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Marijuana news from around the world

DEA

Attorney General Eric Holder Pressured by Ex-DEA Officials To Oppose State Marijuana Laws

eric holder

After years of foreign wars, the Patriot Act, and an unpopular healthcare mandate, voters are weary of big government proposals.  Politicians on both sides of the aisle are quick to point out that they want to reduce the size and scale of government, even if their actions betray this sentiment.  The idea of letting states decide many issues has gained traction, with one major exception.  Marijuana.

Approximately 75% of Americans support a physician’s right to prescribe medical marijuana.  Even more interestingly, is that now over half of the country supports legalizing, regulating, and taxing marijuana even for recreational use.  Three states, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon will have residents in their states voting to enact such plans.  Of course we all know the people simply passing the law may not end the ongoing feud between federal and state authorities.  The problem the White House faces is that they have tried to make the case that they will not use any federal resources to circumvent state law.  This leaves them with trying to apply federal law only when a dispensary is in violation of state law, as confusing as that sounds.

This approach is being challenged by 9 former heads of the DEA.  Attorney General Eric Holder has not publicly indicated how the federal government would handle a situation where states operate legal marijuana sales.  His silence has drawn the ire of those who feel the federal government needs to take a more definitive stand and send out a message that federal law trumps state law.  Holder has spoken out on previous legalization initiatives.  He indicated that he would enforce federal law in California in 2010 if residents voted to legalize marijuana.  In the letter, obtained by news outlet Reuters, the group said that “To continue to remain silent conveys to the American public and the global community a tacit acceptance of these dangerous initiatives.”

Of course taking a stand against laws voted on and enacted by the people offers its own set of “dangerous initiatives”.  No administration wants to be known as the White House crushed state laws and the will of the people.  The old system has failed and while many of us understand that federal authorities have to carry out the law, there is a chance of overreaching here.  A war between residents and the federal government on this issue could be one of the highest profile examples of the government ignoring the will of the people.  Even those who do not support marijuana legalization may be outraged at such large scale intervention.  With most Americans feeling the war on drugs is a failure, spending more money and resources to keep the antiquated approach alive could be a disaster as small government fans, fiscal hawks, civil rights groups, and medical supporters could all find themselves coming together over the issue.

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Feds May Not Be Able to Flex Muscles After New State Laws

juice head

Similar to an annoying gym rat who screams as he exhales while hogging up any full body mirrors, our federal government acts like a “juicehead”, usually eager to show off and flex any chance it gets.  We witnessed this during the medical marijuana raids of the Clinton and G.W. Bush presidencies but in 2008 we were then promised newer and smarter ideas.  We were promised a fully body approach complete with calisthenics and nutritional eating.  However, despite such claims we find ourselves back to square one, paying taxes to a government that is more concerned with feeding its inflating ego and only working out its upper body.  Last fall, dispensary raids conducted a rate previously unseen.

Recently, 23 medical marijuana businesses in Washington were sent threatening letters from the DEA, informing them they would have to shut down or face prosecution.  The letters were sent out to dispensaries that are in violation of Washington state law as they are operating within school zones.  Matthew G. Barnes, of Seattle’s DEA sent the letters which asked dispensaries to “Please take the necessary steps to discontinue the sale and/or distribution of marijuana…within 30 days.”

While the federal government has made it clear they would like to dismantle the entire medical marijuana program, they have chosen a careful route in doing so.  Because they do not want to be accused of interfering with state laws, they so far claim to only target dispensaries that are in violation of state law.  Many feel that threats to Harborside Health and other high profile California collectives had nothing to do with state law.  In addition to the comments included above, Mr. Barnes made statements that did not seem to be concerned with upholding Washington State law as he said “The DEA will not turn a blind eye to criminal organizations that attempt to use state or local law as a shield for their illicit drug trafficking activities.”

The statement actually seems to insinuate that these collectives were attempting to “traffic drugs” at a profit and that respecting state laws had little to do with the decision.  Of course anytime the White House is challenged on the issue they still maintain that they only get involved once state laws are broken.  This is a statement that could soon backfire as three states will allow its residents to vote on totally legalizing marijuana, even for recreational use.  How sacred will state law be to the feds if Washington, Oregon, or Colorado or all three legalize marijuana?  Will the feds continue to flex their muscle and admit their disregard for state laws after using it as their defense for so long?  Will they try to be more subtle, or will they walk away from the mirror and try to use all of their resources and strength to help instead of harm?

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US Government Burns Through More Than One Billion Dollars in Recent Marijuana Crackdown

government burning marijuana

Over the past year, the federal government has intensified its anti-marijuana crusade.  Analysts are unsure of the exact reasons, especially as it seemed tolerance was in the air when President Obama was elected.  Starting last fall, federal raids on medical marijuana dispensaries were carried out in several states including California, Montana, and Colorado.  However, burning through marijuana this way may just show how out of touch our elected officials with the wishes of the average American.

However, the DEA reported this week that they have destroyed well over 1 billion dollars worth of marijuana since launching an intense effort on July 1st.  The popular news site “The Raw Story” said that, according to the Justice Department “Federal, state and local law enforcement in the seven states have eradicated more than 578,000 marijuana plants from public lands. The DEA estimates the value of this marijuana to be well over $1 billion.”  Over 80% of the plants destroyed by the government were located in California.

Sending out huge teams to search, locate, and terminate the plants does not come without cost.  No one has confirmed just how much the recent effort is costing taxpayers.  There are understandable reasons as to why the government would go after the grows (other than just pursuing their outdated policies on marijuana).  The Department of Justice said they removed “Huge amounts of trash, miles of irrigation line, and many pounds of fertilizer and pesticides were removed from grow sites on public lands.”   All of this only further highlights the need for a regulated system.  Under a more defined system,

As the American public calls for both medical and recreational legalization of cannabis, how long can we expect federal agencies to keep these efforts up?  Though they frame their actions as a way of helping the public, no one wants to lose their job.  Recently, heads turned when Todd Akin showed just how disconnected he was with his comments on “legitimate rape” and women’s health.  Both major political parties stand to lose considerable power as the people will continue to bypass ineffective leaders with ballot initiatives to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana as a way to fix both our healthcare and economic system.  Instead of destroying 1 billion in cannabis (plus the cost of sending out agents) jobs, tax revenues, and preserving the natural beauty of America could be our focus instead.

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Marijuana Industry Needs To Become Wall Street

wall street bull

The United States policy direction is largely dictated by successful industries and their lobbyists.  Once the money has the ear of the politician, favorable laws that can ensure market consistency tend to follow.  Wall Street, for example, thrives on being able to predict consistency and we all know that candidates on either side of the aisle think of New York’s financial district when drafting many laws.  While the success of our investments on Wall Street is volatile and anything but consistent, investors do not have to question if they will be open for business, or if their industry will be shut down due to federal influence.  When regulations are not working for them they simply put the pressure on Congress to help increase profits.

The idea of consistency is a tremendous hurdle for the legalized marijuana industry.  Three states will put a legalization, taxation, and regulation plan to a vote by the people this November.  According to a recent article by The Seattle Times, Washington State could see as much as 1.9 billion in new tax revenue, or they could see $0.00.  This is all contingent upon the how much interference Washington State will have from federal authorities.  However predicting the federal government’s response has been difficult at best.  Team Obama indicated they would not divert resources toward medical marijuana patients and dispensaries that are in compliance with state law.  That has not proved to be the case and many jobs and patients have become collateral damage from this change in policy direction by the White House.

This November could prove to be a turning point for the marijuana reform movement.  Even if one of the three states eligible (Colorado, Washington, Oregon) vote to legalize and regulate cannabis, the move will symbolically show the country is heading in a new direction.  While full legalization may not prevent federal agents from storming dispensaries, it could force them to think twice.  Exactly how eager is our government to prevent job/economic growth and billions in tax revenues?  We also need to take into consideration that although much of our money goes toward funding the overzealous DEA agents, as they too are on a budget.

As our article suggested yesterday, the wheels of progression cannot be stopped and eventually the federal government will not possess enough agents and dollars to continue their assault on our civil rights.  However, with any struggle the powers that be will not give up willingly and are unmoved by patient stories, youth incarcerations, and our rights as citizens.  This industry needs to ratchet up its pressure on our elected officials.  We need to demand that the will of majority is considered and that we need consistency in order to regulate and forecast how much revenue we can rely on in the worst economic period of our generation.  We need laws that protect jobs.  In the sense of political movement and protecting our interests, we need to become Wall Street.

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Government Response to Marijuana Questions is Comical

michele leonhardt

There has been a lot of serious developments lately in the world of marijuana reform.  We were treated to a laugh recently as the DEA head Michele Leonhardt was unable to answer if crack and heroin were worse than marijuana.  Colorado representative Jared Polis grilled Ms. Leonhardt and she was unable to formulate a coherent answer.  Check out the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrHecD8JhfY

 

 

 

http://youtu.be/HrHecD8JhfY

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Marijuana to Finally get Day in Court

court roomRigid fear mongering politics is not exactly a new strategy when our government wants its people to be against a cause.  However their dishonesty and misleading tactics do not usually face a federal trial.  Thankfully, after decades of lies and ten years after Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis (CRC) filed their initial petition, medical cannabis will …continue reading

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White House Denies Soldiers Petition to Use Marijuana for PTSD

white houseDespite having no military combat experience or even approving any federal cannabis research, President Obama has come to a very well thought out conclusion, marijuana has no benefit for sufferers of PTSD. Of course many doctors, scientists, and war veterans of this country feel very differently than the president. A coalition of returning soldiers has …continue reading

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Medical Marijuana Industry News June 22, 2012

uruguay

Uruguay Looks to Legalize Marijuana In Effort to Reduce Violence and Crime…

Efforts by Central American countries to convince the United States government to reconsider their rigid stance on marijuana has proved unsuccessful.  America’s demand for marijuana has lead to a rise in cartel power and violence all over Central America.  Both President Obama and Vice President Biden have been hammered by criticism from leaders in the region on recent trips.  Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico has been very vocal regarding how United States drug laws are having a devastating impact on Central America.  Leaders in Uruguay are taking the initiative and will not wait for United States to take action at a glacial pace.  Uruguay’s Defense Minister Eleuterio Fernandez Huidobro said this week that prohibition was causing “more problems than the drugs themselves.” Analysts believe this is only a start and that many nations will follow Uruguay’s lead.

 

For more on this story click here

 

New Hampshire Governor Vetoes Bill To Legalize Medical Marijuana…

Recently New Hampshire lawmakers approved a measure that would permit medical marijuana.  There has been momentum for such a program for several years as a similar measure was passed in 2009 only to be vetoed by Governor Lynch.  He has done so again with the new 2012 bill however advocates and lawmakers are hoping they can gather enough votes to override the Governor’s veto.  The bill passed by a wide margin in both New Hampshire’s House and Senate though it is still unclear if enough legislators would support overriding the governor’s veto.

 

For more on this story click here

 

Two House Representatives Refuse to Let DEA Official Avoid Answering Marijuana Questions

Jared Polis (D-CO) is one of the nation’s most recognized marijuana supporters in Congress.  Along with Barney Frank and Ron Paul (R-TX) Mr. Polis has certainly fought hard for marijuana patients.  This week he grilled Michele Leonhart of the Drug Enforcement Administration during a Congressional hearing.  As Ms. Leonhart was asked questions regarding marijuana, she seemed unwilling to elaborate as to why the federal government has marijuana classified as a schedule 1 drug.  Steve Cohen (D-TN) also demanded straight forward answers from Leonhart  Below you can find an excerpt of the exchange between Polis and Leonhardt:

POLIS: Is crack worse for a person than marijuana?

LEONHART: I believe all the illegal drug  are bad.

POLIS: Is methamphetamine worse for somebody’s health than marijuana?

LEONHART: I don’t think any illegal drug is good.

POLIS: Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?

LEONHART: Again, all the drugs –

POLIS: I mean, either yes, no, or I don’t know. I mean, if you don’t know, you can look this up you should know this as the chief administrator for the Drug Enforcement Agency. I’m asking you a very straightforward question. Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?

LEONHART: All the illegal drugs are bad.

POLIS: Does this mean you don’t know?

LEONHART: Heroin causes an addiction that causes many problems that’s very hard to kick.

POLIS: Does that mean that the health impact is worse than marijuana, is that what you’re telling me?

LEONHART: I think that you are asking a subjective question.

 

Marijuana.net Will Be Attending the High Times Cannabis Cup In San Francisco this weekend…

There is no rest for the weary as marijuana.net will be taking the excitement from San Jose’s Hempcon with us to San Francisco and the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup.  If you are in the Bay Area come check us out on Saturday, Sunday, or both days.  We will continue with our popular raffles and we encourage patients to learn more about which medication is right for them with a free one on one session with our strain master .  We’ll also be showing off our comprehensive strain library and be providing education on the newest marijuana reform developments.


Click here to find out more about the 2012 Medical Marijuana High Times Cannabis Cup in San Francisco

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Medical Marijuana Industry News May 25, 2012

andy caffrey

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.

 

For more on this story click here

 

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.

 

For more on this story and the court’s decision click here

 

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.

 

For more click on this link

 

 

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.

 

For more on this story click here

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Moving to Legalize Domestic Hemp

GW sow hemp

As the movement for the legalization of marijuana marches on people often forget about the Mary’s sister plant, industrial Hemp.  Both plants are members of the cannabis genus and both are illegal to grow or possess under Federal law.  They are two genetically distinct species with different properties.  Marijuana contains as much as 27% THC in its buds, leaves and trichomes.  Whereas hemp generally contains 0.3% or less THC (although some places do allow for it to contain 1% and remain classified as industrial hemp).  Furthermore the two plants are unsuited to be used interchangeably.  Marijuana is unsuited for industrial purposes such as paper, clothing and building goods due to the nature of growth of the plant fibers.  Similarly, industrial hemp will not get have the effects of smoked marijuana. It is very similar to the way that poppy seeds can make a person test positive for opium, but would produce get them “doped up”.

Since 1937 it has been illegal to cultivate both marijuana and hemp plants, aside from a special dispensation in WW2 (see “Hemp for Victory“).  Today many states have passed laws allowing for compassionate use of medical marijuana, but it is still illegal to domestically grow and distribute industrial hemp products.  This continues despite growing demands for hempen clothing, building supplies, fossil fuel substitutes, and food products.  However, it is legally allowed to import foreign hemp products.  To meet this demand, American companies must purchase goods from Canada, China and a few European countries.  This is a farce.  America (from the time of the colonies) was built on money provided by Hemp cash crops.  At this time we are relegated to sending hard-earned American dollars overseas (OK, Canada is not overseas) to buy raw seed and fiber and end-products that could easily be made here, at an economic benefit for Americans.  This market has nowhere to go except upward, especially as more Americans become aware of the many benefits (nutritional, agricultural, industrial, economical) presented by Hemp.

Currently, eighteen states have recent laws (within the last 20 years), bills, or amendments on the books or pending legislation seeking to allow for domestic cultivation of Industrial Hemp.  Many of those states have only first stage laws that require studies by state boards looking into economic and agricultural benefits.  Many of these studies are underway, but none have been completed.  Part of this is due to the political insecurity that arises from dabbling in marijuana laws.  Although attitudes have shifted greatly in the last several years, many politicians are still wary of endorsing anything marijuana-related.  Regardless of those studies, every bill has language reflecting the worries about Federal prosecution.  The caveats in the bills all mention that Federal statutes must either be overturned, rewritten, or researchers and farmers will require permits or dispensations from the DEA, DOJ or even IRS in order to grow hemp crops and be in compliance of state and federal laws.

The most recent states to challenge this Federal ban include Kentucky, Vermont, North Dakota, Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Montana.  Members of Congress have also sought to change the laws.  In 2007, 2009, and 2011 they have introduced “The Industrial Hemp Farming Act” so that low potency cannabis crops would be exempted from the Federal ban.  The current measure, House Bill 1831 has numerous co-sponsors but has not received a Congressional hearing.  If passed, states would have the power to approve and regulate hemp cultivation and trade.  Last year, Hemp imports were valued at over four hundred million dollars.  This number is expected to increase this year and more in the future.  Hemp production could soon be valued at over $1 billion.  Taxed revenues from this business would do well to help offset American debt and trade deficits, if it was a domestic product.  Not only is this an incredibly useful plant, it is hardy and grows in poor soils that are unsuited for other crash crops.  Additionally, rotating hemp through poor soils helps to lock nutrients back into the earth so that other crops can grow better.  It also is a prime source for photosynthesis and carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the problems posed by increased amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse chemicals present in the atmosphere.

As more information comes to light about hemp it seems that the cultivation of this plant is a win-win situation for the environment, the economy, and the people of our country.  Unfortunately, the same special interests (tobacco lobby, Big Pharma, Alcohol, fossil fuels) who secured the ban over seventy years ago still have enormous political clout.  Combined with the inordinate amount of false information and prejudice against the cannabis plant, those in favor of legalization face a stiff uphill battle.  More than ever it is incumbent upon us, we the people, to take an active role in our nation’s future and declare that this plant should not be denied to us.

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