medical marijuana
Medical Marijuana Causes Crime? Not so Fast says Study
One of the most popular criticisms by opponents of medical marijuana has to do with a perceived increase in local crime. Politicians and outraged community members frequently claim that marijuana dispensaries will increase local crime. Often, they seem reluctant to even accept the idea that this may not be the case even though nobody really knows the impact of dispensaries on crime as legalized marijuana is only in its infancy.
A new study recently published shows that the presence of dispensaries does not increase crime, at least in the Sacramento area. The July issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs includes the results from a study conducted by University of California researchers. In Sacramento, there was no evidence that indicated that violent or property crime rose in neighborhoods with a higher concentration of marijuana dispensaries. Nancy Kepple, who was in charge of the research said the study was a “good first step” but cautioned that it “was not designed to address the bigger picture of how these dispensaries might be affecting neighborhoods.”
While the results are encouraging more research is clearly needed in other regions. Could this just be a phenomenon in Sacramento or will future research produce similar results? It may be important to realize that criminals are everywhere and that a marijuana dispensary may not be anymore motivating than robbing a bank. If someone is looking for an illegal quick money grab, perhaps the type of business is not their primary motivation. Many businesses keep cash on hand but we have not tried to shut down or drastically limit jewelry or department stores. Even if future research shows that marijuana dispensaries are attracting criminal activity, there will not be a level playing field until caregivers have access to banks. In short, dispensaries have no other discourse other than stockpiling cash. Since they likely will not have the same protection of a bank vault, criminals may target a dispensary simply because they know the money cannot be placed in a bank.
Social progression can be compared to Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. Though this article will not attempt to dissect the entire theory, the basic premise of Einstein’s idea is that time and space are relative and not fixed. The speed of an object will appear slower for someone already in motion as opposed to someone standing still. If an individual’s thoughts are not progressing, but rather staying still, then new ideas will pass them by at a much higher speed than someone already moving forward. Opponents of reform may have a difficult time interpreting the changing world in front of them.
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.
Bill Proposed by Tom Ammiano could Erase Setback in Los Angeles
The battle over marijuana dispensaries has been a major point of contention for the city of Los Angeles lately. Even as patients have voiced their concerns over the idea of shutting down marijuana caregivers, lawmakers from the Los Angeles City Council are pushing for a ban on all dispensaries.
Fortunately for patients, there was some great news to come out of state level government. Tom Ammiano has been working for a long time to get a bill passed that would provide the necessary state level regulation that the California medical marijuana program desperately needs. Assembly Bill 2312 was passed by the California State Assembly by a vote of 41-28. It now will face the California State Senate and then possibly would await Governor Jerry Brown’s signature. It is unclear if the bill will survive the entire legislative process, but if enacted, it would bring much more structure to the state’s medical cannabis program. Dispensaries would be legal but could be limited our outlawed on a local municipal level, a fact that reminds advocates of the current muddled legal situation. The law would also see a council created which would oversee the selling, growing and transporting marijuana. Critics have blasted the bill as being light on specifics on how California can govern so many dispensaries and employees and feel it is not nearly as thorough as Colorado law.
Assembly Bill 2312 would eliminate the legal guessing game that has frustrated patients and dispensary owners. Patients are often faced with uncertainty as to where they will find safe access to their medication. With over 80% of the states residents supporting medical marijuana in a new poll and the thousands of cardholders, shutting down the dispensaries in LA without a contingency plan could turn out to be a regrettable move. The bill could also prevent many of the dispensary raids that have rocked the state. Federal authorities have attributed many of the raids to the fact that dispensaries were not operating within state law. Colorado, for example, has had far less raids which seems mostly due in part to its tighter run program. Additional revenue could be generated as a provision for a potential 5% tax was also included in the bill.
As it has been since medical marijuana was first approved in 1996, patients and advocates have been faced with many setbacks. However, many of these setbacks are often accompanied by uplifting news. The LA dispensary ban seems no different as Tom Ammiano’s plans has gained the spotlight even when the mood in LA is down. Even if the bill does not pass this time around, it may generate enough momentum for future legislation or the upcoming decision by California’s Supreme Court when they review the situation next year.
Marijuana Media Propaganda continues today
The line between propaganda and politics can be razor thin. Laws in this country are often passed only when jobs are on the line and/or the public demands action. Propaganda has been used throughout history to perpetuate the political and social agendas. Marijuana in the 20th and 21st century in America is a standout example of this.
Most of us at least viewed clips of “Reefer Madness” and while this would be considered absurd by today’s standards, it actually may have helped set marijuana back by decades. As always, people feared the unknown. As a result there has been a cultural and generational divide for so long. It is now only in recent years with global communication now becoming instant, that we are seeing a real difference. The facts are taking hold and patients are able to share their stories. However technology often has its drawbacks, and of course the internet is no different.
With marijuana skyrocketing in acceptance and popularity, it no longer is viable for the media to claim that “marijuana is the smoke of hell”. The media now tries to deceive in a more subtle way. “Spin” is the common term used in political and campaign circles when describing how to take a singular event and dress it up in a way that is politically self serving. This week alone we were able to see two high profile examples of this. We at marijuana.net were not even looking for these stories, but there are so many like this that they basically fell into our laps.
We reported several weeks ago that cannabis was found to help patients deal with the symptoms of MS. Another study published this week stated that marijuana does not stop the spread. No one made the claim that marijuana would be curing MS, just that a patient’s quality of life can improve if they use medical marijuana. The article headlines regarding the study jump on marijuana not being able to cure the condition, placing a negative focus on medical marijuana. Would we say that aspirin is a failure because it did not cure a migraine but allowed a person to have a pain free afternoon? In another separate story, media outlets jumped on a poll that showed that California residents were split and even slightly opposed to totally legalizing marijuana. However, the polls also show that an overwhelming 80% of residents in California want medical marijuana to be permitted. Many of the articles barely mention this while jumping on the legalization numbers. However, is it not impressive and newsworthy that such a diverse state has come to a consensus on medical marijuana especially in the midst of the LA City Council trying to shut down dispensaries?
Blatant falsehoods regarding marijuana may be on the decline, but this new propaganda war will be fought much more subtlety. This is a headline reading culture with many people not taking the time to read what is under the title, and those with an anti cannabis agenda certainly are aware of this. As creative as the headlines can be, they are often devoid of any charm after the title sentence and we just ask that you read on.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 1, 2012
Anti- Marijuana Stance may have caused Congressman his Job…
The Huffington Post’s website recently posted an article that describes a congressional election that may have been won and lost because of medical marijuana. What has marijuana advocates even more excited is this did not occur in California, Washington, or Colorado, but in Texas. El Paso Democrats decided to let Rep. Silvestre Reyes exit office in favor of Beto O’Rourke. While the race was for the primary, the mostly Democratic district is expected to choose O’Rourke, the winner of this race. Over the years, Reyes has been very adamant in his opposition to marijuana reform. The election seems to have highlighted El Paso voters concern with the growing violence along the Mexican border. Beto O’Rourke helped to push a 2009 legalization resolution in response to the growing problems along the border. Reyes, who maintains very close ties with President Obama and former President Clinton opposed and said that the district risked losing federal funding even if they simply discussed and debated the issue. Residents did not find the explanation of his opposition satisfactory and have moved on. Activists nationally are showing their political muscle as the Attorney General race in Oregon also may have been determined by the candidate’s position on marijuana.
Click here for the Huffington Post article which describes the story in further detail
Poll: California Residents overwhelmingly support medical marijuana but split on total legalization…
As the Los Angeles City Council is considering a ban on all dispensaries in the city, California residents should make them think twice. A new poll shows that an absolute vast majority of residents in the state support medical marijuana. Apparently, the growth of medical cannabis has not caused residents to want an end to the program. Today, the City Council may choose to shut down all of the dispensaries while allowing patients to grown their own medication. Activists say that could compromise “safe access” as many patients do not have the means or knowledge to grow safe medicine. Another plan will also be discussed that would limit the amount of legal dispensaries to 100. All of this is a temporary fix until the state supreme court issues a ruling which is expected next year. The poll also shows that Californians are mixed on recreational legalization and only 46% favored it. Interestingly enough, the rest of the country may support legalization even more than residents in California as a recent poll showed 56% of Americans were in favor. With such strong support from the people on medical marijuana but still opposition from lawmakers, an eventful year is expected.
Click here for info and Toke of the Town’s Coverage
White House Ignores Returning Soldiers Pleas for Medical Marijuana…
It is not secret that for generations American soldiers have returned home only to fight a new internal struggle. While marijuana has showed great promise in treating PTSD symptoms, the federal government has refused to alter their position. Thousands of veterans banded together and sent in a petition requesting that the White House reconsider its stance on medical marijuana. Unfortunately they have been rejected. PTSD is a serious and often underrepresented condition. Statistics actually show that suicides are far more of a risk for military personnel as they outnumber combat deaths by a staggering 25-1 margin. Al Byrne, co-founder of the Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access (VMCA) said in response, “Vets have used cannabis for PTSD since the Revolutionary War, we know what we need and to be told by our President, the Commander in Chief, that he does not care about those he has sent to war by denying medicine to the wounded is unconscionable.”
For more on this story click here
Strange News: Denny’s Customer tries to pay for meal with Marijuana…
Although marijuana.net is pleased with the progress the marijuana reform has made, the following story shows us why educating is so important. We encourage readers to check out our legal section and to verify the marijuana laws in your state. However, even education may not have been enough for a man in Niagara, NY. The man tried to pay for his burger and fries at a local Denny’s (approximately $10) with one dollar of acceptable United States currency, and the rest with marijuana. When employees did not accept the well thought out proposal, the man bolted for the nearby woods. Reports indicate that employees informed police of where the man lived. It is unclear as to what charges may be brought if he is caught because he did not eat any of the food and New York has decriminalized marijuana possession for amounts under 25 grams. The penalty is a civil citation carrying a maximum of a $100 fine. It is unclear if authorities will view the action more severely considering he attempted to use the marijuana in a transaction.
CBD in Marijuana found to Treat Schizophrenia with few Side Effects
Within a matter of weeks the United States Supreme Court will issue a ruling on the controversial “Obamacare” program. In particular, the mandate that requires Americans to carry health insurance has drawn the most scrutiny and is being challenged on its constitutionality. Combining that with Mitt Romney’s campaign going national after winning the GOP nomination, the healthcare reform battle should be front and center as both Romney and Obama (often considered very similar plans) have enacted sweeping health care changes.
Luckily in the meantime we have less partisan political healthcare updates to lift our spirits. This week researchers at The University of Cologne in Germany have found that CBD (a cannabinoid found in marijuana) looks to have excellent potential in treating schizophrenia symptoms. Of the 39 patients who participated in the study, 20 were treated with CBD while the others were treated with amisulpride, a drug not legal in the U.S. but similar to medications used in America. Daniel Piomelli, co-author of the study was pleased with the results and said “The results were amazing. Not only was CBD as effective as standard antipsychotics, but it was also essentially free of the typical side effects seen with antipsychotic drugs.”
This development builds on many of the recent studies that have linked health and quality of life to marijuana. Soldiers have often reported that marijuana use has helped with their PTSD symptoms. Recently, marijuana.net reported on a study that showed cannabis relieved patient’s painful MS symptoms. Additionally, marijuana has been linked to help patients suffering from cancer, AIDS, Glaucoma, chronic pain, muscular dystrophy, migraines, and of course so many other ailments. We encourage readers in our comment section to share stories about these or other medical issues marijuana aids.
Schizophrenia has baffled medical professionals for centuries and perhaps even thousands of years. Egyptians have described ancient ailments over two thousand years ago that sound very much like what we call schizophrenia today. Treatments in the middle ages included exorcisms and even drilling holes in the head in order to draw out the “evil spirits”. In the modern times scientists came up with a new method that was not much more sophisticated. The lobotomy may indeed treat schizophrenia, with a major side effect being that the patient is turned into a zombie. Let us not forget that shock therapy which is still used today even as scientists have not been able to fully determine why it produces results, or often does not. These extreme treatments only highlight just how incredible the German discovery is for patients suffering from this long misunderstood condition.
The hope is that research such as this will also be conducted in the United States. Healthcare is still a prevailing issue in the United States with our country seeming like they are reserved to second class care. The president’s plan has increased coverage but is not as far reaching as initially thought on the campaign trail. This may not be his fault entirely as the GOP and economy presented major roadblocks. Either way, this marijuana research is encouraging and could provide patients with relief immediately with far less economic cost than the typical big pharmaceutical treatments. As the complexity of the health care arguments plays itself out in the media, let us keep in mind that there is one simple source for so much healing.
Mitt Romney Secures Enough Votes with Win in Texas to become GOP Nominee
Although thought to be a foregone conclusion, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has secured the GOP nomination for the 2012 presidential election. The race has been all but official for some time now as other GOP candidates such as Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Jon Huntsman, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Perry had already exited the primaries. Long time marijuana supporter, Ron Paul has remained in the race. Romney will accept the party’s nomination at the Republican National Convention, which is to be held in Tampa Florida during late August.
Mitt Romney now will turn his focus squarely on his run against President Barack Obama. The road has been long for Romney who attempted a failed candidacy in 2008 only to lose to the popular senator from Arizona, John McCain. In a statement Romney said “Our party has come together with the goal of putting the failures of the last three and a half years behind us, I have no illusions about the difficulties of the task before us. But whatever challenges lie ahead, we will settle for nothing less than getting America back on the path to full employment and prosperity.” Mitt Romney has and will likely to continue his attacks on the president regarding the economy.
Should he secure the presidency, Americans will hope to see Romney keep his word to fix the the economy. Although job reports and GDP numbers seem to be improving, the economy is fluctuating and with the impending doom of the Greek economy, and continued reports on the European Debt Crisis, Romney may still have his political opening.
Supporters of marijuana legal reform have their own ideas as to how Mitt Romney can accomplish this. Marijuana and even economic advocates would hope that he would pursues decriminalization and taxation measures that could tremendously boost the economy. This year’s presidential election is already proving to be monumental and cannabis reform does not appear to be going away. Judging by the Oregon race for Attorney General, candidates may no longer be able to turn their backs on the issue. Although the candidates will talk about the important standard issues such as tax rates, immigration reform, maintaining or overturning Roe V. Wade, one issue is emerging as the American consensus issue. At about 75% approval, medical marijuana is more popular than any living or recently deceased president. At this point both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama would be happy enough to enjoy the same popularity as legalization of recreational cannabis, which hovers above either candidates approval rating at 56%.
Legal Updates On Medical Marijuana
Marijuana.net is hopeful that everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Getting together with friends and family is always important, as is remembering those who have fought hard for our freedom, and those who are less fortunate. We would like to take this time to mention some of the legal updates that came to light toward the end of last week, over the weekend and yesterday.
While North Dakota is often more recognized for the Coen Brother’s classic film “Fargo”, marijuana activists are trying to have the state join a very high profile group. Activists are attempting to run a ballot initiative, which would see North Dakota become the 18th state to permit marijuana use for patients. State Rep. Steve Zaiser (D-Fargo), is chairman of the campaign and recently stated “Marijuana has proven that it has helped people, and doctors will testify to that effect, I don’t want any more North Dakotans to suffer unnecessarily.” The initiative was submitted to Secretary of State Al Jaeger last week. There will have to be 13,452 signatures collected from eligible voters in North Dakota in order for the issue to come to a vote in November.
We also learned about some good news coming out of Arizona. Unfortunately, Arizona often provides negative or legally baffling news, however we are pleased to see that after a tumultuous start the medical marijuana program there is looking to help even more patients. The law passed in 2010 actually requires that the Department of Health Services officially considers requests to expand the programs coverage. The law may soon allow medical cannabis to be used for migraines and PTSD. Other states, such as Colorado have declined to expand their programs for PTSD. However, as more studies and testimonials are revealed that show PTSD symptoms being aided by cannabis, the momentum seems to be mounting.
Arizona and Governor Jan Brewer has taken a great deal of political heat over the past few years. Thankfully, their medical marijuana laws are more progressive than other states in certain areas. Our duty to provide compassion to one another is taking a deeper hold on us than our blue and red politics. Relief is unaware of what side of the political aisle it sits on. Only a few years ago many would have laughed at the prospect of medical marijuana in North Dakota. It is not clear if the law will pass there (voters in South Dakota have previously voted down the issue previously) but it seems no longer possible to assume that any state will just downright dismiss marijuana reform.
Marijuana.net Observes Memorial Day
Most of us enjoy our barbecues and three day holiday weekends. However, it often seems we can lose track of exactly why we have fired up the grill and cracked those cans of beer open. The first (and often most fun) of the summer national holidays is here and Marijuana.net would like to take this time to do what was initially intended.
Memorial Day was created in order to remember the Union troops during the American Civil War and was originally known as Decoration Day. While Confederates also had their own day for their soldiers, eventually it would all be combined for a federally recognized national holiday honoring all of America’s fallen troops. With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan still ongoing, as well as other military operations, we feel it is important that we take the time to think about all of those men and women away from home.
While we need to acknowledge our soldiers who gave their lives, some have returned from war still having paid too high a price. We have spoken to so many returning soldiers who gladly gave everything they had only to return home to a social landscape that prevents them from seeking relief. Cannabis has demonstrated a wonderful potential to alleviate returning soldier’s PTSD symptoms. Reintegrating back into the society they sought to protect is not always easy and everything should be done to make their transition as easy as possible. We also want to bring patient awareness as many can only enjoy the holiday fun because of marijuana’s ability to reduce pain and improve their quality of life. Some can enjoy today’s barbecue because their nausea has dissipated while others may throw the baseball around because their joint pain has subsided.
Unfortunately, in this country patients are often engulfed in their own war. As government refuses to respect state laws, patients often have to fight social stigmas, and closing dispensaries in their war for safe access. Memorial Day was set up to remember soldiers, but we would like to expand that to anyone who is sick or struggling, as not all wars are fought with firearms. Memorial Day has always been about solemn reflection and while it is absolutely appropriate to have some fun this weekend we feel that the true spirit may have gotten lost in a sea of hopps, barley, and chicken wings. We just ask that everyone take a second and raise the beer they are already holding up high, and make a toast to think of our returning soldiers, our elderly, our patients, and each other.
Gourmet Medibles
Hungry, craving good food to enrich your day and help you stay medicated? Well, for patients living in Oregon there are a few choices available to them. The first cannabis serving eatery in the United States opened in Portland, Oregon over two years ago. The Cannabis Cafe was a smashing success when it debuted. Following most recently on its heels is the new Earth Dragon Edibles, in Ashland, Oregon. Now the state has coverage in both the North and South sides. Although the two restaurants are very different in look and feel, they both cater to the growing medical marijuana community.
The Cannabis Cafe is on its second iteration. Originally it opened at 4:20PM on November 13, 2009 in the Woodlawn section of North Portland. Madeline Martinez of Oregon NORML fame opened the establishment in concert with the building’s lessor Eric Solomon. The cafe itself was similar to those found in Amsterdam, a coffeeshop with accommodations for medicating. They offered baked goods, coffee, drinks and snacks. They had a few pool tables, HDTV, and Wifi access for patients to enjoy as they dosed. It was a nice, relaxing setting in a laid-back area of town. However, due to differences between NORML and the lease-holder, the Cafe shut down after six months. Luckily, Ms Martinez sorted things out and the Cannabis Cafe was reopened, albeit in a new location. Now it resides at 322 SE 82nd Ave, in the Montavilla section of Portland and business continues to do well, despite having an exclusive clientele. Visitors of the Cannabis Cafe must be card-carrying members of Oregon’s NORML chapter and must also have Oregon medical marijuana program (OMMP) cards. The cafe also has its own membership dues, $5 per visit in addition to the NORML dues. Also, no medical is sold on the premises. Patients may bring their own to the cafe. Cannabis Cafe keeps marijuana on hand for patients, and thanks local growers and dispensers for the donations.
Earth Dragon Edibles Restaurant and Lounge is an establishment of a different flavor. It is a full-fledged restaurant that has marijuana-infused items available on the menu. Located at 1662 Siskiyou Blvd in Ashland, Earth Dragon is a Mongolian barbecue joint that decided to spice things up a little differently than their competitors. They offer both regular and medicated items on their menu, with three levels of intensity to their hashish-infused grapeseed oil. They also have a desert menu for after dinner medicating. Patients must show proof of OMMP membership, though NORML membership is not necessary. Furthermore, they skirt marijuana sales laws by requesting donations for their dishes. The restaurant also contains a hash bar where patients may medicate while they wait, choosing from hash or herbs, vaporizers, pipes or bongs. However, in accordance with Oregon state laws, there is no smoking in the restaurant section. And, the medication at the bar is also free, though “donations suggested.” Earth Dragon has been doing well despite a legal challenge. They operate without a city-required business license, because they are in violation of Federal statutes. Local police chief Terry Holderness said that Earth Dragon is not a priority they are pursuing, “Nobody’s life is at risk here…We will prioritize this appropriately. But ultimately, if they are in violation of the law, they will be shut down.” Ashland authorities appear to be lenient for now, perhaps waiting for further marijuana law resolution from higher levels of government.
We’ve had plenty of exciting news from Oregon. Hopefully marijuana patients can see more growth like this in other states. Colorado is jumping on the bandwagon too. Maybe California and Washington will follow soon. Perhaps this phenomenon will find its way to the East Coast. New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Washington DC patients should keep their eyes open for opportunities. For those in Oregon, with the proper credentials, Bon Appetit!