crackdown and raids on marijuana dispensaries may not be producing the intended outcomes, especially in the Northeast. In recent months, Connecticut has approved a measure to permit medical marijuana and even under the well known Republican Governor, Chris Christie (who does not support the program) New Jersey is close to dispensing marijuana to patients. There is momentum across the country as Detroit, the state of Washington, Colorado, and Oregon will see their residents vote to regulate and legalize even recreation marijuana use. A successful ballot initiative has also given residents of Arkansas the opportunity to vote on enacting a medical marijuana program. In Vermont, two marijuana dispensaries have been given the green light to open. One of the dispensaries will be located in Burlington while another will open its doors in Waterbury. Vermont legalized medical marijuana in 2004 but patients are responsible for growing and cultivating their own medicine. Patients in Vermont can possess up to 2 ounces and own 3 plants. Last year Vermont lawmakers passed a new law that would allow up to 4 dispensaries to open. The two dispensaries are expected to open in 6 months with additional applications to fill the other 2 openings under review.
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Seattle’s Children’s Alliance Supports Marijuana Legalization Initiative…
Supporting marijuana reform was previously career suicide in the public arena. Over the past few years there have been surprising supporters of marijuana reform including televangelist Pat Robertson and Progressive Insurance Chairman Peter B. Lewis. However, an even more surprising group of supporters have revealed themselves. A Seattle based non-profit group named The Children’s Alliance has come out in support of Initiative 502, which if passed by Washington State residents, would legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana in a way that is similar to how alcohol is handled. The group’s main focus is on protecting children’s futures. Although whites and African Americans consume marijuana at similar rates, non whites are significantly more at risk for being arrested for it. Often these arrests are of teens and having a criminal record can seriously jeopardize their ability to get a job, housing, or gain college acceptance. Jon Gould, Deputy Director of The Children’s Alliance said “The status quo is not working for children, particularly children of color. Public policy ought to move us further toward racial equity and justice, and Initiative 502 is one step forward to that.”
Medical Marijuana Industry News July 20, 2012
Dark Knight Rises Actor Morgan Freeman Rails Against Marijuana Criminalization… Later tonight (unless you could not help yourself and already went to a 12:01 screening) excited moviegoers will be out in force to see one of the biggest movies of the year, and maybe since Heath Ledger’s joker captivated the world in 2008. The Dark …continue reading
Medical Marijuana Industry News May 25, 2012
Andy Caffrey Plans to Smoke Marijuana in front of U.S. Capitol if he wins election…
A marijuana patient and activist is seeking to win the congressional seat for California’s 2nd district which includes much of the northern region of the state. Andy Caffrey has been known to light up a joint during his campaign stops. If elected he has vowed to continue the tradition on the steps of the United States Capitol building. The district has been occupied by long time law maker Wally Herger (R-CA) since 1987. Earlier this year, Mr. Herger announced that he would not be seeking re-election in November. Caffrey is hoping that he can win the soon to be vacant seat by advocating for major changes in marijuana law and voiced his frustration with both Republicans and Democrats. The race will be interesting as many hats have been thrown into the race with almost all of them supporting legalized or medical marijuana. Caffrey has spent previous time working with the environmental group Earth First.
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Appeals Court Rejects Medical Marijuana Suit by Disabled Plaintiffs…
Struggling patients were not granted the compassion they were seeking by federal courts. A lawsuit was filed against California (Marla James vs. the City of Costa Mesa) cities for cracking down on marijuana dispensaries. The plaintiffs claimed the actions of city municipalities were in direct violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The plaintiffs who are legal marijuana card holders say that other treatments have failed to reduce pain. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in providing public services. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals seemed to sympathize with the plaintiffs but felt they could not offer protection because the Americans with Disabilities Act recognizes federal law instead of state legislation.
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US Judge says GPS Use in Marijuana Bust Illegal…
The Drug Enforcement Agency followed Robert Dale Lee by installing a GPS device on his truck. In September of last year, Kentucky State Troopers pulled over Lee already having vital info provided by the GPS. Lee arrived in Kentucky with over 150 pounds of marijuana in his truck from Chicago. A US judge is throwing out the case because the DEA failed to get a warrant before installing the GPS. In January, the United States Supreme court ruled against the DEA having permission to use GPS locators without a warrant.
United States Senate Officially Outlaws Synthetic Cannabis…
While the outlawing of synthetic cannabis pretty much was handled several months ago by the US Senate, it is now official. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) previously objected to the legislation but now the Senate is finally able to move forward. A bill was also passed by the house toward the end of 2011. Both bills will likely be combined and then be presented to the president for his signature. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) has led the federal charge against synthetic cannabis. Synthetic marijuana products such as “K2” and “Spice” have come under fire as they have been linked with serious side effects and emergency room visits, especially by teenagers.
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?”
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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”.