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Lady Gaga Adds Marijuana To Her List of Causes
It may be easy to mock high profile entertainers and actors when they decide to take a public stand. Sometimes stars have been known to get themselves in over their heads when engaging on social issues. The most recent case and point may be Clint Eastwood’s debate with a chair that should have been a far easier conversation for “Dirty Harry” to win. However, there are times where stars use their notoriety push issues forward.
Marijuana has caused many famous individuals to come out of the shadows. It appears Lady Gaga will be joining this group. The famous pop star has traveled the world performing songs such as “Born This Way” and come across many different cultures. She seemed to be embracing Amsterdam’s culture in a recent tour stop. She was handed a joint on stage and lit up saying “I want you to know it has totally changed my life and I’ve really cut down on drinking. “It has been a totally spiritual experience for me with my music.”
Lady Gaga has an extremely loyal and engaged fan base worldwide. This is not to say fans will start smoking marijuana around the world but many may be encouraged to get the real facts on marijuana. Additionally Lady Gaga has a history of caring about social causes. In order to protest the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy (President Obama has ended the controversial policy) Lady Gaga donned the now famous “meat dress” at the 2010 MTV Music Awards. She has also donated large sums of money to many charities has also created The Born This Way Foundation, which according to the foundation website, was designed “to foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated. The Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community that helps connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build a kinder, braver world.”
This is not to say that Lady Gaga or any entertainer can bring about marijuana reform alone. However, the chorus of those who support reform is growing louder. The issue has built up momentum and supporting marijuana in public is no longer a scarlet letter. Normally we see a wedge between entertainers and the working class, however, as marijuana gains acceptance we may bear witness to one of the few times where the two are aligned.
British Discovery May Explain Why Boy With Epilepsy Benefits From Marijuana
Earlier this week we at marijuana.net were pleased to report findings on the newest marijuana initiative polls. The polls have been mostly favorable and show the public is ready to drastically change America’s approach to marijuana law. However, for those tired of numbers, the election, and Mitt Romney’s view on moochers and 47% of the country, we have some exciting news on a medical cannabis breakthrough.
Patient testimonials have shown for some time that marijuana can be an effective remedy for epileptic seizures. A recent L.A. Times article describes the findings researchers at Britain’s University of Reading. They found that a cannabinoid named cannabidivarin (CBDV) “strongly suppressed seizures” without causing the commonly associated side effects such as uncontrollable shaking during a test on lab rats. Dr. Ben Whalley, who was the lead researcher of the study was pleased to find a potential new path to combating epilepsy. He recently said “There is a pressing need for better treatments for epilepsy. It’s a chronic condition with no cure and currently, in around one third of cases, the currently available treatments do not work, cause serious side-effects and increase fatalities.”
The research findings, published this week in British Journal of Pharmacology may shed light on why California father, Jason David, has found that marijuana is the only effective treatment in trying to provide relief for his ailing son Jayden. Think Progress has posted an article describing Jason’s moving words regarding his son’s situation. In short, Jason stated that his son has uncontrollable seizures that so far were only treated with ineffective prescription drugs. Jason asked his physician if medical marijuana would be worth trying, and his doctor informed him that anything would be worth a try as doing nothing would likely result in Jayden’s death. The seizures were taking a toll on Jayden’s body and it became clear that something had to be done immediately, even if controversial. Jason turned to marijuana, but instead of smoking Jayden actually is given a solution comprised of mostly cannabidiol (CBD). Jayden’s condition was improved almost immediately. Jason described what happened when they started the treatment by saying “That was the first day, thank god, Jayden ever went seizure-free in his life. The prescription drugs, I feel like they made my son a zombie. Every time I take off another pill, the better he gets.”
Both the findings at the University of Reading and the situation. As authorities still try to assert that marijuana ‘has no acceptable medical uses” research is obliterating this outdated argument. More research and regulation may even be able to provide Jayden with tailored medicine to combat his epilepsy with even greater results. While Jason David is pleased to see his son doing better, he is now confronted with the possibility that his son’s medication may be compromised by federal authorities targeting the world’s largest marijuana dispensary, Harborside Health Center. Poll numbers and politics have a habit of melting in the true faces that policy impacts. Perhaps the feds should try to explain their platform on medical marijuana to young Jayden.
Newest Marijuana Initiative Polls
Political junkies or those working in campaigns have been spending a considerable amount of time analyzing polls recently. Even those who are not as enthusiastic about the election probably cannot escape the constant updates on polling. Yesterday marijuana.net spoke about a polls showing that Colorado voters seem to be heavily leaning toward enacting a measure that would legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana.
Today, we thought maybe we would talk about some polls on marijuana initiatives in other states. Colorado is not the only state with a major marijuana legislative overhaul law that will be voted on by the people in November. Arkansas, Montana, Massachusetts, Washington State and Oregon will leave the future of marijuana reform in the hands of voters in November. These polls are gauging the public’s interest in bills they will be voting on. However, there is also pending legislation in other states to legalize medical marijuana or decriminalize.
The news for activists has been in mostly in their favor. As marijuana.net mentioned yesterday, polls showed a strong majority of Colorado residents favoring the legalization of marijuana. Similar results were found in Washington State as 57% supported legalization with 34% opposed. In Massachusetts 58% of those polled signaled their support to legalize medical marijuana with only 27% opposing the measure. Additionally, a majority of Montana voters do not support the state setting up additional limits on the state’s medical marijuana program. Oregon voters were much more on the fence when it comes to legalizing marijuana with a slight majority disapproving of the measure (46%-43%). There has not been polling data on residents of Arkansas, where they will vote on bring medical marijuana to the south.
The likelihood of at least one state passing a legalized marijuana bill seems extremely high. Additionally it seems at one or more states may soon be joining the growing list of 17 states (and Washington D.C.) that have medical marijuana programs. While many of us have grown weary from polling and statistics being directed our way, we thought many marijuana activists would be pleased to see their efforts are winning over the people.
Colorado Residents Appear Ready To Legalize Marijuana
Many states have now joined the marijuana reform movement and it appears more on the way. At one point, certainly 12 years ago, passing legislation to allow for the use of medical marijuana was a much more controversial move. With only a handful of states previously legalizing medical cannabis, Colorado voters passed Amendment 20 and officially altered the state’s constitution.
This November, Colorado residents will have another controversial choice when they enter the voting centers. Thanks to the efforts of many residents and groups such as Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, Colorado residents may take the next logical step in providing relief and adopting new progressive strategies for a struggling economy and new age safety measures. If residents pass amendment 64, they will effective legalize, tax, and regulate the sale of marijuana even for recreational use. While the usual detractors have and will continue to dust off the same decades old talking points memo, many want to see a different approach. Amendment 64 even has the support of many parents who would rather see safety mechanisms in place to prevent their teens from purchasing marijuana as opposed to just hoping they do not seek out street vendors.
A similar bill was voted on in 2006 and narrowly failed. However, in the previous six years Colorado has seen its demographics change considerably. While this can be measured by Census figures, it only takes a copy of the 2008 electoral map, and current polling data to show Colorado has changed drastically in the political arena and now appears to be a lean Democrat or at the very least a toss-up state. Other than Bill Clinton in 1996, no Democrat has won Colorado in a modern election besides Obama. A new poll seems to highlight the shift and now shows that Colorado residents are leaning heavily toward enacting Amendment 64. The poll was conducted by The Denver Post and shows that Colorado residents are in favor of the bill by a margin of 51-40% (with 8% undecided).
Even if passed it does not guarantee that Federal agents will not interfere. However, now many more tax dollars and jobs will be at stake should the Feds decide to demonstrate their legal authority. However, if that fear governed Colorado residents before, they would not have persevered through the last 12 years. With more national support that ever, and certainly than in 2000, Colorado residents again seem poised to bring about major change.
Rough Election For Paul Ryan
The race for the U.S. presidency can consume and spit out candidates. The young boy wonder Paul Ryan has been a rising star in the GOP and Congress for almost 14 years. However, joining Mitt Romney in the race for the White House may drive down his stock considerably. Already responding to criticisms of misstatements after his address at the RNC regarding welfare and Medicare, the news just has not been great for Ryan.
Clearly Ryan and Romney are not on the same page. Romney selected a man known as a budget hawk, but has not embraced what Ryan believes. In fact Mitt Romney seems to be running from his record. Recently Mitt Romeny told “Meet The Press” that President Obama and the GOP (lead by Ryan on the issue) were wrong to vote to cut military spending. The lack of unity was on display recently as Paul Ryan told a group of voters in Colorado that he felt marijuana laws should be left up to the states to decide. This was soon followed by a statement from the Romney campaign that indicated that Ryan agreed with Mitt Romney 100% and that marijuana should never be legalized.
We do not want to pick on Paul Ryan specifically, but so far he is the only one who has dared engage on the issue of marijuana. Even though marijuana legalization offers the potential to satisfy Paul Ryan’s desire to cut spending and the size of government, we were still surprised to hear him support the issue. We were NOT surprised to see the Romney campaign recant a statement. They seem to have made an art of this.
The Paul Ryan statement that seemed to come from left field motivated marijuana.net to dig a little deeper into Paul Ryan’s view on marijuana. The digging did not require much effort and we were able to figure out that as recently as May of this year, Paul Ryan voted against a bill that would have defunded the DEA’s ability conduct medical marijuana raids. Not exactly a pro state rights view is it?
Medical Marijuana Industry News September 14, 2012
New Bills In Congress Would Allow States to Decide Medical Marijuana…
As detailed often on marijuana.net, one of the biggest concerns for the medical marijuana industry is that is in a state of legislative limbo. Patients are often left to wonder if they will have access to their medication. Additionally, dispensaries face many difficulties operating in under the current system. For the most part they are prevented from utilizing bank accounts or credit unions. This results in high levels of marijuana and cash on premises, and dramatically increases the likelihood of being robbed. Additionally, these businesses cannot benefit from the tax code or deduct expenses, making their survival challenging. Several new laws in Congress have been introduced that would actually address these concerns. Three different bills, HB 1983, HB1984, and HB1985, would allow dispensaries to take advantage of electronic banking, tax deductions, and would allow states to decide if they wish to permit medical marijuana by re-scheduling marijuana. While similar bills have failed previously, there seems to be more bi-partisan support than ever for re-hauling the government’s approach toward medical marijuana. While support was previously higher from Democrats, they have now been joined by fiscally conservatives who no longer want to see funds wasted on DEA raids. Additionally, there is a growing call for returning many rights back to the states.
Two Marijuana Dispensaries to Open in Vermont…
The federal crackdown and raids on marijuana dispensaries may not be producing the intended outcomes, especially in the Northeast. In recent months, Connecticut has approved a measure to permit medical marijuana and even under the well known Republican Governor, Chris Christie (who does not support the program) New Jersey is close to dispensing marijuana to patients. There is momentum across the country as Detroit, the state of Washington, Colorado, and Oregon will see their residents vote to regulate and legalize even recreation marijuana use. A successful ballot initiative has also given residents of Arkansas the opportunity to vote on enacting a medical marijuana program. In Vermont, two marijuana dispensaries have been given the green light to open. One of the dispensaries will be located in Burlington while another will open its doors in Waterbury. Vermont legalized medical marijuana in 2004 but patients are responsible for growing and cultivating their own medicine. Patients in Vermont can possess up to 2 ounces and own 3 plants. Last year Vermont lawmakers passed a new law that would allow up to 4 dispensaries to open. The two dispensaries are expected to open in 6 months with additional applications to fill the other 2 openings under review.
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Seattle’s Children’s Alliance Supports Marijuana Legalization Initiative…
Supporting marijuana reform was previously career suicide in the public arena. Over the past few years there have been surprising supporters of marijuana reform including televangelist Pat Robertson and Progressive Insurance Chairman Peter B. Lewis. However, an even more surprising group of supporters have revealed themselves. A Seattle based non-profit group named The Children’s Alliance has come out in support of Initiative 502, which if passed by Washington State residents, would legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana in a way that is similar to how alcohol is handled. The group’s main focus is on protecting children’s futures. Although whites and African Americans consume marijuana at similar rates, non whites are significantly more at risk for being arrested for it. Often these arrests are of teens and having a criminal record can seriously jeopardize their ability to get a job, housing, or gain college acceptance. Jon Gould, Deputy Director of The Children’s Alliance said “The status quo is not working for children, particularly children of color. Public policy ought to move us further toward racial equity and justice, and Initiative 502 is one step forward to that.”
Colorado Study Shows Need For Regulation and Marijuana Testing
As the election season continues we are pretty much ensured that the political conversation will remain within the narrow scope of only a handful of issues being discussed until January. While healthcare will be part of the next two months, it will only likely find its way in the campaign through the lens of Obamacare vs. Romneycare.
For many patients who only find relief with marijuana, this will be yet another election where their concerns will not be addressed. Ignoring and tolerating medical marijuana to some extent is no longer going to be acceptable. Medication needs to be safe and with a far less rate of addiction and side effects in comparison to opiates and other medication, cannabis already satisfies much of the criteria for useful medicine. However, with it’s legal status constantly in limbo, cannabis has suffered from a lack of regulation and required testing as many elected officials hope that 75% of the country soon changes its mind and stops supporting medical marijuana. That seems highly unlikely and our elected officials have chosen to ignore the safety of Americans in favor of outdated talking points and rhetoric. Simply put, marijuana is here to stay, and providing safe medicine must be a concern.
Shedding more light on the problem is a recent study conducted in Colorado. Dr. John Martyny of the National Jewish Health studied the findings from 30 grow operations in the Larimer and Denver areas. The research indicated that certain grows had mold levels about 100 times higher than what is considered safe. In some growing operations, the mold levels were too high to for their instruments to properly measure. Dr. Martyny said “These are extremely high levels that we would consider dangerous.” Fortunately, none of the growing operations studied were legal, giving at least some hope that Colorado medical marijuana patients are not breathing in high levels of mold.
However, there is evidence that even legal growers are not taking the proper precautions in preventing high levels of mold. The Werc Shop also finds similar problems when conducting laboratory analysis, but unlike Dr. Martyny they DO test cannabis from legal dispensaries. In a recent conversation with marijuana.net, Dr. Jeffrey C. Raber of the Los Angeles area lab said “We have had numerous secret shoppers find instances of mold and bacteria present at unacceptable, sometimes alarmingly high levels.” The Werc Shop is one of the most well regarded testing laboratories and was responsible for much of the screening for the 2012 High Times Los Angeles Cannabis Cup.
Research shows that we may only be hitting the tip of the iceberg in regards to just how much potential medical marijuana holds. However, as with any consumable product, improper testing and screening invites devastating side effects. The high levels of mold found by both Dr. Martyny and Dr. Raber only highlight the need for regulation and testing. The products created by large Pharmaceutical companies have to abide by FDA standards and a lack of regulation would not be accepted even for over the counter medicines. As the national campaigns ignores this problem, it is up to patients and activists to demand for regulation, testing, and safety.
Attorney General Eric Holder Pressured by Ex-DEA Officials To Oppose State Marijuana Laws
After years of foreign wars, the Patriot Act, and an unpopular healthcare mandate, voters are weary of big government proposals. Politicians on both sides of the aisle are quick to point out that they want to reduce the size and scale of government, even if their actions betray this sentiment. The idea of letting states decide many issues has gained traction, with one major exception. Marijuana.
Approximately 75% of Americans support a physician’s right to prescribe medical marijuana. Even more interestingly, is that now over half of the country supports legalizing, regulating, and taxing marijuana even for recreational use. Three states, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon will have residents in their states voting to enact such plans. Of course we all know the people simply passing the law may not end the ongoing feud between federal and state authorities. The problem the White House faces is that they have tried to make the case that they will not use any federal resources to circumvent state law. This leaves them with trying to apply federal law only when a dispensary is in violation of state law, as confusing as that sounds.
This approach is being challenged by 9 former heads of the DEA. Attorney General Eric Holder has not publicly indicated how the federal government would handle a situation where states operate legal marijuana sales. His silence has drawn the ire of those who feel the federal government needs to take a more definitive stand and send out a message that federal law trumps state law. Holder has spoken out on previous legalization initiatives. He indicated that he would enforce federal law in California in 2010 if residents voted to legalize marijuana. In the letter, obtained by news outlet Reuters, the group said that “To continue to remain silent conveys to the American public and the global community a tacit acceptance of these dangerous initiatives.”
Of course taking a stand against laws voted on and enacted by the people offers its own set of “dangerous initiatives”. No administration wants to be known as the White House crushed state laws and the will of the people. The old system has failed and while many of us understand that federal authorities have to carry out the law, there is a chance of overreaching here. A war between residents and the federal government on this issue could be one of the highest profile examples of the government ignoring the will of the people. Even those who do not support marijuana legalization may be outraged at such large scale intervention. With most Americans feeling the war on drugs is a failure, spending more money and resources to keep the antiquated approach alive could be a disaster as small government fans, fiscal hawks, civil rights groups, and medical supporters could all find themselves coming together over the issue.
Remembering 9/11 So Many Years Later
Eleven years ago today, the worst attack on American soil occurred and changed the course of history forever. Several hijacked planes would end the comfort of the 90s and strike some of our most beloved architectural achievements. The ensuing decade would usher in hard times complete with two foreign wars, extreme partisan politics and the worst financial meltdown since the Great Depression.
Today we are forced to watch what will seem like a looping video of flight 175 striking the South Tower of the World Trade Center. We’ll also hear from the 9/11 families and testimonies of those who were able to escape the burning towers. While gut wrenching, it is important that we never forget the tragedy that forever changed the direction of our country, for both better and worse.
The issue is a particularly emotional one for us at marijuana.net as several of us were in Manhattan on September 11, 2001. This is the first time I will refer to myself in a marijuana.net article. What started as a typical morning of college classes, quickly turned into one of the worst days of my life. Immediately following the attacks, it was difficult to discern exactly what was going on. In midtown everyone was frantic, but information was not easy to come by. Cell phone networks were overloaded and although close to the carnage, it took some time to figure out what really happened. A fellow student told me that the Empire State Building was struck by a plane.
That ultimately was not the case, but an even worse scenario played out as two icons of the sky would later fall, taking with them thousands of lives from the buildings and on the aircraft. Though we had entered the internet age, we were still years away from the smartphone and wifi age, so televisions in local delis and restaurants were the first source of reliable information for many on that day. The mood and scene was reminiscent of many classic movies as so many were huddled around the old style tube televisions. After many unsuccessful attempts to contact friends and family through my cell phone, I was finally able to speak with a family member on a pay phone.
I still had no idea of the scope of these attacks and I will never forget the most striking words I ever heard someone tell me. On the worst phone call of my life I was told “The World Trade Center is gone,” in plain language leaving no ambiguity. In reality the towers had not toppled yet, still emitting black smoke that seemed to emanate from hell itself. I would then walk the longest 13 city blocks of my life to a friend’s apartment just before 10:00 am. Almost immediately after I walked in, the South Tower collapsed. I was hopeful that at least one tower would stand, but then shortly after, all hope seemed lost as the North Tower came down. Many hours later a friend and I were on the roof of his building, watching the cloud of dust and debris move toward us (not a very good idea in retrospect as many health complications have been linked to debris and dust from the towers). We then heard a loud boom, which we would later find out was 7 World Trade Center crashing down.
On this day we are taking a break from legal updates and the election. Today we want to reflect on what was lost and on what was gained. Even if only for a short time, I have never witnessed so much comradery and unity as I did in the days coming out of September 11th. Including the 19 hijackers, 2,996 people died on 9/11 and while the hijackers will not receive any sympathy or understanding from me, they too had families, families they walked out on in order to achieve selfish and misguided goals. Hopefully that too will serve as a reminder, a reminder of the ineptitude of terrorism. Those men died only for the world to see the death of Osama Bin Laden, a dismantling of Al Qaeda, and an architectural masterpiece rise from the ashes.
Paul Ryan Almost Gives Hope For Reform Advocates
The prospects of marijuana becoming a campaign issue seemed dim for most of the presidential race. President Obama has avoided the issue when engaging in online forums and Mitt Romney had recently told a college crowd he would fight medical marijuana “tooth and nail”. Whether intentional or not, medical marijuana was front and center, even if for a brief time.
Mitt Romney has been running for president since 2007 with Biden and Obama now holding office for almost 4 years. Paul Ryan represents the only fresh face Americans may not be as familiar with. In a move that most likely upset Romney campaign organizers, Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan recently stated that he felt marijuana should be a state issue. He told a local television network in Colorado, KRDO TV, that “it’s up to Coloradans to decide.” Before activists get their hopes up he also added that medical marijuana “is something that is not a high priority of ours.” The stance makes sense as a growing wing of the Republican Party is seeking to promote state rights, smaller government, and fiscal responsibility.
Campaign officials for Romney/Ryan were quick to change the tone. They later released a statement that Paul Ryan agrees with Mitt Romney that marijuana should never be legalized. This is not the first time the two have not seen eye to eye. Mitt Romney has been attacked on many items in Paul Ryan’s controversial proposed budget which would make deep cuts to many social programs. The two also differ on abortion as Paul Ryan does not believe in exceptions even for incest, rape, or when a mother’s health is compromised. Additionally, last night on “Meet The Press” Mitt Romney said Republicans were wrong to vote to cut defense spending, even as it was brought to Mr. Romney’s attention that GOP leadership (including Ryan) voted for the cuts. This has seriously brought into question by analysts as to exactly why Mitt Romney selected Paul Ryan as his vice presidential candidate being that the two seem to differ substantially on issues.
Perhaps they are worried about their conservative base, a base that has not fully embraced Mitt Romney. However, it is always interesting when a candidate says something in plain language only to have a spokesperson take it back later. Are they trying to have their cake and eat it too by having Ryan curry favor with reform advocates, then turning around and appeasing the “tough on drugs” crowd? Even if Paul Ryan truly does support state rights in this instance, just putting toe in the water is not good enough. Patients have felt mislead by the President so a simple statement alone will not win over this community. The Romney/Ryan ticket had a chance to win over disenfranchised patients, but instead chose to do what Romney has been famous for, sending conflicting messages.