jan brewer
New Jersey Shows that the Wheels of Progression Cannot Be Stopped
Despite the best efforts of Governor Chris Christie, state legislators, and local townships, New Jersey’s medical marijuana program is moving along. Patients have clearly stated that they are in favor of the program that was passed several years ago only to see bureaucratic delays on every level. However as marijuana becomes widely accepted and research confirms its medical usefulness and lack of side effects, those trying to slow the unstoppable force of progression seem to be accepting the futility of such action.
Other states have deployed similar political tactics to delay the start of their marijuana program. Arizona’s governor Jan Brewer has tried several times to prevent dispensaries from serving patients. The result has created a rift between voters and the governor. Looking to avoid such tension New Jersey has given approval for patients to register and receive their medical marijuana identification cards. Patients with terminal cancer, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, MS, and other qualifying conditions will have the opportunity to apply for the ID card. Patients can go to the New Jersey Department of Health Website to register or call 609-292-0424. A registration card costs $200 and will be valid for 2 years.
Patients in New Jersey may still have to wait a bit for their medication as only 6 dispensaries have been approved and only one seems close to opening its doors. Greenleaf Compassion Center has previously stated that it would have a crop available to distribute by September. However they still have not yet received the final approval to dispense marijuana. While there still may be time before the program is serving patients around the state, it seems to finally be moving on the right track. There are over 150 doctors have registered to be a part of the program. State Assemblyman Assemblyman Reed Gusciora also felt the program was moving in the right direction and recently said “The opening of a patient registry is a crucial and welcome step. . . . This represents the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Our elected officials often forget they are expected to work for the people. New Jersey officials have finally gotten the message but were close to facing lawsuits. Democracy is all about abiding by the will of the people and right now the people are expecting progress. Trying to stop that is as pointless as trying to stop the ocean currents.
Arizona Lawmakers Approve Measure to Censor the Internet
Censoring communication has become a common method used in trying to suppress human rights. Syria has an “electronic army” and the country is well known for having censored internet communications as an uprising called for an overthrow of President Bashar Al-Asad. During Libya’s liberation similar tactics were used in order to suppress an uprising as well. China has finally relaxed some of its censorship efforts (not all) and is well known for restricting the access of political information and viewpoints that may not pain their governing practices in a flattering light.
The next body of government taking sweeping action against the internet is actually part of the United States. Arizona lawmakers have just passed House Bill 2549 which “prohibits using any electronic or digital device, instead of a telephone, with the intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend a person.” The intent was to expand upon telephone harassment laws and to protect against bullying but may have created a series of unmanageable laws. The Media Coalition, whose goal it is to defend first amendment rights, said that the law would “apply to the Internet as a whole, thus criminalizing all manner of writing, cartoons, and other protected material the state finds offensive or annoying.” They have written a formal letter encouraging Jan Brewer not to sign the bill.
While this may seem like an odd and possibly unconstitutional law, this is the same state that has passed other laws that have bypassed the Constitution. In Arizona, police officers are required to assume federal responsibilities and determine the immigration status of Arizona residents via racial profiling. Additionally, Governor Jan Brewer has fought everything she can muster against her own residents and potential voting base to stand in the way of a people initiated medical marijuana program. Let us not forget that teaching ethnic study programs in Arizona (K-12) is also illegal and there is also discussion to expand this into the college classrooms as well. Click here for a list of Arizona’s other strange laws.
One of the great things about America is that individual states can address the needs of its residents and it is understandable that a corn farmer in Iowa may have a different set of priorities than an investment banker in New York. However, suppression of information on the internet is hard to justify as an “American value”. Our goal is to separate ourselves from regions where human rights are jeopardized, not to take notes on how they accomplish this. Arizona is demonstrating yet another example of how politicians are skilled at creating headlines for their never ending re-election campaigns, but they no longer seem capable of connecting the dots and realizing the complexities of a digital world. Similar to the SOPA bill which failed miserably, ending the internet as we know it will strip the United States of jobs we can ill afford to lose. The world is not flat and out of touch representatives need not fear new ideas on the grounds that they are “offensive”.
This article may be considered offensive according to Arizona law. Marijuana.net hopes we can continue to provide frequent news updates, if we can avoid being arrested by Arizona authorities. Not every article we write is going to please all readers, but we never previously feared being arrested for writing “annoying” material. People against medical marijuana who do not want to grant compassion, care and relief to suffering patients can be offensive. Reading about controversial laws being passed about internet censorship may be offensive and is absolutely annoying, will Arizona legislators arrest themselves?
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News The month of january 27, 2012
Not Awesome Dude: Guy From La Charged with Smoking Pot on Plane
 
Modern conveniences for example food, internet, and tv might be making people feel an excessive amount of in your own home. A guy from La is charged with smoking marijuana on the Jet Blue flight on the way to Newark, N.J. from Fort Lauderdale, FL. The 42 years old Adam Blumenkranz was stated to possess illuminated within the bathroom from the aircraft. A surprised Blumenkranz stated he felt he didn’t do anything wrong while he is really a medicinal marijuana cardholder in La. We request that Mr. Blumenkranz inspections along with us at marijuana.internet more frequently, to ensure that he’d be aware of distinction between condition and federal law. Once a person makes its way into an airport terminal they’re in federal territory. Furthermore, he clearly left the condition so you should keep in mind that he only had protection under California condition law. Also, Mr. Blumenkranz, most sufferers realize that if you fail to smoke a cigarette in a plane, then smoking marijuana might be frowned as well.
 
 
 
Patients See Progress In Kansas
 
For that third consecutive year, Kansas legislatures happen to be given a medicinal marijuana law for review. However, unlike years past where legislatures lifted their noses in mid-air and declined to carry a discussion, they’ll really discuss The Cannabis Care and Empathy Act, HB 2330. Repetition. Gail Finney (D-Wichita) introduced the balance and it is likely pleased the tides have switched across the country regarding medicinal marijuana. States appear reluctant recently to merely dismiss the problem as momentum is attaining in lots of states for patient relief. Also, fortunately for patients is always that when the bill is passed it’s needed to become passed rapidly. Unlike other states which have pulled their ft, Kansas could be needed to simply accept programs within 3 months of passing the measure.
 
 
 
Giant Cultivation Center In Phoenix is going to be To begin a sort
 
Since Governor Jan Maker has stopped fighting laws and regulations her very own citizens have passed and moved onto shouting publically before cameras at Leader Obama, Arizona patients should anticipate the medicinal marijuana program continuing to move forward. A 5,000 sq . ft . grow center assists because the hub for around 45 care providers and it is run by philanthropist and businessman Gerald Gaines. Many advocates have the center might make it simpler to watch qc for patients as a lot of the medication is going to be produced in an area.
 
A Study on Opposite Finishes from the Medicinal Marijuana Spectrum
Fortunately for patients, marijuana.internet continues to be in a position to report with great frequency about new cities thinking about reform for their marijuana laws and regulations. Regrettably alternatively finish from the spectrum, synthetics continue to be striking fear in patients and fogeys alike. Researchers don’t believe that synthetic items for example K2 and Spice possess any significant medical value, yet they may be readily available to teens because they are frequently offered in supermarkets and smoke shops.
There happen to be restrictions on synthetic marijuana in lots of states for example Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama and many others. Probably the most frustrating issues for government bodies is the fact that designers happen to be in a position to stay one step in front of restrictions simply because they can transform caffeine components and steer clear of getting any “illegal” chemicals within their items. Synthetic marijuana may likely don’t have any marketplace if your more sensible approach have been taken toward marijuana within the last several decades. Yesterday passed an invoice and became a member of the growing listing of states which have passed restrictions on synthetic cannabis. The momentum for such restrictions keeps growing as more tales are reported about deaths connected with synthetic use.
Moving back toward the positive finish from the discussion, Arizona patients ought to be finding relief soon as authorities are actually stating that shops ought to be operational with this summer time. The Arizona Medicinal Marijuana Act was passed in November of 2010. As recorded formerly by marijuana.internet, this program continues to be postponed mostly simply to Governor Jan Brewer’s suit from the program that was approved by citizens in their condition. However since the suit continues to be dropped, Health Services Director Will Humble has mentioned that Arizona should see their program operational when the most warm weather comes in. Many citizens curently have cards as song from the program were permitted to maneuver forward, but to patients they was similar to nothing more than wasted space within their purses.
As the flight for patients continues to be turbulent, we’re positive that everybody have a top class chair later on. Hopefully that synthetics will disappear as teens are educated and patients can access genuine cannabis to ensure that they don’t have to bother with its safety. Furthermore, we anticipate much more states (even when Arizona required some time in the future around) thinking about the wellness of the citizens.
Arizona Governor Jan Maker Drops Suit against Medicinal Marijuana Program in their Condition
We’ve observed the makings of the very unhappy family in Arizona because the passing of their lengthy postponed medicinal marijuana program. Mother (Governor Jan Maker) hasn’t reliable individuals in her own household (the voting public of Arizona) to create their very own choices. Although passed several months . 5 ago, this program hasn’t offered just one patient up to now.
Regrettably, like every other family in which the patriarch doesn’t respect others, legal cases can fly. Governor Maker challenged proposition 203, a ballot initiative which was went by the citizens of Arizona. As formerly included in marijuana.internet, the suit demonstrated to become embarrassing for Jan Maker as her administration was chided by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton because of not understanding proper court proceedings. Governor Brewer’s administration didn’t wish to have a side around the problem and stated they just wanted to ask about the chance of condition employees working within program which was not legal under federal law. The suit has introduced negative focus on the condition and didn’t appear to experience view the Governor had wished. A week ago, Governor Maker dropped her suit against her very own citizens.
Within this election year we will have many political battles between candidates, but many experts surely couldn’t have likely to visit a governor challenge her very own people. While individuals in energy typically contain the cards, within this situation, Ms. Maker might have bit the hands that feeds her. Although she isn’t facing election for quite some time, her administration and condition republicans may go through a backlash. She won with a relatively large margin within the 2010 Arizona election (55% for Ms. Maker in comparison to 42% by her Democratic challenger Terry Goddard). Furthermore, this functions as an alert for other governors to challenge ballot initiatives by their very own citizens. Nj has additionally postponed their medical cannabis program. Will the across the country popular Chris Christie be aware and step-up so voters/patients will find relief?
Ms. Maker isn’t a new comer to political debate. While she demonstrated the most respect for federal law within the situation of medicinal marijuana, she utilized the alternative approach as her condition has challenged and operated against federal law within the situation of immigration. That story has additionally attracted national attention with lots of upset over her handling from the problem. It now seems Arizona’s medicinal marijuana program will ultimately move ahead. After she dropped the suit Governor Maker was cited as saying “I’ve directed the Arizona Department of Health Services to start accepting and processing dispensary programs.” Some advocates continue to be skeptical however the governor might be prepared to avoid any more political deficits and proceed with repairing her status prior to her re-election campaign in 2014. Can we visit a happy family continuing to move forward, or will the citizens apply for divorce in November of 2014?
 
 
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,
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.