News & Articles
Government Response to Marijuana Questions is Comical
There has been a lot of serious developments lately in the world of marijuana reform. We were treated to a laugh recently as the DEA head Michele Leonhardt was unable to answer if crack and heroin were worse than marijuana. Colorado representative Jared Polis grilled Ms. Leonhardt and she was unable to formulate a coherent answer. Check out the video below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrHecD8JhfY
http://youtu.be/HrHecD8JhfY
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 10, 2012
Ten Dispensaries in Colorado Warned to Shut Down by Federal Government….
U.S. Attorney John Walsh has issued a new round of threatening letters to marijuana dispensaries. This time the letters are targeted at 10 collectives in Colorado. The ten dispensaries targeted by Walsh are in violation of state law with many being closer than 1,000 feet to a school. The collectives have 45 days from when they received the letters to either close or move their business. California dispensaries have dealt with a crackdown on their medical marijuana industry as well, however, since Colorado has more defined laws there have been far fewer closures. In November Colorado residents will have the opportunity to legalize medical marijuana due in large part to the efforts of Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol.
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North Dakota Residents May Get to Vote on Medical Marijuana…
Much of the success of the marijuana reform movement is linked to ballot initiatives votes by the people. North Dakota may also see its people vote on legalizing medical marijuana this November. The group North Dakotans for Compassionate Care helped collect the required 20,000 signatures. The signatures were recently submitted to North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger’s office. Only 13,500 signatures were required, however the signatures will be reviewed to determine if they are valid. If the signatures are valid voters in North Dakota will have the chance to legalize medical marijuana. If voters pass the proposed measure then patients will be able to possess up to 2½ ounces of pot for medical reasons and grow their own supply.
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Governor of Vermont Seeks Help From NORML in Re-Election Effort…
It used to be that groups such as NORML struggled to acquire funding. Apparently the tables turned with politicians seeking help from marijuana activists. Recently, Governor Shumlin of Vermont decided to contact NORML’s executive director Allen St. Pierre. He pledged his support for NORML’s cause be a national spokesperson for the national marijuana reform movement. Of course no political favor comes without a price tag and the governor asked for a contribution toward his re-election campaign. This shows cannabis reform has reached the highest level of politics. Governor Shumlin vowed to push for a decriminalization law if Allen St. Pierre and NORML donate the money. Shumlin is known to support a new approach toward cannabis law and the election for Vermont’s Governorship should interesting as Shumlin’s Republican opponent, Randy Brock said he was against any decriminalization message and was worried about the message it sends to children.
Where the Candidates Stand
The race for the American presidency has entered the period that can best be described as the calm before the storm. The candidates may be sniping at each other through the media, but otherwise we are in a lull waiting for the Republican candidate Mitt Romney to announce his running mate and the upcoming national conventions. However, before the race kicks into high gear we thought we would provide updates on the candidates and their plans marijuana reform.
Barack Obama:
The current president of the United States has upset many of his previous supporters by taking an unexpected harsh approach toward medical marijuana. Many federal raids have been conducted with letters and threats for more to come being sent out. The president has stayed mostly quiet about the war and drugs and it seems to be an inconvenient thorn in his side. Many are wondering if a second Barack Obama term would see a different approach. Many South and Central American nations have and are considering legalization/decriminalization measures as a way to try and reduce escalating violence by the cartels. Recently the president has said they are not going to legalize anytime soon but that he would be open to a discussion on the issue. Nancy Pelosi had recently signaled that there may be more movement on the issue after the election.
Mitt Romney:
Governor Romney has never supported medical marijuana (unless he has changed this view somewhere along the line) and does not appear inclined to start anytime soon. He famously walked away from a suffering man in a wheelchair who questioned the governor about medical cannabis. In a campaign stop on Colorado several months ago Mr. Romney was questioned about medical marijuana and he responded by asking if anyone wanted to discuss any “real” issues. Patients in Colorado were not pleased that Mr. Romney would not engage the issue and for those who are sick, the issue is all too real for them everyday. The campaign has been rough for the former governor lately, as his recent trip oversees was marred with controversy over his comments regarding Israel and Palestine, and his statement that London was not ready to hold the Olympics.
Gary Johnson:
Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson now serves as the flag bearer for marijuana reform on the presidential stage. While his chances of winning the White House may be slim, he is bringing a great deal of attention to the issue. The popular libertarian has polled as high as 8% nationally, which is a very high number for a third party candidate. His running mate is also a very well known advocate of marijuana reform and a former justice of the peace. Gary Johnson is trying to be included in the presidential debates, which would likely bring the issue to the forefront and prevent Barack Obama and Mitt Romney from sidestepping the issue.
Roseanne Barr:
The comedian and former television star has thrown her hat into the race. Similar to Governor Johnson, she has made marijuana reform one of her primary core issues. Recently she appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman and said they would have to pry a joint “out of her cold dead fingers”, an obvious parody to the late Charlton Heston and similar remarks he made regarding gun rights. Many have questioned if Roseanne is serious about a White House run, but so far she appears to be staying in the race.
The 2012 election appears to be heading down a historic path. It is unclear if marijuana reform will receive the attention it deserves but the time for dodging the questions seem to be running out. The war on drugs has long failed, and taxpayers have grown tired of watching their hard earned dollars be wasted during a time where we could put the money to better use. Check back with us as the race for the White House starts to heat up.
Olympics Highlight Outdated Marijuana Regulations
The Olympic Games provides the entire world with an opportunity to put aside our differences and enjoy the performances of the most skilled athletes across the globe. The interest in the London games seems to be at a peak as NBC has enjoyed massive ratings. However, as we have seen at every Olympic competition, there are some controversies that simply just do not make any sense.
Although the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, has graciously been one of America’s heroes for the past several Olympics, critics were quick to try and cause his demise when a pictured surfaced of him smoking marijuana. The athlete who dedicated his entire young life to his country and his craft was all of the sudden a villain for trying to unwind and enjoy some rare downtime. What would the story have been if he consumed a beer, which likely would be more detrimental to his training and diet? Phelps was suspended for 3 months from USA swimming even without ever failing a drug test. We are thrilled to see Phelps regain his previous form and take home three gold medals inflating his
Fortunately for Michael Phelps he was not banned from the games for his marijuana use. The same cannot be said for two devastated American athletes who have been banned from the London games for testing positive for marijuana. Female American wrestler Stephany Lee found out several weeks ago that she would not be permitted to compete. Also now forced to watch from home is judoka competitor Nicholas Delpopolo. He too tested positive for marijuana which will now compromise his life’s work.
Olympic organizers need to start to re-think their cannabis policy. Exactly why is it that a benign substance, and of the most commonly used around the world can result in a premature exit from Olympic competition? Performance enhancers such as steroids or human growth hormone can present an unfair competitive advantage and also have been linked to serious health complications. Of course most people agree with testing for performance enhancers, but marijuana clearly does not fit that bill. Marijuana use is becoming more accepted around the world and if the Olympic Games wants to showcase the best athletes they may have to start abiding by their true mission, which is to respect the cultures from around the world. Marijuana is now part of the world culture and criminalizing it for no other reason than enforcing the status quo is not at all part of the spirit we all tune in for.
Marijuana Updates Across the Country
With the federal government’s refusal to reclassify marijuana, medical cannabis progression has been achieved state by state. Most states have with medical marijuana programs are the result of ballot initiatives and efforts of local residents as state policy makers are unwilling to disobey federal law. The birth of modern medical marijuana got off to a bumpy start, and there may yet be future setbacks. However, in a country that cannot agree on much, it appears we are coming together over compassion, relief, and the law.
In Maine we recently learned of a story that shows how important it is to regulate cannabis and not turn a blind eye . Glenn W. Martin, a marijuana grower, used to illegally sell his crop to customers in New York and Boston. He has struggled, like many, with rising cost of living and had trouble paying his rising property taxes. Now that Maine has altered their laws, he is allowed to sell to patients and no longer has to hide his skills and the industry that he excels in. Last week Martin said “I’m focusing on how to make a high-quality product,’’ and It’s one of the best things to happen in our area.”
Moving across the country, there has been great news coming out of Arizona. Residents of the state passed a marijuana program about two years ago. However, Governor Jan Brewer and other state officials made every effort they could to derail the program. Having realized that ultimately the state has little choice but to allow the program to operate, there has been a different tone lately. The governor recently rejected formal letters by 13 county lawyers to stop the program. Ms. Brewer stated that she could not do so and was bound to the resident passed law. It now appears that dispensaries should be operating relatively soon. The town of Gilbert has started things off and is expected to hold a lottery to determine which dispensary applicants will be granted permission to start operating. Six potential dispensaries will be keeping their fingers crossed and hope that their name is on one of the two selected lottery balls drawn. Gilbert has 900 qualified medical marijuana cardholders and overall Arizona has 30,000 approved patients.
It may have taken some time but Arizona finally appears ready to abide by the wishes of its residents. On the side of the country Maine is showing a progressive approach to 40 years of failed laws and is starting to allow a necessary industry from operating in the shadows. Maine and Arizona are on opposite sides of the political spectrum but are showing that relief and compassion has little to do with blue vs. red states.
LA Councilman Shows Marijuana Appeal Growing
The move to ban dispensaries in the City of Los Angeles devastated patients and advocates not only in the area, but across the nation. Los Angeles has become the epicenter for the medical marijuana movement with sick patients moving their so they can pursue relief. While this move stings, it is not even clear if it will stick. The move by the Los Angeles City Council directly contradict a ruling by California’s 2nd District Court of Appeals, which stated weeks ago that municipalities do not have the right to ban marijuana dispensaries.
With that being said, we would like to look farther ahead than the day to day politics of marijuana, which in a frenzied election season are sure to change daily. Last week marijuana.net posted a story that shows just how far the perception of marijuana has evolved. Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl announced to the L.A. Times that he has been a medical marijuana patient himself for over ten years. The councilman said he medicates with cannabis to help alleviate symptoms related to neuropathy. Last week he revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer, explaining his absence from City Hall meetings and perhaps another reason he will medicate with cannabis. Mr. Rosendahl said he would have had a tough time without medical cannabis and the neuropathy makes his feet “red hot with pain.” Many politicians have admitted to previous marijuana use but usually chalk it up misguided decisions made in their youth. Few elected officials admit to currently smoking marijuana.
President Bill Clinton famously admitted to smoking marijuana, but he carefully tiptoed the political line and said he did not inhale. Under his administration many federal raids of marijuana dispensaries were carried out. Our current president, Barack Obama, admitted to frequent marijuana use in his earlier years only to now direct his agents toward the largest crackdown in medical marijuana’s 16 years. Although Bill Rosendahl is not the president, he may represent the next phase of balancing marijuana and politics. Is it crazy to think that one day a sitting president of the United States will also hold a medical marijuana card?
That day may yet be a ways off but Bill Rosendahl is showing that America is ready for the truth. With approximately 75% of the nation supporting a doctor’s right to prescribe cannabis, the game has changed. The future looks bright and we were glad to see that people came out in support of Mr. Rosendahl. His admission lets patients know they are not on their own, and that one of their own represents them. We at marijuana.net look forward to Bill Rosendahl’s return to the Los Angeles City Council, and his continued pursuit of providing compassion and relief.
Love is A Complicated Matter
Last week marijuana.net ran a story about President Obama and his roller coaster relationship with cannabis in an article titled “Can Hemp Repair Fractured Relationship Between Obama and Marijuana?”. In it we detailed a classic American love story that is currently fractured and in pieces. The president’s re-election campaign was selling scarves made of hemp, so we started to wonder if this was the first step to the president and marijuana getting on speaking terms again.
Similar to most all romantic problems, the issue can get very complex. Normally marijuana.net does not get into the “she said/he said” but we cannot resist here. Last week the move appeared to be an attempt to mend the fences but we have found out a new twist. Critics were upset with President Obama because the hemp used for the scarves has to be imported from China. Americans are still not allowed to grow industrial hemp despite all of its known uses and quality. The president has the ability to push to legalize hemp, instead, he choose to keep it in the dark. This move hurts desperate American farmers who could benefit tremendously from a newly legal hemp market.
The president and other elected officials often say “what kind of message does this send to our children” when describing hemp, medical marijuana, or cannabis legalization. However we must ask what kind of message does it send to our children that a benign wonder fiber that could jump start the economy has been criminalized? Even further what kind of message do we send when we say it is ok for China to produce and export hemp to us, but it is not appropriate for the United States to create their own hemp. What kind of message does it send to ignore our rich hemp history, (which includes an order by none other than General George Washington to grow hemp fiber for the Revolutionary War) especially in Kentucky. It always seems that the American government looks to other nations when they need their dirty work done.
The White House had to or should have been well aware of the critical reaction to this story. How could they think they would get away with acknowledging hemp’s usefulness and diverting the profits toward a re-election campaign but keeping it illegal on U.S. soil? The only theory we have is that the president was trying to antagonize his former love marijuana. Instead of granting her legal status he decided to take her cousin out on a date. Being a gentleman is not a prerequisite for the United States presidency, but the leader of the free world should know better.
Marijuana Name Game Still Hazy
Last year marijuana.net published an article titled “The Marijuana Name Game.” While the article takes on a light tone in the beginning, it does highlight some big problems with medical marijuana. The article cites a quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (The Balcony Scene Act 2-Scene 2) where Juliet says “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.”
Although we are proud of our own efforts of The Werc Shop and Marijuana.net in trying to make sense of the name game, there still is so much work to be done. Marijuana is fun, but popular culture typically only focuses on “stoner” humor, forgetting that cannabis is a wonderful medicine providing relief to so many in need. Without a true labeling and classification system set in place by state governments, it can be difficult for patients to know exactly what medicine is ideal for them, especially based on the names alone. What exactly does OG Kush mean to someone with chronic pain. Green Crack actually sounds like it may be more harmful than helpful.
We recently learned that a strain named Elephant Crush was recently created but was initially based on a fictional strain included in the novel “Baked,” by Mark Haskell Smith. In the book, the fictional character Miro Basinas, a botanist creates elephant crush and wins the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam. The character has grown tired of supposed tasteless hybrids and creates Elephant Crush to have a sweet mango taste. Waterfall Wellness now actually is carrying a strain named Elephant Crush and it is said to be based on the strain from “Baked”. Columnist David Downs recently wrote an article titled “Smell the Truth” which describes his trip to Waterfall Wellness. Downs inquires about the genetics of Elephant Crush, but the budtender has no answers and says the genetics are a mystery. We have to ask, would a shrug of the shoulders be considered an acceptable explanation for what is included in conventional medicines?
This is not the first time we have seen strains take on names from fictional works. Pineapple Express is one of the most famous examples of this as the strain did not exist before the Seth Rogen and James Franco movie was released. There is nothing wrong with having some fun with medical marijuana but the focus needs to be on genetics and science. With a proper labeling system, silly and fun names could continue to be the norm if the necessary genetic information was included.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 3, 2012
Federal Crackdown on Dispensaries Continues in San Francisco…
There does not appear to be any end in sight for federal raids targeting marijuana dispensaries. Attorney General Eric Holder has reiterated that they will not use federal resources to go after law abiding collectives, however that statement no longer appears true. Without any evidence of wrongdoing, federal authorities announced their intention to shut down the iconic and world’s largest marijuana dispensary, Harborside Health Center. This week we learned that two prominent San Francisco collectives, Vapor Room and Hope Net would also be forced to shut their doors. HopeNet Co-founder Catherine Smith said, “The Justice Department sent our landlord one of those nasty letters. So this is our D-Day, we have to leave.” Ray Chico who operates the popular jar company Doob Tubes, said the dispensary closings are hurting more than just patients and collective employees. He noticed his business also take a turn for the worse and has been forced to let go of staff.
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Michigan Court of Appeals Rules Cities Cannot Ban Marijuana Dispensaries…
Recently California’s 2nd Circuit of Appeals ruled that cities cannot outlaw marijuana dispensaries. The Los Angeles City Council seemed undeterred by this and went forward with what may be considered an illegal ban on dispensaries. Michigan courts have now issued a similar ruling. In the city of Wyoming Michigan an ordinance was passed that outlawed collectives. John Ter Beek of Wyoming Michigan filed a suit in 2010 challenging the ban, and the ACLU also joined the suit. Michigan’s appellate court ruled that a local ordinace does not overrule a state law. In this case since medical marijuana is protected on a state level, local municipalities cannot enact laws that conflict with state laws and outlaw dispensaries. Dan Korobkin of the ACLU was pleased with the ruling and said “In 2008, people across the state overwhelmingly voted to protect patients who use marijuana to treat their medical conditions from punishment and penalty.”
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Arizona Asked to Expand Medical Marijuana Program…
Arizona’s medical marijuana program got off to a rocky start and was delayed by two years after being passed by a vote of the people. There are still calls by opponents of medical marijuana for Governor Jan Brewer to end the program. Ms. Brewer did not have her most triumphant political moment in court and was chided by a federal judge for the way they handled the situation. However, as the Governor has received a great deal of criticism by marijuana advocates, they may be praising her today. Thirteen county attorney’s in Arizona drafted a letter formally requesting that Governor Brewer halt the medical marijuana program. She has rejected the request and wrote a response letter where she said “I am duty-bound to implement the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, and my agency will do so unless and until I am instructed otherwise.” Patients will be pleased to hear this as the it ultimately is the responsibility of elected officials to carry out the will of the people, even if they do not agree with a situation on a personal level.
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Activists Urging Costa Mesa Voters to Lift Medical Marijuana Ban…
Advocates of medical marijuana submitted close to 6,800 signatures in an effort to get an initiative on the ballot to legalize non-profit medical marijuana collectives. Dispensary owner Robert Martinez said “It’s imperative to provide safe access for veterans and cancer patients. I’m super stoked to bring these signatures.” The number of signatures is 1,000 more than the 5,812 required signatures which represents 10% of the Costa Mesa population. However, often many signatures are invalidated during ballot initiatives and if the effort requires more signatures activists will only have until August 10 if they wish to have the issue placed before voters this November.
Marijuana Advocate and L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl is Receiving Treatment for Cancer
Last week the Los Angeles City Council voted to ban marijuana dispensaries. As they say, “You’ll never understand a person until you walk a mile in their shoes.” Cannabis patients are judged harshly by our elected officials. Perspective often changes when a problem hits home.
Earlier in the week, Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl announced to the Los Angeles Times that he has been a medical marijuana patient himself for over ten years. The councilman said he medicates with cannabis to help alleviate symptoms related to neuropathy. Mr. Rosendahl said the neuropathy makes his feet “red hot with pain.” Yesterday we found out that he may have another reason to continue medicating with cannabis. In a letter titled “I’m Going To Beat This,” the councilman revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer in his pelvic area. In the letter he said “My doctors feel there is abundant reason for optimism. The cancer is slow moving, has not spread to any vital organs and does not affect my digestive system.” He then went on to say “I am going to beat this cancer and return to work soon. I am going to seek, win and complete a third term.”
The popular city councilman has been a longtime supporter of legalizing marijuana nationwide. He recently told the LA Times that “it’s been clear for 20 to 30 years where I stand on this issue. I think the war on drugs is destroying this great nation.” Councilman Rosendahl was unable to to attend last week’s City Council session where marijuana dispensaries were outlawed by a vote of 14-0. The councilman who did attend apparently did not share Mr. Rosendahl’s sentiments on failed marijuana laws. Taking away dispensaries could seriously jeopardize the ability for patient’s health and may lead to increases in illegal street sales.
With his recent admission, it may force the rest of the council members to acknowledge a marijuana patient up close and personal. Before the planned dispensary ban even begins fellow council members will witness the impact of their decision firsthand. They will have to look their colleague and peer in the eye and state exactly why they are against safe access. This seems significantly more difficult than occasionally hearing patient stories at public meetings in City Hall. We at marijuana.net are hoping for Bill Rosendahl to make a speedy recovery. Patients desperately need his compassion and leadership and we eagerly await his return to the City Council.