Denver
Both Current and Former Police Officers Urge Passage of Marijuana Legalization
When talking about marijuana reform and the war on drugs it is often assumed that law enforcement officials support the status quo. That assessment may be insulting to many officers as the war on drugs has proven to be a failure. It has taken many unnecessary lives, incarcerated teens, put an a strain on the legal system, and still provides no system of regulation. Voters in Colorado may approve Amendment 64 which would regulate, tax, and legalize marijuana. It appears that many current and former police officers are also joining the cause. They are part of a activist group called “Law Enforcement Against Prohibition” (LEAP). Tony Ryan now serves on the group’s board but was Denver police officer for 36 years. He recently said “I’d been thinking about this much of my career, I saw that marijuana wasn’t the cause of disturbances, crimes, or homicides—something like alcohol was.” He also described how much time he noticed officers spent processing low level marijuana charges. He said it could an officer hours and “That perturbed me, It detracts from the police officer’s job in my mind.”
Colorado Study Shows Need For Regulation and Marijuana Testing
As the election season continues we are pretty much ensured that the political conversation will remain within the narrow scope of only a handful of issues being discussed until January. While healthcare will be part of the next two months, it will only likely find its way in the campaign through the lens of Obamacare vs. Romneycare.
For many patients who only find relief with marijuana, this will be yet another election where their concerns will not be addressed. Ignoring and tolerating medical marijuana to some extent is no longer going to be acceptable. Medication needs to be safe and with a far less rate of addiction and side effects in comparison to opiates and other medication, cannabis already satisfies much of the criteria for useful medicine. However, with it’s legal status constantly in limbo, cannabis has suffered from a lack of regulation and required testing as many elected officials hope that 75% of the country soon changes its mind and stops supporting medical marijuana. That seems highly unlikely and our elected officials have chosen to ignore the safety of Americans in favor of outdated talking points and rhetoric. Simply put, marijuana is here to stay, and providing safe medicine must be a concern.
Shedding more light on the problem is a recent study conducted in Colorado. Dr. John Martyny of the National Jewish Health studied the findings from 30 grow operations in the Larimer and Denver areas. The research indicated that certain grows had mold levels about 100 times higher than what is considered safe. In some growing operations, the mold levels were too high to for their instruments to properly measure. Dr. Martyny said “These are extremely high levels that we would consider dangerous.” Fortunately, none of the growing operations studied were legal, giving at least some hope that Colorado medical marijuana patients are not breathing in high levels of mold.
However, there is evidence that even legal growers are not taking the proper precautions in preventing high levels of mold. The Werc Shop also finds similar problems when conducting laboratory analysis, but unlike Dr. Martyny they DO test cannabis from legal dispensaries. In a recent conversation with marijuana.net, Dr. Jeffrey C. Raber of the Los Angeles area lab said “We have had numerous secret shoppers find instances of mold and bacteria present at unacceptable, sometimes alarmingly high levels.” The Werc Shop is one of the most well regarded testing laboratories and was responsible for much of the screening for the 2012 High Times Los Angeles Cannabis Cup.
Research shows that we may only be hitting the tip of the iceberg in regards to just how much potential medical marijuana holds. However, as with any consumable product, improper testing and screening invites devastating side effects. The high levels of mold found by both Dr. Martyny and Dr. Raber only highlight the need for regulation and testing. The products created by large Pharmaceutical companies have to abide by FDA standards and a lack of regulation would not be accepted even for over the counter medicines. As the national campaigns ignores this problem, it is up to patients and activists to demand for regulation, testing, and safety.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 24, 2012
Court Ruling Could Reverse Dispensary Bans in California…
The Los Angeles City Council has come under much scrutiny after its controversial decision to ban all medical marijuana dispensaries. Many even wondered if they had the legal authority to even enact such a law with a decision by California’s 2nd District of Appeals stating that dispensaries could not banned. The city decided to move forward with the ban even though it was clear they would have to spend considerable tax dollars defending their ill advised legal decision. A lawsuit has already been filed by the “Patient Care Alliance” challenging the ban. Additionally, Americans For Safe Access have been in the process of collecting the necessary signatures to get a ballot initiative off the ground that would present residents with a chance to overturn the ban themselves. The lawsuit and the ballot initiative may not even be necessary in the end as we recently learned that the court case Pack V. Long Beach was thrown out by the California Supreme Court. Previously, the decision in Pack V. Long Beach ruled that marijuana dispensaries could be banned on the basis that medical marijuana is not permitted by federal law. As a result, municipalities such as L.A. and Long Beach used the decision to ban dispensaries. The state supreme court ruled that since the municipalities have abandoned their federal argument in the recent bans, then everything pertaining to Pack V. Long Beach has been invalidated. Joe Elford of Americans for Safe Access applauded the decision and said “The California Supreme Court has essentially pulled out the rug from under local officials who have used the Pack decision to deny access to medical marijuana for thousands of patients across the state.”
For more on this decision click here
NAACP Backs Marijuana Legalization Effort In Colorado…
A group familiar with social struggles announced its support for Amendment 64 and Colorado’s marijuana legalization efforts. The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was formed in 1909 setting out on a mission “to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.” The oldest civil rights organization is now seeking passage of Amendment 64. However, their support is not entirely linked to the right to smoke marijuana itself as the group is also very much concerned with the disproportionate numbers of African Americans being jailed for cannabis related convictions. Rosemarie Harris Lytle, president of the NAACP’s Colorado branch said “Marijuana prohibition policy does more harm to our communities than good. “That is why we have endorsed Amendment 64 which presents a more effective and socially responsible approach to how Colorado addresses the adult use of marijuana.” Arrests numbers by race are discouraging across the country but Colorado seems to have an even greater racial disparity in marijuana arrests than other areas of the country. In Colorado, African Americans make up 4% of population but make up 9% of marijuana possession arrests and 22% of sale and cultivation charges. In Denver the numbers are even more alarming as 11% of Denver’s population is African American even as they represent 31.5% of marijuana possession arrests.
For more on this story click here
Medical Marijuana Makes Arkansas Ballot for November Election…
Activists in Arkansas faced a major setback when they were unable to deliver enough votes to get medical marijuana to the ballot earlier this summer. However, a renewed effort has been successful with 74,406 signatures being submitted this time. The number is higher than the 62,507 needed. However ballot initiatives often see a significant number of signatures disqualified. This was not the case in Arkansas as the Arkansas Secretary of State said earlier this week that “Our office verified over 69,000 signatures for Arkansans for Compassionate Care. They will be certified to the ballot.” If residents approve the measure Arkansas will join the 17 other states (and Washington D.C.) that permit medical marijuana. They would, however, become the first southern state to start a medical marijuana program.
San Jose Hempcon 2012 Shows Diverse Marijuana Culture on Full Display
Over the weekend marijuana.net reported on site from the floor of the San Jose Convention Center. To no one’s surprise our community held another peaceful, fun, and educating event. Hempcon appeared to be a very successful event, largely due to the patients, guest speakers, businesses, and educational organizations who were in attendance.
We would like to take this time to briefly touch on some of those who made the event a memorable one. As always dispensaries were on hand to show off their quality medication. Papadon’s had an excellent showing and patients were thrilled to try their XJ-13. Aunt Zelda’s and Utopia Health Group provided excellent delivery services and were happy to talk about their businesses at Hempcon. Patients and dispensary workers were excited to look up the strains they saw at Hempcon in our comprehensive strain database. Singing Bird Family Farm brought their excellent honey products. Building on their best product winners from the most recent Denver, Los Angeles, and Detroit Cannabis Cup’s, Mama P’s brought their quality grinders with them to Hempcon. They’ll also be attending next week’s High Times Cannabis Cup in San Francisco as they look to win for best product again.
Those seeking information regarding the newest educational and legal developments were not disappointed by Hempcon. There were firms such as Hallinan & Hallinan, who were on hand to discuss the newest legal developments with attendees. We at marijuana.net found a very engaging audience eager to hear about some of the newest entries in our news and article section. There were also guest speakers which included a great speech from Melissa Balin.
Getting together with fellow members of the medical marijuana community is always a memorable experience. While we enjoyed Hempcon we are looking to carry that excitement over into this weekend’s 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup in San Francisco. As always, we encourage you to come down and say hello. Keep checking in as we will provide up to date info as next weekend unfolds. You can check with us immediately after the Cup is over for a detailed listing of next weeks winners.
Colorado Shows Medical Marijuana can be a Thriving Industry
We are still only a few days removed from the tremendously successful 420 weekend. Celebrations occurred around the world and Marijuana.net was fortunate enough to attend the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup. As always patient access and safety are the most important issues, but the Cup also provides a forum for other interesting aspects of the industry.
The cup gives a unique chance to compare top strains and while the award ceremony may be the biggest attraction (click here for the winners), attendees were treated to a convention that highlighted the many and varied businesses in the medical marijuana industry. In any tough economic times, job creation and tax revenue are popular issues. Fortunately medical marijuana can do so much to create better economic conditions while providing safe and affordable relief. Unfortunately, lobbyists and stubborn politicians have not allowed this industry to reach its full potential. The Cannabis Cup in Denver demonstrated the tip of the iceberg.
We at marijuana.net would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the quality businesses that were present at the Cup. Marijuana.net was located right next to, Judge Jars, which was providing high quality jars and storage options. Education groups were also a big part of the event. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol let their presence be felt. This group has been instrumental in collecting the required signatures to get a legalization vote to the people this November. Sensible Colorado was also at the event fighting to stop federal raids of dispensaries. Another group providing education was the Cannabis Business Alliance. They are advocates for patients, small businesses owners and employees of the medical marijuana industry. There were so many great dispensaries also at the event such as Green Man Cannabis, AMA, and Mahatma. We were also very impressed with Essential Extracts victory for their solvent-less wax. As they did at the Los Angeles Cannabis Cup, Mama P’s won for the best product with their popular grinders. Good Chemistry had an amazing lounge set up in the patient room. As always we support laboratories that promote safe medicine. We can always rely on our friends, The Werc Shop to help spread knowledge to patients about their medicine and the latest testing methods. Lets not forget the Mad Hatter Smoke Shop and Dope Ass Glass. As in any quality cultural gathering, art is an important element. We were happy to meet the talented artist Marie, with Kushed Out Fashions. There were so many other quality businesses so please forgive us if they were not mentioned here.
While Marijuana.net was in Denver over the weekend there were many other 420 events that we could not attend. We are encouraging viewers to describe their weekend in the comment section of this article. Tell us about an event you attended or future events celebrating our wonderful community and the potential to bring physical and economic relief to Americans.
Winners of Colorado Cannabis Cup
The 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup was one of many celebrations over the 420 weekend. Marijuana.net was on hand to promote safe access, education, and patient rights. We also entered applicants in to win vaporizers. Those results will be posted on Wednesday, so check your email! We will also be describing some of the other businesses and organizations who attended the weekend’s festivities. Now below check out the list of winners.
Best Indica
1. Pink House Blooms- SFV OG
2. Kurple Fantasy– 420 Wellness Almeda
3. Cataract Kush– River Rock North
Best Sativa
1. Star Dawg Guava– Clinic on Holly
2. Red Headed Stranger– Natural Remedies
3. Jack Herer – Medicine Man Denver
Best Hybrid
1. Skunkberry– Green Man Cannabis
2. Jack Flash– Fresh Bake Boulder
3. Rascal OG– Clinic on Holly
Best Concentrate
1. Top Shelf Extracts- 707 Head Band Chatter
2. Strawberry Cough Nector- Clinic Highlands
3. Blueberry Extract- River Rock North
Best Non Solvent Extract
1. Essential Extracts
Best Product
1. Mamma P’s Wholesome Grinders
2. Hitman- Glass Chess Piecebook
3. Essential Bags By The Trim Shop
Best Glass
1. Mad Hatters
2. Hitman Glass
3. Dope Ass Glass
Best Booth
1. Incredibowl
2. Pink House Blues
3. Black Valley
Best Edible
1. Mint Chocolate Bar- Doba Chocolate
2. Chocolate Treuffel – Dix Elixirs
3. Bubble Browny
Highest CBD Strain
1. CBD Oil- River Rock South
2. R4- The Greenworks
3. Torah Borah0 Natural Mystic Caregivers
People’s Choice
1. Pink House Blooms Super Silver Haze and Clinic on Holly for Kosher Kush
Lifetime Achievement Award
Keith Stroup
History of the Cups
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It is finally time for the Denver Medical Cannabis cup. If you are in Denver this weekend, please come and visit us as we will be one of the sponsors of the event! We are sure patients will gather for another safe event as they have in the past. But first, a quick look on how we got here…
The first Cannabis cup was organized by Steven Hager, of High Times Magazine. In 1987 Amsterdam was the most famous of cities for legalized consumption of marijuana. So it was held there, in a great smoke-off to find the finest marijuana that a person could smoke. In 25 years the contest has matured; there are multiple categories, seeking the best strains, hybrids, consumables, seeds and so forth. It has also developed into a massive trade show, where builders of bongs can showcase their latest pipes, vaporizers, and novelty papers. Vendors also bring in t-shirts and other apparel and all other kinds of accessories. As the Cup has grown, it has incorporated other elements that have accompanied marijuana use. It has embraced spirituality and the counterculture ideas of the late 60’s and 70’s. Also, as politics have shifted across the world, so have the ideas espoused by the Cup’s sponsors and attendees.
Today, the United States is host to four of High Times’s Medical Marijuana Cups. In Detroit, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The First one was the San Francisco Cup in 2010. Last year saw the inaugural events for Denver and Los Angeles also. These are not just pothead toke-fests as conservative demagogues would paint them; they’re not dens of sin, iniquity and crime, or doorways to destruction. These are modern affairs, full of people with honorable agendas seeking to help people who are suffering from various ailments. For many of these patients, cannabis holds the best treatments they can hope to receive. New categories include judging for high CBD (cannabidiol) strains, which the medical community now agrees hold the key to treating many neuromuscular disorders. One of the largest growing segments of the Cup community is for political activism. Most major events now have devoted sections to increasing political awareness. On a national stage most politicians won’t touch the topic of marijuana; there are few candidates, like Ron Paul and Gary Johnson, who are willing to discuss it. But on state and local levels, many politicians are eagerly discussing with their constituents. Also, there are many active groups like NORML, LEAP and ASA who attend these gatherings and try to increase awareness and activism. For years the pro-marijuana lobby was small and quietly ignored. Now attitudes are turning from universal recreational use (like alcohol and tobacco) to a focus more on compassionate care and medical use, at least in enough cases now to be taken more seriously. Also, by highlighting the many failures of the 40 year-old “War on Drugs” people have realized that change, on a federal level, is necessary for the health of the Union and its people. All of this has helped the Cups to grow from crowds of hundreds to tens of thousands of supporters.
The Seattle HempFest is another event that has grown from very humble roots. The first one was held in Seattle in 1991, with only 500 people in attendance; last year’s event estimated close to 300,000 attendees! At each of these events people have gathered peacefully for several days. Recently, Cannabis use, in public, has been tolerated with no ill effects. Alcohol sales are banned at Hemp Fest, too. And in that wake, there have been no riots, no fights, no dangerous crimes committed. This is a far cry from the mighty fears that Henry J Anslinger stirred up when he pushed to have marijuana made illegal in the 1930’s. In 1991, there were no laws anywhere for compassionate use. Then, in 1998 Washington State passed their medical marijuana legislation. In 2003, Seattle made marijuana its lowest police priority and in 2008 the city stated it “would no longer prosecute simple possession cases.” This year, the state legislation approved patient cannabis gardens and an ordinance for cannabis collectives. With perseverance and patience, even the smallest of groups can hope to accomplish great deeds.
Medical Marijuana Industry News April 20, 2012
420 Recognized Around the World…
Today people are gathering around the world in celebration of the hugely popular international marijuana holiday. Events will be held in appreciation for everything marijuana has to offer. Marijuana support has been growing steady and the community, as always, peaceful and fun gatherings are expected. Fortunately this year 420 falls on a Friday, leaving the entire weekend full of events. Marijuana.net will be at the High Times Medical Marijuana Cup in Denver. We will be celebrating 420 by providing patient awareness and education at the cup. You may also find us mingling with patients at the Deep Green Festival in San Franscisco. Check back tomorrow for a history on The Cannabis Cup and other 420 events.
Click here for More on the History of how 420 came to be
Oaksterdam Reopens in Limited Capacity…
Patients and dispensary workers were happy to find out that Oaksterdam has opened its doors again. News of Oaksterdam University’s raid by federal authorities drew national attention. Patients, students, and dispensary workers were shocked but claims to see the university open again proved true. The school had to release 25 employees at the school and another 20 dispensary workers affiliated with Oaksterdam after federal authorities seized assets. Oaksterdam is currently going to be operating at a smaller capacity and they will not use actual marijuana in classes and demonstrations. Richard Lee will not be overseeing Oaksterdam.
Proposed Law In California Could Make Local Municipalities Permit Marijuana Dispensaries…
Local governments have adopted different interpretations of California’s medical marijuana program. Some municipalities have attempted to ban dispensaries with others limiting them. There have been conflicting court rulings making the legalities even less clear. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano has introduced legislation that could fix legal inconsistencies in California. AB 2312, The Medical Marijuana Regulation and Control Act, would set a standard for California medical marijuana law. It would actually require municipalities to permit medical marijuana dispensaries. The bill has cleared its initial hurdle and was passed by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. Many think the bill has a legitimate chance to pass and now will go before the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Medical Marijuana Industry News April 13, 2012
Marijuana Advocacy Groups put Pressure on U.S. Attorney John Walsh to Cease Raids
Activists are fighting back after federal raids have targeted the core of the marijuana reform movement. Eleven groups have joined together to request that U.S. attorney John Walsh back off of the threatening letters he has sent to 25 medical marijuana dispensaries, citing violations such as proximity to school zones. The coalition would like to see Walsh respect the dispensaries and patients they serve and have sent a formal letter to the attorney’s office. Among the 11 members of the group is the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, who recently inducted workers from medical marijuana dispensaries from both California and Colorado. It appears the strength of the union may already be paying activists dividends. Additionally, a Denver attorney, Rob Corry, has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to Walsh, requesting all information Walsh has on medical marijuana and exactly how Walsh determined which dispensaries were too close to schools. Corry has also asked to see evidence of the “the outpouring of thanks and appreciation” that Walsh claims to have received since closing dispensaries.
Mayor of San Francisco Calls Marijuana a Nuisance, Compares it to Liquor Stores and Exotic Clubs
While most Americans may not jump for joy at being referred to as a nuisance, marijuana advocates in San Francisco have been seeking such a description for some time. Mayor Ed Lee now considers marijuana dispensaries as “nuisance retail” but finally called marijuana dispensaries “legitimate.” This may put dispensaries under the same legal category as strip clubs, liquor stores and pawn shops. San Francisco has seen a lot of bickering over its medical marijuana dispensaries. San Francisco currently has 22 dispensaries, with the possibility of more opening as additional permits have been granted.
420 Celebrations Gets Ready for Notable Weekend
Marijuana reform has been gaining significant momentum in 2012 and with April 20 is exactly one week from today, activists voices will not be ignored. Even those outside of marijuana culture realize the significance of this day. Many individuals will be attending the exciting events planned for next weekend. The High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup will be held in Denver next week. Marijuana.net is proud to be one of the sponsors of the event and for those in Colorado, we hope to see you there. Additionally, other events such as “Overgrow The Government”, Deep Green Fest, and Washington D.C.’s 420 fest will be taking place. Those who comment on this article are encouraged to talk about other events that will be taking place next weekend.
Medical Marijuana may become Reality in Massachusetts
Momentum for marijuana reform has swept the Northeast. Policy makers in Massachusetts have been debating whether or not to legalize medical marijuana for some time now. Federal intervention seems to be a concern so politicians seem keen on leaving the issue to the people. In November, it seems likely that the people of Massachusetts will get a chance to vote on whether or not to legalize medical marijuana.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News This summer eleventh, 2011
Week of This summer 11, 2011 Dallas to tax medicinal marijuana procedures. The plan’s to deal with shops like every other business. Dispensary proprietors have expressed concern the conflicting federal, condition and native laws and regulations allow it to be progressively hard for the greater than 80 shops to function within the city. *** The town of Colorado Colorado …continue reading through