legalization
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 17, 2012
Los Angeles Marijuana Dispensaries Ordered To Close on Sept 6…
Several weeks ago the Los Angeles City Council decided to issue an order to ban all marijuana dispensaries within city limits. The move has caused a fair amount of commotion and legal experts do not even know for sure if they city is operating within their rights. A recent decision by California’s second District of Appeals ruled that local municipalities cannot outlaw marijuana dispensaries. Earlier in the week, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office sent out 1,000 letters to buildings they believe are dispensaries informing them that they need to close their doors or face possible fines of $2,500 per day fine after September 6th. There is a considerable amount of legal confusion in the air. Besides the 2nd district decision, there are also referendums in the works with activists collecting signatures. This could also delay or eliminate the city’s ban. Kris Hermes of Americans for Safe Access said “We don’t have a clear-cut response for them on what’s going on. It would be imprudent to tell them to stay open. But at the same time, there is all this other activity going on that could change the situation in a matter of weeks.”
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Colorado Legalization Initiative Could Mean Big Bucks for State…
Earlier in the week marijuana.net ran a story that described how much money could be made in the state of Washington should residents vote to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis. Colorado has also released a report that shows how much money could be generated if their similar law, amendment 64 is passed. A report released by The Colorado Center on Law and Policy (CCLP) indicated that in the first year alone legalizing cannabis could generate $60 million in its first year and rise to $120 million by 2017. Of the $120 million $80 million would go toward alleviating financial burdens of local and state government with the remaining $40 million being directed to a fund that would construct new schools. Showing its potential for job creation the program would create 350 new construction jobs. This is independent of the jobs created for medical personnel, dispensary workers, security companies and several other industries.
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New Jersey Off to Slow Start in Registering Patients…
Matching the snail’s pace of the launching the entire medical marijuana program in New Jersey, only 50 patients so far have been approved to be legal cannabis patients in the Garden State. The good news is that the program is moving forward after almost no action for two years after it was approved by exiting former Governor Jim Corzine. So far state lawmakers have delayed the program for as long as they can and the small patient registration numbers come as no surprise. The point of the program is to prevent patients from having to secure their medication from illegal sources. So far the program is doing the opposite. Chris Goldstein, a spokesperson for The Coalition for Medical Marijuana in New Jersey said “Patients meanwhile are going on the underground market. “It’s not like they’re not accessing medicine out there.” New Jersey aimed to be a state with strict guidelines but has been outpaced by other known strict medical marijuana states such as Arizona. However, there is reason to believe that patient registration will pick up as every aspect of the program has been hastened by the threat of lawsuits. Expect more of the same as advocates will surely pursue the legal route if patients are not being accepted into the program.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 10, 2012
Ten Dispensaries in Colorado Warned to Shut Down by Federal Government….
U.S. Attorney John Walsh has issued a new round of threatening letters to marijuana dispensaries. This time the letters are targeted at 10 collectives in Colorado. The ten dispensaries targeted by Walsh are in violation of state law with many being closer than 1,000 feet to a school. The collectives have 45 days from when they received the letters to either close or move their business. California dispensaries have dealt with a crackdown on their medical marijuana industry as well, however, since Colorado has more defined laws there have been far fewer closures. In November Colorado residents will have the opportunity to legalize medical marijuana due in large part to the efforts of Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol.
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North Dakota Residents May Get to Vote on Medical Marijuana…
Much of the success of the marijuana reform movement is linked to ballot initiatives votes by the people. North Dakota may also see its people vote on legalizing medical marijuana this November. The group North Dakotans for Compassionate Care helped collect the required 20,000 signatures. The signatures were recently submitted to North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger’s office. Only 13,500 signatures were required, however the signatures will be reviewed to determine if they are valid. If the signatures are valid voters in North Dakota will have the chance to legalize medical marijuana. If voters pass the proposed measure then patients will be able to possess up to 2½ ounces of pot for medical reasons and grow their own supply.
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Governor of Vermont Seeks Help From NORML in Re-Election Effort…
It used to be that groups such as NORML struggled to acquire funding. Apparently the tables turned with politicians seeking help from marijuana activists. Recently, Governor Shumlin of Vermont decided to contact NORML’s executive director Allen St. Pierre. He pledged his support for NORML’s cause be a national spokesperson for the national marijuana reform movement. Of course no political favor comes without a price tag and the governor asked for a contribution toward his re-election campaign. This shows cannabis reform has reached the highest level of politics. Governor Shumlin vowed to push for a decriminalization law if Allen St. Pierre and NORML donate the money. Shumlin is known to support a new approach toward cannabis law and the election for Vermont’s Governorship should interesting as Shumlin’s Republican opponent, Randy Brock said he was against any decriminalization message and was worried about the message it sends to children.
Where the Candidates Stand
The race for the American presidency has entered the period that can best be described as the calm before the storm. The candidates may be sniping at each other through the media, but otherwise we are in a lull waiting for the Republican candidate Mitt Romney to announce his running mate and the upcoming national conventions. However, before the race kicks into high gear we thought we would provide updates on the candidates and their plans marijuana reform.
Barack Obama:
The current president of the United States has upset many of his previous supporters by taking an unexpected harsh approach toward medical marijuana. Many federal raids have been conducted with letters and threats for more to come being sent out. The president has stayed mostly quiet about the war and drugs and it seems to be an inconvenient thorn in his side. Many are wondering if a second Barack Obama term would see a different approach. Many South and Central American nations have and are considering legalization/decriminalization measures as a way to try and reduce escalating violence by the cartels. Recently the president has said they are not going to legalize anytime soon but that he would be open to a discussion on the issue. Nancy Pelosi had recently signaled that there may be more movement on the issue after the election.
Mitt Romney:
Governor Romney has never supported medical marijuana (unless he has changed this view somewhere along the line) and does not appear inclined to start anytime soon. He famously walked away from a suffering man in a wheelchair who questioned the governor about medical cannabis. In a campaign stop on Colorado several months ago Mr. Romney was questioned about medical marijuana and he responded by asking if anyone wanted to discuss any “real” issues. Patients in Colorado were not pleased that Mr. Romney would not engage the issue and for those who are sick, the issue is all too real for them everyday. The campaign has been rough for the former governor lately, as his recent trip oversees was marred with controversy over his comments regarding Israel and Palestine, and his statement that London was not ready to hold the Olympics.
Gary Johnson:
Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson now serves as the flag bearer for marijuana reform on the presidential stage. While his chances of winning the White House may be slim, he is bringing a great deal of attention to the issue. The popular libertarian has polled as high as 8% nationally, which is a very high number for a third party candidate. His running mate is also a very well known advocate of marijuana reform and a former justice of the peace. Gary Johnson is trying to be included in the presidential debates, which would likely bring the issue to the forefront and prevent Barack Obama and Mitt Romney from sidestepping the issue.
Roseanne Barr:
The comedian and former television star has thrown her hat into the race. Similar to Governor Johnson, she has made marijuana reform one of her primary core issues. Recently she appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman and said they would have to pry a joint “out of her cold dead fingers”, an obvious parody to the late Charlton Heston and similar remarks he made regarding gun rights. Many have questioned if Roseanne is serious about a White House run, but so far she appears to be staying in the race.
The 2012 election appears to be heading down a historic path. It is unclear if marijuana reform will receive the attention it deserves but the time for dodging the questions seem to be running out. The war on drugs has long failed, and taxpayers have grown tired of watching their hard earned dollars be wasted during a time where we could put the money to better use. Check back with us as the race for the White House starts to heat up.
Medical Marijuana Industry News July 27, 2012
Activists Vow to Fight Back Against Los Angeles Dispensary Ban… The decision by the Los Angeles City Council to ban marijuana dispensaries shocked many throughout the nation. Safe patient access has been now become an even greater concern. Patients are concerned that they will have to resort to illegal means of obtaining marijuana. It appears …continue reading
Support and Cash Flowing into Washington for Marijuana Legalization
Unfortunately common sense alone does not change policy. Even as patients, activists, and scientists have made sound arguments as to why marijuana offers so many benefits and why it is futile to fight the wheels of progression. Marijuana is here, and it will not be going anywhere anytime soon so it is time for leadership …continue reading
Residents of Oregon May Vote to Legalize Marijuana
While the bad news tends to stay ingrained in our psyche, it is important to note all of the success the marijuana reform movement has accomplished. Dispensary raids and the DEA’s recent refusal to admit that marijuana is less harmful than crack and heroine can give the false impression that patients and marijuana advocates have not been successful. This sentiment could not be farther from the truth. There are already 17 states and Washington D.C. (plus more states with proposed legislation)that have already enacted laws that permit medical marijuana. Additionally 13 states have approved measures to decriminalize low level marijuana possession.
2012 may be the year where marijuana reform is taken to even further heights. Earlier in the year we already learned that both Washington State and Colorado will see its residents vote on whether or not they want a legalized and regulated marijuana system. The groups New Approach Washington and Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol were instrumental in collecting enough signatures to get the issues to the ballot this November. If passed in either or both of those states, marijuana will be regulated and handled in a similar fashion to alcohol.
Late last week we at marijuana.net were encouraged to hear that it appears a third state may also be joining the legalization list. Oregon activists collected and submitted over twice the required signatures to the state in order to get the issue on the ballot and voted on by residents. The proposed law is being called the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act. Another interesting aspect of the bill is that it would also permit farmers to grow hemp, which can be used in a variety of ways including food, fuel, rope, building materials and paper. If approved, Oregon stands to create many jobs including new employees that would be required to operate the hemp farms.
Though the government still is attempting to derail the will of the people, their battle appears futile. Elected officials often forget who they work for and with over half the country supporting legalization and approximately 75% supporting medical marijuana, reform seems to be a matter of inevitability. Their jobs require votes and it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict where they will come from if they ignore several generations of Americans who will no longer tolerate the failed war on drugs, unnecessary youth incarcerations and denying relief to needy patients.
Tommy Chong Uses Hemp Oil to Treat Prostate Cancer
Tommy Chong has been making people smile for decades with his work that includes standup comedy, his role in the “Cheech and Chong” movies, and regular appearances on “That 70s Show”. While often playing a silly but harmless “stoner”, we know that Mr. Chong is an engaging and serious intellectual as well.
Tommy Chong has been a long time advocate of marijuana’s benefits so we at marijuana.net were saddened to hear that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He will be attempting to fight his cancer by using hemp oil. The upbeat Chong recently said “I’ve got prostate cancer, and I’m treating it with hemp oil, with cannabis, so legalizing marijuana means a lot more to me than just being able to smoke a joint without being arrested.”
He is not the first person to recognize the great potential hemp oil may possess in the fight against cancer. There have been recent stories from patients regarding hemp oil fighting cancer. One famous benefactor of hemp oil’s healing is Rick Simpson. Simpson is considered a pioneer in this field and his method of using the concentrated oil has caught the attention of many. Additionally there are other non publicized studies showing how cannabis may be able to combat serious medical conditions. Here’s an official United States government study conducted in 2006 that shows THC battling leukemia.
Some Members of marijuana.net were fortunate enough to meet Mr. Chong at a rally in front of Los Angeles’ City Hall. He was extremely kind and personable. We hope that utilizing the hemp oil works for Tommy Chong and that his high profile story opens up a serious national discussion on alternative approaches to serious medical conditions. If cannabis has the potential to cure diseases that modern medicine is inept to fix, then we must demand that more research is conducted. However, we also simply wish whatever treatments Tommy Chong uses that he has a speedy recovery. This is one of the nicest individuals we have ever met and the world could use his kindness for years to come.
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.
Whitened House Responds to Online Petition
Several days ago the Federal government setup online applications for people to provide any problem they wanted addressed through the Whitened House. Applications with 5,000 or even more votes received an answer. Marijuana reform brought with more than 75,000 votes. The Whitened House, however, did respond and indicated they’d no aim of legalizing marijuana. Clearly it was not the solution supporters were seeking but it’s unlikely their vigor will dissipate. Individuals who signed the petition were seeking legalisation of marijuana but for the authorities to prevent disturbing condition laws and regulations. Among other conditions also receiving enough votes would be a “fair tax” policy and getting rid of “In God We Trust” from your currency, each of which the Whitened House indicated they weren’t in support of.
Support For Marijuana Legalisation Reaches In History High
We thought political figures as well as their staff are only for the poll amounts. They spin the disadvantages and run using the positives. The founding fathers never meant for career political figures. To be able to have a job in politics for life, succumbing to poll amounts is generally necessary. A minimum of, that’s what we should formerly thought.
This really is the key reason why marijuana reform like a political problem is really puzzling. With 75 % of People in america supporting medicinal marijuana, it’s shocking that there’s no federal movement around the problem. Furthermore, a brand new poll demonstrated that 50% of People in america offer the total legalisation of marijuana (not always medical use). As support is surging for marijuana reform, the us government has elevated raids and it is anti marijuana stance. Additionally they declined to reclassify marijuana like a schedule 1 drug captured.
It’s difficult to understand the ongoing fight for the us government. Who stands to get rid of having a good sense method of marijuana regulation? Just the large pharmaceutical companies spring to mind. Shall we be coping with just simple resistance or perhaps an actual agenda to help keep a unsuccessful approach toward marijuana around the books? Would the U . s . States rather attract voters who would like us to do something tough and persistent or if the U.S. attract voters who would like the main one trillion dollars back which have been targeted at world war 2 on drugs? Many job comments are approaching soon for the chosen authorities (by means of the 2012 elections) plus they might be smart to attract an electronic generation presently on the point of register to election. Acknowledging defeat might have more recognition than thumping our chests and dealing toward wasting the following trillion dollars.
We continuously monitor the poll amounts. Remarkably enough, poll amounts possess a practice of motivating candidates to revise or reverse their positions. We’ll find out if any candidates or their staff people realize the possibility to take advantage of these statistics.