News & Articles
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 31, 2012
Los Angeles Ban On Dispensaries Appears to be Put on Hold…
The controversial decision to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles was met with resistance from activists. Many patients have been anxious about how exactly they were going to safely access medication and if they would have to turn to traditional illegal methods of obtaining it. The Los Angeles City Council, especially Councilman Huizar have seemed especially determined to end dispensaries even as the legalities mount against their actions. It appears that court decisions have invalidated the right for municipalities to ban dispensaries. While that did little to stop the city from threatening a closure which was set to take effect in days, apparently the ballot initiative from Americans for Safe Access did succeed. Organizers submitted slightly over 49,000 votes with only 27,425 needed. The signatures will be examined and validated which typically takes at least a few days. If the signatures are approved then the Los Angeles City Council will have 30 days to either overturn the ban or put it a vote by residents. Councilman Huizar still seemed determined to wipe any perceived egg off his face. He said the city could still close shops that were in violation of state law and operating at a profit. Of course marijuana.net searched extensively and could not find where ASA, or other organizers said any different. However, eliminating all 700+ dispensaries, many of which are not making a profit is an altogether different story and may have been an overreach on the part of the City Council.
Marijuana Decriminalization May Come to Springfield Missouri…
Many activists in Springfield Missouri have been seeking a new approach toward marijuana laws. The goup Show Me Cannabis Regulation was successful in collecting enough signatures to get a ballot initiative to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana to the ballots. The group was successful in collecting the required signatures. As the case is in most areas, lawmakers can approve a ballot initiative or reject the issue and send it for residents to vote on. While the City Council of Springfield voted 6-3 to approve the decriminalization effort, lawmakers now have 30 days to amend the bill. The move appears to be a shrewd move aimed at keeping the issue away from a public vote. As stated already, if the vote failed then voters would get a chance to approve the measure. Now it seems several of the “yes” votes by the city council were simply to keep the issue in house. Now they have 30 days to change and basically strip away the decriminalization law. Councilman Jeff Seifried said of that he supported passing the legislation “then gutting, the entire ordinance.” Unless our interpretation of this comment is incorrect, it sounds as if Councilman Tommy Bieker has similar plans. He said “I will be voting in support with the intent of turning around and working out the amendment.” Many residents may grow resentful that the City Council would take drastic measures to avoid having the people of Springfield ultimately decide the fate of the law.
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President Obama Participates in Reddit AMA Though Some were not Pleased…
As we close in on the 2012 presidential election, the candidates will try to utilize every way to connect with the people. We are in the middle of the convention season as Mitt Romney concluded the Republican National Convention by making his speech and officially accepting the nomination. On Tuesday the Democratic National Convention will get under way. In the midst of high profile coverage it may be a surprise that the President decided to pursue a very new way of connecting with voters. On Wednesday President Obama participated in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) where he encouraged voters to submit questions. The president has also taken part in other online forums aimed at connecting with voters. While we cannot say they have not been effective, he has dodged the issue of marijuana reform and the war on drugs now several times. Yesterday many were upset that the president seemingly ignored the growing calls for marijuana reform. However, we at marijuana.net would like to applaud him for taking part, even if his answers were not ideal. The president seems to be more in tune with the growing online culture than other current and previous candidates. While he may be avoiding the conversation to some extent, it is a unique situation that a president would directly converse with voters. However, in the future a free pass may not be granted if he partakes in another online forum encouraging questions on everything but simply handpicking his answers.
New Teen Marijuana Study Shows Need for Regulation
As the Republican National Convention concludes tonight with a speech from Mitt Romney and the Democratic Convention kicks off next week, the election season is officially shifting into high gear. Polling and coverage of the upcoming 2012 presidential election, and the three previous held in 2008, 2004, and 2000 show an extremely divided country. On most issues one side of the other is quick to jump on any information that can make their stance seem like the singularly correct position. However, often this can be much more of a matter of inflating one’s ego then laying out helpful advice for the future of our nation.
Medical marijuana has been a topic with strong support, and of course strong opposition. However, polls show Americans have quickly shifted their attitude toward medical marijuana (approximately 75% of Americans support a physician’s right to prescribe marijuana to patients), the failed war on drugs, and useless incarcerations of non violent offenders. Research and patient testimony is starting to build a rather concrete case that marijuana does in fact offer substantial medical usefulness.
However, opponents of any cause ignore overwhelming evidence on one side only to embrace any fact that strengthens their own argument, usually through exaggeration or distortion. This week, a study conducted at Duke University was released that indicated that frequent use of marijuana (4x per week) in teens could possibly lead to lower IQs later in life. Study researcher Madeline Meier said “The findings are consistent with speculation that cannabis use in adolescence, when the brain is undergoing critical development, may have neurotoxic effects.” The study also concluded that IQ reduction seemed limited to teens. Those who started smoking marijuana as adults showed no change in IQ levels.
The news did not take long to excite those who have been salivating for their chance to condescend toward cannabis. OC Weekly quickly published an article titled “Smoking Pot Makes Teens Stupid, Study Says”. Of course the study actually said it lowers IQ by up to 8 points. Absent from many of the knee jerk responses is the fact that most drugs that are illegal for teens to use can have a negative impact on their still developing brains. According to many authorities, including the journal Psychology of Addictive Behaviors teenage alcohol use can lead to litany of developmental disorders including the damaging of brain tissue and memory loss. Many other studies on teen alcohol use have been conducted that also do not offer an optimistic picture those who start drinking earlier in life. With prescription pill abuse skyrocketing and far more accessible for teens, do we really think it has no impact on the developing adolescent mind?
While marijuana will receive the venom by virtue of the fact that it is illegal we have to stop and think how this continues to make opponents call for no regulation. Alcohol is legal but requires proper identification to purchase it. We know that alcohol can harm our teens, so in turn we do not ignore the issue and hope beyond hope that it simply disappears. In fact, Colorado’s Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol often features concerned parents in their ads. These parents are not pushing for regulation because they want their children to smoke marijuana. To the contrary they are seeking legalization and regulation to keep it out of teens hands. While opponents may be pleased to read about bullet points that satisfy their intellect, would they not be more satisfied to provide answers? The bottom line is that we have to pay attention to what is going on and as the conventions unfold and the election season progresses, will we hear anything about how to deal with the issue of teenage drug abuse? Not likely, but concerned citizens already have concluded that the situation falls into the hands of the people.
Marijuana Gets Political As GOP Convention Gets Underway
This week the Republican National Convention has commenced. The goal of the convention will be to officially nominate former Governor Mitt Romney as the Republican candidate for president of the United States. The convention has been forced to do a balancing act because Hurricane Isaac has been looming. The guest speakers, which included Ann Romney, Rick Santorum and Chris Christie, were tasked with the goal of painting Mitt Romney as the man who can turn our country around. Absent from any of the speeches was marijuana reform, even as it is becoming a large concern for many Americans. The convention will continue throughout the week, however, since mainstream coverage will ignore the issue, marijuana.net would like to take this time to discuss some political updates that will not make it to the airwaves this week.
The two party system in the United States has disenfranchised many and created a sentiment that we have very limited choices. This could explain why the United States Medical Marijuana Chamber of Commerce has now officially endorsed a president that has overseen the largest attack on medical marijuana patients in 16 years. Fear of Mitt Romney seems to have prompted the endorsement. Thomas L. Leto III, President and Founder of the group said in a statement this week “The Economic Potential of the Cannabis Business in the U.S. is Limitless and President Obama understands this, It is our impression that Mr. Romney just doesn’t get it. Mitt Romney is known for his business success and would probably be able to forecast how large the legalized marijuana is set to grow in the coming years. However, his campaign has been forced to embrace far right wing ideals which would likely prevent him from enacting reform measures. Many are confident that an Obama second term would see a less toxic atmosphere for marijuana, while many fear the unknown with a Romney presidency.
We would also like to touch on another political issue that will likely fly under the radar this week. The NAACP has announced their endorsement of Washington States Initiative 502. New Approach Washington has been instrumental in collecting enough signatures from residents in order to get the issue of marijuana legalization and regulation in front of voters this November. As reported by marijuana.net last week, the group also backed Colorado’s Ammendment 64, a ballot initiative that will also face a vote by residents and is similar to Washington’s Initiative 502. NAACP President of the Alaska, Washington State, and Oregon chapter, Oscar Eason, Jr. said “Treating marijuana use as a crime has not only failed, it has perpetuated racial inequities through unequal enforcement.” He also went on to say “African Americans are no more likely than whites to use marijuana, but we are much more likely to be arrested for it.” This sentiment also matches the rationale for the NAACP backing of the Colorado legalization efforts.
As the road to the White House unfolds we will continue to provide updates. Next week is the Democratic National Convention to be held in North Carolina. While we expect a dodging of the marijuana issue there, we would like to remind the president that he could truly galvanize a large voting base by demonstrating some concern for reform and medical patients. We would also hope that Hurricane Isaac passes through with minimal damage. Our hearts, once again, are with the Gulf region.
Veterans May Catch a Break in Oregon
As the 2012 presidential election nears, we will hear two men in suits talking quite a bit about our soldiers. They will congratulate and praise them, but they will also ignore their basic needs. Returning home after enduring the daily struggles of a foreign military conflict is not an envious position. Our government has a responsibility to help who protect our country. Integrating back into civilian life has proven difficult for many soldiers and with cuts to veteran hospitals and benefits the future does not appear to hold an easier path.
Of course there is an affordable and accessible plan by many to help our soldiers. Instead of addicting prescription pills that ultimately prove less effective, medical marijuana has been crucial to many returning soldiers. If we are unwilling to tax, regulate, and stimulate the economy with our antiquated marijuana laws, then of course we would be willing to make an exception for those who ensure our own comfortable lives. That assumption could not be further from the truth as many states, and The White House have ignored the pleas of veteran organizations.
Recently we did learn there was hope for those soldiers living in Oregon. Oregonlive.com published an article that describes the efforts of veteran groups and activists seeking to add PTSD to list of conditions that qualify for medical marijuana use. The article describes the situations of several struggling veterans including Jared Townsend. Mr. Townsend is an Iraq war veteran and recently said that cannabis use can “balance life out a little bit better.” He also went on to say “If I get racing thoughts and real worked up, it can break a panic attack pretty quick.” While there is considerable momentum for attempting to change the law, precedent is not encouraging. In the 14 years of Oregon’s medical marijuana program only new condition (agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease) has been added to the list of permissible uses. In order to get the law changed, a petition will have to be submitted. Then the Oregon Health Authority will select who sits on a panel to review the submission. Veteran and marijuana advocates claim that past panels have included many anti marijuana members.
Research is still not conclusive on just how effective cannabis is toward treating complications associated with PTSD. Dr. John J. Halpern, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School said there is an “overabundance of case reports” that suggest that marijuana helps PTSD sufferers. However he cited political reasons for a lack of research. Cannabis is the only schedule 1 substance that requires additional review by National Institute on Drug Abuse in order to conduct research. Many are incensed that the least destructive substance in the schedule 1 category requires so much additional red tape navigation. Many analysts have noted that a lack of research seems to be a convenient answer as that line can be used over and over by the same lawmakers who simultaneously block the research. Although research is needed to determine the future of PTSD treatment, we at marijuana.net trusts the tens of thousands of soldiers who have no reason to coordinate a large scale conspiracy. Our heroes need relief and we cannot arm them to fight foreign wars but simply take away any tools that would help with reintegration.
Feds May Not Be Able to Flex Muscles After New State Laws
Similar to an annoying gym rat who screams as he exhales while hogging up any full body mirrors, our federal government acts like a “juicehead”, usually eager to show off and flex any chance it gets. We witnessed this during the medical marijuana raids of the Clinton and G.W. Bush presidencies but in 2008 we were then promised newer and smarter ideas. We were promised a fully body approach complete with calisthenics and nutritional eating. However, despite such claims we find ourselves back to square one, paying taxes to a government that is more concerned with feeding its inflating ego and only working out its upper body. Last fall, dispensary raids conducted a rate previously unseen.
Recently, 23 medical marijuana businesses in Washington were sent threatening letters from the DEA, informing them they would have to shut down or face prosecution. The letters were sent out to dispensaries that are in violation of Washington state law as they are operating within school zones. Matthew G. Barnes, of Seattle’s DEA sent the letters which asked dispensaries to “Please take the necessary steps to discontinue the sale and/or distribution of marijuana…within 30 days.”
While the federal government has made it clear they would like to dismantle the entire medical marijuana program, they have chosen a careful route in doing so. Because they do not want to be accused of interfering with state laws, they so far claim to only target dispensaries that are in violation of state law. Many feel that threats to Harborside Health and other high profile California collectives had nothing to do with state law. In addition to the comments included above, Mr. Barnes made statements that did not seem to be concerned with upholding Washington State law as he said “The DEA will not turn a blind eye to criminal organizations that attempt to use state or local law as a shield for their illicit drug trafficking activities.”
The statement actually seems to insinuate that these collectives were attempting to “traffic drugs” at a profit and that respecting state laws had little to do with the decision. Of course anytime the White House is challenged on the issue they still maintain that they only get involved once state laws are broken. This is a statement that could soon backfire as three states will allow its residents to vote on totally legalizing marijuana, even for recreational use. How sacred will state law be to the feds if Washington, Oregon, or Colorado or all three legalize marijuana? Will the feds continue to flex their muscle and admit their disregard for state laws after using it as their defense for so long? Will they try to be more subtle, or will they walk away from the mirror and try to use all of their resources and strength to help instead of harm?
New York Public View Marijuana Law Ranked Dumbest in America
Here at marijuana.net we have printed many articles that focus on New York state’s controversial public view marijuana law. Even though New York decriminalized marijuana in the 1970s, lawmakers left in a key provision that takes away much of the intended progress. If marijuana is in “plain view” then a misdemeanor charge can be brought up instead of the far less severe civil citation ticket. Unfortunately, many officers especially in New York City have used this loophole to arrest many especially African Americans and Hispanic teens. Officers utilized “stop and frisk”, a tactic that has police demanding residents empty their pockets. Once this occurs then police often arrest people on the more serious charge because the marijuana is now in plain sight. The popular NYC newspaper, The Village Voice, recently published an article that describes how New York’s marijuana law is considered the dumbest in the nation by reason.com. Although Governor Cuomo made an effort to fix the law, many mocked him and the problem does not seem to have any chance of being fixed anytime soon.
Former NHL Hockey Player Starts Hemp Organization
While it is common for professional athletes to turn to charitable work after they leave athletics, former NHL player Riley Cote is in uncharted waters. The ex-Philadelphia Flyer has decided to start organize a concert festival called “Hemp Heals”. His view on hemp has been inspired by his sister and the healing she has found with hemp food products. Cote’s sister suffers from MS. The concert/festival will be held today so anyone in the Philadelphia area is encouraged to attend. Hemp Heals aimed at promoting hemp awareness and education and will include high profile musical acts such as Sublime with Rome and longtime activists Cypress Hill. Cote said he was not “a pothead” though did say he believed in the effectiveness of medical marijuana. However, he seems inclined to focus on the many benefits of hemp. Recently he said “People are foreign to it, but hemp is a superfood, like almonds. It’s full of protein and fiber. I’m promoting industrial hemp as an eco-friendly material for clothing and a healthy food option.” Cote currently coaches the minor league hockey team “The Adirondack Phantoms” and looks as if his free time from coaching will be filled up with hemp activism.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 24, 2012
Court Ruling Could Reverse Dispensary Bans in California…
The Los Angeles City Council has come under much scrutiny after its controversial decision to ban all medical marijuana dispensaries. Many even wondered if they had the legal authority to even enact such a law with a decision by California’s 2nd District of Appeals stating that dispensaries could not banned. The city decided to move forward with the ban even though it was clear they would have to spend considerable tax dollars defending their ill advised legal decision. A lawsuit has already been filed by the “Patient Care Alliance” challenging the ban. Additionally, Americans For Safe Access have been in the process of collecting the necessary signatures to get a ballot initiative off the ground that would present residents with a chance to overturn the ban themselves. The lawsuit and the ballot initiative may not even be necessary in the end as we recently learned that the court case Pack V. Long Beach was thrown out by the California Supreme Court. Previously, the decision in Pack V. Long Beach ruled that marijuana dispensaries could be banned on the basis that medical marijuana is not permitted by federal law. As a result, municipalities such as L.A. and Long Beach used the decision to ban dispensaries. The state supreme court ruled that since the municipalities have abandoned their federal argument in the recent bans, then everything pertaining to Pack V. Long Beach has been invalidated. Joe Elford of Americans for Safe Access applauded the decision and said “The California Supreme Court has essentially pulled out the rug from under local officials who have used the Pack decision to deny access to medical marijuana for thousands of patients across the state.”
For more on this decision click here
NAACP Backs Marijuana Legalization Effort In Colorado…
A group familiar with social struggles announced its support for Amendment 64 and Colorado’s marijuana legalization efforts. The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was formed in 1909 setting out on a mission “to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.” The oldest civil rights organization is now seeking passage of Amendment 64. However, their support is not entirely linked to the right to smoke marijuana itself as the group is also very much concerned with the disproportionate numbers of African Americans being jailed for cannabis related convictions. Rosemarie Harris Lytle, president of the NAACP’s Colorado branch said “Marijuana prohibition policy does more harm to our communities than good. “That is why we have endorsed Amendment 64 which presents a more effective and socially responsible approach to how Colorado addresses the adult use of marijuana.” Arrests numbers by race are discouraging across the country but Colorado seems to have an even greater racial disparity in marijuana arrests than other areas of the country. In Colorado, African Americans make up 4% of population but make up 9% of marijuana possession arrests and 22% of sale and cultivation charges. In Denver the numbers are even more alarming as 11% of Denver’s population is African American even as they represent 31.5% of marijuana possession arrests.
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Medical Marijuana Makes Arkansas Ballot for November Election…
Activists in Arkansas faced a major setback when they were unable to deliver enough votes to get medical marijuana to the ballot earlier this summer. However, a renewed effort has been successful with 74,406 signatures being submitted this time. The number is higher than the 62,507 needed. However ballot initiatives often see a significant number of signatures disqualified. This was not the case in Arkansas as the Arkansas Secretary of State said earlier this week that “Our office verified over 69,000 signatures for Arkansans for Compassionate Care. They will be certified to the ballot.” If residents approve the measure Arkansas will join the 17 other states (and Washington D.C.) that permit medical marijuana. They would, however, become the first southern state to start a medical marijuana program.
US Government Burns Through More Than One Billion Dollars in Recent Marijuana Crackdown
Over the past year, the federal government has intensified its anti-marijuana crusade. Analysts are unsure of the exact reasons, especially as it seemed tolerance was in the air when President Obama was elected. Starting last fall, federal raids on medical marijuana dispensaries were carried out in several states including California, Montana, and Colorado. However, burning through marijuana this way may just show how out of touch our elected officials with the wishes of the average American.
However, the DEA reported this week that they have destroyed well over 1 billion dollars worth of marijuana since launching an intense effort on July 1st. The popular news site “The Raw Story” said that, according to the Justice Department “Federal, state and local law enforcement in the seven states have eradicated more than 578,000 marijuana plants from public lands. The DEA estimates the value of this marijuana to be well over $1 billion.” Over 80% of the plants destroyed by the government were located in California.
Sending out huge teams to search, locate, and terminate the plants does not come without cost. No one has confirmed just how much the recent effort is costing taxpayers. There are understandable reasons as to why the government would go after the grows (other than just pursuing their outdated policies on marijuana). The Department of Justice said they removed “Huge amounts of trash, miles of irrigation line, and many pounds of fertilizer and pesticides were removed from grow sites on public lands.” All of this only further highlights the need for a regulated system. Under a more defined system,
As the American public calls for both medical and recreational legalization of cannabis, how long can we expect federal agencies to keep these efforts up? Though they frame their actions as a way of helping the public, no one wants to lose their job. Recently, heads turned when Todd Akin showed just how disconnected he was with his comments on “legitimate rape” and women’s health. Both major political parties stand to lose considerable power as the people will continue to bypass ineffective leaders with ballot initiatives to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana as a way to fix both our healthcare and economic system. Instead of destroying 1 billion in cannabis (plus the cost of sending out agents) jobs, tax revenues, and preserving the natural beauty of America could be our focus instead.
Brazilian Artists Substitutes Paint With Marijuana Smoke
Marijuana and art have enjoyed a successful union for decades in the United States, and perhaps for even thousands of years in other regions. Marijuana.net has been proud to report on stories that highlight artists inspired by marijuana. However, a new story has come to our attention that takes the marriage of art and cannabis to a new level.
While most artists have a preferred medium, Brazilian painter Fernando de la Rocque’s palette is particularly unique. This artist utilizes marijuana to craft his paintings. Fernando de la Rocque actually smokes and then exhales cannabis through a stencil and onto paper. The results are actually beautiful works that have a golden tint to them. Though it may seem like a lazy way to create his drawings, the finished product actually requires him to blow up to five joints through the stencil per day for about a week. There may be a translation issue with the title of his new collection as Fernando is calling it “Blow Job”. All jokes about the title aside, Fernando de la Rocque was very serious in describing his work. He recently said “more important than freedom to smoke marijuana is the freedom to think about it and make art with it.”
Fernando de la Rocque’s work is showing just how much marijuana acceptance is growing. His work will even be included in the La Cucaracha Gallery in Rio de Janeiro. Obviously his work will not be relegated to a fringe audience as a mainstream gallery feels it deserves floor space. The pictures typically are sold for approximately $2,500 each. While that may seem expensive to some (though work from other artists can be sold for much more money) Fernando del Rocque’s medium costs considerably more than pastels or water paints.
Fans of his work may also appreciate his dedication to his craft. As is the case in most countries, marijuana is illegal in Brazil so there is risk in the art Fernando creates. Artists have been depicting images for thousands of years that could get them in trouble, though this may be one of the first instances where it is the medium itself that cause the controversy.