New Jersey
Outgoing NJ Gov. Christie calls marijuana taxes “blood money”
Christie, who adamantly opposes marijuana legalization, said “It’s blood money. It’s disgraceful and it’s disgusting,” on his regular radio call-in show last week.
Jared Polis to N.J. politician: Boulder not filled with stoned zombies
Rep. Jared Polis had some choice words for a New Jersey assemblyman who said the Pearl Street Mall is overrun with dirty undead zoned out on weed.
New Jersey School Becomes First In U.S. To Allow Medical Marijuana For Students
Thanks to the recent enactment of New Jersey Assembly Bill 4587, an elementary school that caters to children with disabilities has become the first in the country to permit disabled students to legally consume medical marijuana to alleviate their symptoms.
Per New Jersey Assembly Bill 4587:
“1. (New section) a. A board of education or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school shall develop a policy authorizing parents, guardians, and primary caregivers to administer medical marijuana to a student while the student is on school grounds, aboard a school bus, or attending a school-sponsored event.”
Larc School, which specializes in educating schoolchildren “suffering a wide range of disabilities,” agreed to new guidelines for its students to use medical marijuana on Wednesday night. This historic decision came only a few short days after New Jersey’s Gov. signed A4587. With Chris Christie signature at the bottom of A4587, private schools and their instructors in the Garden State are now protected from any legal ramifications should a sick or disabled student consume medical marijuana during school hours.
Read more at NJ.com
(Photo Courtesy of Larc School)
Ringing in 2012
Everyone knows 2012 can represent intense as well as harmful frat boy like hanging out. It also signifies a new beginning and new hope. Usually at this time around of the year we at marijuana.internet are wishing individuals who require relief will find it which the legal landscape gets to be more friendly to patients. Patients continue to be battling, and there’s a lot of legal work left to become done, however, 2013 observed historic change. Colorado and Washington organized their plans for leisure marijuana programs. Other states (Illinois and Nh) passed laws and regulations enabling medicinal marijuana while Nj broadened it’s medicinal marijuana program. The quantity of states which have passed medical cannabis laws and regulations can be twenty (+Washington D.C.). An area of interest this season was the look that Washington condition may abandon it’s medicinal marijuana program, potentially costing patients lots of money in taxes to gain access to relief.
We’re hopeful that 2014 is a landmark year for marijuana reform. California, amongst others, could also join their email list of legal medical states in 2014 and also the Marijuana Policy Project is hopeful about their “28 by 2014” initiative. As this information is being written, farmers and shops are preparing for legal leisure marijuana sales that’ll be legal in only hrs once we welcome in 2012. Voters both in Colorado and Washington legalized leisure marijuana in November of 2012 but establishing the regulating framework has taken considerable time, debate, and energy.
Compassionate Christie No More?
The bumps in the road for New Jersey’s medical marijuana program have been well documented. The program was initially approved by exiting Governor Corzine on his last day in office four years ago. Current Governor Chris Christie was never a fan of medical marijuana and tried every strategy at his disposal to delay the start of the program.
In the last year however, it seemed Governor Christie was softening his stance and attempting to get himself in line with the views of the rest of the country. He vowed to stay out of the way of the laws and New Jersey finally had a dispensary open in Montclair about a year ago. Although there are very strict parameters set to qualify for medical marijuana, the Garden State appeared to be on the right track. Over the summer, New Jersey residents Meghan and Brian Wilson brought a new medical marijuana discussion to the state. Their daughter suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare but extreme form of epilepsy. As many parents are finding out across the country, marijuana is emerging as one of the most reliable treatments for the condition as traditional medications provide many side effects and do not eliminate the seizures effectively.
A few months back, Governor Christie approved some legislative changes to the medical marijuana program after a public confrontation in a diner where the Wilson’s begged the governor to help their daughter survive. These changes now permit the Wilson’s daughter to receive treatment with cannabis. Unfortunately the strains and necessary information the Wilson’s need are not currently available in New Jersey. They are now pushing the New Jersey legislature to pass a new bill that would allow them to get the necessary medication they need out of state. This has angered Christie, who has reverted back to his more rigid anti medical marijuana stance. In regards to the new bill Governor Christie resorted to what sounded like bully tactics. In what seems to be an oversimplification, the Governor said “See this is what happens. Every time you sign one expansion, then the advocates will come back and ask for another one. Here’s what the advocates want, they want legalization of marijuana in New Jersey. It will not happen on my watch, ever. I am done expanding the medical marijuana program under any circumstances. So we’re done.”
The Wilson’s may see it a bit differently as their daughter’s quality of life is on the line. They do not see themselves as an engine to push legalization. Brian Wilson responded to Governor by saying “There’s no outpouring of people signing up for this program’ because who wants to spend $200 on sign-up fees plus the countless doctors fees, not covered by insurance, to participate in a program that cannot serve the current client base?” Medical marijuana may be a difficult political issue for the conservative Christie as he already has a problem with the Republican base for being too liberal. Unfortunately, on his way to a White House bid the Governor may be alienating everyone as few people are against medical marijuana these days.
Sick Children Finding Relief with Marijuana
It’s been an eventful week for marijuana updates. We already discovered another new study that highlights ale cannabis to battle cancer cells. There are also updates on child patients looking for medicinal marijuana.
In Arizona, you will find no age limitations in being approved for legal medicinal marijuana use. However, you will find strict rules regarding the meaning of cannabis. Under Arizona law, any combination of created using dried marijuana flowers is suitable. Jacob and Jennifer Welton’s boy needs medical cannabis. The boy’s parents crush marijuana into applesauce for him to consume. Regrettably, after nuclear physics this past year, his capability to eat has bee reduced. Consequently, the Welton’s are trying to find marijuana extract, which may be given far simpler, sometimes in droplet form. However, extracts are illegal and Maricopa County attorney, Bill Montgomery has formerly stated patients could be criminally punished for implementing extracts as they do not satisfy the strict meaning of “cannabis” in Arizona. The Welton’s don’t want to go to the underground community to be able to obtain relief for his or her boy. “We’re not crooks,” Ms. Welton lately stated. “We simply want what’s perfect for our boy.” They are attempting to bring awareness for their situation to be able to alter the strict meaning of marijuana in Arizona.
 
The Welton’s might find inspiration in the Wilson family in Nj. Following a lengthy and public fight, which incorporated a plea from John Wilson to Governor Christie in a diner to make certain his daughter didn’t die, New Jersey congress removed the majority of the obstacles stopping children from being able to access medicinal marijuana. The Wilson’s daughter, Vivian, is affected with an uncommon and debilitating from of epilepsy known as dravet syndrome. Her seizures are intense and many traditional medications have produced virtually no results. Limits around the strains allowed available were removed, and today the Wilson’s can buy strains which are effective against epilepsy. However, food items continue to be unavailable at shops, so Vivian’s parents need to prepare the cannabis and infuse it into food. Now the Wilson’s were finally in a position to legally buy the medicinal marijuana they require from Compassionate Care Foundation.
The thought of children medicating was but still is taboo in lots of circles. However, the thought of watching children suffer when treatments can be found has become the growing taboo. Epilepsy can devastate a child’s quality of existence, and it’s important to supply kids with every opportunity to live a proper and normal existence.
Marijuana Inudstry News August 30, 2013
World Drug Study: Marijuana Most Popular, Opiates Most Fatal…
The first ever global study on substance use was recently completed. The study included data from surveys conducted around the world in 2010. The goal was to measure substance use rates for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and others. Marijuana proved the most popular substance surveyed across the world and opiates proved to be the most fatal. Men in their 20s had the highest rate of abuse worldwide. The U.S, Australia, Britain, and Russia were the countries with highest substance abuse rates. Some of the data was may not be conclusive but “we can say definitely that there are drug problems in most parts of the world,” said Theo Vos, of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, the study’s senior author.
For more on this story click here
Mexico City Considers Marijuana Legalization…
Since his departure from the Mexican presidency in 2006, Vicente Fox has been one of the most high profile and outspoken advocates of marijuana legalization. He even has said he would grow cannabis if legalized. With the human and financial casualties taking a huge toll on Mexico, support for major marijuana reform has been growing steadily. Now the discussion has escalated even further in Mexico City where legalization could soon be on the way. Mexican lawmakers have recently been debating legalization of marijuana and other substances in order to regulate and save money. Half of the marijuana consumed in the U.S. is believed to originate from Mexico. There are now many seeking to tax and help Mexico’s struggling finances. Additionally, legalization could help reduce the violence. Over 100,000 people have either been killed or have gone missing since 2006 because of cartel activity. Next month a final forum will be held by government leaders in Mexico City. Though it is not clear that the result will be legalization it seems like more and more of a possibility.
For more on this story click here
Utah Mom Seeking Medical Marijuana to Treat Son…
There has been a growing trend of desperate parents who have no choice but to turn to marijuana as their only hope of providing a quality of life to their ailing children. Recently there was a high profile case in New Jersey where parents pleaded with Governor Christie to allow the use of medical marijuana for their child who struggled with an extreme form of epilepsy known as dravet syndrome. Governor Christie did change the state law so the child could receive care. This week we learned of another mother in a similar situation. Jennifer May is a Mormon from Utah who has run out of treatment options for her 11 year old son. He too has dravet syndrome. Ms. May, a self identified republican initially felt that administering marijuana to children was a crazy idea. Unfortunate Utah has not passed a law permitting medical marijuana. Jennifer May has now been pushing to change that. She recently said “We don’t think it’s a cure, we don’t expect it to be a miracle. It just needs to be something we can try for our kids that don’t have anything left. I want to see if this can even give my child a quality of life for a few years.” Utah is known as a very conservative state where legal medical marijuana previously seemed like a long shot. Her story is gaining traction however, and could possibly become a rally point for medical marijuana support in Utah.
Marijuana Industry News March 29, 2013
Portugal Decriminalization Yielding Positive Results…
The idea of decriminalizing marijuana has become increasingly popular over the years. At times, it seems only elected officials are seeking to maintain the failed approach. The idea of decriminalization and re diverting money while keeping teens out of jail is winning the argument. Those who support outdated drug laws never seem to take Portugal into consideration. Twelve years ago, Portugal underwent a major overhaul of their approach to controlled substance regulation. Even in the midst of many critics, they decided to pass decriminalization laws. The results are not shocking to activists as Portugal has seen the new laws produce results. Doctor João Goulão, a former family physician, has contributed a great deal to the new policies. He recently said that decriminalized laws needed to be considered because “We figured perhaps this way we would be better able get things under control. Criminalization certainly wasn’t working all that well.” While the idea enjoys more acceptance today, Dr. Goulão explained that Portugal was a pioneer in their approach over a decade ago. He said “At the point when we designed the law, we had hardly any data to draw on. We weren’t the least bit certain this would work.” The bill passed is referred to as “Law 30/2000” and Dr. Goulão explains that it has been successful. Specifically he said “This is working. Drug consumption has not increased severely. There is no mass chaos. For me as an evaluator, that’s a very good outcome.”
For more on this story click here
Bill to Legalize and Tax Marijuana In Maine receives Support From Many Lawmakers…
With Colorado and Washington’s historic laws to legalize marijuana, it is not surprising that many other states are following their lead. We at marijuana.net have been pleased to report about all the new states considering decriminalization, legalization, and medical marijuana laws. Maine has recently introduced a bill that would legalize and tax marijuana. While it is unclear if the bill will pass, it is making sizable waves in the state government. There are already 35 co-sponsors for the bill and now it will move to a legislative committee hearing. If passed, there would be a $50 tax per ounce, with individuals being permitted to posses 2.5 ounces. Earlier this week, Maine’s political director for the Marijuana Policy Project, David Boyer said Maine can and should take a more sensible approach to marijuana policy and we are glad to see so many legislators agree.” Another interesting element of the Maine legalization bill is that is was lawmaker initiated. The legalization laws in Washington and Colorado were voter driven, as activists collected enough signatures to get the laws on the ballot and by a vote of the people. Maine appears to highlight a turning point, where introducing a marijuana legalization bill no longer hurts and perhaps even enhances their standing with voters.
For more on this story click here
Dispensaries May Open this Year in Massachusetts…
It is clear that he northeast region of the United States is becoming a hotbed for marijuana reform. We have spoken at great length about New Jersey finally getting its medical program off the ground. Additionally, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo has been fighting hard to reform “stop and frisk” in order for decriminalization laws function as they were intended. Connecticut has also legalized medical marijuana and just above this story we spoke about Maine considering legalization. Massachusetts may see the doors open to dispensaries before 2013 is over. The Massachusetts Department of Health has now filed draft regulations on medical marijuana use and expects to have a finalized version by May. The Department of Health is expected to start accepting applications for dispensaries over the summer. Last November, 63% of Massachusetts voters elected to legalize medical marijuana.
Marijuana Industry News March 8, 2013
Ex-DEA Officials Pressure White House to Go After New Recreational Marijuana States…
As we have previously reported at Marijuana.net, federal authorities have remained relatively quiet on the issue of legal marijuana ever since the voters of Colorado and Washington state decided to legalize recreational use. The issue is gaining national acceptance as a recent Reason/Rupe poll suggested that 72% of Americans do not think marijuana users should be arrested. The poll also found that 68% of respondents do not feel growers should be arrested. Fifty three percent of those included in the national poll said they felt marijuana should be regulated in a similar fashion to alcohol. Even with swelling public support, former DEA officials are trying to convince the federal government to overpower Colorado and Washington. The retired DEA members feel that if the feds do not act now, they may lose the issue forever. Peter Bensinger, a former DEA administrator recently told the Associated Press that “My fear is that the Justice Department will do what they are doing now: Do nothing and say nothing. If they don’t act now, these laws will be fully implemented in a matter of months.” In a country where consensus is becoming a rare phenomenon, these soaring levels of support may already have signaled the point of no return. As we start to feel the impact of sequestration and lack of compromise, DEA officials may find it a tough sell to continue using tax dollars to go after marijuana users and growers. Additionally, federal law is actually preventing billions in potential tax revenue that is desperately needed.
For more on this story click here
New Jersey Lawmakers Seeking to Keep Medical Marijuana Patients on Organ Transplant List…
Many lawmakers around the United States have long snickered at medical marijuana. The easy and quick analysis is that it MUST be front a for those looking to circumvent the law. However, for many this is the most serious issue they have ever encountered in their life. As millions worldwide have improved their quality of life with medical marijuana use, naïve talking point politicians have been slow to research the issue. One major problem for elderly medical marijuana patients is that they typically taken off organ recipient lists. This places them in a difficult situation. How does one value the long term (needed organ transplant) over the short term (immediate daily pain relieved by cannabis)? New Jersey is attempting to fix this before it becomes a major issue in the Garden State. Earlier this week, New Jersey’s Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee passed S-1220. The panel stated that S-1220 “would provide that a registered, qualifying patient’s authorized use of medical marijuana would be considered equivalent to using other prescribed medication rather than an illicit substance and therefore would not disqualify the person from needed medical care, such as an organ transplant.” It took New Jersey several years to cut through their bureaucratic red tape and institute a medical marijuana program passed under previous Governor, Jim Corzine. However, it is reassuring to see that they are taking a compassionate approach with this issue. In a press release by the bill’s co-sponsors, lawmakers said that removing patients from the organ recipient list because of medical marijuana use is a practice that is “unconscionable as the patients have followed their doctors’ orders and have taken a legal medication to reduce the pain and suffering associated with their illness. Transplant centers should not be able to discriminate against people for using this prescription pain killer.”
For more on this story click here
Michigan Judge Rules that Medical Marijuana Patients Cannot be Denied Unemployment Benefits…
The story above highlighted a victory for patients in New Jersey. We also have good news to report for those patients in Michigan. Last August, a Michigan court ruled that the Michigan Marijuana Act of 2008 “does not offer any employment protection to card holders” and “does not regulate private employment.” In September the decision was upheld when former Walmart employee, Joseph Casias, was let go for marijuana use even as he was suffering from an inoperable brain tumor. He was also denied benefits after being let go. This week, Ingham County Circuit Judge William Collette ruled that medical marijuana patients can receive unemployment benefits after termination of employment. Medical marijuana has had a wild ride in Michigan over the course of the past several years since it was legalized in 2008. Even as Michigan lawmakers and state Attorney General, Bill Schuette, try to fight against medical marijuana, residents have made it clear they support a patient’s right to use medical cannabis. Michigan has some of the most progressive medical marijuana laws and is one of the only states that allows for minors to receive legal marijuana for certain qualifying conditions.
Developing Marijuana Stories During the Holiday Season
We at marijuana.net hope that everyone who celebrates Christmas had a wonderful time and we also wish you a fun and safe New Year. Most of the news is related to the approaching “Fiscal Cliff”, and Congress’ inability to serve their function and run the country. The news out of Washington is a little depressing so check out the links below to some interesting stories related to marijuana.
– Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Finally Receive Approval to Open in Washington D.C.
– New Jersey Woman Makes Her First Medical Marijuana Purchase and Finds Relief