marijuana policy project
Marijuana Industry News April 12, 2013
Maryland Senate Passes Medicinal Marijuana Bill, Fate As much as Governor….
 
Maryland has among the oddest medicinal marijuana laws and regulations within the U . s . States. It’s not outright allowed, however, an affirmative defense is permitted. People can avoid conviction of the possession charge should they have a debilitating condition for example MS or cancer. Furthermore, if someone doesn’t have a “debilitating” condition, but could still prove medical necessity the sentence could be reduced to $100 fine. There’s been serious discussion to completely legalize medicinal marijuana during the last many years in Maryland, however, Governor Martin O’ Malley continues to be up against the idea, particularly stating fears of federal government bodies defending Maryland condition employees. The Maryland Condition Senate has passed another bill that legalize medicinal marijuana and also the Governor has had a rather much softer stance. It’s not known without a doubt if he’ll sign the balance now that it’s on his desk however, many expect the governor to enact what the law states. The Governor lately known as the balance a yellow light. It might signal an enormous victory for activists as Mr. O’Malley is really a close connect of Leader Obama.
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Federal Government Grows Prohibit on Chemicals to produce Synthetic Marijuana…
 
Synthetic marijuana has turned into a problem that nearly appeared to increase from nowhere. Items for example “K2” and “Spice” made an appearance in supermarkets and increased in recognition rapidly. This Year there have been over 11,000 er visits credited to synthetic marijuana. Of individuals accepted in to the er 75% were age range 12-29. The items are frequently offered at supermarkets and don’t have age limitations. Developing teen metabolisms appear to become influenced probably the most seriously. Congress already outlawed certain compounds accustomed to create synthetic cannabis, including jwh-018. However, it is extremely hard for what the law states to maintain synthetic makers, as they possibly can use a variety of compounds to produce new items. The Whitened Home is thinking about trying to outlaw a couple of new substances including UR-144, AKB48,and XLR11. Many experts have credited the increase in market interest in synthetics as a result of the marijuana prohibition.
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Marijuana Policy Project Replaces Vandalized Billboard…
 
Vandals happen to be focusing on advertisements for any very long time, however, it is just lately where they’ve had the opportunity to target marijuana ads. In Tigard Or a commercial that implied marijuana was safer than alcohol appeared to upset a minumum of one person. For only being up for 2 days it had been torn lower. A brand new sign is rising, due mainly towards the group Marijuana Policy Project. This time around, in mention of first billboard, the saying “The Truth can’t be destroyed” continues to be added. Marijuana Policy Project is certainly the most effective and common marijuana reform organizations across the nation.
Marijuana Industry News March 29, 2013
Portugal Decriminalization Yielding Positive Results…
The idea of decriminalizing marijuana has become increasingly popular over the years. At times, it seems only elected officials are seeking to maintain the failed approach. The idea of decriminalization and re diverting money while keeping teens out of jail is winning the argument. Those who support outdated drug laws never seem to take Portugal into consideration. Twelve years ago, Portugal underwent a major overhaul of their approach to controlled substance regulation. Even in the midst of many critics, they decided to pass decriminalization laws. The results are not shocking to activists as Portugal has seen the new laws produce results. Doctor João Goulão, a former family physician, has contributed a great deal to the new policies. He recently said that decriminalized laws needed to be considered because “We figured perhaps this way we would be better able get things under control. Criminalization certainly wasn’t working all that well.” While the idea enjoys more acceptance today, Dr. Goulão explained that Portugal was a pioneer in their approach over a decade ago. He said “At the point when we designed the law, we had hardly any data to draw on. We weren’t the least bit certain this would work.” The bill passed is referred to as “Law 30/2000” and Dr. Goulão explains that it has been successful. Specifically he said “This is working. Drug consumption has not increased severely. There is no mass chaos. For me as an evaluator, that’s a very good outcome.”
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Bill to Legalize and Tax Marijuana In Maine receives Support From Many Lawmakers…
With Colorado and Washington’s historic laws to legalize marijuana, it is not surprising that many other states are following their lead. We at marijuana.net have been pleased to report about all the new states considering decriminalization, legalization, and medical marijuana laws. Maine has recently introduced a bill that would legalize and tax marijuana. While it is unclear if the bill will pass, it is making sizable waves in the state government. There are already 35 co-sponsors for the bill and now it will move to a legislative committee hearing. If passed, there would be a $50 tax per ounce, with individuals being permitted to posses 2.5 ounces. Earlier this week, Maine’s political director for the Marijuana Policy Project, David Boyer said Maine can and should take a more sensible approach to marijuana policy and we are glad to see so many legislators agree.” Another interesting element of the Maine legalization bill is that is was lawmaker initiated. The legalization laws in Washington and Colorado were voter driven, as activists collected enough signatures to get the laws on the ballot and by a vote of the people. Maine appears to highlight a turning point, where introducing a marijuana legalization bill no longer hurts and perhaps even enhances their standing with voters.
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Dispensaries May Open this Year in Massachusetts…
It is clear that he northeast region of the United States is becoming a hotbed for marijuana reform. We have spoken at great length about New Jersey finally getting its medical program off the ground. Additionally, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo has been fighting hard to reform “stop and frisk” in order for decriminalization laws function as they were intended. Connecticut has also legalized medical marijuana and just above this story we spoke about Maine considering legalization. Massachusetts may see the doors open to dispensaries before 2013 is over. The Massachusetts Department of Health has now filed draft regulations on medical marijuana use and expects to have a finalized version by May. The Department of Health is expected to start accepting applications for dispensaries over the summer. Last November, 63% of Massachusetts voters elected to legalize medical marijuana.
New Hamphire Set to Overhaul Marijuana Laws
The road to sensible marijuana reform has been long and windy for activists. Decades of frustration has now given way to frequent victories. Colorado and Washington may have altered the conversation permanently. After the 2012 election, decriminalization and legalization are no longer a fringe issues.
Another state appears ready to join the marijuana reform movement. New Hampshire lawmakers are considering two new marijuana bills. One bill would legalize medical marijuana while the second bill would decriminalize up to one ounce of marijuana. New Hampshire would become the 19th state to allow the medical use of cannabis if they pass the bill. There have been attempts to create a medical marijuana program in New Hampshire over the past few years.
Although previous bills have failed, many in New Hampshire are confident that the political situation is different this time around. Momentum has shifted across the country as public support for marijuana reform has reached an all-time high. Matt Simon, of Marijuana Policy Project, is feeling confident that New Hampshire lawmakers are poised to finally pass major marijuana reform laws. He recently said “There is an increasing appetite in the House for reforms, and I would say that appetite goes beyond therapeutic use.” Republican State Senator, Jeb Bradley, feels less optimistic about a decriminalization bill surviving the political process. However, Senator Bradley did mention that he thought a medical marijuana was likely to pass.
Even if New Hampshire does not see further reform beyond legalizing medical marijuana at this time, it is starting to seem as if it is only a matter of time. The public pressure is on as many Americans would like to see an end to unnecessary incarcerations and money wasted on by law enforcement.
After Months of Silence U.S. Government Responds to New Marijuana Laws
After the historic vote by the people of both Colorado and Washington to legalize recreational marijuana, a swift response by the federal government was expected. However, most federal officials have yet to utter a public response to Colorado and Washington taking legalization into their own hands. United States Attorney General, Eric Holder, did meet with high ranking officials from Washington State but made no comment to the public regarding the discussions.
The people are finally being informed of the federal government’s position on marijuana since the November election. Unfortunately, it seems only Canadian residents are being kept in the loop for the time being. U.S. Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske, told the Canadian based Maclean’s magazine that the federal government will still target marijuana growers and providers. He went on to say “I think a patchwork of policies would create real difficulties… “I don’t see the legalization of drugs and making them widely available as a good thing.”
Mr. Kerlikowske was also asked if he noticed any parallels between same-sex marriage and the current legal situation with marijuana. He responded by saying “I don’t look at marijuana as a human right, or a civil right, or even in the same venue as gay marriage…this is a public health issue.” Struggling patients seeking pain relief will likely disagree with the initial portion of the quote. As traditional medical treatments have failed so many, medical marijuana is considered a right by millions of Americans.
Mason Tvert of the Marijuana Policy Project responded by saying “We are hopeful [federal officials] will see the benefits of regulating marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol, and we are pleased to see the progress these two states are making toward doing just that.” There is validity to some of what Gil Kerlikowske stated. Marijuana is a public health issue. Providing pain relief without physically addictive opiate based medications is in the utmost interest of the people. It will be interesting to see what is said when the federal government decides to finally address its own people.
Kal Penn and Activists Respond to Obama Ad
Yesterday we reported on a new advertisement being used by Obama campaign that highlights the popular “Harold and Kumar” characters. The ad depicts the characters in their typically lazy and “stoned” mindset (though marijuana was conspicuously absent from the ad).
A day later we now are seeing a lot of buzz from the ad. Many cannabis advocates were not pleased and are accusing the president of trying to capitalize off of a group that he has turned his back on. Morgan Fox of the Marijuana Policy Project said “The fact Obama uses these characters to joke about this issue while on the other hand continuing to arrest people he’s appealing to is really disingenuous.” He also went on to say President Obama “conducts more raids on medical marijuana facilities than Bush.”
Kal Penn tried to defend President Obama’s approach toward marijuana by saying “I think that the president’s been pretty consistent with that. He’s not in favor of legalization, we should be open about something like that. But what the president has done is take a really smart look at the Department of Justice and said, given the fact that the federal government has limited resources, we should be allocating them toward violent criminals and not towards non-violent criminals. We can see that not just in things like marijuana but in things like immigration reform where he’s going after and deporting violent criminals and making sure that if you’re a Dream Act eligible student that you know that you can apply for your deferred status. Wherever the federal government has an appropriate role, I think the president’s been very consistent in that. That’s something that I think folks should know.”
Many activists will not be pacified with the remark, especially as the president has used federal resources to go after non violent marijuana dispensaries. Including the Dream Act language in the statement is odd. While the president should be applauded for his decision to help out immigrants who had no say in entering the country illegally, the two issues have little to do with each other. Kal Penn may as well include the auto bailout in his statements or any other unrelated accomplishment by the president.
Marijuana reform supporters may be upset at the feeling that they are only used for political expedience. This election certainly will not focus on the needs of marijuana patients or those impacted by the failed war on drugs. Either candidate could benefit greatly from addressing the issue as they both are eager to outline their plan to fix our economy and reduce the looming national deficit. While the Obama “Harold and Kumar” ad may upset the community, at least the tone toward marijuana still seems friendlier than Mitt Romney’s promise to fight medical marijuana “tooth and nail”.
Update on Medical Marijuana Issues in Michigan
While the coastal areas of New York and California have dominated marijuana reform news lately, we would like to turn our attention today toward the middle of the country. Michigan approved medical marijuana legislation in 2008 and though Attorney General Bill Schuette has sought to bring an end to the program, advocates have rallied to ensure patient safety.
There was a major landmark court decision issued recently by the Michigan Supreme Court. In a unanimous decision the court upheld a voter approved statute that would protect patients even if they have not applied for a medical marijuana card. However, they would need a previous recommendation from a physician. The current decision stems from lower cases where individuals were arrested for marijuana possession but should have been protected under the voter approved law. Karen O’Keefe, an attorney with the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) was pleased with the victory. MPP sponsored the initiative to get Michigan’s medical marijuana program passed. Ms. O’Keefe did urge patients to register in order to avoid the stress of being arrested and any legal fees associated with it. However, the victory is huge and patients can seek relief quicker as they can get their recommendation and start medicating as they wait on their paperwork to be processed.
Another interesting development in Michigan has to do with the medical marijuana program’s inclusion of 44 minors under the age of 18. For many this is controversial at best, and maybe even downright wrong. However, we must ask ourselves if there would be any attention paid to these children if they were taking highly addictive opiates in order to combat pain. The Detroit Free Press recently ran an article that focuses on Cooper Brown, a 14 year old who is a Michigan cardholder and uses marijuana to relieve complications associated with Dravet Syndrome (a severe form of epilepsy that is untraceable and begins in infancy). Cooper’s mother, Rebecca Brown, says that his seizures have drastically reduced since he began using marijuana. In line with the growing trend, Rebecca relies on laboratories to select strains that are low in THC and high CBD (the cannabinoid associated with pain relief without feeling “stoned”). She does not permit him to smoke it and, instead, prepares it in his food.
Rebecca and Cooper highlight just how desperate the need for medical marijuana regulation is. Though Rebecca seems capable of selecting her son’s medicine, there should be much more information and professional recommendations available. The time for simply dismissing marijuana as taboo is not a luxury Rebecca Brown can afford. Her son needs help and a lack of information on the subject is simply unacceptable. Thankfully they live in Michigan where the Supreme Court’s decision and Cooper’s situation show that patients are still a high priority.
Medical Marijuana Industry News May 18, 2012
Retired Judge in Oregon Defeats Anti-Marijuana U.S. Attorney in AG Primary…
With the help of passionate marijuana activists, Former Oregon Court of Appeals judge Ellen Rosenblum won the Democratic primary for Attorney General in Oregon by defeating U.S. Attorney Dwight Holton. So far the Republicans have not put forth a candidate so it very possible that Rosenblum has all but won the position of Attorney General and will run uncontested in November. Marijuana reform took on a very important role in the race. Judge Rosenblum is a supporter of marijuana reform efforts while Attorney Holton has taken a very rigid stance on the issue. He has been a supporter of federal raids on dispensaries. Supporters of marijuana reform (55,000 registered patients in Oregon) were thought to have been a major reason for Rosenblum’s victory. Advocates in Oregon are hoping the sweeping victory by Ellen Rosenblum will send a message to federal authorities. Marijuana.net will be following up on this story .
New Poll: About Three Quarters of Americans want to see an end to Marijuana Raids…
Marijuana.net has cited polls that indicate that the vast majority of Americans support a physician’s right to prescribe medical marijuana. This sentiment was further confirmed as new polls asked respondents about their views on the recent federal crackdown and raids of marijuana dispensaries. The poll showed that 74% of Americans are hoping to see an end to the raids. Larry Harris, a principal with Mason-Dixon Polling & Research said “These results are consistent with the clear and growing body of evidence that documents substantial voter support for the legalization of medical marijuana.” Steve Fox of the Marijuana Policy Project agreed and said, “The results of this survey demonstrate that there is virtually no support in the country for the Obama administration’s crackdown on state medical marijuana laws.” Many analysts felt the Obama administration had indicated that they would take on a softer approach toward medical marijuana when the president was elected.
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Rhode Island Patients may finally see Dispensaries Open…
Rhode Island lawmakers finally seem ready to allow the medical marijuana dispensaries to start serving patients. In 2006, a law was passed that permitted patients to grow and possess their own marijuana (up to 12 plants and 2.5 ounces). Momentum has been building to open dispensaries as not all patients have the resources and ability to cultivate their own cannabis. Last year 3 dispensaries were expected to open before Governor Lincoln Chafee stopped the process after U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha threatened Rhode Island with federal intervention. Governor Chafee then worked with lawmakers to create a new law in hopes that it would be set up to satisfy federal authorities. The Governor is now expected to sign a new law that was recently passed by state lawmakers granting permission for the dispensaries to open. U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha has not given up and stated the Department of Justice is still concerned with “large-scale commercial cultivation and distribution” of marijuana.
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Medical Marijuana Grower shopping at Walmart has more to Fear than Federal Raids…
Mica Craig holds a license to grow marijuana in Washington State. It is likely that he often worries of the federal crackdown and raids coming to his neighborhood. However, at a recent trip to Walmart he quickly realized he had far more immediate concerns. While shopping for mulch in the garden section of the controversial superstore, he was bitten by a rattlesnake. Craig was released from the hospital but had to return shortly after when his hand swelled up. He said “They got all the poison out of me but they don’t know how bad the muscle damage will be.” Although Craig’s job as a marijuana grower may not have been relevant to the snake attack, Walmart (whose problems seem to be mounting) cannot be thrilled to hear about another negative and high profile story hurting its reputation. The mega store famously fired employee Joseph Casias for using medical marijuana in accordance with Michigan state law. He also has battled a brain tumor and sinus cancer and feels that he needs to use cannabis to deal with his medical issues. He is considered to be a model employee and received the 2008 Associate of the Year at the store he worked in. The ACLU is working hard to help Casias.
Teen Marijuana use on the Rise: Is America Finally Ready to Discuss Regulation?
Whether they realize it or not, the American minor is one of the staples of politics in the United States. Both sides of an out of touch political aisle hold up our children and claim to know how policies will or will not impact them. For the largest group of Americans who cannot vote, children have an awful lot to do with governing policy in the United States.
Marijuana advocates and patients are accustomed to this. The excuse of “what about the message this sends to children” has caused a tremendous amount of pain for patients who have witnessed their safe access be compromised as a result. Sick patients typically are not wearing trench coats and selling drugs on the street, rather, they are just seeking relief. Patients would say the message to children should be “we do not sit idle in this country and watch people suffer when we can easily help them.” Talking to your children about why people medicate is a far easier approach. Marijuana simply having legal status does not put it teen hands. Like alcohol, (with far worse addicting qualities yet receives less criticism), there are safety precautions to make sure minors/non patients are not purchasing it. Direct conversation is always the best antidote, but just as television executives have found, parents do not want to be the bad guys and have tried to enlist the help of policy makers to make their lives easier.
Reports on rising teenage marijuana use have been making the media rounds lately. According to an article by the Associated Press that was posted on CBS News, monthly marijuana use by teens rose from 19% in 2008 to 27% currently. The article cites a study conducted by the Partnership at Drugfree.org. Additional findings included a rise in teenagers who smoke 20 or more times per month. In 2008 this number was at 5%, but has almost doubled to 9% in 2012. Morgan Fox, a spokesman for Marijuana Policy Project responded to the findings by saying “If we remove marijuana from the criminal market and have the market run by responsible business people that have an incentive to check IDs and not sell to minors, then we might see those rates drop again.”
The facts obviously shows that legalized marijuana is not the core of the issue as even in states where marijuana is not legal, teens have been resourceful enough to find cannabis. Our attack on marijuana for close to a century has created a black market, The Mexican Cartel, dangerous synthetics, and gross misinformation. Ridiculous propaganda that was easily proven false by the last 50 years of youth has only made opponents seem silly and created an even larger generational gap. If a rise in teen cannabis smoking truly is a concern, then regulation is the only way to keep it out of the hands of minors.
Calling All Activists!
When the 2008 election was still up in the air, Barack Obama was campaigning as a medical marijuana-friendly candidate. In that time, we have seen numerous states struggle towards legalizing medicinal marijuana, and still others that have already passed their legislation are finding constant resistance in the forms of unconstitutional bans and arbitrary paperwork that continually holds up the process of getting safe medicine to patients.
California has seen more dispensary raids from the IRS and DOJ during Obama’s reign than during all of GW Bush’s eight years. Why is this happening? We need to raise our voices, louder and more unified than ever. America stands at a crossroads, but now more than ever patients and all citizens must stand behind what they believe in. In this modern era of instant communication, our country can have a stronger, more powerful voice, if only we are willing to use it.
For people who care about the laws of our land and the future it endows, there is so much that can be done. Stand up and make your vote count! Become active in your community. Join a protest at city hall, help spread education and awareness about all the benefits of medical marijuana, or maybe even go as far as to head to D.C. and march on the state capital. Show them who we are by making our presence known through peaceful protests. For those who are less inclined to leave the home, or who simply cannot, there is still much that can be done. Concerned citizens should call their legislators, write a letter to your congressmen, sign petitions, send emails, start a blog and rile up some additional supporters and encourage them to get involved.
Dispensaries have flourished in recent times and have grown some of the finest medication in the world. Colorado, California and other states have led by example, but make no mistake,we still have a long road ahead. The medical marijuana system may not be perfect yet, but it is working in the right direction. Other states, like New Jersey and Hawaii, have passed laws that allow for programs, yet their laws were poorly constructed and they remain unusable. In Hawaii you can get a card to allow you to medicate legally, but there contain no provisions for legally procuring medicine. It is legal to grow and own up to seven plants, but it is still illegal to purchase marijuana plants or seeds to begin a personal grow operation. Also, many employers utilize zero tolerance drug policies that make no exceptions for people who are otherwise abiding by state laws. How does a patient grow their own plants if they can’t hold down a job, therefore they have no income for a home to grow in, or even have money to feed themselves?
Americans need to stand up now and tell all the power-hungry naysayers that we will no longer tolerate the abuse of power and stifling of freedoms. We the people have no more excuses for being lazy. If you can’t figure out how to get involved, then look no further. Marijuana.net will spell it out for you.
Are you in California? Cypress Hill’s San Bernadino SmokeOut was Saturday March 3rd, and two days earlier was the March on LA’s City Hall to demonstrate unhappiness with how laws are being carried out. Thank you to those who made it out. There is more for us to do. Those near San Francisco will also have their opportunity to ensure Safe Access. March will see several County Board Meetings that need people to help out.
Maryland is another state seeking to pass laws in favor of medical marijuana. They need help to guarantee it passes. Furthermore, the right law needs to be passed so that Maryland does not become another New Jersey or Hawaii. Want to help? Check this out.
Michigan is reviewing its current laws and is looking to alter them with several bills that will give its program a chance to grow into something as grand as California, and not stumble where the Golden state has. Concerned citizens near Lansing are holding a forum on March 4th to coordinate a uniform front as they approach legislators and hope to pass a proper set of laws.
We can’t list what every state is doing right here, but we encourage you to find out and help wherever you are. Marijuana.net has been covering developments for some time so please check our archives to find what is relevant. Here are a few other resources for anyone who wants to help.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
One more thing. For those who find that political activism is the right thing to do, don’t stop with marijuana laws. This country needs more people to help it be the best it can be. As more people stand up for what they believe in, America will find itself less dominated by the interests of corporations and power-grabbing politicians. It is our country, fight for it.
Proposed Kentucky Medical Marijuana Law Shows Change in Midwest Politics
The traditional ideas of red and blue state politics may no longer apply. Many Southern and Midwest states are seriously considering medical marijuana, a political issue that would have surely had little chance of passage only several years ago.
With Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama among states that either permit medical marijuana or have pending legislation that could legalize it, the political map has changed drastically. Medical marijuana is becoming a consensus issue, and Kentucky is the newest state to join the mix. Kentucky state senator Perry B. Clark (D-Louisville) has sponsored Senate Bill 129, which would move marijuana from a schedule I to a schedule II substance and allow physicians to prescribe marijuana. The bill is also being titled the Gatewood Galbraith Memorial Medical Marijuana Act, after the high profile attorney who advocated for marijuana reform. Unfortunately, Louis Gatewood Galbraith passed away last month.
Senator Clark cited a poll conducted by the Marijuana Policy Project which indicated that over 81% of Americans feel doctors should be able to prescribe marijuana to patients who are in need of relief. Under the new bill patients would be allowed to have up to 5 ounces of marijuana per month. He also said “Marijuana has positive medical benefits for patients dealing with illnesses like cancer, multiple sclerosis, and AIDS, to name a few, I want to allow this as another treatment option for those individuals.”
This proposed legislation comes from a state where many may be surprised to see considering medical marijuana. As mentioned above, predictable politics is no longer a sure business. Technology connects us at speeds only limited by our high speed internet connections. As patients continue to share their stories, it will not matter what state one resides in, health and relief are desired in both red and blue states alike.