federal government
Romney Victories and Oaksterdam Raid May Motivate Marijuana Activists
This week did not provide medical marijuana patients with the news they were hoping for. Mitt Romney picked up precious delegates in the Republican primaries and has all but assured his position in general election. Unfortunately for patients, this means that the two main candidates campaigning for president of the United States do not seem willing to discuss sensible marijuana reform. Advocates and patients were also disappointed to learn that the iconic Oaksterdam University was raided by federal agents.
Marijuana advocates have always had to assume a glass half full position and as always, there were some developments to rise out of the ashes of disheartening news. On Tuesday Mitt Romney won the primaries in Wisconsin, Washington D.C. and Maryland. The victories separate him from the rest of the pack and has produced an almost insurmountable lead for the former Massachusetts Governor. Unless a political catastrophe occurs for team Romney, his lead in the delegate count (658 to Santorum’s 281), 1,144 needed in total) should be enough to secure the nomination. The election is now likely to shift from Republican infighting to the inevitable battle between President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney.
Unfortunately for medical marijuana patients these are two candidates who do not appear ready to address the issue of reform with the American public. President Obama has sidestepped the issue several times over the past few months and Mitt Romney has repeatedly made it clear that he does not support medical marijuana. The good news is that another major political figure has reignited the issue of medical marijuana. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson appeared on “The Colbert Report” earlier this week and was more than willing to engage in many social issues such as gay marriage and marijuana legalization. Johnson may not have a particularly great chance at capturing the presidency, but he may offer a third party option that can generate more excitement than we have seen in recent years. Any exposure the former New Mexico governor gets could put pressure on both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to explain why they are not supportive of compassionate relief.
Another blow to the medical marijuana community came in the form of a federal raid of Oaksterdam. Federal authorities have not disclosed the exact reasons as to why they raided the university. Reports do indicate that the IRS was involved, so the potential for profiting or tax issues could have caused the raid. The university was set up to try and help legitimize marijuana and to promote education and safety. There is still hope for a future University as supporters have vowed to reopen “The Princeton of Pot.” Supporters also suggested the federal government would be better off allocating resources toward the horrific shooting on the Oikos University campus.
The medical marijuana community has endured much more than a raid and presidential candidates ignoring them. Many are forced to illegally acquire medicine and deal with the risk of being arrested if they seek relief. The resiliency that the community has shown for decades is not easily shaken and will certainly not be deterred by stubborn political candidates or a building being closed. Education is more than lectures in a brick and mortar building, and it cannot be suppressed.
Federal Agents Raid and Take Over Oaksterdam University
Agents of the Federal Government attempted to attack the heart of the medical marijuana community today as they raided Oaksterdam University. There has not been much in the way of public comments from federal authorities as Arlette Lee, an IRS spokeswoman would only simply say “What we are doing here today is under seal.” Protestors already gathered outside of the sectioned off school to demonstrate against the federal take over. One protestor and former student of the university Ryan Hooper, said “This is not in the best interest of the city. If they close the dispensaries, all of this stuff is going to go back underground.” Oaksterdam University is well known for promoting a safe and educated medical marijuana industry. As more details unfold, marijuana.net will be providing updates.
Marijuana Superstore WeGrow Opens in Washington D.C.
Often the best place to hide from an enemy may be right under their nose. This may not usually be an ideal choice when the enemy is the federal government, but medical marijuana will be doing just that. Although historic buildings like the White House and the United States Capitol Building loom over the city and serve as a constant reminder of stubborn federal laws, Washington D.C. is set to open medical marijuana dispensaries by the summer.
WeGrow is opening its doors approximately 4 miles away from the White House. Their website suggests that “weGrow is the world’s first honest hydroponic superstore.” Wegrow aims to be a one stop destination for cultivators as they offer nutrients, grow lights, grow mediums, pest and mold control products, and much more. In the “About Us” section of their website they say “Our services are designed to train customers on safe and effective cultivation methods by expert technicians, so you can increase your harvest while also protecting your crop.” WeGrow offers growing classes, designed to maximize yields as well as safety.
Such a large supplier will obviously make the lives of growers convenient, as many of the items they utilize require multiple trips or worrying about shipping products across state lines. Additionally, it could help to provide some uniformity in safety regulations. Dispensary workers and growers will not be forced to shop at WeGrow, but many inevitably will. WeGrow will be having an effect on a significant portion of the Washington D.C. medical marijuana industry and if inspectors make sure they are complying with regulations, patients can be confident that the D.C. area dispensaries are at least buying quality controlled items to cultivate their plants with.
Washington D.C., like much of the country has experienced trouble in attracting new industries and jobs. The medical cannabis industry offers solutions to both of these problems. Large retailers always use employment opportunities as a reason a community should embrace them. WeGrow can claim that in addition to the potential to help increase patient awareness and provide an economic boost that Washington D.C. residents so desperately need.
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Expected to Open in Washington D.C. by Summer
With the iconic Berkeley Patient’s Group being forced to close its doors, the Federal government has demonstrated its desire to uphold not only its failed war on drugs, but also the war on patients. Interestingly enough, inside the belly of the beast, medical marijuana centers will be opening up within months.
Washington D.C. is expected to start serving medical marijuana patients by this summer. The process has already begun as cultivators are filling out the paperwork for leasing growing space. Sixty nine percent of D.C. voters approved a measure to legalize medical marijuana way back in 1998, but Congress stood in the way several times. In 2010, the City Council in D.C. approved another measure and this time Congress decided to respect the decision of both the council and residents of Washington. Residents who qualify will be purchasing marijuana within miles of the white house and congress, even as patients thousands of miles away fear raids and shutdowns.
The medical marijuana program in Washington D.C., like many other new states enacting programs, will have a much stricter set of guidelines than California’s system. This may be why the federal government, for the moment, seems to be far less concerned. California does not have a state run program, and municipalities have different interpretations of what rights are afforded under proposition 215. However this is all speculation and with little information available as to how the federal government selects its raid targets, advocates are left without an answer. Even if laws become stricter in California, many patients and advocates are hoping for a unified system so that everyone can operate legally.
Until the federal government decides to take the guessing game out of the legal realm, medical marijuana will remain in limbo. Although Washington D.C. will be allowed to serve patients now, no one can be certain of what the new faces in congress will decide after this November. No one wants a prolonged battle with the federal government, and a government should not be seeking to battle sick patients. The debate seems to be getting sillier each day and if our government cannot decide what they even want in their own backyard (City of Washington D.C), then can we really expect to look to them for leadership elsewhere?
Cypress Hill Smokeout for Safe Access Protest Shows Huge Support for Patients
Although a vast majority of Americans support physicians prescribing marijuana for medical relief, the federal government and now Los Angeles City Council have targeted medical cannabis collectives. As marijuana.net reported yesterday from the rally, patients and advocates took action and protested the recent actions by local and federal municipalities.
Those in attendance gathered at city hall and marched to a local federal building in order to show opposition to the actions of both city and federal agents. The march occurred with almost no legal issues. Witnesses did observe one patient being arrested for medicating as the crowd gathered before the march. So far we have no indication that there were any further issues between law enforcement and attendees. The hundreds who took part in the march displayed their passion and enthusiasm as chants of “DEA, GO AWAY” were directed toward local federal offices. Drivers passing by acknowledged their support by pressing loudly on their horns
The event even boasted celebrity credentials as both Tommy Chong and B-Real of Cypress Hill took part in the protest. Tommy Chong serenaded the crowd with a song as they recognized his long term dedication to marijuana reform by chanting “Patient #1”. Cypress Hill and Americans For Safe Access helped to organize the event that serves as a precursor for the sure to be popular Cypress Hill Smokeout this weekend. The event will feature Korn, Mobb Deep, Sublime With Rome, Wolfgang Gartner as well as many other artists and surprise guests. Marijuana.net will also be there so come visit our tent.
Feds Oversee Colorado Marijuana Collective Shutdowns
The latter part of 2011 put a chill down the spine of many patients who were concerned about where they would have access to medication. Federal raids in California received a great deal of media attention as many news outlets claimed medical marijuana in America was over. Now that the dust has settled and the vast majority of collectives remain open, the raids seem to be targeting an altogether different goal than a total annihilation of the program.
The federal attention has now shifted toward Colorado. Several months ago, federal authorities issued letters informing 23 collectives that they would have to relocate or close their doors because they were too close to schools and in violation of Colorado law. Earlier this week federal agents were sent in to oversee the shutdown, which occurred without incident according to reports. While this is an inconvenience for patients, hopefully most will still be able to access relief without major issues.
Most patients felt that President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder indicated that the administration would not conduct federal raids on collectives. That seemed to match the tone of the statements made on the 2008 campaign trail, however, team Obama choose their words very carefully. They mentioned not raiding any establishment that followed state law, and even as recently as two months ago Eric Holder reiterated the position by saying “our thought was that where a state has taken a position, has passed a law, and people are acting in conformity with a law, not abusing the law but acting in conformity with it, and, again, given our limited resources, that would not be an enforcement priority for the Justice Department.” Of course the statement seems to be filled with exit clauses, but it does indicate that those following state law should not be a federal target.
Much of the media signaled the end for medical marijuana toward the end of 2011. That does not seem to be a well thought out idea as no state has revoked its medical marijuana program even in the face of federal pressure. Additionally, there are 17 other states considering medical marijuana laws and other states considering total legalization. Although California is in a state of legal uncertainty, the pending decision of the state Supreme Court may re-establish order and consistent laws so that patients are ensured their legally protected “safe access”. Colorado has over 700 medical marijuana collectives. With 23 shutting down, that represents approximately 3% of collectives. While those who are against providing accessible relief brag about the closings, it truly is just a drop in the bucket. Of those 23, many may relocate and be able to open up legally elsewhere.
While no advocates/patients want to hear about dispensaries being forced to shut down, it is important to keep everything in perspective. America has changed its views on marijuana and the Federal government does not even seem willing to challenge state laws. While the closings appear to be defeat on the surface, the fact that the federal government is only willing to enforce its laws on 3% of Colorado collectives may signal a victory for patients and advocates alike.
Cartel’s Advanced Tunnel System may pose a serious Security Threat to U.S.
As new details are provided concerning the fight against drugs, this news isn’t positive. While U.S. government bodies happen to be fighting cartel forces for many years, the conflict may now be a much bigger domestic threat.
U.S. Border Patrol agents have found over 160 illegal tunnels across the U.S./Mexico border. However, agents have found much more advanced tunnel systems lately. Huge amount of money are increasingly being spent to equip the marijuana smuggling tunnels with lighting and today even railway systems. Many government bodies believe the geography in Tijuana might be especially useful towards the efforts from the cartel. U.S. attorney Laura E. Duffy has stated that smugglers use horizontal drills that don’t disturb top soil making recognition difficult. The soil is soft and simple to drill through. North Park College anthropologist Victor Clark Alfaro feels this really is one more reason which helps the efforts of individuals digging the tunnels. He lately stated the “noise in the airport terminal is a superb benefit to them.” Probably the most advanced tunnels have been discovered near Tijuana Airport Terminal.
Escalation is definitely an issue in police force. Aggression always provides the opportunity for retaliation, and cartel efforts to smuggle marijuana now pose a much greater security problem than in the past. The weapons and transportation employed by smugglers has become progressively advanced as U.S. agents have concurrently elevated its degree of pressure used to look for marijuana. The fight against drugs cost has jumped in to the billions, as the intended target is continuing to grow unmanageable. America’s almost century lengthy fight against marijuana has produced a scenario where organized crime makes money and people are frequently forced to cope with them (even when in a roundabout way) when they seek relief. A lot of us will invariably question just how much bloodshed and today domestic security risk might have been prevented having a more sensible approach toward marijuana. With no underground community, it is not easy to picture 100s of subterranean tunnels being funded by organized crime.
Of course, national security is a large area of the approaching presidential election. In the end watch two males in customized suits discuss issues overseas or even the Mexican border as it requires immigration, will People in america again be refused the chance to listen to our leaders discuss our most harmful and native security risks?
Patient Relief might be Distributing
While legislative change can move in a reduced than preferred pace, we’ve observed frequent updates that gives expect patients. Just about every day you will find reviews of recent cities thinking about a big change for their marijuana laws and regulations. Despite the fact that the us government has updated the people as well as their interest in use of safe remedies, condition government authorities (sometimes begrudgingly) have needed to consider patient relief.
Idaho might be known in excess of its taters soon as HB 370 was introduced a week ago within the Idaho House. Tom Trail (R-Moscow) introduced the balance that will permit marijuana use via a condition registration system and prescription cards. Mr. Trail had suggested legislation that carefully was similar to HB370 this past year but it didn’t work through an educational hearing. The legislation states “Compassion dictates that the distinction be produced between medical and non-medical purposes of marijuana. Hence, the objective of this chapter would be to safeguard from arrest, prosecution, property forfeiture, and criminal or any other penalties individuals patients who use marijuana to ease struggling with debilitating health conditions, in addition to their doctors, primary care givers and individuals who’re approved to create marijuana for medical reasons.”
Even though the heart of the us government resides in Washington D.C., patients within the nation’s capital should be expecting use of medical cannabis through the spring. Although Amendment Act B-18-622 required effect in This summer of 2010, the particulars from the D.C. program weren’t completed until lately. Many advocates were wishing for that law to incorporate protections for patients to have the ability to boost their own marijuana. It was talked about initially but was dropped in the final legislation. The machine in D.C. will permit 10 grow sites and five distribution locations. Furthermore, WeGrow is going to be opening within the city and can function as a tool provider for that approaching shops. WeGrow carries items for other plants too and describes themselves as “The Hydroponics Supply Superstore”.
As momentum gains for medicinal marijuana, we at marijuana.internet hope more patients will discover relief. Idaho and Washington D.C., like much of the nation can use economic relief too. The shops, doctors, medical supply stores, security, labs, and grow stores including WeGrow all are in position to provide additional revenues and jobs towards the local financial systems.
Feds Concentrate on Colorado shouldn’t Overshadow Progress in other States
As the advocates and detractors of marijuana will probably be concentrated around the potential approaching raids in Colorado, you will find a number of other new developments worth keeping track of. Because it stands, 23 shops in Colorado received letters from the us government warning these to shut lower because of condition law violations. Obviously with this country still spinning from the downward economy, no jobs deficits could be dismissed, nor are we able to disregard the problem of compromising patient’s use of medication. However, once we viewed using the fall raids in California, only a tiny proportion from the overall shops are facing any possible complications. Within the situation of Colorado roughly 3% of shops, at this time, face possible closure.
When we change our focus from Colorado to California we might notice another recent story that highlights marijuana’s acceptance racing past tobacco. A week ago marijuana.internet reported on new research which demonstrated that marijuana might not have any impact on long-term breathing. We’ve also found that Marin County has changed language within their new smoking prohibit to simply concentrate on cigarettes. The county is implementing a stride that will eliminate authorized cigarettes in non incorporated apartment models. County Supervisor Kate Sears had initially mentioned that “tobacco, weed, spices or herbs, herbal or any other plant existence” would come under the prohibit. She’s since backtracked and stated the prohibit would only focus strictly on tobacco items.
Obviously you will find lots of new developments around the America’s other coast too. Patient worries in Nj happen to be well recorded because the program continues to be met with each and every bit of bureaucratic bureaucracy your garden Condition could muster. However, patients in Vermont are wishing for any much softer process to get their shops ready to go. The Burlington Free Press is confirming that shops might be serving patients with this summer time. Condition authorities state that the particulars from the program ought to be available over the following couple of days. Return with marijuana.internet once we will give you further particulars because they emerge.
As the us government does nothing when it comes to sensible marijuana reform, don’t be surprised states to consider more action. As states find it difficult to stay afloat financially more will need to consider repel old federal law and consider medicinal marijuana. People are progressively not able to pay for prescription medicines and condition government authorities are increasing fed up with the economical strain of incarceration. Condition privileges is a speaking point for those political figures seeking election this year and because the authorities refuses to alleviate the burden on battling cities, expect more states to consider initiative.
Get more information at information on states with pending medicinal marijuana legislation
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News The month of january 13, 2012
Feds Change Focus to Colorado Attack
 
As numerous expected, federal government bodies have moved assets toward Colorado and also have cautioned 23 shops of violations against condition law. The shops received letters in the U.S. government warning them they unlawfully operating within 1,000 ft of colleges. The letters were sent by U.S. attorney John Walsh, who mentioned “When the voters of Colorado passed the limited medicinal marijuana amendment in 2000, they couldn’t have anticipated their election would be employed to justify large marijuana stores situated within blocks in our schools.” Many experts happen to be baffled regarding how the us government goes concerning the raids. Federal government bodies appear to become only pursuing shops that aren’t consistent with condition law even while every one is repel federal law. The problem of condition privileges has witnessed its appeal grow lately also it seems the us government doesn’t desire to be charged with walking in it. The amount of shops in danger of Colorado is gloomier than we had in California last fall. This really is likely because of Colorado getting an even more controlled program which involves condition licenses, screening and approval. Recent estimations indicate that Colorado has roughly 735 shops.
 
 
New You are able to Attorney General Expresses Deep Concern over Prescription Medicine Abuse
 
News from the growing epidemic that’s prescription medicine abuse has gotten a lot of media attention recently. Lately, marijuana.internet reported on the the introduction of a pure hydrocodone pill that’s 10 x more effective than vicodin. Now, New You are able to Condition Attorney General Eric Schneiderman stated that “Prescription medicine is permeating society.” The statement was at reaction to reviews that demonstrate that medications for oxycodone are up 82% within the Empire Condition. The Brand New You are able to health system continues to be overburdened with er visits. Particularly Nassau County saw a 57% rise in er visits associated with prescription overdoses. Attorney General Schneiderman is asking to have an online monitoring system that will pressure doctors to report patient history just before prescribing a controlled substance.