medical marijuana
Liberal Party of Canada Helps Marijuana Support Surge
While 2012 is shaping as much as be a thrilling year for marijuana reform within the U . s . States, our neighbors up north could also experience significant change. Lately there has been several news tales explaining momentum for decriminalization and legalisation efforts in Canada. Citizens flying the red-colored and whitened walnut leaf also have grown fed up with investment property on incarcerations, insufficient medical access, as well as an erosion of civil protections.
A poll carried out by Forum Research Corporation, that is located in Toronto, implies that 66% of Canadians are in support of legalisation or decriminalization of marijuana. The record introduction to the polls are surprising to a lot of, specially in the U . s . States. Even though many People in america assume the more youthful voters could be probably to aid alterations in marijuana law, it’s really the infant seniors in Canada (age range 55-64) that many strongly support changing legislation. Of individuals questioned for the reason that age group, 73% support a brand new method of cannabis law.
The current momentum for marijuana reform in Canada matches the increase in the Liberal Party of Canada’s recognition. The party features Resolution 117, which requires the regulation and decriminalization of cannabis. Also enhancing the momentum surge are police force authorities. Officer David Bratzer is really a leader among individuals favoring the modification in law. Bratzer is mind from the Canadian branch of Police Force Against Prohibition (LEAP) and mentioned “We don’t endorse political parties or candidates, however, we all do support actions that cause good drug policy. The Liberal convention associates did this by with an finish towards the destructive and inefficient policy of marijuana prohibition.” David Bratzer also pointed out he felt marijuana prohibition was costing Canada over 2 billion dollars each year and also the only tangible results was organized crime getting more potent.
Each of our nearest neighbors realize the requirement for marijuana reform. Mexico is clearly going through a number of its worst violence ever and lots of in Canada have become fed up with wasting tax payer dollars without any leads to show for this. As there has been within the U . s . States, major groups with government authorities, idol judges, and lawyers are increasing. Canada’s LEAP is much like New Approach Washington both in direction and membership. It appears pretty obvious that eventually Canada might be noted for another legendary leaf.
Arizona Governor Jan Maker Drops Suit against Medicinal Marijuana Program in their Condition
We’ve observed the makings of the very unhappy family in Arizona because the passing of their lengthy postponed medicinal marijuana program. Mother (Governor Jan Maker) hasn’t reliable individuals in her own household (the voting public of Arizona) to create their very own choices. Although passed several months . 5 ago, this program hasn’t offered just one patient up to now.
Regrettably, like every other family in which the patriarch doesn’t respect others, legal cases can fly. Governor Maker challenged proposition 203, a ballot initiative which was went by the citizens of Arizona. As formerly included in marijuana.internet, the suit demonstrated to become embarrassing for Jan Maker as her administration was chided by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton because of not understanding proper court proceedings. Governor Brewer’s administration didn’t wish to have a side around the problem and stated they just wanted to ask about the chance of condition employees working within program which was not legal under federal law. The suit has introduced negative focus on the condition and didn’t appear to experience view the Governor had wished. A week ago, Governor Maker dropped her suit against her very own citizens.
Within this election year we will have many political battles between candidates, but many experts surely couldn’t have likely to visit a governor challenge her very own people. While individuals in energy typically contain the cards, within this situation, Ms. Maker might have bit the hands that feeds her. Although she isn’t facing election for quite some time, her administration and condition republicans may go through a backlash. She won with a relatively large margin within the 2010 Arizona election (55% for Ms. Maker in comparison to 42% by her Democratic challenger Terry Goddard). Furthermore, this functions as an alert for other governors to challenge ballot initiatives by their very own citizens. Nj has additionally postponed their medical cannabis program. Will the across the country popular Chris Christie be aware and step-up so voters/patients will find relief?
Ms. Maker isn’t a new comer to political debate. While she demonstrated the most respect for federal law within the situation of medicinal marijuana, she utilized the alternative approach as her condition has challenged and operated against federal law within the situation of immigration. That story has additionally attracted national attention with lots of upset over her handling from the problem. It now seems Arizona’s medicinal marijuana program will ultimately move ahead. After she dropped the suit Governor Maker was cited as saying “I’ve directed the Arizona Department of Health Services to start accepting and processing dispensary programs.” Some advocates continue to be skeptical however the governor might be prepared to avoid any more political deficits and proceed with repairing her status prior to her re-election campaign in 2014. Can we visit a happy family continuing to move forward, or will the citizens apply for divorce in November of 2014?
 
 
Feds Concentrate on Colorado shouldn’t Overshadow Progress in other States
As the advocates and detractors of marijuana will probably be concentrated around the potential approaching raids in Colorado, you will find a number of other new developments worth keeping track of. Because it stands, 23 shops in Colorado received letters from the us government warning these to shut lower because of condition law violations. Obviously with this country still spinning from the downward economy, no jobs deficits could be dismissed, nor are we able to disregard the problem of compromising patient’s use of medication. However, once we viewed using the fall raids in California, only a tiny proportion from the overall shops are facing any possible complications. Within the situation of Colorado roughly 3% of shops, at this time, face possible closure.
When we change our focus from Colorado to California we might notice another recent story that highlights marijuana’s acceptance racing past tobacco. A week ago marijuana.internet reported on new research which demonstrated that marijuana might not have any impact on long-term breathing. We’ve also found that Marin County has changed language within their new smoking prohibit to simply concentrate on cigarettes. The county is implementing a stride that will eliminate authorized cigarettes in non incorporated apartment models. County Supervisor Kate Sears had initially mentioned that “tobacco, weed, spices or herbs, herbal or any other plant existence” would come under the prohibit. She’s since backtracked and stated the prohibit would only focus strictly on tobacco items.
Obviously you will find lots of new developments around the America’s other coast too. Patient worries in Nj happen to be well recorded because the program continues to be met with each and every bit of bureaucratic bureaucracy your garden Condition could muster. However, patients in Vermont are wishing for any much softer process to get their shops ready to go. The Burlington Free Press is confirming that shops might be serving patients with this summer time. Condition authorities state that the particulars from the program ought to be available over the following couple of days. Return with marijuana.internet once we will give you further particulars because they emerge.
As the us government does nothing when it comes to sensible marijuana reform, don’t be surprised states to consider more action. As states find it difficult to stay afloat financially more will need to consider repel old federal law and consider medicinal marijuana. People are progressively not able to pay for prescription medicines and condition government authorities are increasing fed up with the economical strain of incarceration. Condition privileges is a speaking point for those political figures seeking election this year and because the authorities refuses to alleviate the burden on battling cities, expect more states to consider initiative.
Get more information at information on states with pending medicinal marijuana legislation
Don’t Let Yourself Be Mislead: Hawaii not too Relaxed Regarding Medicinal Marijuana Program
Spotlight on Hawaii’s Medicinal Marijuana Laws and regulations
The majority of us are comfortable with the 16 states (and Washington D.C) that enable medicinal marijuana. However, much of the profession coverage tends to pay attention to Colorado and California with states like Hawaii flying individually distinct. In June of 2000, Governor Bill Cayetano signed Senate Bill 862 to determine the Hawaii Medicinal Marijuana Act. This bill removed condition-level criminal penalties for that use, possession and cultivation of medicinal marijuana by patients who’ve been given certification with a qualified physician. This program is overseen by Hawaii’s Drugs Enforcement Division (NED). Doctors should be licensed by NED and all sorts of patients must register with them also. Bill 862 enables for patients (or their care providers) to own as much as three oz . of functional marijuana, and could cultivate seven marijuana plants, although a maximum of three might be mature previously.
The passage of 862 was praised like a great advance for that Medicinal Marijuana movement, consider there’s been hardly any progress in Hawaii. In writing it appears fine when a patient has gotten their “Blue Card” they’re permitted to medicate using medicinal marijuana. But that is where what’s promising finishes. What the law states, because it stands, does absolutely nothing to help patients procure their medication. Actually, doctors aren’t even permitted to prescribe marijuana or perhaps enable them to find any. They can’t supply seed products for growing nor send these to a dispensary. You will find no shops in Hawaii, neither is it legal to possess or operate one. In addition, someone having a blue card cannot supply marijuana to a different licensed patient. Just how can these folks be treated should they have no use of medication? And you will find many patients who’re not able to develop their very own supply. Managing a private grow operation is costly, hard to continue, while offering a higher fail rate. Lots of people who be eligible for a blue cards are extremely disabled they can’t work and for that reason don’t have any earnings to operate a grow op or purchase a health professional. In addition, no insurance provider covers this kind of care.
You will find many factors making it even more complicated for patients in need of assistance. To begin with, there’s hardly any when it comes to access and knowledge for patients. You will find merely a couple of doctors inside the islands who’re licensed to award blue cards. However, many people state they legally provide blue cards but they are frequently misleading patients to be able to produce a profit. It ought to only cost you a $25 fee to try to get a blue card. If a person ended up being to turn to the classified section for information, you’d see an array of advertisements from intermediate services offering to facilitate buying of the blue card. These disadvantage-males offer “day treatment centers” that charge $200+ for any session to “help” people. They run group critiques from leased spaces that clearly aren’t medical offices. You will find even “doctors” offering blue cards within 24 hrs, if this typically takes 3-5 days for processing of the application. Many of these ads appear patently false. As though existence is not with enough contentration, someone seeking medical help shouldn’t have to be worried about being scammed while trying to legally navigate this method.
You will find a couple of other caveats to Hawaii’s law worth observing. Someone might not medicate whether it “endangers the or well-being of some other person. Nor will the law permit you to medicate inside a moving vehicle, within the place of work, on school grounds, inside a public place, inside a correctional facility, or perhaps in any condition supervised facility.” Which makes sense, although how self-medicating can “jeopardize” someone else is a little curious. You will find some protections though. If you’re legally licensed, what the law states states “You will not be punished by any means, or refused any right or privilege for that medical utilization of marijuana.” You can use to safeguard patients and care providers from losing their housing consequently of stated use. Although if you reside in housing that’s funded through the Federal HUD you’ve got no protection. That’s consistent with anything else the us government has been doing to persecute those who are following their condition laws and regulations. You will find no protections for employment either. It’s still considered an unlawful substance, so companies are inside their privileges to terminate patients who’re suspected useful, or individuals who fail physical tests. Also, Hawaii doesn’t recognize any out-of-condition programs, and therefore any marijuana patients going to the hawaiian islands may have no to medication or legal protections while they’re in-condition.
Individuals individuals who might be thinking about moving towards the land of Maui Wowie and Moloka’i Miracle to treat qualified illnesses should think hard. The passage of Bill 862 is like getting a fantastic lotto ticket, just the redemption office isn’t open.
Breathe deeply: Study Shows Marijuana Doesn’t Impact Long-term Breathing
We at marijuana.internet had high hopes entering this year. Nevertheless the news continues to be much more positive than we anticipated. Earlier within the week we reported that new research outlined marijuana’s effectiveness in assisting patients struggling with Aids/Helps. On the more surprising and myth busting note, new research implies that marijuana might not have any effect on long-term breathing.
The 2009 week is a result of the research were launched through the Journal from the Ama. The research spanned two decades and is among the longest ever to evaluate health results of marijuana. The research would be a collaborative effort with scientists from College of California (Bay Area) and College of Alabama (Birmingham) adding. The research started way in 1985 and it is an uncommon marijuana study to savor federal funding in the National Institute on Substance Abuse. The research chose 5115 participants, both males and ladies from Birmingham, Concord, Ontario, and Chicago.
Most professionals think that smoking marijuana involves much deeper inhales which can lead to a strengthening from the lung tissue. Researchers are warning more research must be done, however for medical cannabis advocates this news is welcomed. The research comes at any given time where competitors of medicinal marijuana continue to be flexing their muscles within the mirror following the federal raids last fall. The brand new information is a blow to detractors as recent news of increasing prescription abuse and the introduction of pure hydrocodone have worried many authorities and also the public. Although researchers informed the study didn’t concentrate on cancer particularly, previous studies haven’t created a hyperlink between marijuana use and cancer. Furthermore, scientists are wishing to evaluate the results of long-term marijuana use for individuals with heavier intake, even though this study implies that clearly cigarettes is much more dangerous in the long run.
The usual understanding on marijuana formally transformed now since many held the fact that ANY breathed in smoke was harmful towards the lung area. This seems to become simply incorrect and advocates are now able to see among the longest held counter arguments to medicinal marijuana finally be offer relaxation. Although this is tremendous news for that scientific community, many patients have moved beyond fretting about breathing in smoke as advocates have recognized for years that techniques for example vaporizing and dental ingestion (food items) happen to be viable options. Overall these answers are encouraging and really should hopefully signal the requirement for future research to ensure that us to know the entire potential from the marijuana plant.
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.
Santorum Surges at Iowa Caucus then Stalls with Marijuana Claims
Apparently from nowhere, presidential hopeful Ron Santorum has increased and set a scare a week ago into Mitt Romney together with his close second place finish in the Iowa Caucus. Mr. Santorum lost to Romney with a razor thin 8 votes as marijuana privileges supporter Ron Paul finished 3rd. Although Santorum will come up with his surprise surge sustainable with just as much media presence because he can, he found his distance to this news to have an altogether different reason.
Despite the fact that Santorum has formerly accepted to smoking marijuana attending college, he is a longtime opponent associated with a legalisation. He’s even known as for any pause and tuition aid for individuals who’ve smoked marijuana. However, Ron Santorum finds comments he earned a few days ago all around the news in a campaign visit the College Convention 2012 forum, organized by Colonial College. Inside a question and answer session having a Nh college crowd Santorum was booed heavily for many questionable solutions. One answer that didn’t sit well using the youthful crowd was Santorum’s reason why same sex marriage shouldn’t be permitted because he stated “If reason states that if you feel it’s Suitable for two, then you’ve to distinguish beside me why it isn’t Suitable for three.” Everyone else was equally displeased as you individual requested Santorum why the GOP supports condition privileges with the exception of the situation of medicinal marijuana. Santorum responded by saying “I have no idea my medicinal marijuana laws and regulations perfectly.” Everyone else wasn’t pleased with his answer and known as for any more in depth articulation of his point of view. Regrettably Mr. Santorum accompanied his statement with “I form that opinion from my very own existence encounters and getting encounters. I visited college, too,” apparently reluctant to elaborate further.
The campaign stop will certainly ‘t be a highlight for that Santorum campaign. However, his campaign shouldn’t to become taken gently. Some experts believe that Mitt Romney may ultimately secure the nomination, Santorum’s surge comes at any given time where conservatives happen to be very vocal regarding their displeasure with Mitt Romney like a conservative. Santorum has effectively colored themself like a obvious alternative for conservatives. Newt Gingrich attempted to make use of this method in the small rally too, but Santorum comes with an infinitely more powerful status if this involves conservative bread and butter issues for example family values.
By tonight the outcomes from the Nh primary will begin to trickle in. Although Santorum can always be considered a lengthy shot to win the 2012 Republican nomination, he will certainly make the floor slippery for Mitt Romney’s unsure footing towards the top of the hill. In 2008 Mitt Romney seemed to be the first favorite until John McCain increased and switched round his entire campaign. While Ron Santorum might not have the nation’s support that John McCain loved, he is able to certainly be considered a thorn within the side of Romney through the relaxation from the primaries. We ought to hear a great deal on condition privileges because this process plays out, just like the situation was using the Nh university students, we’re awaiting our political figures to develop a reason concerning the current condition of marijuana enforcement. That’s obviously unless of course you’re pleased with Mr. Santorum’s “I have no idea my medicinal marijuana laws and regulations perfectly,” statement.
 
Please Be Aware: Lately the votes were recalculated and Ron Santorum has become considered the Champion from the Iowa Caucus.
Medicinal Marijuana Study Shows Benefits for Aids and Helps Patients
This past year would be a very productive one for scientists analyzing medical marijuana’s potential. One of many benefits they found incorporated Post traumatic stress disorder treatment and discomfort relief for individuals in chemotherapy treatment. This youthful year has already been shaping as much as contain more medical updates as new research implies that marijuana works well in assisting patients with Aids/Helps.
Lately, research was carried out in the College of California in North Park which demonstrated marijuana to work in stimulating appetite for patients struggling with Aids/Helps. Although a lot of already assumed the bond between THC and appetite, this research directly examined and demonstrated the hyperlink between THC and also the body’s the body’s hormones that create hunger. Online, People in america for Safe Access showcase most of the previous Aids/Helps marijuana studies. Also incorporated would be the conclusions by most of the world’s most exclusive medical organizations. The Institute of drugs have formerly mentioned their position on medicinal marijuana for Aids/Helps patients by saying “For patients for example individuals with Helps or who’re going through chemotherapy and who are suffering concurrently from severe discomfort, nausea, and appetite loss, cannabinoid drugs might offer broad-spectrum relief not present in every other single medication.”
Supplying regular updates about this existence threatening disease is essential. Aids/Helps continues to be effecting millions even while it appears we here less about this when it required our media and a focus by storm within the late 80’s and 90’s. Based on avert.org, this year there have been 34 million people coping with Aids/Helps and 1.8 million deaths connected using the disease. In 1990, under ten million were infected.
Any positive news on strategy to Aids and Helps is encouraging. For roughly 3 decades the amount of recorded cases continues to be climbing. Although it was not understood and ignored by many people as only having the ability to effect homosexuals, Aids/Helps has proven its endurance. Together with cancer, it signifies our greatest failures in medicine. Many doctors have moved course from getting a cure to stretching the lifespan of individuals infected. One significant problem using the philosophy change is the fact that many all over the world do not need treatment and medicine. However, a current New You are able to Occasions article does highlight the reason why we are able to still expect a remedy. Meanwhile, marijuana seems a lot more than in a position to provide relief for patients because they wait for a cure.
The Shafer Report
In 1970, the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Act rewrote the guidelines on drugs, sorting them into five groups, Schedule 1-5. Additionally, it engendered the Commission on Marijuana and Substance Abuse which targeted to review the results of Marijuana on People in america. The outcomes of the study were launched in 1972 and therefore are better termed as “The Shafer Report.” This research was presented before Congress on March 22 1972, titled “Marijuana, An Indication of Misunderstanding.” It was a landmark presentation because its goal ended up being to locate an honest knowledge of the results of Cannabis on people, without depending around the testimonies from the previous half a century of propaganda that were recognized as truth. The report is divided into five parts: The Issue of Marijuana, It’s Use and Effects, Its Social Impact, The Social Response, and Social Policy.
During the period of the 2 years the Commission had carried out clinical studies across the nation, in metropolitan areas for example Boston, Philadelphia, Bay Area and much more in it’s efforts to obtain the truth behind Marijuana. They carried out numerous interviews, had 1000’s of surveys as well as examined many different types of Marijuana to attain their goal. One conclusion attracted, “The emotions and condition of awareness referred to through the intoxicated appear to become much more interesting compared to objective condition noted by an observer.” In plain words, the researchers carrying out the experiments had much less fun performing them compared to people taking part in stated experiments. I believe we are able to all agree with that time.
Much more entered the research than asking people about use and watching intoxication. They have to know why people switched to Marijuana to begin with. What social factors brought people into Mary Jane’s hands? For individuals individuals who did not know, after Cannabis was criminalized and banned in 1937 its use dropped considerably. It wasn’t before the 1960’s it all of a sudden reemerged like a cultural pressure and it is use was common. It had been then broadly adopted by America’s youth included in the counterculture. As the Baby Seniors were busy protesting and becoming high, the relaxation of the nation was very scared of pot’s rebirth and just what it intended for society. The thing is, “the drug was assumed to become a “narcotic,” to render the consumer psychologically dependent, to impress violent crime, and also to cause madness.” You will find lots who still believe that it is a gateway drug which permitting its ongoing use would undermine the nation. Therefore the males behind the report requested important questions like, “Who uses marijuana?” and “When does use start?” “How lengthy do people still smoke marijuana?” “So why do they begin,Inch and “So why do they stop?” They recognized it needed to be divided for an individual level. For too lengthy Marijuana had only been talked about in simplification. Which kind of discussion goes nowhere.
Certain conclusions were arrived at, one being that almost all cannabis customers are functional, upstanding people of society. Many customers can start smoking in an effort to defy authority (ex: teens rebelling against their parents, university students protesting against illegal laws and regulations). But, they aren’t anarchic delinquents trying to bring lower things as they are. They’re only crooks since the laws and regulations in position make sure they are so. To be able to rank the possibility of marijuana, they needed to compare it with other legal and illegal drugs. Apart from not leading to physical dependency, they observed, “A careful search from the literature and testimony from the nation’s health authorities hasn’t revealed just one human fatality within the u . s . states shown to have resulted exclusively in the ingestion of marijuana. Experiments using the drug in apes shown the dose needed for overdose dying was enormous as well as for all logical reasons impossible by humans smoking marijuana. This really is in marked contrast with other substances in keeping use, most particularly alcohol and barbiturate sleep aids.Inch So, it will not kill you, it will not cause you to kill others. It does not produce the physical dependency that’s observed in cocaine and alcohol which in turn causes individuals to commit crimes to ensure that they might obtain more drugs.
After causeing this to be report, the Nixon administration quickly overlooked it. Nixon told Shafer, “What we are likely to do will make your commission just look bad as hell.” And consequently, today we’re still facing exactly the same problems that impeded progress within the Seventies. Today we’ve a lot more studies to attract upon that demonstrate the numerous benefits of legalizing medicinal marijuana but we’re in an impasse. This report is going to be 40 years old in a couple of several weeks. The Fight against Drugs turns forty this season. Yet a vocal most of people still think that Cannabis is much more destructive than alcohol and tobacco, which it warrants to stay illegal. Take the time to check out the data for alcohol-related and tobacco-related deaths and you choose which is much more harmful to society.
Medical Marijuana Industry News January 6, 2012
Federal Judge Dismisses Governor Jan Brewer’s Medical Marijuana Lawsuit
Arizona’s medical marijuana program has been delayed since it was approved in November of 2010. Five days before the state was set to accept applications from potential dispensaries, Governor Jan Brewer and Attorney General Tom Horne filed a lawsuit requesting that federal courts decide whether or not Arizona could carry out its medical cannabis program. Governor Brewer’s administration has not accepted any applications as they awaited the outcome of this court decision. Brewer has claimed she was seeking clarity and wanted assurance that no state employees could face federal prosecution. U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton ruled the state did not clearly establish a “genuine threat of imminent prosecution.” Joe Yuhas, a member of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Association, stated “We would hope that our state leaders will now recognize it is time to stop wasting taxpayer dollars in an effort to thwart the will of the voters and move ahead with full implementation of the initiative.” It is unclear how Governor Brewer’s administration plans to move forward. Governor Brewer’s spokesperson said the ruling was a “tremendous disappointment”. Advocates for medical marijuana are hoping to finally see the program move forward. (Catch up on our earlier coverage of the story).
Portland Dispensary Will Change Plans to Include Vapor Lounge
Last week marijuana.net reported on Wellness Connection, a medical marijuana dispensary in Portland, Maine seeking to add social comforts to their business. As reported, the move would seem to go against state law. Newer reports now indicate that Wellness Connection is no longer planning a vapor lounge, which would have encouraged social gatherings. Stories on this new development have not commented on whether or not Wellness Connection would move forward with their plans for other socializing such as its coffee/tea bar and an acupuncture center.
San Jose Collectives May be Spared as Mayor Seeks Compromise on Law
San Jose Mayor, Chuck Reed indicated that he was willing to reconsider the scope of a new law approved by the City Council. In September, the council approved a measure to restrict the number of collectives from over 100 to 10. They would also have to grow all marijuana on site which could be very difficult due to space restrictions. In turn, this could have an tremendous impact on the city’s ability to meet patient demand. Medical marijuana advocates were able to collect over 49,000 petition signatures in order to qualify a referendum. The mayor has also requested that the city council raise the current tax rate on collectives from 7% to 10% as a way of generating additional revenue to cover upcoming costs associated with the upcoming election. This week the mayor said that there are changes he could support to the current law but that “The question is whether a council majority will support them. My preference is that we can negotiate some kind of ordinance that we can all live with.”
Tags: Jan Brewer, Arizona, medical marijuana, cannabis, ganja, weed, San Jose, Chuck Reed, City Council, collectives, Arizona Medical Marijuana Association, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton, federal court, vapor lounge, wellness connection,