News & Articles
The Election is Finally Here
Although early voting has been going on in certain states since September, the single day where the majority of voters will cast their ballots is here. Enthusiasm is high as many pictures have been taken of long lines at polling sites. Whether you are voting for President Obama, Governor Romney, Governor Johnson, or another candidate, it is simply unacceptable that voting has become a test of endurance. Our country has previously been an example to the rest of the word for handling our elections in a fair way. It appears, we have entered the one of the first periods in U.S. history where voting has become more difficult.
President Obama and Mitt Romney have been frantically traveling to many swing states in the last minutes of campaigning. Even though most people seem to have made up their minds as to who they will be voting for, we decided to highlight some of the candidates below. For marijuana reformers, this election may not have touched on the key issues you wish to see dealt with, but we will provide any information available about the candidate’s positions. Below check out a brief description of the candidates and a brief description of their policy positions:
-President Barack Obama (Democratic Party)
Our 44th president was born and raised in Hawaii. He would eventually move to Chicago and in 2006 he was elected to the United States Senate. His significant accomplishments as President include ending the War in Iraq, passing the Affordable Health Care Act, and giving the order to Seal Team Six to kill Osama Bin Laden. Critics have been upset with a stagnant economic recovery and his handling of medical marijuana which includes raids on dispensaries and very little difference in the handling of The War on Drugs. Many marijuana reform advocates are hoping a second term for Obama would be starkly different for both the War on Drugs and medical marijuana.
-Governor Mitt Romney (Republican Party)
The Republican nominee for president of the United States was born in Michigan. He also spent significant time in Utah before moving to Massachusetts. In 1994 he challenge Senator Ted Kennedy but ultimately lost the election. In 2002, he took over the leadership role for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, which was in dire financial straits. Mr. Romney is credited with turning the situation around and ensuring that the Olympics would be a success. He would eventually run successfully for Governor of Massachusetts in 2002. As Governor, his chief accomplishment was reforming Massachusetts health care program. After serving one term as Governor, Mr. Romney decided to run for president. He lost out to John McCain in 2008 but finally received the nomination in 2012. Mr. Romney has not addressed marijuana often, but did say several months ago that he would fight medical marijuana “tooth and nail”.
-Gary Johnson (Libertarian Party)
The former two term Governor of New Mexico was born in North Dakota. While attending the University of New Mexico, Mr. Johnson paid his way through school by working as a handyman. He would eventually start Big J Enterprises, and grow his company into one of the largest construction companies in New Mexico. In 1994 he successfully ran for Governor of New Mexico. He was re-elected in 1998 and still remains one of the most popular figures in New Mexico politics. The Governor was previously a Republican but has since fallen from good graces with the party. Many analysts believe his support for Libertarian causes such as marijuana reform and same sex marriage created a rift between Mr. Johnson and the GOP. Mr. Johnson is now officially the Libertarian candidate for president and continues to serve as one of the most high profile advocates for marijuana decriminalization and reform.
-Jill Stein (Green Party)
The Green Party’s candidate for the United States Presidency was born in Chicago and raised in Highland Park Illinois. She graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1979. Jill Stein has been on the forefront of environmental issues across the country for decades. She has testified numerous times in front of Government panels. Ms. Stein has advocated what she calls “ The Green Deal”. She sees it as a modern version of FDR’s “New Deal”. In her deal, there would be a 30% reduction in military spending, higher tax rates for the wealthy while directing the additional money toward new age green jobs that would put America back to work while simultaneously working to reduce climate change. Jill Stein has been a marijuana supporter for a long time and less than two weeks ago said that “marijuana is not dangerous at all” in a recent third party debate.
Marijuana.net encourages everyone to get out there and vote. If you see long lines, please do not be discouraged. We hope you stay engaged and make sure elections are conducted properly in the future. The candidates are very different from one another so we encourage you to support the candidate you feel most closely represents your interests. Additionally check back with us as we provide updates on the many ballot initiatives that are on the books. Three states (Colorado, Washington, and Oregon) have their residents voting on measures that will legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana. We will be conducting extensive follow up on the election all week.
Medical Marijuana Industry News
East Coast Still Recovering from Hurricane Sandy…
Sandy is perhaps the worst storm to hit the Northeast in modern history. The region is still trying to recover from the incident as many are still without power. Entire homes and lives have been lost and marijuana.net continues to extend our wishes out to those impacted. We are donating water and food to collection centers in the New York area. We hope everyone comes together and rebuilds the east coast better than ever. We were pleased to see Governor Chris Christie and President Obama work together in what is becoming a rare bi-partisan moment. Many are unable to help, but many can. Below you can click on a link to the Red Cross with instructions on how you can help.
Click here if you are interested in Contributing to the Red Cross
Legalized Marijuana Likely To Pass In Washington State…
Marijuana reform has been gaining momentum for years now. The conversation is usually centered around decriminalization and medical marijuana legislation. However, as citizens demand more personal freedom and science highlights the benign nature of marijuana, recreation legalization has gained momentum. Colorado, Washington, and Oregon will all be voting on legalizing, taxing, and regulating marijuana. The situation looks good for advocates in Washington State as many politicians and members of law enforcement have supported initiative 502 for quite some time. However, residents who will be voting seem to be demonstrating overwhelming support for the bill. In a recent poll of likely voters Washington residents indicated by a margin of 55.4-37.6. Check out for our election coverage next week as we discuss the presidency as well as the outcome of many bills that pertain to marijuana reform. Residents also seem likely to pass a bill that will legalize same sex marriage.
For more about the situation in Washington State click here
Arkansas Sees Big Dollars Spent For and Against Medical Marijuana Bill…
Above we mentioned the bill in Washington State that seems likely to pass on Tuesday. In Arkansas the fate of their medical marijuana initiative may be less certain. There is considerable support for the bill but also many who oppose the idea. Arkansas has the chance to become the first state in the deep south to have a medical marijuana program. In the true spirit of the political season, a great deal of money has been spent on trying to get initiative passed. Arkansans for Compassionate Care has raised $419,000 and spent $406,000 with almost all of the money going toward television ads. Marijuana.net will report on whether or not the initiative passes next week.
A Possible End to Stop and Frisk May Shine Light During Dark Times in New York
New Yorkers may have something to look forward to as they clean up the devastating mess left by Sandy. While by no means do we at marijuana.net want to sugarcoat the impact and seriousness of the situation, we thought residents of New York may want to have their spirits lifted. Most residents of New York City will be at home or at evacuation centers as the MTA has shut down all bus and subway service and public schools are closed. New York City’s controversial “Stop and Frisk” policy may be soon coming to an end.
Last year NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly issued a memo to police officers that instructed them not to coerce citizens into taking marijuana out of their pockets so they can be arrested on the “plain view” rule. Concealed possession (Under 25g) of marijuana is a civil citation ticket, however, when in “plain sight” the charge is escalated to a misdemeanor. This obviously goes against the spirit of the law. The city has to spend much more money on processing, incarcerations, and court fees due to additional arrests. The arrests disproportionately target non whites and teens which has drawn considerable criticism.
Many residents and lawmakers have been fighting to fix the laws for a long time. The most high profile example comes from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is currently putting pressure on state legislators in Albany to fix the law. Joining the effort is a Bronx DA, Jeannette Rucker, who will not allow “stop and frisk” arrests on public housing property until an interview with the arresting officer is conducted. The move was in response to mounting complaints that officers are wrongly arresting residents.
The issue of repealing “Stop and Frisk” has taken years to gain momentum. However, now that the train is moving it may not stop until the policy is fixed. Besides the Governor’s efforts and the move by Jeannette Rucker, there was a hearing held last week in Brooklyn by City Council members. The hearing included people who are on both sides of the issue such as members of the NYPD and activists against the policy. We expect more of these hearings to occur after New York recovers from Hurricane Sandy. New York City has so much damage to fix immediately, but ending “Stop and Frisk” will help fix problems of the future.
Medical Marijuana Industry News October 26, 2012
Medical Marijuana Industry Sees Major Victory in San Diego Appeals Court…
For the most part, defendants are allowed to invoke state laws as a defense, otherwise why would the laws be on the books. However, in California this is not always the case. California Attorney General, Kamala Harris, has fought hard to prevent dispensary operators from citing state laws in their defense. This may have all changed as a Jovan Jackson was found guilty on marijuana sales charges after a lower court refused to allow them to use California’s legal medical marijuana laws as a defense. However an appeals court in San Diego has handed Ms. Harris a a defeat and has ruled that Jovan Jackson will be entitled to using California’s state law as a defense. Many analsts feel this case will be helpful for future protections against federal prosecution.
For more on this story click here
Drug Cartels Pleased With U.S. Election…
As marijuana.net mentioned earlier this week, there has been almost no mention of the War on Drugs and cartel violence. With over 60,000 deaths related to cartel violence in over the last several years, it is inexcusable that the issue does not receive more attention. Marijuana accounts for the cartel’s largest export and the United State’s policy of criminalization has resulted in massive profits for Mexican drug cartels. The popular news outlet, www.examiner.com breaks down the issue in more detail.
Click here for the examiner article
Former LSU Player Arrested on Charges of Marijuana Possession….
Tyrann Mathieu used to be nicknamed the “Honey Badger”. He has certainly fallen from grace as he was dismissed from LSU over the summer for several failed drug tests. Mathieu has now been arrested again for possessing “10 bags of high grade marijuana”. Before the arrest he was planning on enrolling and returning to LSU and had already entered and returned from rehab. Many thought his dismissal was severe punishment and the story in August highlighted the NCAA”s profiting off of student athletes and their names without returning any of the profits to the players. Even LSU’s coach, who is not a marijuana supporter, questioned the University’s decision to turn their back on Mathieu. He even questioned what would happen of Mathieu drank beer instead of using marijuana. Of course the recent arrest will not elicit sympathy from the public but may highlight the difficulties and pressures of NCAA football and how disposable the student athletes seem to be when they face difficulties.
For more on this story click here
Busy ACLU Makes Time For Medical Marijuana Rights
The ACLU almost always has a lot on their plate as they regularly step up to defend those who without a voice. They are known for shedding light on issues that often involve racial, gender, financial inequalities. They have also been a friend to the medical marijuana movement and this month alone have really expanded their efforts.
Several weeks ago the ACLU announced it would be filing a lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Health. The suit was filed because the department has stopped accepting medical marijuana applications that have signed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. For many sick patients, getting an appointment and traveling to see the doctor can be difficult. The move by the Department of Health may severely restrict access for vulnerable patients. JoAnne Leppanen of The Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition agreed and said ‘‘What the health department has done is put up another barrier, basically pulling the rug out from under the patients.’’
Moving over to the other side of the country, the ACLU is also trying to bring awareness to medical marijuana in Montana. Last night they screened the documentary “The Code of the West” which highlights the political debates regarding marijuana in Montana. The film deals with a host of issues including medical marijuana’s benefits, the division among Montana residents on the issue and the upcoming vote on IR 124. If Montana residents vote to pass IR 124, then they would see the 2004 medical marijuana law repealed.
The ACLU is urging Montana residents to vote “no” on IR 124. In the height of political season, the ACLU has many important issues to deal with. The group is also busy trying to fight efforts to suppress the vote. However, as marijuana.net stated on Monday, it is encouraging to see that major news outlets (60 Minutes ran a story on Colorado’s medical marijuana program on Sunday Night) and activists groups are still fighting for marijuana reform even many other issues grabbing the headlines.
Uruguay Moving Forward With Plan To Legalize Marijuana and Combat Drug Violence
As marijuana.net noted yesterday, the escalating drug cartel violence received no mention during Monday’s presidential debate. While many of our fellow Western Hemisphere countries look to The United States for leadership on the issue, we continue to maintain our failed drug policy. Fortunately, other countries in Central and South America are considering their own alternative to the 40 year failed War on drugs.
For the last several months the Uruguay government has been discussing legalizing, regulating, and distributing marijuana. While there has been some opposition to legalization, the plan appears to be moving forward. Several government officials have made recent comments regarding the program. Uruguay Interior Minister, Eduardo Bonomi recently said “We have a progressive tradition… The negative effects of consuming marijuana are far less harmful than the outbreak of violence associated with the black market.”
Uruguay may be far along the process of altering their approach toward reducing drug war violence but they are not the only one. As the United States continues fighting the cartels in the traditional way, which involves gunfire and bloodshed, other countries now realize they will be responsible for their own safety and legislative direction. Columbia has recently decriminalized personal possession for marijuana and cocaine. Bolivia has also been attempting to decriminalize cocoa leaves.
The people of the United States are war weary after a decade of The Afghanistan conflict and the recently ended Iraq operations. In this region America has taken note of our previous mistakes and has decided on a new direction in its approach toward dealing with Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. Instead, as we saw both President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney agree to during Monday’s debate, economic sanctions have been used to put the pressure on Iran to come to the table and talk disarmament. In the modern world, economics can also be an effective weapon. While we applaud a progressive approach toward Iran, when will see the United States utilize and economic approach to stem the daily violence occurring close to home, not thousands of miles across the world. Legalization and regulation would reduce the drug cartel’s power, influence, and purpose in the western hemisphere. If marijuana were regulated and available domestically, this could crush the cartels economically.
Presidential Debate On Foreign Policy Omits International War on Drugs
Last night millions of Americans tuned in for the 3rd and final debate of the 2012 presidential election. The event was less tense than the last week’s town hall debate which the saw the candidates create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Perhaps surprisingly, the attack on the American Consulate in Libya was only briefly mentioned. The candidates did engage on some important international issues regarding Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan. However noticeably missing was much of any conversation on our South American neighbors.
The war on drugs is foreign policy area that has a much more direct impact on the lives of daily Americans. Violence over drug trafficking is out of control and the Cartels have now infiltrated and have a presence in several states including Arizona and Utah. Additionally, U.S. authorities have found underground tunnels complete with railcars that have been constructed by the Cartels that run between San Diego and Tijuana. This foreign threat could not be hitting closer to home and there has been almost no mention of the war on drugs on the national stage last night.
Failure to alter the failed course of the war on drugs has now become a decades long blunder. By electing to ignore the problem, tens of thousands have died in only a few year span. Additionally, our borders have become less secure. It is honorable that the United States is compelled to help the civilians in the Middle East, but we should not forget some of our closest allies both geographically and culturally who live in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Failure to act and amend our laws has also cost the United States money through incarcerations and court expenses while also diverting police resources from other issues.
Instead of using the last best chance to talk directly to the American people about a range of crucial foreign policy issues, the two candidates seemed satisfied by sampling falling back on their domestic economic talking points during last night’s debate. There was no mention of the European Debt Crisis, only a whisper regarding Greece’s financial meltdown, and of course the violence only miles from our border. If violence, money, and the security of this nation are important to whoever lives in the White House in January, the War On Drugs cannot afford to be an ignored issue.
Colorado Medical Marijuana Makes it To 60 Minutes
With two weeks to go until the presidential election it is no surprise that the race is dominating the news cycle. Other topics have been anxiously awaiting their turn in the limelight but have taken a backseat as the media has left little room for other news. Surprisingly, medical marijuana was able to make it to one of the rare free time slots on major prime time network news.
Last night 60 minutes described what is being called the “Colorado Green Rush”. The coverage highlighted several key areas of the marijuana reform movement. For one, the enormous tax dollars that can be collected score big points with even those who are not passionate about reforming marijuana laws. Additionally, 60 minutes highlighted another key area that shows a cultural shift. Medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado outnumber McDonalds and Starbucks combined. This is why federal intervention is becoming more difficult as 60 minutes suggested. The will of the people is becoming clear and Colorado residents are increasingly supporting marijuana reform. Colorado has a high number of independent voters who are not keen on federal bullying.
While some of this may be familiar to patients, activists, and those in the industry, national prime time stories regarding medical marijuana help the issue to reach people who are not as familiar with the medical marijuana movement. Social media and the internet may cover this topic daily, but the mainstream news is only finally realizing the social and economic impact of the “green rush”. Additionally, while perhaps not perfect, the reporting does seem to shifting toward much fairer and open minded coverage. There is less snickering and scare tactics in most mainstream news coverage of marijuana reform. A second Obama term or a Romney presidency will almost certainly have to deal with medical marijuana, so even more major news coverage is to be expected after the November election.
Many of the political pundits have called the upcoming vote as a “pocketbook election” as the state of the economy is still the number one issue on voter’s minds. If that is the case then it may only be a matter of time and awareness before the American people decide against marijuana incarcerations and leaving tax dollars on the table. Inevitably we seem to be moving toward “pocketbook green laws”.
Medical Marijuana Industry News October 19, 2012
Montel Williams Calls Anti-Medical Marijuana Ads Racist in Arkansas…
Before it was cool for celebrities to come out and support marijuana reform, patients and activists always knew they could count on Montel Williams. The former talk show host suffers from MS and has been very vocal about marijuana providing him with relief and has done a great deal of work to highlight marijuana’s medicinal benefits. Now that medical marijuana is gaining acceptance, opposing groups are ratcheting up their efforts to promote propaganda. Montel Williams is coming out against an ad that opposes the proposed medical marijuana program in Arkansas that will be voted on by residents in three weeks. In the ad promoted by the Family Council Action Committee, a black man is shown dealing drugs as the narrator says “dope dealers” will be able to take advantage of legalized medical marijuana. Yesterday Mr. Williams told a crowd in Little Rock that the ad was “the most egregiously false, racist statement you’ve ever seen in your life.” Montel Williams said of his medical marijuana use that “For me, cannabis became a choice that my doctor and I had to make.” Arkansas can become the first southern state to pass medical marijuana legislation.
For more on this story click here
New Jersey Dispensary Receives Go Ahead to Start Selling Medical Marijuana…
For those who appreciate a good legal drama, New Jersey has provided a great deal of material. New Jersey passed a bill permitting medical marijuana several years ago and has seen progress come in small intervals due to bureaucratic delays and challenges from Governor Chris Christie. No patients have been served in the years since the program received its initial approval. However, that all appears ready to change as Greenleaf Compassion Center in Montclair has received a permit to distribute marijuana. New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd said “This permit marks a significant step forward in the implementation of New Jersey’s medicinal marijuana program.” Patients who have been approved are expected to be receiving their medical marijuana cards any day. Analysts are still unsure as to exactly when Greenleaf Compassion will open its doors but most feel it will be operation before the end of the year.
For more on this story click here
Arizona Officials Keep Up Battle with Residents and Medical Marijuana….
Arizona has some of the strangest and maybe even most unfair laws on record. However, officials only seem to be able to focus on two issues, immigration and marijuana. Earlier this week marijuana.net reported on a story where Arizona police officers raided a patient’s home and arrested her on felony narcotic possession, seemingly because they were not familiar with what a marijuana tincture is. Now, Maricopa County will be making its case in court as they refuse to provide zoning permits for medical marijuana dispensaries, despite a state law passed by residents that has legalize medical cannabis. Officials in Maricopa County claim that the law is in violation of Federal law. Ironically, many critics have made a similar accusation in regards to how Arizona handles immigration law. The Arizona “show me your papers” and other parts of the state’s immigration laws seem to be at odds with Federal laws, though state lawmakers do not seem to mind. Today a judge in Maricopa County will hear the opening arguments in a case filed by the ACLU.
Governor Cuomo Tells NY Lawmakers They Can Get a Raise if They Fix Marijuana Laws and Minimum Wage
New York has been a very busy place lately in terms of politics. Intense preparations were underway for days leading up to this week’s historic presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney at Long Island’s Hofstra University. Conspicuously absent from the conversation were many issues including the war on drugs and poverty.
New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has been tackling some of the issues that were have been missing from the presidential bickering. New York State lawmakers have been salivating for a raise (their last came in 1999) but the Governor told them a raise is out of the question until the working class is taken care of first. Mr. Cuomo is has been seeking a raise to New York’s minimum wage, and has tied lawmakers salaries to getting the bill done. Specifically the Governor said “I would not even consider, even consider a pay raise unless the people’s business was being done in a thorough, responsible way.”
The Governor has submitted a complex proposal that also shows New Yorkers he has not forgotten about his vow from the spring to enact marijuana reform. Several months ago Governor Cuomo was mocked by lawmakers and critics who have not moved beyond the 80 year old talking points against marijuana. However he was also applauded by those who appreciated his plan to save the state money and to fix New York’s “stop and frisk” program, which is almost exclusively carried out in NYC. The tactics by police have been criticized by many, including neighborhood advocates who are upset that police almost always target Blacks and Hispanics in the random searches. “Stop and Frisk” has made national headlines as it considered by many to be against the spirit of New York’s marijuana laws. Possession of 25 grams of marijuana or less was decriminalized in the 1970s in New York. Possession under 25 grams is supposed to result in a civil citation ticket, however police have found a way around this. Marijuana in “open view”, even if less than 25g, can be considered a misdemeanor and carry jail time. Often, police demand that individuals empty their pockets, and once they do officers make arrests and claim the marijuana was out in the open.
Lawmakers in NY have been slow to take up the issue. Even as many politicians admit that “Stop and Frisk” goes against the intentions of the state’s marijuana laws, it has been rare to hear comment on the issue. However, we are in the political season and we are glad to see the Governor engaging in the issues that Mr. Romney and Mr. Obama neglected. There will be some more shrewd political moves to come, but none may be as interesting as what Governor Cuomo has done. Like dangling a carrot in front of a mule, the Governor has effectively tied lawmakers salaries to future of workers and marijuana law in New York. For the first time we expect Albany legislators to start their shift on the issue.