Denver Broncos
Jake Plummer auctioning off Broncos game-day experiences to raise money for cannabinoid research
Former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer is auctioning off 16 game-day experiences to fund a series of studies on cannabinoid treatments for traumatic brain injuries and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
NFL takes notice as union develops pain management committee involving marijuana
Assessing the potential of cannabidiol and marijuana as an alternative pain reliever will be one aspect of the committee’s focus, but certainly not the only.
Marijuana industry news September 6, 2013
MPP places pro marijuana ad outside of NFL opener…
Marijuana Policy Project has proved to be invaluable in highlighting the truth about cannabis. The group made headlines with their recent NASCAR ad and will not stop there. Their next target is the NFL and their policy on testing players for marijuana use. An ad was placed outside of Denver’s Mile High Stadium that read ” Stop Driving Players to Drink. A Safer Choice is Now Legal Here.” NFL players have come under harsh criticism for the high number of DUI arrests among them. The NFL permits drinking but comes down harsh on players testing positive for marijuana. Players are suspended, for multiple games with former Miami Dolphin, Ricky Williams, being one if the most high profile examples of the policy. Mason Tvert of MPP feels the NFL ‘s stance is contradictory and recently said “NFL players are being told that they can go out and get completely drunk, but face no punishment from the league, but if a player gets caught using marijuana, they could be fined hundreds of thousands of dollars, forced to sit out games and deemed a troublemaker.”
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Oregon Reveals Plans for Marijuana Dispensaries…
Earlier this year Oregon lawmakers passed House Bill 3460, legislation aimed at creating a registry for medical marijuana providers. Medical marijuana is already thriving g in Oregon with law enforcement officials estimating that over 100 dispensaries are operating. So far there is little to no oversight so the implementation of HB3460 is crucial. A committee to oversee the caregivers has been formed and will convene, for the first time on September 20th. The committee, formed by Tom Burns who also oversees the pharmaceutical industry, is made up of police officers, prosecutors, marijuana lobbyists, lawyers, and dispensary operators. The committee expects to implant their rules by January 31, 2014.
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Justice Department Statement Will Not Immediately Solve IRS Problems For Marijuana Industry…
The statements by the Justice Department, last week, indicating they would respect state laws certainly was a boost for many patients and caregivers. However, this is only step one. Another major obstacle to overcome has to do with finance. Because of federal pressure, banks will not allow collectives to set up business accounts. The result, an untraceable cash business that helps neither the Feds (they can’t easily follow an electronic paper trail if a dispensary is operating illegally) or collective operators who have to keep cash and marijuana on hand. Armed security at dispensaries is also illegal. This forces collectives to have a bulls eye on their backs. Another issue for dispensary operators is the fact that they cannot deduct normal business expenses that allow other small businesses to keep their doors open. None of this benefits the patient and since prohibition appears dead the IRS should move quickly. Of course it is likely they will not.
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Medical Marijuana Industry News June 29, 2012
New Billboard Featuring Father and Son for Marijuana Regulation put up in Colorado…
Supporters of Colorado’s Amendment 64 are starting to add up. Amendment 64 will be voted on by the people of Colorado in November and would see marijuana regulated and taxed. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was instrumental in getting the signatures required to get the issue to the ballots. A new campaign that focuses on families was recently launched. The group has placed a billboard close to the stadium that is home to the Denver Broncos. Opponents were predictably critical and asserted that legalized marijuana will find its way into the hands of children. Recent studies have shown this not to be the case in Sacramento for medical marijuana. The group feels this is not the case and their billboard actually depicts a father and a son with the slogan “Please, Card My Son.” Under that it says “Regulate the sale of marijuana and keep it out of his hands.”
Chicago Passes Law to Ticket Small Level Marijuana Offenders…
Media outlets have been reporting on a plan to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in the city of Chicago. Aldermen (term used for Chicago City Legislators) had a long debate on the issue the other day but in the end overwhelmingly approved the measure, 43-3. The law was supported by President Obama’s former Chief of Staff, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In response to dissenters who claimed the law sent a poor message to children, the Mayor actually stated that no action would send a far more devastating signal. Chicago has seen a tremendous rise in homicides, up 38% from this time last year. Many are concerned with police resources being tied up combating low level marijuana cases instead of more serious crimes. Alderman Will Burns said “The calls I get at 2 o’clock in the morning are not about marijuana possession, they’re about someone who’s been shot in my ward, I want those calls to cease and the way we do that is to make sure our police are fighting violent crime.” Residents of Chicago are also concerned, like New York City, about the disproportionate amount of marijuana arrests for Black and Hispanics, compared with Whites who actually smoke more marijuana.
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New Jersey Assembly Approves Marijuana Decriminalization Bill…
New Jersey Lawmakers have been discussing a bill that would decriminalize marijuana for about a month. Earlier this week they passed it as many residents feel their tax dollars are being wasted on low level marijuana possession arrests. The New Jersey State Assembly passed measure A1465 by a margin of 44-30. Unfortunately for marijuana advocates, New Jersey Mayor Chris Christie has already indicated that he will veto the measure. Judging by the governor’s opposition to a medical marijuana program that was already passed before he came to office, New Jersey residents may be in store for a bitter battle over a sensible decriminalization debate. Check back with us as we will be covering the Governor’s response and possible veto in further detail to the decriminalization bill.
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President Obama to Sign Bill Banning Synthetic Marijuana…
Momentum for outlawing synthetic marijuana has been building for over a year. Many states have their own laws against products such as “K2” and “Spice” but now it appears a federal ban will be signed by President Barack Obama soon. Recently a bill (led by NY Senator Charles Schumer) passed in the United States Senate and will make its way to the president’s desk soon. Dangerous side effects, especially for teens have been reported. Many feel a tightly regulated marijuana industry would have prevented the synthetic black market. The bill comes at a time when advocates are desperate for the White House to engage in a serious marijuana reform conversation. Many were offended when DEA officials refused to acknowledge that heroin and crack were more harmful than marijuana.