legalization
Marijuana Industry News December 13, 2013
Uruguay Becomes First Nation to Legalize Marijuana…
The story has been developing for a long time but now it looks official. Uruguay will become the first nation to legalize recreational marijuana. Uruguay, like many other countries in Central and South America, is attempting to rectify the growing problems related to failed marijuana policy, including the brutal cartel violence. This week, Uruguay Senators voted 16-13 to legalize and regulate marijuana. The idea has been championed by Uruguay President, Jose Mujica. His wife, Senator Lucía Topolansky told Reuters “We begin a new experience in April. It involves a big cultural change that focuses on public health and the fight against drug trafficking.” Residents, 18 and over, will be able to purchase up to 40 grams per month so long as they are properly registered.
For more on this story click here
New York State Lawmakers Considering a Legal Marijuana Industry…
The marijuana conversation in New York has been front and center over the course of the past year in New York. Unfortunately, most of the focus has been on “Stop and Frisk”, the NYPD’s ruthless strategy to work around a decriminalization law passed in the 1970s. New York allows possession of up to 25g to be considered a civil citation, punishable by a ticket. However, the law does not allow for the cannabis to be in plain sight in order to prevent public consumption. The NYPD tells individuals to empty their pockets. Refusing to do so is illegal while following the officer’s instructions puts the marijuana in plain sight, where the charges will escalate. NY State Senator Liz Krueger wishes to put an end to the unjust practices that overwhelmingly target minority residents. She recently introduced a bill that would create a legal recreational marijuana market similar to Colorado and Washington, complete with state oversight and tax revenues. She recently said publicly that “There is marijuana usage and there has been forever and we have to stop wasting lives and wasting police power and our courts.” It is not clear yet if the bill will have enough votes or support from Governor Cuomo to pass.
For more on this story click here
Poll Shows California Support for Recreational Marijuana Law is Increasing…
While California residents have been pioneers in medical marijuana, having passed Proposition 215 (California Compassionate Use Act) in 1996, support for legalizing recreational use has taken far longer to grow. A majority of residents, even up to a few years ago actually were against legalization. Recently those numbers have been much more evenly split. The newest polling on the issue shows a majority of California residents now outright support legalizing and regulating recreational marijuana. A Field Poll found that 55% of California residents support legalizing. Residents may get their chance to do more than answer survey questions as serious efforts are underway to bring the issue to the ballot for residents to vote on next year. Mark A.R. Kleiman is a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is considered an expert on drug policy and recently said “Debating about whether to legalize now is pointless, because we’re going to. The smart debate is about how we’ll do it.”
For more on this article click here
Recalling Marijuana Supporter and Philanthropist Peter B. Lewis
We reside in a society where financial wealth is often the way of measuring someone’s greatness. There is definitely an incredible economic climate within the U . s . States that enables for a lot of to operate hard and get personal wealth. Very frequently, however, individuals who find financial success don’t hand back and recognize individuals less fortunate.
It was not the situation with Peter B. Lewis. The billionaire philanthropist was most widely known for his role as Chairman of Progressive Insurance Provider, however, many others will appreciate his charitable work. Last year, Mr. Lewis guaranteed to give 1 / 2 of his wealth to charitable organisation. He was noted for appreciating the humanities, culture, and human privileges. Peter B. Lewis contributed large, very a large amount of cash to a lot of organizations such as the ACLU and The Guggenheim Museum. We are sad to are convinced that he died a couple of days ago.
At any given time when giving and openly supporting marijuana reform was a little more risky for any guy of his stature, Peter B. Lewis wasn’t embarrassed to be among the wealthiest and profiles supporters of medicinal marijuana and leisure marijuana. In 2007 he contributed $3,000,000 to MPP (Marijuana Policy Project). The group has utilized the donations well and it is a number one organization in pushing marijuana reform forward. He also supported Initiative 502, what the law states that made history by legalizing a leisure marijuana market that will provide new tax revenues within the condition of Washington. In 1998, Mr. Lewis experienced from the medical problem that needed an incomplete amputation of 1 of his legs. He stated that traditional medicines and pills were never competitive with marijuana was for his discomfort. Mr. Lewis found idea the thought of criminalizing marijuana to become absurd and be probably the most influential figures for reform.
We’d much like to consider this time around to keep in mind this sort and caring guy. Peter B. Lewis accomplished a lot of things and grew to become a billionaire. However, shown a level more rare trait, he never lost his empathy even while he acquired financial wealth.
Marijuana Industry News October 25, 2013
Marijuana Breathalyzer May Come to California with Legalization…
One of the largest obstacles in governing the legal recreational marijuana industries is being able to assess a driver’s impairment. Tests for alcohol and drunk driving have become reliable and acceptable. Setting a blood alcohol limit of .1 or .08 is straight forward. Determining acceptable marijuana levels has not been as easy. California authorities and law makers are looking into having a similar test put into place. However deciding on where to set the legal levels may prove difficult. When asked about hard limits set in Washington state, Gabriel Reeves, the executive Chef at the Elemental Wellness Center in San Jose recently told NBC don’t feel that that sort of a limit has been established as scientifically accurate or something that would able to be standardized across the medical cannabis industry for each patient. Because each patient, each patient’s needs, vary with the amount of milligrams of THC that they need to alleviate their symptoms.”
For more on this story click here
Support for Legalizing Marijuana Rising Quickly to all Time High…
American’s support for legalizing marijuana has been rising steadily over the past few years. Washington and Colorado provided evidence if this, but until recently, most polls showed just over 50% of Americans were in support with higher numbers backing decriminalization and medical use. A recent Gallop poll indicates that even the idea if legalizing for marijuana for recreational use is gaining support. In the poll 58% supported legalization, an all time high. The news came at a time when federal authorities have signaled a softer stance on marijuana. Marijuana enjoys a much higher approval rating than congress and may even offer a better chance at helping the economy.
For more on this story click here
D.C. Mayor Seeks to Decriminalize Marijuana…
It has taken federal authorities years to even signal the possibility of bringing common sense to marijuana policy. However, right under their noses, in Washington D.C., the city has moved forward with major marijuana reforms. Medical marijuana has already been legalized, giving patients the chance at a better quality if life. Now there is a bill sitting with the D.C. Council that, if passed, would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray has now signaled his support for the bill making passage more likely. Possession of less than one ounce would no longer accompany a six month jail sentence and $1,000 fine, rather, the penalty would be a civil citation ticket for $100 and no jail time. Like many other municipalities, D.C. has financial and correction center overcrowding issues to deal with.
Marijuana Updates From Romania and Switzerland
The United States government has taken the first step toward repealing prohibition, Canada has relaunched and expanded the scope of their medical marijuana program, and Mexican leaders and celebrities are banding together in unprecedented fashion in order to legalize and reduce cartel violence. It was an eventful month in North America. Perhaps riding the momentum spilling out of North America for marijuana reform, Switzerland and Romania have announced major changes to their cannabis laws.
As of this month, marijuana possession for adults in Switzerland has been decriminalized. For those over the age of 18, getting caught with 10 grams or less will result in a ticket without jail time or a court appearance. The fine has been set at 110 Francs (approximately $120 in U.S. currency). The move was aimed at freeing up the courts, law enforcement resources, and creating a clear law across the board, as local municipalities have enacted different and conflicting laws. The penalties for selling marijuana to those under 18 have increased.
Romania also has moved forward with significant changes to their marijuana laws. Recreational use will remain banned, but a new medical marijuana program received the green light this week. They have become the 10th country within the European Union to legalize medical marijuana. Patients with certain debilitating conditions may be able to legally obtain marijuana to help with their symptoms. Manufacturers will soon be able to apply through Romania’s National Agency of Medicines.
We will keep you updated with any new developments on this or other international developments. Cannabis’ reputation as a healer and economy driver seems to be traveling far and wide these days.
Marijuana Industry News October 4, 2013
Legalizing marijuana would finish underground community states Israeli Study…
Prohibition continues to be associated with stimulating organized crime on several occasion. Our neighbors towards the south, Mexico have observed an excessive amount of top notch bloodshed as cartel energy continues to be in a position to flourish. The calls to legalize and reduce cartel influence haven’t been more powerful. Israel, such as the relaxation around the globe is attempting to develop a plans for additional revenue and fewer violence. A recent study there came to the conclusion they might accomplish both through marijuana legalisation. “Realizing the large financial gains that will originate from legalisation demands the government take serious consideration in the proposal to legalize cannabis use under specific recommendations,” stated Yarden Gazit, who co-written the research in Israel.
For additional about this story click the link
Washington and Colorado with changes to marijuana banking…
As continues to be recommended formerly by marijuana.internet and lots of other sources, the greatest hurdles within the legal marijuana industry relates to banking. Federal government bodies have compelled the banking institutions to prevent letting shops operate business accounts. The outcome is marijuana, cash, with no recorded paper trail. Individuals in the market happen to be lobbying to alter this. With Colorado and Washington continuing to move forward using their recently legalized leisure market, the requirement for modern banking us essential. Washington Condition Gov. Jay Inslee and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper wrote instructions to federal government bodies, including Secretary of Treasury, Ben Bernanke. In it they condition that banking is a necessary aspect of ensure a correctly controlled system.
For additional about this story click the link
 
Marijuana Policy Project’s effective advertising campaign strikes again…
Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) has already established a string of much talked about and effective advertisements launched lately. They have specific the National football league and Dale earnhardt jr ., getting contradictions to light how alcohol is treated versus. marijuana. Sticking with similar theme, MPP has become setting up advertisements at bus animal shelters in Tigard Maine. “I prefer marijuana over alcohol since it doesn’t cause me to feel rowdy or reckless,” among the advertisements reads. “Why must i be punished?” On Election Day in November, citizens in Tigard they would like to legalize small quantities of leisure marijuana for grown ups. Metro, Portland’s public bus service has gotten some complaints concerning the advertisements but stated the advertisements were considered political advertising, and turn into inside their advertising recommendations.
 
New Medicinal Marijuana System Implemented in Canada
Recently, the marijuana discussion within the U.S. has focused on the current claims through the Department of Justice as well as their claim that they’ll respect condition laws and regulations, and never prosecute individuals who follow them. Our neighbors up north did a little more for patients than simply simply making claims.
With what should eventually serve 500, 000 Canadian citizens, the nation’s health agency is starting a government run medicinal marijuana program. Instead of just private care providers licensed for everyone 3 patients, the brand new system may have massive farms with considerable safety and procedural oversight. The market is likely to eventually grow to at least one.3 billion dollars of revenue each year in Canada.
Doctors will complete an easy form for patients when they qualify. The new massive system may benefit patients in a number of ways . Additional oversight and safety screening can help prevent many problems, including individuals connected with mold and bugs. The cost of medicine is anticipated to fall as little as $3 per gram for several strains. Additionally, farmers will focus on offering different amounts of potency that ought to make sure that people are not removed if their comfort levels.
The machine sounds great theoretically though nobody will have the ability to determine the potency of it for a while. Many question if your system that’s moving from small , frequently personalized develops, to enormous sized procedures will have the ability to support the same attention and take care of patients. We at marijuana.internet are wishing patients in Canada don’t become an afterthought. It will likewise be worth keeping a watch onto find out if this pushes a leisure movement forward. Is the outcomes of the program have an effect in either case on whether Canada legalizes leisure marijuana?
 
Marijuana Industry News September 27, 2013
Poll: Majority of California Residents Support Legal Marijuana…
While many think that support for marijuana legalization in California is a foregone conclusion, that has not always been the case. Residents have supported medical marijuana for years. At times, residents against recreational legalization have seemed to outnumber those for it. That trend is starting to change and recent polls show a majority of residents do support legal marijuana. With what happened last year in Colorado and Washington, and the DOJ’s recent admission that they will not prosecute those in accordance with state law, it may not be a surprise if the trend continues all over. A recent poll conducted by Public Policy Institute of California, indicated that 52% of California residents would like to see marijuana legalized. Democrats favored legalization by a margin of 64-33 while Republicans favored keeping marijuana illegal by a margin of 53-45%. The poll also found significantly more support for federal authorities to respect state laws, 68% of likely voters said the federal government should not interfere with state marijuana laws. California has encountered considerable financial and budgetary problems, perhaps making the idea of green lighting new tax revenues popular.
For more on this story click here
NORML Makes Attempt at Getting Marijuana Ad to Air During Superbowl…
The NFL may not be able hide under its archaic marijuana policy for much longer. Calls to reduce mandatory suspensions for marijuana violations
are coming from all over. There is no mandatory suspension for Dui related arrests. Marijuana Policy Project recently put up a billboard outside of the Denver Broncos stadium that questioned the NFL’s pro alcohol and anti-marijuana policies. The billboard received a great deal of press. Now there may be a chance NORML takes the issue to even newer heights. Intuit is running a contest where the organization that receives the most votes will have a Superbowl ad paid for. NORML’s ad is currently the leader in votes. It will be interesting to see if Intuit will award NORML or refuse to help the ad air. Fox, the television host of the Superbowl may also elect not air the commercial. Unfortunately for Intuit, they may find that you cannot send an open offer to the people if you are not prepared to discuss what is truly on their minds.
For more on this story click here
High Profile Mexicans Urge Decriminalization In Newspaper Ad…
Former Mexican president Vicente Fox has been beating the marijuana legalization drum for years. The country is experiencing devastating cartel violence and the idea of legalizing marijuana to reduce cartel power is popular. Earlier this week, a newspaper advertisement was printed with many highly successful Mexican residents including a Nobel prize scientist, businessmen, actors, and lawmakers coming together to call for marijuana decriminalization. The ad had a caption that read :
“Mexico has paid a high cost for applying the punitive policy of prohibition. We know well that neither decriminalization nor any other individual measure represents a panacea to end the violence, corruption and lawlessness in Mexico. But effective decriminalization of marijuana consumption by raising the dose permitted for personal use is a step in the right direction.”
The Republican Case for Legalizing Marijuana
From the social movements in the 1960s, to the Democratic party embracing the idea in recent years, marijuana reform has not enjoyed a tremendous amount of conservative support. Oddly enough, the modern bullet points for legalizing actually match the Republican/conservative philosophy perfectly.
Republican campaign manager, Ryan Scheutte recently submitted a piece to www.policymic.com, highlighting the reasons that marijuana legalization is and should be a Republican mission. The article describes quotes from Pauline Sabin, the first woman to sit on the Republican National Committee and was also the founder of The Women’s Organization for National Prohibition Reform. Back in 1932, she commented on alcohol prohibition by saying publicly “The young see the law broken at home and upon the street, can we expect them to be lawful?” Scheutte mentions that she was correct, and credits her with being an integral part in revoking the disastrous experiment of alcohol prohibition.
Scheutte discusses that it is acceptable to change one’s mind. In 2009, he ran a campaign for a candidate looking to unseat Ron Paul (R-TX), an outspoken defender of personal liberties and marijuana rights. The campaign referred to marijuana as a “troubling substance” and any measure to normalize it was a “blatant disregard” for the
districts values. Scheutte now admits he was mistaken and compares his view of only a few years ago to his great grandmother’s.
Ryan Scheutte then outlines, in detail, four benefits to marijuana legalization with all of them matching Republican values:
1. Pot would create jobs and help prevent Detroit-style bankruptcies
2. We could unplug overcrowded prisons and save tax dollars
3. Legalization could help starve violent cartels at home and abroad
4. We could ease suffering for those who live with chronic illnesses
We at marijuana.net agree! There are even more benefits, but for the time being it would be great progress if the Republican party adopted the above four principles. New Republican support is not a surprise as the vast majority of this country believes in serious marijuana reform. It is becoming the consensus issue.
Marijuana Inudstry News August 30, 2013
World Drug Study: Marijuana Most Popular, Opiates Most Fatal…
The first ever global study on substance use was recently completed. The study included data from surveys conducted around the world in 2010. The goal was to measure substance use rates for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and others. Marijuana proved the most popular substance surveyed across the world and opiates proved to be the most fatal. Men in their 20s had the highest rate of abuse worldwide. The U.S, Australia, Britain, and Russia were the countries with highest substance abuse rates. Some of the data was may not be conclusive but “we can say definitely that there are drug problems in most parts of the world,” said Theo Vos, of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, the study’s senior author.
For more on this story click here
Mexico City Considers Marijuana Legalization…
Since his departure from the Mexican presidency in 2006, Vicente Fox has been one of the most high profile and outspoken advocates of marijuana legalization. He even has said he would grow cannabis if legalized. With the human and financial casualties taking a huge toll on Mexico, support for major marijuana reform has been growing steadily. Now the discussion has escalated even further in Mexico City where legalization could soon be on the way. Mexican lawmakers have recently been debating legalization of marijuana and other substances in order to regulate and save money. Half of the marijuana consumed in the U.S. is believed to originate from Mexico. There are now many seeking to tax and help Mexico’s struggling finances. Additionally, legalization could help reduce the violence. Over 100,000 people have either been killed or have gone missing since 2006 because of cartel activity. Next month a final forum will be held by government leaders in Mexico City. Though it is not clear that the result will be legalization it seems like more and more of a possibility.
For more on this story click here
Utah Mom Seeking Medical Marijuana to Treat Son…
There has been a growing trend of desperate parents who have no choice but to turn to marijuana as their only hope of providing a quality of life to their ailing children. Recently there was a high profile case in New Jersey where parents pleaded with Governor Christie to allow the use of medical marijuana for their child who struggled with an extreme form of epilepsy known as dravet syndrome. Governor Christie did change the state law so the child could receive care. This week we learned of another mother in a similar situation. Jennifer May is a Mormon from Utah who has run out of treatment options for her 11 year old son. He too has dravet syndrome. Ms. May, a self identified republican initially felt that administering marijuana to children was a crazy idea. Unfortunate Utah has not passed a law permitting medical marijuana. Jennifer May has now been pushing to change that. She recently said “We don’t think it’s a cure, we don’t expect it to be a miracle. It just needs to be something we can try for our kids that don’t have anything left. I want to see if this can even give my child a quality of life for a few years.” Utah is known as a very conservative state where legal medical marijuana previously seemed like a long shot. Her story is gaining traction however, and could possibly become a rally point for medical marijuana support in Utah.
Marijuana Industry News August 9, 2013
Older Generations Trying Marijuana in Higher Numbers Than Younger…
Earlier this week Marijuana.net reported on a recent Gallup survey that found the number of teens co summing marijuana has remained steady for years. The conversation revolved the perceived notion that legal medical and recreational marijuana would lead to a spike in usage by the teen to 29 year old bracket. In 1985, 56% of of those ages 18-29 had tried marijuana. Now, according to the new Gallup data, that number is just 36%. Of from the ages of 30-49, 49% have tried cannabis. As much or more of a surprise is that those from the 50-64 age bracket are smoking marijuana at much higher rates. In 1985 only 9% of Americans from the age of 50-64 smoked marijuana. Now that number has risen to 44%. The makeup and attitudes of this age group is considerably different. In 1985, many people from this group were World War 2 and Korean War vets. Today many from this age group were part of the Hippie Movement. Additionally, critics of legal marijuana dismiss the chance that regulation works. Any marijuana to them will result in waves of zombie like teens willing to anything for access with caregivers driving around in vans willing to distribute. Perhaps medical cards has been a deterrent for teens.
For more on this story click here
Chilean Psychologist Leads Push To Follow Uruguay’s Legal Marijuana Path…
Recently we learned that Uruguay has moved very close to legalizing marijuana. The impact may be spreading thought Central and South America as there seems to be even more interest in Chilean marijuana activist, Dr. Milton Flores. He is considered to be the most well known marijuana reform advocate in Chile. The psychologist has been a long time advocate of legalizing marijuana. He is trying to end the criminalization of those who are non violent or require medical relief. Dr. Flores has been He recently said “Cannabis is neither good nor bad. Its use can be appropriate or inappropriate. It’s a tool that can have very significant effects.” While Dr. Flores had been trying to bring awareness the issue for decades, he has found much more support in recent years. There has been growing support for legalization in Chile as of late. Mexico may also consider legalization soon as their former president, Vicente Fox had been quite vocal on the issue. With Uruguay’s plans to move forward on marijuana legalization, the idea seems to be generating momentum all over South and Central America.
For more on this story click here
Arkansas Activists Revise and Resubmit Medical Marijuana Ballot…
The Deep South may represent the last stronghold of marijuana reform opposition. When it comes to reform, the west was first, the northeast has been on fire, and medical marijuana has even made its way to the Midwest. However, with Florida having an elderly population in need of medicine and already producing the highest quantities of illegal marijuana, there clearly is demand in the sunshine state. While reform in Florida may be on the way, it is Arkansas who may be the first to drastically alter marijuana laws. The group Arkansans for Medical Cannabis are working hard to get the decision into the hands of the people. A previous ballot proposal was rejected by state Attorney General Dustin McDaniels lady month. If approved this time, which is certainly not guaranteed, those with Arkansans for Medical Cannabis would have the opportunity to collect enough signatures and put medical marijuana to a vote of the people in 2014.