New Jersey
Confusion in New Jersey Continues To Leave Residents Scratching Their Heads
We at marijuana.net have spoken at length about all of the exciting news regarding national marijuana reform. We have also discussed the bureaucratic delays that have frustrated patients and activists, especially as no plausible explanation is provided for all the red tape. Again we find ourselves talking about New Jersey. Yesterday we posted an article …continue reading
Chris Christie’s Mixed Message on Compassion
During a recent speech at the Brookings Institution Chris Christie made statements that called for an end to the war on drugs. In fact he called it a failure and even referenced his pro-life views. At one point during the speech he said “If you’re pro-life, as I am, you can’t be pro-life just in …continue reading
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 29, 2012
New Billboard Featuring Father and Son for Marijuana Regulation put up in Colorado…
Supporters of Colorado’s Amendment 64 are starting to add up. Amendment 64 will be voted on by the people of Colorado in November and would see marijuana regulated and taxed. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was instrumental in getting the signatures required to get the issue to the ballots. A new campaign that focuses on families was recently launched. The group has placed a billboard close to the stadium that is home to the Denver Broncos. Opponents were predictably critical and asserted that legalized marijuana will find its way into the hands of children. Recent studies have shown this not to be the case in Sacramento for medical marijuana. The group feels this is not the case and their billboard actually depicts a father and a son with the slogan “Please, Card My Son.” Under that it says “Regulate the sale of marijuana and keep it out of his hands.”
Chicago Passes Law to Ticket Small Level Marijuana Offenders…
Media outlets have been reporting on a plan to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in the city of Chicago. Aldermen (term used for Chicago City Legislators) had a long debate on the issue the other day but in the end overwhelmingly approved the measure, 43-3. The law was supported by President Obama’s former Chief of Staff, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In response to dissenters who claimed the law sent a poor message to children, the Mayor actually stated that no action would send a far more devastating signal. Chicago has seen a tremendous rise in homicides, up 38% from this time last year. Many are concerned with police resources being tied up combating low level marijuana cases instead of more serious crimes. Alderman Will Burns said “The calls I get at 2 o’clock in the morning are not about marijuana possession, they’re about someone who’s been shot in my ward, I want those calls to cease and the way we do that is to make sure our police are fighting violent crime.” Residents of Chicago are also concerned, like New York City, about the disproportionate amount of marijuana arrests for Black and Hispanics, compared with Whites who actually smoke more marijuana.
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New Jersey Assembly Approves Marijuana Decriminalization Bill…
New Jersey Lawmakers have been discussing a bill that would decriminalize marijuana for about a month. Earlier this week they passed it as many residents feel their tax dollars are being wasted on low level marijuana possession arrests. The New Jersey State Assembly passed measure A1465 by a margin of 44-30. Unfortunately for marijuana advocates, New Jersey Mayor Chris Christie has already indicated that he will veto the measure. Judging by the governor’s opposition to a medical marijuana program that was already passed before he came to office, New Jersey residents may be in store for a bitter battle over a sensible decriminalization debate. Check back with us as we will be covering the Governor’s response and possible veto in further detail to the decriminalization bill.
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President Obama to Sign Bill Banning Synthetic Marijuana…
Momentum for outlawing synthetic marijuana has been building for over a year. Many states have their own laws against products such as “K2” and “Spice” but now it appears a federal ban will be signed by President Barack Obama soon. Recently a bill (led by NY Senator Charles Schumer) passed in the United States Senate and will make its way to the president’s desk soon. Dangerous side effects, especially for teens have been reported. Many feel a tightly regulated marijuana industry would have prevented the synthetic black market. The bill comes at a time when advocates are desperate for the White House to engage in a serious marijuana reform conversation. Many were offended when DEA officials refused to acknowledge that heroin and crack were more harmful than marijuana.
Medical Marijuana Laboratory’s Quest for Safer Medicine goes National
As politicians still take a wait and see approach on the “research” associated with marijuana, they ironically often avoid speaking to those who have been in the field gathering piles of data on the subject. As this industry shows it is here to stay, we must accept that patients need safe and tailored medicine which can only be ensured by quality lab testing after proper cultivation.
Unlike a pharmaceutical pill which takes hundreds of millions of dollars to get to the market and cannot easily be altered, marijuana strains can be cultivated in a way that addresses the specific concerns of the patient. We are happy to see that Jeffrey Raber Ph.D and The Werc Shop are being well received across the country. Getting past the typical talking points and eye rolls can be tough, but Jeff has started to notice a change in this trend. Authorities are also starting to realize that medical marijuana is here to stay and it is going to need regulation.
Recently Jeff took The Werc Shop’s message across the country as he traveled from California to New Jersey. At the New Jersey Association for Forensic Scientists (NJAFS) annual conference, Jeff was asked to address the attendees. He made a great presentation and described many of the cutting edge techniques they are utilizing for terpene profiling, microbiological screening, and cannabinoid profiling. With years of experience, Jeff may be able to help the east coast states get up to speed on the sophistication of the testing done out west. While New Jersey government officials may have delayed their medical marijuana program from starting, Jeff feels the members of the NJAFS are ready and willing to do a thorough job once the program starts serving patients. One impressed crime lab chemist told him that he tests cannabis everyday but has never looked at it quite the way Jeff does. They were also amazed at how benign marijuana cannabinoids are in comparison to the synthetics found in recently outlawed products such as “K2” and “Spice”. Overall, it seemed that those who took part in the conference were very receptive to Jeff’s presentation and are looking to increase their scientific knowledge of the cannabis plant.
Jeff was excited to finally get to speak to audiences about utilizing terpene data to identify phenotypes and accurate strain names. As many of us know, “The Marijuana Name Game”, while fun, has been a bit of a roadblock for this industry to gain total mainstream support. A silly name such as “Purple Urkle” does not exactly tell patients if the medication is suited to their needs. Marijuana.net and The Werc Shop are both working hard to bring uniform definitions to strains. Jeff’s excitement was shared and he was immediately approached to give a similar presentation at Rutgers University. Jeff agreed and again noticed an engaged audience.
For those who question a lack of research in medical marijuana, they need only look to labs like The Werc Shop. The benefits of medical marijuana are constantly becoming more widely known. When conventional treatments fail, it is not realistic to assume patients are not going to seek alternatives, especially when these alternatives can relieve pain and produce little side effects. Medical marijuana is here and the future of this industry needs to rely on regulation and testing to endure the best and safest medicine gets out to patients.
New Jersey Lawmakers Consider Decriminalization Efforts
Yesterday, marijuana.net reported the developing story in New York pertaining to medical marijuana. It appeared that New York may in fact be following the lead of its neighboring states New Jersey and Connecticut. Now it appears, that New Jersey may be playing copycat with New York when it comes to marijuana decriminalization efforts.
We have frequently mentioned all of the momentum in the northeast for marijuana reform. Fortunately, there have been constant and positive updates for advocates of reform. Yesterday several news outlets reported that some New Jersey lawmakers are proposing legislation that would decriminalize low level marijuana possession. Currently, 50 grams or less can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The proposed measure would penalize marijuana possession similar to how New York does, with a civil citation ticket. This helps to ensure that a small level marijuana possession charge would not have an impact on the rest of a person’s life.
The newly proposed law comes at a time where New Jersey, like every state, could benefit substantially from the savings decriminalization efforts provide. Jails are filled with those incarcerated for possessing a harmless plant as tax revenues can certainly be better used elsewhere. As the popular HBO show depicts, New Jersey knows firsthand the long term damage that prohibition can have. Alcohol prohibition launched a crime syndicate on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Now the potential for crime and large scale distribution of another banned substance is hurting New Jersey again. However, it is the youth, specifically in the minority community where the ultimate price will be paid. So many futures are ripped away by a frivolous charge for possessing a small amount of marijuana.
Although the entire west coast has legalized medical marijuana, new developments in the northeast seem to be making the region emerge as a safe haven for patients. Northeast states also seem to be considering a change of heart when it comes to jailing its youth. Even New York City’s controversial “stop and frisk” program has come under fire. With medical marijuana on the horizon and the possibility for decriminalization efforts, New Jersey is poised to become one of the most progressives areas for marijuana reform. However, no one is certain as to how Governor Christie will react to a decriminalization bill as he has demonstrated his opposition to the states medical marijuana program previously. However, as residents of the garden state grow weary from watching their loved ones suffer, their children going to prison, and their hard earned tax dollars being wasted, the Governor’s hand may be forced. It may be time for New Jersey to utilize a new approach as they can ill afford another Boardwalk Empire.
New Yorkers Reaffirm Support For Medical Marijuana
Residents of the Empire State may not have legal medical marijuana in their state, but there certainly seems to be momentum to change that. New Yorkers are known for speaking their mind and they certainly are not afraid to share their opinion in polls, especially when it comes to medical marijuana.
Northeast patients overall have received a great deal of good news recently. With New Jersey finally making progress on opening dispensaries, Connecticut passing laws to permit medical marijuana, and Rhode Island also set to open marijuana dispensaries, the quality of life in the northeast should be improving for many. While New York is the typically the trendsetter in fashion and night life, they may actually be copycats when it comes to compassionate relief. The momentum from other states in the northeast seems to be spilling over into New York. Recently, 74% of New Yorkers told Mason-Dixon Polling & Research pollsters that they want to see an end to federal raids on marijuana collectives and respect state laws.
This matches previous polls which show an overwhelming amount of New York residents are in favor of medical marijuana. The message seems to have been received by lawmakers as Governor Andrew Cuomo seems to be shifting his position on the issue. On the campaign trail for the 2010 race for governor he took a very rigid stance against medical cannabis. He had very harsh words for proponents of medical marijuana and said “The dangers of medical marijuana outweigh the benefits.” When asked about its potential to raise revenue candidate Cuomo said “A lot of things could raise revenues. Legalizing prostitution could raise revenues. I’m against that, too.” Much seems to have changed since 2010 as comparing medical cannabis to prostitution may be a thing of the past. Only months later the governor said “We’re looking at both sides of the issue if you will and we’re reviewing it, but we don’t have a final position.” Last month his position evolved even more as Governor Cuomo stated I understand there’s more research and there’s more evidence, and it can always be re-evaluated. I don’t believe there’s going to be time this legislative session to look at that issue.
Andrew Cuomo is a seasoned second generation politician. Perhaps he is looking ahead and unwilling to pick a fight on an issue that has the support of an overwhelming amount of some of the most outspoken voters in the country.
Stunning Reversal in New Jersey as Montclair Dispensary is Granted Permission to Grow Marijuana
Activists are preparing for the annual celebration of marijuana tomorrow and throughout the weekend. Several legal developments this week may make for an even more upbeat 420 weekend than normal. Marijuana.net already reported on such stories as President Obama facing pressure from the international community to legalize marijuana. Additionally, Colorado lawmakers demonstrated huge support for Amendment 64, which if passed by residents in November would legalize marijuana under state law.
What is even better news is that one negative story covered earlier this week may have quickly turned into a positive. Marijuana.net highlighted the exhausting delays patients have had to deal with in New Jersey and the corruption associated with a Bergen prosecutor Over two years ago lawmakers approved the legal use of medical marijuana, but state officials have seemingly thrown every bureaucratic obstacle in its way. This may all have changed as Greenleaf Compassion Center of Montclair has been given the green light to start growing medical marijuana immediately.
It is unclear if all red tape will finally be cut and even Green Leaf Compassion Center’s CEO Joe Stevens is approaching the situation cautiously. He said “My opinion hasn’t really changed. It’s great, and it’s a show of good faith on the department’s side, but what it comes down to is the patients. They still don’t have access and they don’t know when they will have access. It’s still meaningless to me, to be growing marijuana for patients who don’t have access.” Stevens is seeking stronger assurances from Governor Steve Christie that the medical marijuana program will not be weighed down with additional delays. The CEO does not want to grow the medicine only to have it sit around and lose its usefulness.
The news shows that persistence can ultimately achieve victory, especially when fighting for compassion and relief. There has been a great deal of pressure put on Governor Christie and New Jersey legislators lately. Joe Stevens issued a harsh letter to the Governor citing what appears to be intentional delays and the fact that his group has spent over $160,000 in trying to open Green Leaf Compassion Center. Others have also come forward and have even filed lawsuits against the New Jersey government. Perhaps wanting to avoid court cases that would not paint a flattering picture of our elected officials and their agenda to prevent the people of New Jersey from finding relief.
Jersey Officials seem more preoccupied with Corruption and Bureaucracy instead of Compassion
Although there has been incremental progress in trying to institute New Jersey’s medical marijuana program, the delays are highlighting the ineptitude of modern government. New Jersey passed legislation permitting medical marijuana use over two years ago in January of 2010. Since that time, patients have witnessed a litany of delays which include opposition from Governor Christie, local zoning resistance for dispensaries, and political squabbling.
A new story in the news cycle may also explain why New Jersey officials have been dragging their feet. It apparently may be more desirable for New Jersey authorities to profit off marijuana as an illegal substance as opposed to regulating it legally. A municipal prosecutor representing the township of North Bergen has been charged with aiding two giant marijuana operations launder their money. Marcanton Macri was freed over the weekend after posting his $50,000 bail. One of the men Marci conspired with was the manager of a local bank. The forty-four year old attorney is officially being charged with financial facilitation and money laundering charges.
While Marcanton Macri may represent the dysfunction of government officials, Rich Caporusso symbolizes the frustration patients are experiencing in New Jersey. Years ago he noticed a sick family member benefiting greatly from medical marijuana use. Now over a decade later, Mr. Caporusso suffers from muscle spasms and Crohn’s Disease. His condition qualifies for medical marijuana use in New Jersey. However such a program is not operational at this time. The former corrections officer is on disability due to injuries he suffered on the job, making his situation even more desperate. He is seeking medical marijuana but says that New Jersey lawmakers have set up “a million roadblocks.” He and his physician have now filed a lawsuit against the state’s Department of Health and have accused them of intentionally delaying the program. The program was set to start on July 1, 2010 after former Governor Corzine approved the legislation. Lawmakers extended the deadline by 3 months, but an additional year and a half delay has angered patients.
Rich Caporusso is an actual person and if lawmakers were to actually interact with the suffering patients they legislate against, they may not take these decisions so lightly. Caporusso suffers and can be arrested seeking relief while Marcanton Marci is out on bail and reaps the benefits of marijuana’s black market. If Rich Caporusso and his physician are successful they may be able to eliminate avenues of corruption for Marci, grant compassionate relief for the sick, and show the legislators of New Jersey that bureaucracy will stop hurting patients and start hurting political careers.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 2, 2012
California Courts Rule against using Nuisance Ordinance to Shut Down Collectives
As the legal debate continues in California over medical marijuana, there were several new twists in the situation this week. The Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled that municipalities cannot use nuisance ordinance to shut down marijuana dispensaries. This would seem to be a victory for advocates as municipalities have shut down medical marijuana collectives through use of the nuisance ordinance before. The court also included in its decision that dispensaries can only dispense marijuana from where it is grown and cannot be imported from any outside source. The state supreme court is expected to review California’s medical marijuana laws later this year. Another court case that was decided this week involved a lawsuit against the Obama administration. The suit claimed that the White House was disingenuous and claimed they would not conduct any raids on dispensaries. The case was thrown out.
Marijuana Advocates From all parts of the Community Gather in Michigan
Residents of Michigan have been very active in pursuing marijuana reform. Last year, Kalamazoo residents voted to make marijuana law enforcement the lowest priority for police officers. A ballot initiative is underway to get a marijuana legalization bill to the voters in November. This week marijuana advocates from all walks of life joined came together to pursue changes in cannabis laws. Patients, caregivers, and advocacy groups all met at the Clarion Hotel in Ann Arbor in an effort to coordinate their legal efforts and testimony.
New Jersey Joins other states in Synthetic Marijuana Ban
New Jersey has joined the nationwide crackdown on synthetic marijuana. On Wednesday New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced that the state has outlawed synthetic cannabis. Across the country many have been worried about the potential side effects of products such as “K2” and “Spice” which have been linked to seizures and heart attacks especially in teens. The substance will now be held in the same regards as heroin and cocaine can result in a $25,000 fine and 3 to 5 years in prison if convicted of possession. New Jersey is now a part of an overwhelming 39 states that have outlawed synthetic marijuana products.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Feb 10, 2012
New Jersey Collective Seems to possess Removed Final Hurdle
 
 
 
 
New Jersey appears prepared to finally be ready to open its first marijuana collective. State legislators approved medical utilization of marijuana over two years back. Individuals trying to open collectives happen to be met by many people legal hurdles. Most lately the delays happen to be over local zoning permits . New Jersey’s townships happen to be unwilling to grant the permits keeping this program grounded . They’ve released a permit towards the Compassionate Care Foundation. The foundation’s Boss William J. Thomas stated “This continues to be hard. I have really experienced hell it.Inch
 
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Arizona Passes Law To Prohibit Medicinal Marijuana on College Grounds
 
 
Another condition which has observed its great amount of delays with their medicinal marijuana program is Arizona. Once we have recorded before, Arizona passed legislation for medicinal marijuana using a ballot initiative chosen on through the state’s citizens. However, Governor Jan Maker then challenged what the law states unsuccessfully in the court. As the prospects of the completely functional program appear likely for that summer time, up to now no patients happen to be offered. A brand new bill passed will restrict the privileges of scholars to possess medicinal marijuana on campus even when they’re legitimate consumers. House Bill 2349, that was backed by Repetition. Amanda Reeve, (R-Phoenix) helps make the having marijuana around the property associated with a educational institution not permitted. The balance appears particularly targeted at ensuring students who receive Federal Pell grants or loans aren’t being specific by police force.
 
Police Force Agents Believe Current Marijuana Enforcement Encourage Crooks
 
Two top Federal police force agents think that the Mexican drug cartel and also the gang centered the marijuana market in Canada and also have been embolden by U.S. marijuana laws and regulations. Charles Mandigo that has been an element of the FBI for 27 years, and it has offered because the mind from the Dallas office stated “It may be the money, not the drug, that drives these cartels and gangs.” John McKay, an old U.S. attorney for that condition of Washington agreed and mentioned that “Criminal enforcement of marijuana doesn’t work,” McKay contended. It “creates a massive flow of cash to worldwide drug cartels, crooks and thugs.” These claims were created in a hearing for proposition 502, which may legalize and regulate marijuana much like alcohol if passed. There appears to become considerable momentum for that passing of proposition 502, which may make Washington Condition the first one to legalize marijuana for private use.
 
High Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup in LA a few days ago
 
Below is a few quick information on this weekend’s event. Benefit from the first class competition and are available greet marijuana.internet if you notice us.
Event: HIGH Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup – La, 2/11/12
Date: Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 at 12:00 PM – Sunday, Feb 12, 2012 at 9:00 PM (PT)
Location:
La Center Galleries
451 South Beaudry Ave
La, CA 90017