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Medical Marijuana Industry News January 6, 2012
Federal Judge Dismisses Governor Jan Brewer’s Medical Marijuana Lawsuit
Arizona’s medical marijuana program has been delayed since it was approved in November of 2010. Five days before the state was set to accept applications from potential dispensaries, Governor Jan Brewer and Attorney General Tom Horne filed a lawsuit requesting that federal courts decide whether or not Arizona could carry out its medical cannabis program. Governor Brewer’s administration has not accepted any applications as they awaited the outcome of this court decision. Brewer has claimed she was seeking clarity and wanted assurance that no state employees could face federal prosecution. U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton ruled the state did not clearly establish a “genuine threat of imminent prosecution.” Joe Yuhas, a member of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Association, stated “We would hope that our state leaders will now recognize it is time to stop wasting taxpayer dollars in an effort to thwart the will of the voters and move ahead with full implementation of the initiative.” It is unclear how Governor Brewer’s administration plans to move forward. Governor Brewer’s spokesperson said the ruling was a “tremendous disappointment”. Advocates for medical marijuana are hoping to finally see the program move forward. (Catch up on our earlier coverage of the story).
Portland Dispensary Will Change Plans to Include Vapor Lounge
Last week marijuana.net reported on Wellness Connection, a medical marijuana dispensary in Portland, Maine seeking to add social comforts to their business. As reported, the move would seem to go against state law. Newer reports now indicate that Wellness Connection is no longer planning a vapor lounge, which would have encouraged social gatherings. Stories on this new development have not commented on whether or not Wellness Connection would move forward with their plans for other socializing such as its coffee/tea bar and an acupuncture center.
San Jose Collectives May be Spared as Mayor Seeks Compromise on Law
San Jose Mayor, Chuck Reed indicated that he was willing to reconsider the scope of a new law approved by the City Council. In September, the council approved a measure to restrict the number of collectives from over 100 to 10. They would also have to grow all marijuana on site which could be very difficult due to space restrictions. In turn, this could have an tremendous impact on the city’s ability to meet patient demand. Medical marijuana advocates were able to collect over 49,000 petition signatures in order to qualify a referendum. The mayor has also requested that the city council raise the current tax rate on collectives from 7% to 10% as a way of generating additional revenue to cover upcoming costs associated with the upcoming election. This week the mayor said that there are changes he could support to the current law but that “The question is whether a council majority will support them. My preference is that we can negotiate some kind of ordinance that we can all live with.”
Tags: Jan Brewer, Arizona, medical marijuana, cannabis, ganja, weed, San Jose, Chuck Reed, City Council, collectives, Arizona Medical Marijuana Association, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton, federal court, vapor lounge, wellness connection,
Decade Lengthy Fight over Stem Cells Mirrors the higher Division within the U . s . States
The U . s . States could achieve superpower status due largely simply to presuming a leadership role in technology, financial aspects and medicine. However, round the turn from the Millennium, the interconnected global community would see great change. The Euro was formally introduced around the world real estate markets in 1999 and would soar for the following decade before the European Sovereign Debt Crisis in ’09. Following 1999, the U . s . States shocked the planet using its questionable handling from the 2000 presidential election, which saw the ultimate choices be performed in court rather than via a recount of hanging chads and confusing Florida ballots. Many nations were surprised to determine the U . s . States find it difficult to do an election, a standard feature of the American regulating system.
The hotly contested 2000 election outlined the deep split within the American public. Matching the election in stride both in division along with a weakening in our world perception was the stem cell debate. In 2000, The U.S. National Institutes of Health’s Recommendations mentioned “…research including human pluripotent stem cells…promises new remedies and possible cures for a lot of debilitating illnesses and injuries, including Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, ms, burns and spinal-cord injuries. The NIH thinks the possibility medical advantages of human pluripotent stem cell technology are compelling and worth pursuit in compliance with appropriate ethical standards.”
However, America’s division wasn’t moved towards the public. In August of 2001, Leader G.W. Rose bush introduced he would only permit federal funding for that experimentation from the existing 60 lines of stem cells. Researchers would find frustration as a number of these lines were contaminated and useless. The problem arrived at Leader Rose bush again in 2006, and even though the U.S. Senate chosen 63-37 in support of Federal Funding for stem cell research, the balance could be struck lower because the leader used his first veto, declaring the embryonic stem cell research bill would “cross an ethical boundary.”
Marijuana advocates have observed similar frustration. Because the evidence is put together and also the potential advantages of cannabis grow regularly, experts still occupy that old layer of fingers within their ears and yelling noisally. Much like stem cell research, many sick people are not reaping helpful benefits from treatment due to socio/political squabbles. Experts of marijuana still tell you they are gathering the data so that as people for example Congressman Barney Frank explain, they ought to be incredibly slow visitors. Stem cells can ill pay the same decades lengthy research blackout that marijuana has experienced.
Fortunately, stem cell studies have found its way into the news cycle. In the past it had been learned that entire rodents might be produced using their skin cells. While it didn’t dominate the press, the breakthrough was revolutionary as creation had a completely new meaning. Using the problem a huge advance, it had been lately introduced that researchers could reverse aging in rodents, with MSNBC explaining it as being “The Actual Benjamin Button“. Once injected with youthful stem cells the rodents started exhibiting energetic behavior more reflective of more youthful rodents. The storyline is groundbreaking and could finally give a map for our earliest quests, finding the elixir of youth.
Stem Cells, Marijuana, and America’s position within the global community have seen quite the shakeup in the last decade. However, having a battling health care system, marijuana and stem cells provide a lot hope for future years. The U . s . States is within desperate necessity of new domestic industries along with the Euro suffering, oneness on these key issues can propel us right into a leadership role for any new technological and compassionate age.
Fight against Drugs much more Costly than we believe?
We’re all very acquainted with how much cash world war 2 on drugs has cost the U.S. economy in the last 4 decades. The cash continues to be allocated to a war which has created little and possibly even made the specific problems worse. Reviews now indicate the fight against drugs has joined the rare billions of dollars stratosphere.
As the official statistics reveal that this war has ended up costing several that now surpasses several with a lot of zeroes for all of us to count, One Dollar,000,000,000,000, there still appears to become costs that aren’t considered within the overall number. Because this “Great Recession” continues, we have seen that everybody is shifting toward a worldwide economy. Immediate communication has led to a faster and simpler system for the money to rotate. Because this concept eludes our chosen authorities plus they still attack the drops within the bucket (for example pork barrel investing and tort reform, that are important but pale in financial comparison towards the bigger issues) they still demonstrate deficiencies in understanding regarding the way the global economic machine runs. Because of the we are able to no more sweep the worldwide fallout from your drug war underneath the carpet.
Mexico is clearly battling within their fight from the cartels as 15,273 everyone was killed this year alone consequently from the conflict. Within the huge most of instances the cartel is attempting to slide past border security and ship product in to the U . s . States. Although this point continues to be introduced home many occasions before, it shows how poor legislation could affect not just America, but other nations too. Similar fallout in our drug war is felt in other battling nations too costing both of them in paper currency and physical lives, again not counted within the already bloated trillion amount.
Unknown dollars within this war aren’t only at worldwide issues. A current article describes a man’s vehicle being totaled by police because they looked for marijuana which was nowhere found. The balance for that BMW demolition was over $12,000 and government bodies are surely waiting for a suit in the vehicle owner in addition to his insurance carrier, Geico. Although this might be less pricey than other conditions, many leaks can continue to result in a ton. The lawsuit of two more legal cases and potential money being compensated out can also add up, especially thinking about that’s no isolated incident.
Obviously we’ve even bigger problems as our drug policy might be the greatest cause of an upswing of the house-made high. Much like alcohol prohibition, the house-made product (moonshine) was typically stronger than was available formerly inside a controlled market. Methamphetamine use appears directly associated with our current fight against drugs. Meth is really a terrifying problem and it is use could be debilitating. Would we’ve this problem when the U . s . States were built with a more sensible method of drugs enforcement in the last several decades? Now reviews show that government bodies need to make it even harder to buy items like Sudafed which include pseudoephedrine. Although this might be well intentioned, it might have been an avoidable scenario. Since the idea of creating addictive drugs from items offered at the neighborhood pharmacy is into the spotlight, exactly how will we take it off? We can’t even make a list of the balance correctly, a smaller amount win this pricey fight against drugs.
Developing Tales for 2012
Marijuana.internet hopes everybody were built with a safe and healthy New Year’s celebration. Whether you had been huddled inside a crowd in Occasions Square, or simply were built with a relaxing evening watching on tv, hopefully the passing of 2011 was satisfying for you personally. While you might imagine we’ve got some tales that you want to keep close track of for 2012.
The tides of 2012 have introduced in lots of significant occasions. Most of the tales pointed out over the past weekend within our Year In Review piece count keeping track of for 2012. The Government raids, Netherlands suspending marijuana for vacationers, and lots of cities thinking about serious reform of the marijuana laws and regulations are some of the tales which will develop further this season.
Already for 2012, we all know the community can anticipate great occasions like the High Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup happening in La on Feb 11-12. Furthermore, in the end spoke about Michigan citizens pushing for any ballot initiative to legalize marijuana over the past weekend, Michigan may also be thinking about making clear their medicinal marijuana law. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer presently has accepted what many experts already felt, she’s striving to overturn Arizona’s medicinal marijuana law, despite many citizens in her own condition wanting it. Also establishing for any legal fight this year are generally Los Angeles’ and Lengthy Beach’s suggested dispensary restrictions and also the fight to regulate “synthetic marijuana”. Another interesting story involves Colorado and Washington condition possibly placing the problem of marijuana legalisation around the ballot for 2012
As everyone knows 2012 has got the makings of very attracted out and brutal election. This really is clearly worth keeping track of for a lot of issues not restricted to marijuana. However, with growing requires deleting marijuana, advocates are hopeful for any sensible approach with lots of votes at risk. When they haven’t been involved publicaly with marijuana reform yet, it will likely be interesting to determine what direction the Occupy movement takes, and possibly when they will “Occupy” limited federal recommendations.
 
Obviously probably the most interesting developments are spontaneous and never foreseeable so stay updated and reading through once we cover what appears poised to become an eventful year. Allows us know of the tales you’re keeping track of with this year.
A New Year’s Resolution
A New Year’s Resolution from the Medical Marijuana community
This year we resolve to be more responsible members of the medical marijuana community. For many of us, our pro-MMJ stance has been all-talk and no-walk. We’re in favor of legalizing it to treat the millions of people who it can help, but are we doing enough? 2012 is the year for action! There are so many ways to get involved on both local and federal levels.
Some states, like California, already have programs underway and they need our support to continue and to progress forward. Americans for Safe Access is one of the leading advocacy groups and they offer so many ways to get involved that it is ludicrous for us to sit on the sidelines. They even have an iphone app so we can help out while sitting in traffic. Don’t want to join a group? Then let your voice be heard individually. Call, write or email your local government officials. Start with your state senators since this movement has to come from the states. Tell them you support changing marijuana from a schedule 1 to a schedule 2 substance. Tell them you want growers held accountable for the medication they provide. Let people know about labs that can help grower’s ensure safety.
The Federal government has proved to us that it is static and unwilling to move on it’s own. The Marijuana Policy Project is yet another resource for us to work with and provides clear directions to contact your representatives. Our nation is supposed to have a “government of the people, by the people, for the people” yet it seems to be slipping away from us. This year we can reclaim it! First with medical marijuana, but it doesn’t stop there! We can move on to so many other important issues. We can because we have to. Our country should, and will change. It’s a part of the Constitution; we need to be active to do it. 2012 is an election year; take the time to follow those politicians like Barney Frank, Ron Paul, Dennis Kucinich and Jared Polis, who believe that marijuana is something that can help people.
As the clock counts down to midnight and a new year begins, We must set aside our champagne and say together, “This year I resolve to make the US government listen to the people who need help in our country. This year I resolve to make my country a better place for people who are sick and suffering. This year I will not be a spaced-out couch potato staring at girls with pot-leaf pasties selling me the next great herb grinder. I’m going to get involved with groups like The Drug Policy Alliance and change these laws for a healthier tomorrow.”
Happy New Year!
All of us at Marijuana.net
The Entire Year in Review
As you may know, 2011 would be a wild ride year for marijuana reform. While there have been much talked about occasions like the Federal raids in California and Montana, there have been also many positive developments. Allows recap the lengthy year:
 
We found that indoor marijuana growing accounts for approximately 1% from the U . s . States overall electric consumption. This interesting fact will hopefully cause us to become eco-friendly, about being eco-friendly. Get more information at more.
 
Medicinal Marijuana formally surpassed the A Million offered mark. What is the news was a watch opener for a lot of and shows that it’s no more a fringe group. Take a look at our previous coverage.
 
While claims were already available regarding marijuana’s benefits toward helping with Post traumatic stress disorder, official studies launched confirmed this. Because of so many soldiers yet others going through distressing occasions, what is the news was heralded. Take a look at our article about this problem.
 
Israel introduced that they are likely to significantly improve their medicinal marijuana program. The best minister’s office designed a statement we frantically are awaiting within the U . s . States, “The Cabinet today approved plans and supervision concerning the way to obtain cannabis for medical and research uses. This really is in recognition the medical utilization of cannabis is essential in some cases. The Ministry will – in coordination using the Israel Police and also the Israel Anti-Drug Authority – oversee this and you’ll be accountable for supplies from imports and native cultivation.” Additional coverage.
 
This season provided us positive news regarding medicinal marijuana states visiting a significant decrease in DWI’s and overall traffic deaths. The entire year also demonstrated more teens are trying to find marijuana, but it’s a general trend and no greater in states with legalized medical cannabis. More the following.
 
Holland made the decision to outlaw marijuana sales to vacationers. They raided the still legal High Occasions Cannabis Cup. They postponed the brand new limited laws and regulations. Now they don’t appear sure. Was a fascinating year for Amsterdam as you would expect, we’re certainly confused.
In a lot of ways, Colorado demonstrated us that medicinal marijuana could be controlled, which condition government will really attempt to safeguard patients. Colorado released the very first ever condition license for medicinal marijuana.
 
New Approach Washington come up with the very best and many much talked about legal cast with former and current U.S. lawyers and idol judges, within their efforts to possess marijuana controlled like alcohol. Take a look at more
 
Delaware approved their medicinal marijuana program. Take a look at more about that.
 
Many states including New You are able to and Ohio have medicinal marijuana bills pending. Here’s more about pending states.
 
We discovered that marijuana use might help to combat weight problems and it is generally utilized by individuals with greater intelligence.
 
We’d quite an eventful political year for marijuana. Candidates expressed their sights on marijuana and Newt Gingrich stole the head lines together with his comments. Ron Paul supported his previous claims and Gary Manley, the so known as “marijuana candidate” was excluded from debates. Ron Paul also became a member of Barney Frank yet others by presenting legislation that will legitimize the with tax breaks for care providers and solid legal status.
 
2011 saw marijuana’s acceptance achieve its modern high water mark. Polls show roughly 50% of the nation is perfect for legalisation and as much as 85% support medicinal marijuana. Very couple of if any political issues come with an 85% consensus. Read this article.
Sadly, the unsuccessful fight against drugs switched 40 this year. A lot on the planet has transformed since that time, but Richard Nixon’s Fight Against Drugs remains a continuing.
 
Sythetic Marijuana put their hands up on everyone’s radar. 2011 saw many cities attempt to regulate the underground community, possibly not enough past too far.
Copenhagen made the decision they no more wanted a underground community for marijuana and required major steps toward legally controlling it. Take a look at our coverage.
 
Calls were noisy and obvious for any deleting of marijuana. Two prominent governors lead the charge.
 
Michigan citizens demonstrated they’d not buckle when confronted with the infamous anti-marijuana condition Attorney General, Bill Schuette. Not just did Kalamazoo voters make marijuana enforcement its cheapest priority, they’re also on the road to voting on repealing marijuana prohibition.
 
Regrettably, California’s earliest dispensary, Marin Alliance For Medicinal Marijuana Closed it’s doorways.
 
We can’t wait to know what you think regarding your ideas regarding 2011. Leave us comments on these tales or make reference to highlights that didn’t appear here. Marijuana.internet is searching toward talking with you. Be safe while you celebrate 2012.
Michigan Voters could get to Election on Repealing Marijuana Prohibition
Although twelve months 2011 is heading in to the sunset, it won’t be doing this silently. This season saw many much talked about occasions within the marijuana community. So stay updated as Marijuana.internet will recap this wild year for marijuana later within the week. Meanwhile however, we have interesting updates for example advocates organizing in Michigan for any ballot initiative that will repeal marijuana prohibition.
When the ballot initiative collects enough signatures then your problem is going to be placed at the disposal of the voters. This prospect has already been losing light on which looks to become another eventful year for marijuana reform. The particular petition drive is placed to start The month of january 12, 2012. The web site https://help.repealtoday.org/ continues to be established to start the legal procedure for getting this problem around the ballot. They have published the next statement: “We really are a coalition of Michigan parents, instructors, lawyers, doctors, health care professionals, former law enforcers and many more with an array of skills and values. We feel police should stop enforcing marijuana prohibition and rather refocus their focal points to arrest violent crooks along with other real risks to public safety.”
2011 already trained us that federal raids and political muscle is going to do little when it comes to removing advocates from going after sensible marijuana reform. Rising in the ashes from the political scare tactics were many cities pushing for marijuana decriminalization, medicinal marijuana and legalisation. Among the greatest profile groups, New Approach Washington, includes many current and former U.S. lawyers in addition to idol judges (Get more information at our previous coverage of recent Approach Washington). There’s considerable try to be achieved before we are able to think that marijuana legalisation is going to be at the disposal of voters. However, in the event that were the situation this is an legendary event. For just one, while Michigan has legalized medicinal marijuana consequently of the similar ballot initiative, condition Attorney General Bill Schuette has consistently fought against from the program. He’s his displeasure with Kalamazoo voters who chosen to create marijuana enforcement its cheapest priority, and reported that condition law would still reign supreme, regardless of the wishes of Kalamazoo citizens.
A voter started repeal of marijuana prohibition in Michigan may likely setup more lawsuits between Mr. Schuette and Michigan citizens. If advocates maintain their vigor, 2012 might be full of much more highlights than 2011. Because this year shuts, come along in celebration for which will probably be a much greater year for sensible reform.
Ron Paul looking for U.S. Presidency and Reform
Using the Iowa Caucuses looking for in a few days, many begin to see the race for that Republican nomination like a two equine race. However, as Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich fight for that 2012 nomination, Ron Paul has silently been climbing within the polls. This frequently occur in primaries and without party support it appears likely Ron Paul will find it difficult to from the gap that separates him and also the two heavy players within the party.
Ron Paul likes his great amount of grassroots support, due actually largely to his fearlessness when confronted with tough issues. Mr. Paul has damaged away frequently using the rank and file of his party and the recent comments around the Fight against Medicine is exactly the same. Around the Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Mr. Paul referred to his sights on U.S. drug policy. Particularly he stated “The role of the us government would be to safeguard our protections. Which means they ought to safeguard our religious protections to complete what we should want our intellectual liberty, it should safeguard our to do in order to the body what we should want, you realize, what we should take into our physiques.” Leno responded by asking “even if it is dangerous?” Paul was by his comments and mentioned that government cannot safeguard us from ourselves. Many may go through the claims are extremely strong, it isn’t frequently we learn about a prominent lawmaker talking about how you can return privileges to folks.
The longtime supporter of medicinal marijuana and patient privileges might have newly found allies because the guy Ron Paul needs to operate against the coming year has had heavy critique from marijuana advocates. Ron Paul has loved a stable increase in the polls recently and lots of are predicting him either to have a very good showing or outright win tomorrow’s Iowa caucus. Regrettably for Mr. Paul the storyline of his old news letters has resurfaced. For political lovers, fundamental essentials same claims that dogged him in the past elections, including his not successful 2008 presidential campaign. One famous statement composed under his title was at reaction to the la rioting throughout the Rodney King incident. Paul or whomever made the claims under referred to the riots by saying “Order was just restored in L.A. if this came here we are at the shades of black to get their welfare inspections.” That’s a powerful statement and would prevent any candidate from winning a national election. Ron Paul cannot run out of this problem if he really wants to convince voters he didn’t result in the comments.
The storyline concerning the e-newsletter comes at any given time where Ron Paul was searching to get major momentum. However, his insufficient support in the GOP hierarchy could eventually end up being a level bigger hurdle. Additionally, there’ve previous those who win from the Iowa Caucuses who have been not able to take advantage of the momentum and win their party’s nomination. Mike Huckabee won the Iowa caucus in 2008, but never was truly seen as an serious contender for that U.S. presidency. Other famous those who win from the caucus who ultimately didn’t receive party nomination include dems Dick Gephardt (1988) and Tom Harkin (who in 1992 would eventually miss out to Bill Clinton). Regardless of what happens Ron Paul will probably maintain his recognition inside the medicinal marijuana community.
Get more information at conservative systems copy from the Ron Paul News letters
Get more information at National Alemo’s copy from the Ron Paul News letters
Happy Holidays: A glance at Individuals within the Spirit
The holiday season is an excellent season in which the spirit of giving leads us altogether. Many care providers have became a member of within the festivities. Marijuana.internet want to give mention and because of people devoted toward getting holiday pleasure for individuals in need of assistance.
 
Caregivers for example San Francisco’s The Apothecarium, where they’re discount rates for patients giving canned meals, ought to be congratulated. More particulars around the Apothercarium’s holiday efforts.
 
We’d like to say The Yerba Buena Collective, who’re hosting a really effective toy drive. Many children is going to be overcome with pleasure due to Yerba Buena’s efforts. Get more information at more about how Yerba Buena is assisting.
 
Furthermore, let’s remember Gran Purps. For good 6 cans of food contributed, they’re rewarding patients having a free joint. This food goes to individuals who’re battling at this time, and may really make use of a bit of support along with a smile. Here’s more about Gran Purps.
 
Obviously now that we know what people from the community do, but because always it can be every person to help make the holidays special. If you see someone in need of assistance, or short $ 1, allows demonstrate to them what our community is about. We’re here to assist, and that’s why the medicinal marijuana community has displayed a lot passion. There’s a lot more try to be achieved but because your taking pleasure in a warm meal with family members just think about all of the good that’s being carried out. Think about all of the patients who’ll open the present of relief, who definitely are discomfort free and taking pleasure in the vacation. Think about all individuals who’re less fortunate and can be getting a better holiday because of the efforts from the community. Marijuana.internet wishes everybody a really happy and safe holidays.
Twas the Evening Before…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twas the evening before Christmas, when throughout the house
Not really a creature was stirring, not really a mouse
The tights were hung through the chimney carefully,
Hoping that strawberry kush would soon be there
 
The Patients were situated all snug within their beds,
While visions of skywalker danced within their heads
And Mamma together with her afpak, and that i with snowcap
Had just settled our minds for any lengthy winter’s nap
 
When on the lawn there came about this type of flavor
I sprang from my mattress to locate A-Train to relish
Off to your window I travelled with Jack Expensive
Tore open the wooden shutters and located a brand new stash
 
The moon around the breast from the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to my buds below
When things to my watering eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh and eight small reindeer.
 
After some old driver handing me sputnik
I understood in just a minute it should be St. Nick
Having a jolly smile and gifts he known as my title,
His sleigh lifting away shedding chocolate stick brain.