Maryland
Hawaii Senate Votes to Decriminalize Marijuana
New states seem to be joining the marijuana reform movement on a regular basis. Last week we discussed that several states, including Maine and Maryland, are considering drastic changes to their marijuana laws. This week another state joined the conversation.
The Hawaii Senate has voted in favor of decriminalizing marijuana. The bill will now have to go before Hawaii House members. If passed by the House, the bill will decriminalize possession marijuana up to one ounce. For those charged with possession of less than one ounce, they will receive a civil citation and a $1,000 fine. The fine was included in the bill because lawmakers wanted to stress that marijuana is still illegal. A bill to legalize recreational marijuana was rejected several weeks ago by Hawaii lawmakers.
Hawaii state Senator, Clayton Hee, stated that the change in the law was not to legalize marijuana, but rather, an attempt to reduce the backlog of marijuana cases awaiting trial. If the bill passes it is expected to save Hawaii taxpayers money that would normally be allocated toward arrest, incarcerations, and trials. New Mexico lawmakers have also passed a similar bill, but former prosecutor and current Governor, Susana Martinez, has indicated that she is against relaxing any drug laws.
As economic struggles continue in America, there may be many other states that decide to re-consider how they allocate tax dollars. This week we are starting to feel the effects of sequestration. Unless Congress comes to an agreement soon, the sequestration cuts will have an even greater impact on our economy. There may be no better time for activists to make the financial case for marijuana reform.
Game Changers After Historic Election
There were many highlights from Tuesday’s election. Obviously the headlines are focusing on President Barack Obama’s re-election which came by dominating the electoral college. However the President won a much slimmer popular vote victory. There were also tremendous victories for the LGBT community and anyone who supports equal protection. Minnesota residents voted against outlawing same sex marriage Maine and Maryland passed legislation allowing the unions. Other stories include the fact that the majorities in the House (Republican controlled) and the Senate (Democratically controlled) stayed the same, with the exception of a few seats shifting. Another victory for the people was the apparent failure of the Super PACS(outside political groups with no limits to how much they can spend) to impact the election. Perhaps there will be a few less advertisements in 2016 or for the 2014 midterm elections, though that is likely wishful thinking.
In the world of marijuana reform, America saw a true game changing events. Massachusetts has now become the 18th state to pass medical marijuana legislation. The list almost grew to 19 but the ballot initiative narrowly failed(51-49%). However, activists should be pleased as a narrow defeat shows even the deep south is changing and is receptive to marijuana reform. What is even more striking is that Colorado and Washington State voters have passed an initiative that will regulate, tax, and distribute recreational marijuana.
Although the legalization in Colorado and Washington State does not end the conflict with the federal government, it does provide even more legitimacy for legalized marijuana. Now there will be tighter regulation and greater tax revenues collected from marijuana sales. If federal agents intervene, they now will have to compromise local economies and infringe on state laws. They will have to take marijuana from safe and regulated environments and return it to street dealers. Additionally, we are fresh off of a major statement by the people and while the feds have not respected our will previously, the writing on the wall is becoming more and more apparent. All over this country the people want to see a different approach toward regulating marijuana, and the old system is simply obsolete.
Thankfully the election cycle is finally over. It may be instinctive and easy to take a cynical outlook on what occurred but we should all be encouraged by the fact that the biggest changes in this country came directly from the hard work of the people and groups such as Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol and New Approach Washington . Ballot initiatives have produced same sex marriage equality and common sense marijuana reform. The 2012 election was historic and will set the stage for even more states to return rights back to the people.
Romney Victories and Oaksterdam Raid May Motivate Marijuana Activists
This week did not provide medical marijuana patients with the news they were hoping for. Mitt Romney picked up precious delegates in the Republican primaries and has all but assured his position in general election. Unfortunately for patients, this means that the two main candidates campaigning for president of the United States do not seem willing to discuss sensible marijuana reform. Advocates and patients were also disappointed to learn that the iconic Oaksterdam University was raided by federal agents.
Marijuana advocates have always had to assume a glass half full position and as always, there were some developments to rise out of the ashes of disheartening news. On Tuesday Mitt Romney won the primaries in Wisconsin, Washington D.C. and Maryland. The victories separate him from the rest of the pack and has produced an almost insurmountable lead for the former Massachusetts Governor. Unless a political catastrophe occurs for team Romney, his lead in the delegate count (658 to Santorum’s 281), 1,144 needed in total) should be enough to secure the nomination. The election is now likely to shift from Republican infighting to the inevitable battle between President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney.
Unfortunately for medical marijuana patients these are two candidates who do not appear ready to address the issue of reform with the American public. President Obama has sidestepped the issue several times over the past few months and Mitt Romney has repeatedly made it clear that he does not support medical marijuana. The good news is that another major political figure has reignited the issue of medical marijuana. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson appeared on “The Colbert Report” earlier this week and was more than willing to engage in many social issues such as gay marriage and marijuana legalization. Johnson may not have a particularly great chance at capturing the presidency, but he may offer a third party option that can generate more excitement than we have seen in recent years. Any exposure the former New Mexico governor gets could put pressure on both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to explain why they are not supportive of compassionate relief.
Another blow to the medical marijuana community came in the form of a federal raid of Oaksterdam. Federal authorities have not disclosed the exact reasons as to why they raided the university. Reports do indicate that the IRS was involved, so the potential for profiting or tax issues could have caused the raid. The university was set up to try and help legitimize marijuana and to promote education and safety. There is still hope for a future University as supporters have vowed to reopen “The Princeton of Pot.” Supporters also suggested the federal government would be better off allocating resources toward the horrific shooting on the Oikos University campus.
The medical marijuana community has endured much more than a raid and presidential candidates ignoring them. Many are forced to illegally acquire medicine and deal with the risk of being arrested if they seek relief. The resiliency that the community has shown for decades is not easily shaken and will certainly not be deterred by stubborn political candidates or a building being closed. Education is more than lectures in a brick and mortar building, and it cannot be suppressed.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 16, 2012
Berkeley Patients Group to Close its Doors
One of the largest medical marijuana dispensaries in the state of California has been ordered to shut down. Berkeley Patients Group has served many patients and has one of the best reputations in the industry. They are known for charitable donations to the poor and helping the community. Local politicians have even referred to it as the model business for how a dispensary should operate. Federal authorities were not moved by Berkeley Patients Group’s compassionate for both its patients and the community. They claimed the dispensary was in violation of Federal law but also that it was within 1,000 feet of two schools and in violation of state law.
Montel Williams and Dan Morhaim Continue Fight for Medical Marijuana even after Legislation Fails
Although patients in Maryland were hopeful that they would finally be permitted to medicate with marijuana, Governor O’ Malley has decided to veto the bill citing his fear of Federal intervention. Celebrity and longtime cannabis advocate Montel Williams has joined state Senator Dan Morhaim who is also a medical doctor The two men also held a gathering where patients voiced their desire for medical marijuana. Montel was quoted as saying “What you are trying to accomplish is being compassionate to those who are suffering.” Williams provides a national platform for the medical marijuana conversation and Morhaim has submitted several bills in the Maryland Senate.
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Legalize Medical Marijuana Billboards are Put Up in Florida
Billboards supporting marijuana reform have been appearing in the Sunshine State. Florida holds the title of largest indoor grower of cannabis in the country which clearly demonstrates a high demand. However Florida has been known for a very strict approach toward marijuana enforcement and many of the state’s residents are elderly and do not support marijuana reform. The man responsible for the signs is 69 year old Robert Platshorn. Platshorn spent 30 years in prison for smuggling marijuana and says he does not want others to suffer his fate. One billboard reads “Legalize Medical Marijuana. I’m a patient not a criminal” while others call for a rescheduling of marijuana.
Marijuana Advocates Lobby California Officials while Patients Suffer Defeat in Maryland
Although laws should be based on facts and common sense, it would be incredibly naïve to assume this was the case. Patients and advocates have found out the hard way that simply having a superior argument is not enough to change the legislative culture.
Marijuana advocates have become increasingly sophisticated in the methods they employ to push for legal change. A high powered group consisting of growers, dispensaries, and union members are shifting course from running a ballot initiative to getting their message on the airwaves with television and radio advertisements. The group will now also use the millions it has collected to lobby California lawmakers to fix the legislative mess that marijuana law finds itself in. Democratic assembly member Tom Ammiano is already on board and has proposed a new system for marijuana regulation in California. Ammiano’s plan would create a state run system that could avoid the pitfalls of the current system where individual municipalities interpret state law differently. The state would oversee dispensary permits, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis. The system would offer a flexible tax system where local governments could institute a tax of up to 2% on transactions. One of the most interesting provisions was designed with patients in mind as Ammiano’s plan would require one dispensary for every 50,000 people, ensuring patient’s “safe access”.
Maryland activists may also have to consider lobbyists as Governor Martin O’Malley has vetoed a recent bill that would have allowed medical marijuana. Patients were hopeful they would be receiving their medicine soon as there seemed to be considerable momentum for a medical bill. State legislators passed this recent measure and last year a law was passed in Maryland that eliminates penalties for those possessing marijuana if they have a debilitating illness. All hope is not lost in Maryland, but Governor O’Malley stated that the federal climate would have to change in order for him to pass a medical marijuana bill. Citing a fear of state employees being arrested the governor said, “I will say that, would the federal landscape look different, then I would support a bill like this.”
California stands to have an eventful legal year as it tries to overhaul its medical marijuana program. Advocates have taken their movement to the next level and politicians may have no choice but to listen. While the defeat in Maryland is unfortunate, patients can at least have hope as their legislators are not staunchly against providing relief.
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.
Updates on New Laws and regulations and former Governor Gary Manley
Using the tremendous success from the High Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup in La over the past weekend and Love Day moving in, there’s been a lot to discuss. While we are talking about more highlights in the cup soon, we’re really looking forward to a few of the new political/legal developments regarding marijuana.
Gary Manley, that has been formerly been known to as “The Marijuana Candidate”, made head lines lately. Mr. Manley was part of the GOP, but increased frustrated with numerous issues, including his former party’s disinclination to discuss marijuana reform and being excluded in the Republican primary debates. Gary Manley continues to be running for leader but he’s now part of the Libertarian party. Obviously that happened in the finish of 2011, but more lately he won a hay poll in Florida. A hay poll occured including 5 other libertarian candidates, but Gary Manley won 70% from the election. The fiscal conservative but socially moderate Manley stated, “The country’s in really deep trouble” and “Our country isn’t safe from financial collapse.” Manley can also be in support of a progressive national florida sales tax, also called a “Fair Tax”. Although Gary Manley might not have the ability to win the U . s . States presidency, the ex-governor could provide a lot of exposure for marijuana reform.
Patients can also be very happy to hear that another condition has suggested new legislation that will bring serious modifications to existing marijuana laws and regulations. In Maryland, you will find really three plans which have been suggested. Two plans are extremely similar based on Serta Morhaim, an area 11 Democrat from Baltimore County. He mentioned the 2 plans “overlap about 90 %.Inch The 3rd plan differs substantially and it has provisions that will permit patients to develop their very own medication. Advocates believe that enabling patient growing can offer the most affordable method to medicate. The plans, or a mix of what the law states, may stand a high probability of passage as there’s already momentum for alternation in Maryland. This past year, legislation was passed that decriminalized utilization of marijuana for patients who could demonstrate they needed marijuana for “therapeutic or palliative relief.”
The city is standing strong and could have previously suffered its pitch-dark days. While Gary Manley has supported marijuana reform for a while, other political figures are actually prepared to advance and demand change as marijuana sheds its taboo status. Maryland is just one illustration of this as a lot of other states have either legalized medicinal marijuana or are thinking about measures to do this. With marijuana reform no more becoming an act of political suicide, a lot more will stand beside our community.
Passionate and Sincere Letter Highlights Real Individuals Medicinal Marijuana Discussion
In almost any lengthy attracted out legal fight it may be simple to direct our focus more toward bigger political speaking points and also the much talked about people who end up being the face from the conversations. However, it is vital that we don’t forget the private tales, the actual people influenced by our leader’s lack of ability to do something. Because the fight for medicinal marijuana access continues, we are instructed to watch dramatically outfitted political figures look straight into a camera and reiterate exactly the same speaking points we have heard excessively. While maintaining around the latest political developments in Washington D.C. is essential, we never can get off track on individuals who cannot even result in the visit to Capitol Hill for his or her voice to become heard.
Don Selig of Baltimore is very acquainted with the problem of medicinal marijuana and it is instructed to consider its potential every single day. Inside a recent letter towards the Baltimore Sun, Mr. Selig describes his wife’s debilitating medical situation. He needs to watch the previous “wonderful teacher, sales person for any large telecom and then an exciting pharmacy specialist and health professional on her disabled parents-in-law,” struggle every day because of her fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. Also, he describes how she will no more operate a vehicle as well as a morphine patch and a mix of other drugs to be able to pull through your day.
The letter continues to be designed in reaction to a The month of january 3rd piece that made an appearance within the Baltimore Sun entitled “Go slow on marijuana.” As the article concentrates on the problem inside a broad way, it lacks any personal touch or focus. It’s a quick piece concentrating on the requirement for lengthy scientific experimentation and legal discussion. Even though the article is well intentioned in the requires a sluggish and balanced method of medicinal marijuana, individuals who’ve chronic discomfort have finished awaiting decades. In the end understand the sentiment expressed within the Baltimore Sun article, our hearts are using the Selig family and numerous others residing in chronic discomfort.
The letter from Don Selig is sincere and marijuana.internet hopes that any coverage on their behalf will help bring focus on their situation. As Mr. Selig states, “The way Maryland law has become written she would need to go in the pub to purchase marijuana to assist using the nausea and discomfort, and when caught, she could spend some time in prison.” In order we deliberate and run advertisements within this election cycle it might be simple to talk in simplification, but when we an immediate conversation about real people please.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Week of August 15th, 2011
Greater than 150,000 people attended the 20th annual Hempfest in Dallas. The mission statement from the event reads: “To educate the general public around the numerous potential benefits provided by the Cannabis plant, such as the medicinal, industrial, farming, economic, environment, along with other benefits and programs.” The big event featured symposiums around the many purposes of medicinal marijuana, suppliers selling paraphernalia, speeches, and live music.
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) spoke towards the audience on Saturday. Kucinich’s 8 minute speech discussed a number of his favorite subjects: peace, fair trade, equal privileges and also the legalisation of marijuana. * * * Medicinal Genomics lately reported it has completed the DNA sequencing of Cannabis sativa. The biotech firm thinks which will soon be easy to develop drugs which contain the 80 plus advantageous compounds in marijuana with no THC. Pharmaceutical companies have lengthy searched for medicines that will provide advantages to their stockholders, and never customers of medicinal marijuana.   Note for Nerds. You will find 131 billion base pairs of genetic data within Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Inside the various strains there’s greater than a 1% variation. Browse the strain library for a listing of strains available as well as their characteristics. * * * Lawyers, doctors, and patient advocates within the condition of Maryland will work introducing legislation to legalize marijuana for “seriously ill patients.” The legislation is slated for any election through the condition set up this year and could be implemented as soon as The month of january of 2013. Medical utilization of marijuana is legal in 16 states and Washington, D.C. * * * Congress in Massachusetts are thinking about legalizing marijuana for medical reasons. The law allows patients to posses 24 plants or four oz . of Marijuana. More information in regards to this can be obtained from world wide web.masscann.org.  
I was smoking WAY TOO MUCH Marijuana
I used cannitrol to get myself together and not smoke EVERY DAY. I went to school in Maryland, not much do do there, hang out, party, drive around. The highlight was to drive ocean city and party in the summer. Weed was also something to do, me and a lot of my friends smoked it, sold […]