Ganja
A Letter to Santa
Dear Santa,
This year for Christmas what I want the most won’t fit in a stocking. You see, things down here, south of the pole, are a little bit out of sorts. We have a lot of sick people who are having problems obtaining their medication. Some of us have found that nothing helps our ailments like marijuana. But it’s illegal to buy, own, and sell it in most of the country. California’s been nice enough to allow dispensaries for medical marijuana, but even the Golden State seems to be confused about what they want. In other states they have really strict drug laws and someone can go to jail just for having their meds on-hand for when they need them.
There are countless instances where this is a major problem. We have ill grandmothers out there in poor health, waiting for some relief. Do we need people with arthritis and bad hips turning to street vendors?. We have situations where these people have to seek treatment illegally. Sometimes they have to depend on loved ones to for access to their medication. Santa, what an unfair situation this is to put people in. We do not want to break the law, but we are not heartless and do not want to watch those close to us suffer.
Could you figure a way to drop a bill into the stockings of all the senators and representatives in congress? I’m not good at lawyer-speak but could you write up some new legislation for marijuana in America? I think it needs to be reclassified into a schedule 2 substance because of its medical properties so doctors can prescribe it. Also, I guess we need to find additional ways to tax it on both a federal and state level. This way it can help to reduce the nation’s deficit. Look, I’m not just asking for me. This could help a lot of people. It could keep young kids from ruining their lives and can put money into the hands of government officials instead of criminal cartels. And it can help make lots of people who are sick to feel better and cope with harsh treatments.
I know its asking a lot, but do you think you can do it? If you can’t, I understand. You have elves in your workshop and I don’t think any of them went to Harvard Law. If this doesn’t work out, my back up wish is for our stockings to be full of that Northern Lights (is that what you grow up there?) so many patients eyes will fill with joy!
Thank you Santa,
From all the patients in our community.
P.S. still holding out for peace on earth and goodwill towards mankind.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News December 23, 2011
Fresno Enacts Growing Prohibit
 
Farmers in Fresno weren’t treated towards the news these were seeking. The Fresno City Council has banned the outside cultivation of marijuana. Police Lieutenant David Newton mentioned “there has been numerous reviews of violent occurrences connected using the cultivation of marijuana. We have had five shootings within the last 2 yrs.Inch The prohibit is temporary for the time being and can stay in effect for 45 days. Councilman Ray Westerlund seeming frustrated mentioned “The potheads have run your day here and we have got doctors who are prepared to give these medical use cards for head aches.” Councilman Clint Olivier required a much deeper breathe when talking and stated “I believe that democracy is most effective and also the process is most effective when we have a very long time to weigh things and focus things and understand things.”
 
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Historic Marin Alliance For Medicinal Marijuana Shuts
 
 
California’s earliest medicinal marijuana dispensary was instructed to shut its doorways a week ago. The us government appears wanting to shut lower any dispensary possible in breach of condition law. Marin Alliance for Medicinal Marijuana is among a little number of shops shutting lower within this wave the government attack. However, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder lately introduced the us government wasn’t focusing on shops which were operating in compliance with condition law. If Federal authorities hold for this statement, then your assault around the industry may relent. The Marin dispensary was stated to become too near to Bolinas Park. Lynette Shaw, Marin Alliance owner and director stated she was careful to follow along with all local and condition laws and regulations. She continued to state the community is “up in arms” within the closing. The web page for Marin Alliance reviews that Lynette Shaw has walked lower from her position as director.
 
Not Too Fast! Nederlander Break The Rules Prohibit on Marijuana for Vacationers
Its individuals people whose excitement was cleaned away with devastation in the news from the approaching Nederlander marijuana tourist prohibit, don’t unpack your bags at this time. The planned attack around the popular tourist friendly coffee houses continues to be formally pressed back until 2013.
The Connected Press reported that Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten established that the delay was because of “practical difficulties.” Clearly this explanation leaves the way forward for the prohibit open ended. Captured, it had been introduced the Netherlands could be banning vacationers from acquiring marijuana. Rather, a people only program for grown ups over 18 could be solely open to Nederlander citizens. Formally marijuana is against the law within the Netherlands, however clients are allowed to buy as much as five grams within the coffee houses.
The timing and insufficient an thorough explanation will probably belong to scrutiny by experts. Many have forecasted terrible economic systems allowing this to continue holland when they were to create a move that will endanger their thriving tourist economy. Actually, recently the financial news had been harmful to the Nederlander economy as media shops reported the economy had been slowing down and may possibly face contraction in approaching quarters. It was only some of the concern as numerous citizens concerned about re-opening the underground community for marijuana. If vacationers still came, are they going to be seeking marijuana from street suppliers instead of a controlled setting? Nederlander politics have moved more toward the best recently, however the suggested attack from the marijuana industry was still being shocking to a lot of.
Possibly experts have developed some fear in Nederlander political figures. To create this type of move as the economy has already been battling could cause unemployment for a lot of chosen authorities if financial conditions would deteriorate further. Furthermore, the move leaves Nederlander leaders open for other critique. Tobacco enforcement is becoming more poor within the Netherlands, unlike the relaxation around the globe. This past year the Nederlander government allowed some bars to be exempt from following certain smoking limitations. Based on the Connected Press 27% of Nederlander citizens smoke tobacco items, that is a greater rate than Britain or even the U . s . States. This relaxed posture toward tobacco would water lower any arguments that health is the first concern. A delay within the marijuana prohibit may provide sufficient thinking here we are at political figures to ponder if they would like to take their economy, jobs, and safety in danger. When the prohibit continues to be to occur eventually, next year’s High Occasions Cannabis Cup may be the final in Amsterdam. Tourist money produced in the event might have a fascinating method of forcing Nederlander political figures to re-think their positions.
Florida Leads the Country with Indoor Marijuana Grow Busts
Most people probably picture California or Colorado when they think of marijuana in the United States. With approximately one million legal medical marijuana cardholders between the two states, one would not be incorrect to associate cannabis with the two regions. Another state making the news for its marijuana culture is Florida, however the Sunshine State does not permit legal use of cannabis.
The annual National Drug Threat Assessment report was released earlier this year by the United States Department of Justice. In fact, Florida now holds the title as the number one state for indoor marijuana growing busts. Perhaps that is not a title they were seeking, but it may push the state toward a real conversation about marijuana reform. Police have voiced their frustration with detecting the grow operations, as they are far less detectable indoors.
Florida politics have created a very aggressive anti marijuana stance. However, there have been new resolutions recently proposed in Florida’s legislature, although many political analysts are not confident they will survive the debate by Florida lawmakers. The greater point is that clearly there is a split on how the public views marijuana in Florida. Demand seems to be very high in Florida, despite marijuana not being granted legal acceptance.
Many critics will point to the confiscations as an indication that marijuana use is on the rise. While this may be true, there may be other reasons for this increase. A leading marijuana lawyer in Florida, Mark S. Germain, stated that growers have moved operations indoors after the passing of the Marijuana Grow House Eradication Act, which greatly increased growing and cultivation penalties. So while Florida may have a title they could do without, it remains to be seen if there truly is more marijuana being grown. It seems possible that with stricter laws growers are making sure not to be seen in the open. In the end, if they are embarrassed by such a statistic, they may in fact want to consider adopting the medical marijuana legislation sitting on their lap.
Study: One in Three Youths Arrested by Age 23
During the course of the next year, two guys on television are going to spend considerable time telling us they do not want “government expansion”. During the past 40 years both major parties have had their time in power and now both Republicans and Democrats can share the responsibility for a swelling government.
One of the fallouts of a larger government is more laws to enforce. Criminologist Ron Christenson published a study forty years ago that showed 22% of those aged 18-23 were arrested. Today that number has grown to over 30%. Many cite drug laws that were not heavily enforced before the 1960s. Additionally, many smaller issues were handled by police without arrests being issued. Criminologist Megan Kurlychek said that “Society is a lot less tolerant of these teenage behaviors.” Also, while there may not be a statistic to indicate patience levels, there seems to be a breakdown in communication. Instead of yelling at teens or going to their parents, neighbors seem more trigger happy to pick up a phone and file a police report.
Of course we know how marijuana fits into all of this. Over half of all narcotic related arrests in the United States are for marijuana possession. Overall there were 853,838 marijuana arrests in the United States in 2010. While this was on a national level, recent reports showed a detail breakdown of California marijuana arrests. The study indicated that over half of all the marijuana possession charges were for teens. With billions of taxpayer dollars directed toward marijuana incarcerations, processing, and court resources, certainly the question has to be asked. Why are we spending so much time and money by putting our youth in jail?
There are many clichés about the youth being our future, but I have yet to hear any on jail being an inevitable destination for so much of the next generation. In our current economic crisis, those looking for a job and to support a family may be left with few options if they have a criminal record following them. Many feel this is intentional as the supply of quality jobs will never meet the demand so applicants have to be filtered out somehow. That of course is not provable but the fact that our legal system is arresting more young adults is. So we have to ask why in fact we do have a growing government, so it can expand in conjunction with penitentiaries?
Attorney General Eric Holder provides Update and further Confusion on Medical Marijuana
In the wake of the recent federal raids that have shaken the medical marijuana industry, many have been expecting legal answers. Will the raids continue in California? Does this signal a shift in President Obama’s medical marijuana policy? Analysts were sure that either the president or attorney general would be engaging America directly and explaining what can be construed as a change in policy.
Unfortunately, Attorney General Eric Holder only added to the confusion in a recent session of the House Judiciary Committee. Representative Jared Polis (D-CO), concerned over rumors of upcoming raids in his state, tried to get Mr. Holder to clarify the White House’s stance on medical cannabis. Holder stated that those who comply with state marijuana laws “should not be an enforcement priority.” He also went on to say “If in fact people are not using the policy decision that we have made to use marijuana in a way that’s not consistent with the state statute, we will not use our limited resources in that way.” For advocates this may sound like the worst is behind them but these statements do not seem very different than Mr. Holder’s 2009 statements, which certainly did not protect against federal raids.
While there is no legal clarity presented to the public with Holder’s statements, like most legally savvy individuals who appear regularly in the media, all statements seem to have an escape clause. The attorney general makes sure to use terms like “priority” and “limited resources”. Both of these terms seem flexible and subject to change. Additionally, previous statements of this nature did nothing in preventing California federal raids. The White House seems to want everyone to know that they do not want to step on state law. Such an accusation during an election year may not serve the Obama administration well. Of course, it only makes the water more murky as we ask why are federal agents raiding establishments who are in compliance with state law, especially a state law that does not agree with federal law? Is it not true that this whole issue stems from Federal law outweighing state law? But November 2012 is not far away so such double speak is to be expected.
The recent session of the House Judiciary Committee could have provided answers, but this administration seems to thrive under a confused legal situation. With a chance to reclassify marijuana as a schedule II drug and put an end to the guessing game, our government instead opted to sit on the fence and keep everyone on their toes. Mr. Holder may get his chance to see his statements at work. If they respect state law so much we will see if they move forward with the proposed raids in Colorado. Colorado has the tightest and most regulated medical marijuana program, so respecting state law in this case may be to just simply walk away.
Hemp… Man’s closest friend
Let’s take some time to check out medicinal marijuana’s dear brother, Hemp. Aren’t they exactly the same? To put it simply, Hemp is marijuana that’s lower in the psychoactive chemical THC. Really you will find 3 types of cannabis there’s sativa, indica, and ruderalis. In the past, hemp was grown through the colonies (including Presidents Washington and …continue reading through
Ahhh, the Weekend is Finally Here
 
Throughout the job week Marijuana.internet remains dedicated to supplying the readers with updates on industry related news. However, we know that the city is among great diversity having a varied group of interests. The weekend will give to us the chance to change course, and have interaction being debated on tales that won’t be as highly promoted.
As the weekly news is important, it’s also necessary for move back and revel in tales on culture, religion, technology, marijuana’s history (spanning several 1000 years) and lots of other subjects the readers can also enjoy while kicking back following the lengthy workweek. Even though the previous century has held marijuana in contempt, cannabis continues to be regarded as in an infinitely more positive light for that huge most of history.
We’re trying to reveal a number of these tales that won’t reach the forefront of news and education due to political/social demonization. We all know the marijuana community isn’t easily discouraged by censorship because they have suffered decades of condescension as well as an illegal legislation simply to now thrive as an increasing number of People in america no more view cannabis as taboo.
Marijuana.internet values the reader’s support we’ve acquired already which is our hope that you’d still come along for many deserved and needed relaxation for fun on saturday. There will continue to be peaks and valleys for that marijuana community but we’re feeling better days are ahead, beginning with tomorrow. Come along for the introduction on which is going to be a continuing series on hemp, the astonishing all-purpose material.
Federal Attack on Marijuana has Market Impact
In another shocking development, the us government has proven that they’re novice at predicting how their actions will modify the economy. Although this might be a tale with a, medicinal marijuana costs are increasing as a direct consequence from the recent Federal raids. For a lot of patients, it is really an unfortunate development. Most People in america happen to be feeling the economical crunch, and already cash strapped patients trying to alleviate discomfort may have to find away out to stretch the dollar further.
Reviews indicate that the us government was lately focusing on shops in breach of Proposition 215 and California condition law. Since California made medicinal marijuana legal under condition law in 1996, patients happen to be treated to some steady reduction in prices. Large growing procedures were now allowed and didn’t require secrecy. The quantity of cannabis available clearly has jumped, so far. Tommy LaNier, director from the National Marijuana Initiative, place it very candidly and mentioned “Supply is lower, so costs are up.”
The Us Government has every to enforce its laws and regulations nevertheless its conflicting message makes existence hard for patients. Leader Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have mentioned that they don’t aim to target legitimate medicinal marijuana patients. This might actually be true, however the recent raids appear to contradict this. Everyone knows that particular shops aren’t putting patient concerns first and possibly they must be shut lower. However, rather than a business shakeup they might used less dramatic techniques from the companies. An extended phase out process might have saved stress and cash for battling patients. Farmers indicate that lots of strains will rise around $2,000-$2500 per lb.
Because the year in politics has proven, our government is effective in disregarding long-term economic factors. Many sick patients discovered hard method in which their supply of medication was shut lower, as well as once they situated another facility it might be costing them more income. If the us government made the decision to acknowledge medical marijuana’s value and controlled it, they might get rid of the speculating game making existence simpler on already battling patients.
Arizona Governor Jan Maker told to obtain from the Fence on Medicinal Marijuana Problem
The title want to know , states quite a bit concerning the condition of yankee politics. Arizona, who is known recently to enact questionable legislation, finds itself in the center of another fight between condition and federal law. This past year Arizona approved Proposition 203, making medicinal marijuana use legal for individuals with being approved health problems.
Up to now, no patients have obtained any medical cannabis as experts have accused Governor Jan Maker of dragging her ft. In May of 2011, Ms. Maker filed a suit using the Department of Justice in an effort to block the outlet of 100 shops. Experts have accused the Governor of supplying conflicting claims whether or otherwise she supports Proposition 203. U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton agreed and told Governor “That’s how legal cases work, “the complaintant requires a position.” Justice Bolton also added “I am accustomed to getting the complaintant in opposition to the defendant,” and “You need to advocate for either, and you are not promoting for either.” Bolton has made the decision to obstruct her ultimate decision before the condition takes the official position. Governor Maker has stated she’s attempting to determine whether condition employees could be liable under federal law when the medicinal marijuana program progresses.
There has been many choices showing up in the tumble clean in our 24-hour news cycle that seem to be politically motivated. In the debt debacle (2x now), campaigns for 2012 and Governor Jan Maker, we view a lot political posturing leading to precious legislative time lost. Ms. Maker clearly doesn’t support medicinal marijuana but finds herself within an uncomfortable situation because the ballot initiative labored and clearly has got the support with a minimum of half her condition. Proposition 203 is becoming law and despite exactly what the Governor thinks personally, it’s her duty to determine what the law states completed. The fallout from proposition 203 has triggered some political experts also to question certainly one of Jan Brewer’s cornerstone positions.
Maker has championed the questionable Arizona Senate Bill 1070, a change from the states immigration law that needs cops to find out a person’s residency status if there’s reason to think they’re illegal aliens. Many have cautioned about racial profiling caused by this legislation. She mentioned that they thinks in condition privileges even when they’re going against federal law. This appears to place her inside a conflicting position. Governor Maker brought the charge if this found rallying against Federal immigration law. However, her claim of supporting condition laws and regulations is nowhere found as she seeks the aid of the us government to explain if she will support condition law for Arizona’s medicinal marijuana program. Is she also concerned about her cops being charged with repel Federal law while profiling immigrants? Obviously at this time, as U.S. Justice Bolton has came to the conclusion, we actually only need her administration to face behind the right podium within the court docket.