News & Articles
Landmark Case: Will the United States Choose Religious Tolerance or Marijuana Intolerance?
Religious tolerance is one of the founding principles of the United States. As the election process has unfolded we have heard about perceived religious persecution of Christian America, especially from Rick Santorum. Yesterday he suspended his campaign for president and vowed “We’re going to continue to fight for the Americans who stood up and gave us that air under our wings that allowed us to accomplish things that no political expert would have expected.”
The continued “fight” will likely revolve around religion but will Santorum and the rest of the government support religious tolerance for other groups? The Oklevueha Native American Church utilizes marijuana as a part of their religious rituals. As the title of this article suggests, will our country choose religious freedom or continue to wage war against individual liberties? A new lawsuit, Oklevueha Native American Church of Hawaii Inc. V. Holder, may force the federal government to make that choice. The suit may stimulate a national conversation on marijuana and stop the federal government from avoiding an honest discussion with the American people.
Earlier this week the Ninth Circuit Court of Federal Appeals ruled that Okleveuha Native American Church could sue the federal government over marijuana seizures. The decision reverses the ruling from a lower court decision rendered by U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway. The group is seeking protection through the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the case is the result of authorities seizing marijuana from Rex Mooney, member of the church. The Okleveuha Church is affiliated with the larger Native American church and already has been granted legal use of peyote for religious rituals.
The Okleveuha Native American Church aims to promote education on “American Native indigenous ceremonies.” With peyote already being having been granted legal status for religious uses, it would seem like typical petty pot politics to prevent marijuana from attaining the same legal status. The case may prove to be historic on several levels. For one, it could be an extremely pivotal moment for religious rights for the original Americans, and may also force the federal government into legalizing at least some form of marijuana use.
Medical Marijuana Finally Gains Momentum with New York State Lawmakers
Although the Oaksterdam situation has received national media coverage, it is important not to lose sight of the larger picture. Everyday members of state level governments show they are not intimidated by federal bullying. Unfortunately, in the third largest state in U.S., medical marijuana discussions have been surprisingly quiet in the political spectrum, until now.
New York has approximately 20 million residents, many of which are seeking relief from debilitating medical conditions. The Empire State has failed to enact legislation that permits medical marijuana previously, but the political tides seem to be turning. State Senator Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island) is the lead sponsor of a new medical marijuana bill that will be introduced shortly in the state assembly. The assembly is controlled by Democrats and has approved several of the previous measures that were rejected by the New York Senate. State Democrats are confident that they can muster enough Republican support for the bill, leaving New York’s Governor as the wild card.
Governor Andrew Cuomo ran a campaign in 2010 where he directly stated his opposition to legalizing medical marijuana in New York. However, his stance seems to be softening a bit. Governor Cuomo now acknowledges that there has been more research on marijuana’s benefits and that the issue can be revisited. However, he says he does not feel there is enough time left in this year’s legislative session to properly hold the discussion. While the statement may buy time for Cuomo, it does not seem like he is willing to outright dismiss the idea any longer. There could be good reason for this as a Quinnipiac University poll conducted shortly after Cuomo took office in 2010 showed that 71% of New Yorkers were in favor of medical marijuana.
Andrew Cuomo is a second generation Governor and likely learned a great deal about what it takes to succeed running New York State. His father Mario Cuomo, spent 12 years as Governor of New York state. It does not take a political genius to realize that ignoring the wishes of millions of New Yorkers may not be politically savvy . Patients may place pressure on the Governor in order for him to accelerate discussions, and make up his mind sooner rather than later.
Richard Lee Forced to Walk Away from Oaksterdam yet remains Positive
Marijuana.net hopes you all had a nice holiday weekend. With so much preparation for the holiday it can be difficult to keep up with new developments in the medical marijuana industry. While we wish the only updates were related to Easter egg hunts and Passover Seders, patients learned that their struggles do not take a rest, even during the holidays.
The Oaksterdam raid by federal authorities has generated considerable attention in the media nationwide. Richard Lee, who ran the university as well as a medical marijuana dispensary has decided to give up his business operations. The news is troubling for many patients and advocates who have found inspiration through his tireless efforts. Richard Lee is well known for his dedication to patients and spent over 1.5 million dollars in an attempt to pass proposition 19, a measure aimed at legalizing marijuana in California. After the raids of his home and businesses, Mr. Lee is left with few options and has been forced to shut his doors to patients. He may face many years in jail, and federal law even calls for the death sentence in cases where an individual possess over 60,000 plants. Richard Lee admitted he did not know how many plants were seized during the raid though it still seems unlikely he would face execution.
Fortunately, Mr. Lee is utilizing an upbeat approach to his situation, despite facing what may be a lengthy jail sentence, or worse. He sees his situation as a possible motivation point for activists. Richard Lee recently stated “I think the nationwide coverage of the raid shows that there is a story here that a lot of people would like to see and like to hear about.” He also went on to say “We are getting very close to a tipping point on this issue,” and referenced the fact that Oaksterdam has trained approximately 15,000 individuals, many of which are willing to continue the march toward marijuana reform. The national coverage of the story may help Lee, as polls show that a vast majority of Americans support a physician’s right to prescribe marijuana to patients. A harsh sentence for Mr. Lee may result in a harsh public backlash.
We wish the best for Richard Lee as his efforts have provided compassionate relief for so many patients. While his legal downfall could help the future of medical marijuana, we do not want to lose focus on the individual. Hopefully, the federal government will find some sensibility and provide leniency on someone hoping to promote education, safety, and compassion.
Tinctures, another way to medicate
There are many ways of medicating with cannabis. Today, the most common method is smoking, either from a rolled cigarette, pipe, or bong. We’ve also discussed vaporizing, as its popularity has soared, as well as edibles such as brownies and chocolates. There is yet another way, the use of tinctures. A tincture is an alcoholic extract or solution of a nonvolatile substance. Tinctures are one of the oldest and simplest ways to medicate. In fact, prior to 1937 (when Marijuana was made illegal) every pharmacy sold cannabis tinctures, and physicians had them on hand at all times. Queen Victoria of England, was even known to use them to treat her menstrual cramps; nobody wanted a crabby monarch on the throne.
Cannabis tinctures are relatively easy to make and simple to administer. They are often stored in vials with medicine droppers and dosed out in drops. Depending on the strength of a particular batch, 2-3 drops are all that are needed for relief from disorders. The most effective way is to apply it sublingually (under the tongue). It is absorbed directly through the membranes and blood vessels below the tongue and usually takes effect between 5-30 minutes after application. Some patients complain of a burning sensation when applied also. This is usually caused by the ethanol base of the tincture. Depending on the proof of the alcohol, higher proof equals a bit more burning. In that case, the medicine can be taken orally, swallowed and digested. When used as such, the time lapse before effect will increase because it needs to be absorbed in the stomach and then processed through the liver.
There are several ways of producing cannabis tinctures, but all agree that the higher proof content of alcohol will result in a higher quality medication. Everclear is the highest proof (190) ethanol that exists on the market, though it is not available in all states. Barring Everclear, Bacardi’s 151 rum (75% ethanol) is usually easy to find, but rums will impart some of their flavor and coloring to final product. Below that, there are some very high quality vodkas available at 100-120 proof that also work quite well. The next step is to procure some quality herbs and grind them down. Some recipes call for extra fine, and others say a good chopping is all that’s required. The object here is to increase surface area for the alcohol work on to leech the cannabinoids from the plant into liquid. Flowers, leaves and stems can all be used in the mix. The next step is where most recipes diverge. There are hot or cold preparations and then different “brewers” say it should steep for as little as 4 hours to as long as 12 weeks. The longer it steeps, the more time the alcohol has to work. When the proper time has elapsed, the mix should be strained and stored in glass jars in a cool area and out of sunlight. All recipes agree on this, light will have a detriment on the strength of the product.
Patients should also consider what they are seeking to treat when deciding on the strain they select for their tincture. Indica dominant strains work best for cramping and muscle spasticity while Sativas are better for pain relief. These days, as selection is so varied, marijuana.net recommends using our strain library to help find what is best for you. Also, in states where dispensaries are legal, speak with knowledgeable employees to help find the right type of herb. There are many choices available, with varying percentages of THC and CBD content and those will determine the kind of relief a patient can expect. Also, many dispensaries carry their own processed tinctures. This might be the simplest option for patients because the product should be tested and labelled according to its cannabinoid content.
Overseas patients are better-provided for by GW pharmaceuticals. A UK based company, their product differs from all other cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals because it is naturally derived. They have several state-of-the-art (and top secret) facilities for growing and harvesting marijuana plants. GW is the creator of Sativex, an oromucosal mouth spray being marketed for people suffering from multiple sclerosis. The pros for this medication stand out because it is highly regulated and patients can expect that each dose will be as safe and effective as the last one, as opposed to homemade tinctures which can vary based on strain selection and imperfections in the manufacturing process. On the other hand, it does not contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant, so it won’t have the same overall effect. Furthermore, it is only available in select countries; these include England, Spain, Canada, Germany and New Zealand. Further availability in Asia and Africa is pending. Though US acceptance and trials are pending, it is not yet available in our country.
Long ago, before tinctures were widespread, marijuana had also been used for medical and religious purposes too. In the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern areas, the cannabis plant was considered to have mystical and holy properties (aside from its hemp-utility too). This oil is described in Exodus and is believed to be made of Myrrh, Sweet Cinnamon, Cannabis, Cassia and the base was olive oil. The Hebrews used it for their holy anointing oil used for the raising of kings and in many other ceremonies. The Hebrews called such men their kings, in Hebrew it is “Messiah” (anointed one) and the Greek word is “Christos.” And that is part of the reason how Yeshua of Nazareth came to be called called Jesus Christ. Also, for those who didn’t know, the Last Supper was actually a Seder, one of the Passover dinners. Just a little tidbit of history for our readers in time for the holidays. For those of you out there celebrating, Happy Easter. And for our Jewish readers, Zissen Pesach, Happy Passover!
The Sandman and the Greenman
“Mr. Sandman bring me a dream…” Sometimes it’s not that easy. According to the NIH 10-15% of adults complain of chronic insomnia, with as many as 40% suffering in the short term throughout the year. This is no laughing matter. Sleep is a very important bodily function. It allows the body to relax and recuperate from the stresses that make up daily life. It is necessary also to keep the mind healthy. Insomnia can lead to many neurological disorders including hallucinations, memory failure, psychotic episodes and many more. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Stay awake long enough and that will happen sooner rather than later.
For those who suffer from sleep disorders, there are many treatments available. Some problems can be solved with a change of diet or behavior. Other people benefit from meditation and relaxation techniques. For many others, the only solace lies in a doctor’s prescription. Many narcotics, such as Valium, are derived from opiates. They are effective, but do have their drawbacks. Most sleeping medications, like Lunesta, Ambien, Rozerem, and Halcion can be habit forming and need to be carefully regulated. And a common problem with any drug, taken over extended periods is tolerance. As the body grows used to it, more and more of the drug is necessary to achieve the desired effect. On a long enough time scale, or at high enough doses, all of these drugs can be lethal or can cause dire withdrawal symptoms.
There is a natural alternative to these pharmaceuticals, and that alternative is Marijuana. Actually, there are many other naturally-found sleep aids available, such as Melatonin, but today let us discuss the wonder plant cannabis. Many patients prefer cannabis because it not only has sedative properties and causes drowsiness, but because it helps stimulate a sense of personal well-being. Many people’s insomnia is partially due to anxiety, and this reduces that feeling while also bringing on sleep. But how does it work? Luckily, this is a time where science is bringing all its tools together and our understanding of the plant is growing in leaps and bounds. The chemicals in marijuana, amongst them cannabinoids and terpenes, are numerous but many studies are underway to gain further knowledge of them. Terpenes are lipophilic (from latin “fat” + “love” so they work well with fats, just like cannabinoids) compounds found in almost every plant. They are the essential oils that are responsible for the odors we smell, such as pine, citrus and marijuana’s unique fragrance.
THC, the most famous of marijuana’s active compounds, has been shown to cause anxiety in some patients, but when it works in synergy with the many other compounds has sedative effects. When combined with the terpene Myrcene, THC can be sedating and acts as a muscle relaxant; Also, studies show it to “potentiate sleep time,” helping people to stay asleep. Some users refer to this as “couch-lock,” the feeling that they are melting into the couch, which is generally enjoyed by the cannabis crowd, and decried by its many detractors. Two other terpenes enjoy the “entourage effect” (synergy) of THC; they are Nerolidol and Linalool (also found in lavender). These are not the only interactions scientists have found. Limonene (found highly in lemons) works with CBD (cannabidiol) as an anti-anxiety compound to counter THC’s anxiety causing effects. And Nerolidol (also found in oranges) combine with THC and CBN (cannabinol) to augment the sedative qualities. CBD also works to counter the accelerated heartbeat that many users feel when smoking, an effect of the THC.
These are just a few of the 300+ chemicals and compounds found in marijuana. They work in conjunction to create the many effects that people feel when they medicate with cannabis. This is why many patients did not warm up to Marinol (Big Pharma’s pill) when it was released in the 1980’s. THC is not the only thing going on in that plant which helps so many people. One patient’s testimony, “I used to take Ambien for sleep, but I’d wind up sleepwalking. And in the morning, I’d be so groggy I could barely function. When I vape a little before bed, I feel peaceful and sleep well. Sometimes I am a bit foggy when I wake, but as soon as I get moving, the fog lifts and the day awaits. Before that, I slept poorly for years. I wish I could get a prescription for it where I lived.” With proper, regular sleep many of the little aches and pains that bother people from day to day vanish. When the Greenman meets the Sandman, people sleep at night and prosper in the day.
Medical Marijuana Industry News Update April 6, 2012
Hemp Comeback Could Be in the Works for Kentucky Farmers…
In an age that is increasingly tough on America’s agricultural industry, some good news may be ahead for Kentucky farmers. Kentucky used to be one of the largest hemp producers before legal changes made its production illegal. Hemp is now often imported from Canada and lawmakers may seek to bring the industry and its economic benefits back home. Hemp is known for its versatility and has a wide range of uses including bio-fuels, clothing, paper, lotions, building and composite materials, anti inflammatory medicines, omega-3 supplements, and many other products. Building support for hemp reform has taken years but state Sen. Joey Pendleton sees a brighter future. He recently said “We’ve come a long way” and “The first year I had this, it was lonely.” Many others in the Kentucky legislature have now shown their support and Senator Pendleton said he believed that 2013 would be the year where new laws permitting hemp production will be passed.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Lake Elsinore Raided…
Federal authorities targeting medical marijuana dispensaries had a busy week in California. Oaksterdam University was raided and now the Drug Enforcement Administration has moved on to force Compassionate Patients Association to close its doors, at least for the time being. Agents also searched the home of Ernest Cruz Acosta, who runs the collective. The attorney for the collective said that Compassionate Patients Association has followed all state laws. No arrests have been made as of yet.
Billboard in Colorado Tries to Cultivate Different Image of Marijuana Supporters…
The push for marijuana reform seems to have been slowed, for years, by the negative stereotypes associated with users. Advocates have fought long and hard to change that perception. The group from Colorado, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol have placed their message on a billboard. The billboard depicts an ordinary woman who says “For many reasons I prefer marijuana over alcohol. Does that make me a bad person?” The group has been very active and even organized a successful ballot initiative to place marijuana legalization in the hands of voters. The billboard is not the first of its kind as Florida has also seen advocates getting their message out this way.
Romney Victories and Oaksterdam Raid May Motivate Marijuana Activists
This week did not provide medical marijuana patients with the news they were hoping for. Mitt Romney picked up precious delegates in the Republican primaries and has all but assured his position in general election. Unfortunately for patients, this means that the two main candidates campaigning for president of the United States do not seem willing to discuss sensible marijuana reform. Advocates and patients were also disappointed to learn that the iconic Oaksterdam University was raided by federal agents.
Marijuana advocates have always had to assume a glass half full position and as always, there were some developments to rise out of the ashes of disheartening news. On Tuesday Mitt Romney won the primaries in Wisconsin, Washington D.C. and Maryland. The victories separate him from the rest of the pack and has produced an almost insurmountable lead for the former Massachusetts Governor. Unless a political catastrophe occurs for team Romney, his lead in the delegate count (658 to Santorum’s 281), 1,144 needed in total) should be enough to secure the nomination. The election is now likely to shift from Republican infighting to the inevitable battle between President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney.
Unfortunately for medical marijuana patients these are two candidates who do not appear ready to address the issue of reform with the American public. President Obama has sidestepped the issue several times over the past few months and Mitt Romney has repeatedly made it clear that he does not support medical marijuana. The good news is that another major political figure has reignited the issue of medical marijuana. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson appeared on “The Colbert Report” earlier this week and was more than willing to engage in many social issues such as gay marriage and marijuana legalization. Johnson may not have a particularly great chance at capturing the presidency, but he may offer a third party option that can generate more excitement than we have seen in recent years. Any exposure the former New Mexico governor gets could put pressure on both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to explain why they are not supportive of compassionate relief.
Another blow to the medical marijuana community came in the form of a federal raid of Oaksterdam. Federal authorities have not disclosed the exact reasons as to why they raided the university. Reports do indicate that the IRS was involved, so the potential for profiting or tax issues could have caused the raid. The university was set up to try and help legitimize marijuana and to promote education and safety. There is still hope for a future University as supporters have vowed to reopen “The Princeton of Pot.” Supporters also suggested the federal government would be better off allocating resources toward the horrific shooting on the Oikos University campus.
The medical marijuana community has endured much more than a raid and presidential candidates ignoring them. Many are forced to illegally acquire medicine and deal with the risk of being arrested if they seek relief. The resiliency that the community has shown for decades is not easily shaken and will certainly not be deterred by stubborn political candidates or a building being closed. Education is more than lectures in a brick and mortar building, and it cannot be suppressed.
Arizona Lawmakers Approve Measure to Censor the Internet
Censoring communication has become a common method used in trying to suppress human rights. Syria has an “electronic army” and the country is well known for having censored internet communications as an uprising called for an overthrow of President Bashar Al-Asad. During Libya’s liberation similar tactics were used in order to suppress an uprising as well. China has finally relaxed some of its censorship efforts (not all) and is well known for restricting the access of political information and viewpoints that may not pain their governing practices in a flattering light.
The next body of government taking sweeping action against the internet is actually part of the United States. Arizona lawmakers have just passed House Bill 2549 which “prohibits using any electronic or digital device, instead of a telephone, with the intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend a person.” The intent was to expand upon telephone harassment laws and to protect against bullying but may have created a series of unmanageable laws. The Media Coalition, whose goal it is to defend first amendment rights, said that the law would “apply to the Internet as a whole, thus criminalizing all manner of writing, cartoons, and other protected material the state finds offensive or annoying.” They have written a formal letter encouraging Jan Brewer not to sign the bill.
While this may seem like an odd and possibly unconstitutional law, this is the same state that has passed other laws that have bypassed the Constitution. In Arizona, police officers are required to assume federal responsibilities and determine the immigration status of Arizona residents via racial profiling. Additionally, Governor Jan Brewer has fought everything she can muster against her own residents and potential voting base to stand in the way of a people initiated medical marijuana program. Let us not forget that teaching ethnic study programs in Arizona (K-12) is also illegal and there is also discussion to expand this into the college classrooms as well. Click here for a list of Arizona’s other strange laws.
One of the great things about America is that individual states can address the needs of its residents and it is understandable that a corn farmer in Iowa may have a different set of priorities than an investment banker in New York. However, suppression of information on the internet is hard to justify as an “American value”. Our goal is to separate ourselves from regions where human rights are jeopardized, not to take notes on how they accomplish this. Arizona is demonstrating yet another example of how politicians are skilled at creating headlines for their never ending re-election campaigns, but they no longer seem capable of connecting the dots and realizing the complexities of a digital world. Similar to the SOPA bill which failed miserably, ending the internet as we know it will strip the United States of jobs we can ill afford to lose. The world is not flat and out of touch representatives need not fear new ideas on the grounds that they are “offensive”.
This article may be considered offensive according to Arizona law. Marijuana.net hopes we can continue to provide frequent news updates, if we can avoid being arrested by Arizona authorities. Not every article we write is going to please all readers, but we never previously feared being arrested for writing “annoying” material. People against medical marijuana who do not want to grant compassion, care and relief to suffering patients can be offensive. Reading about controversial laws being passed about internet censorship may be offensive and is absolutely annoying, will Arizona legislators arrest themselves?
Politicians In Oklahoma Send Confusing Messages on Drug Policy
We have all had authoritative figures in our lives tell us “I would never ask you to do anything that I was not willing to do myself.” When we actually believe our parents or employers, it will usually result in a healthy level of respect for that individual. Conversely, if you do not trust the hollow words, it can actually be antagonistic.
Lawmakers in Oklahoma have been sending confusing messages to residents of the Sooner State. Oklahoma is known for its harsh stance on any drug conviction. Low level first offense marijuana possession can result in one year in prison. Even more baffling was a law passed last year aimed at those who convert marijuana into hash. Although there have only been a handful of hash production cases in Oklahoma in the past decade, they felt compelled to enact one of the harshest drug laws in United States history. Even the first conviction for hash production in Oklahoma now carries the potential for a life sentence (minimum 2 year sentence). With an already overcrowded prison system, many legal analysts have been shocked at Oklahoma’s handling of marijuana and hash laws.
The hash law has created even more confusion. Was there a hash epidemic we all missed? In the class warfare we have seen developing over the past several years, it has become a popular idea (started first by Arizona) to target and require drug testing for those receiving government assistance. These laws typically target the younger welfare recipients, but never require Medicare participants to prove their moral superiority via urine samples. The whole concept sounds well and good until any financial analysis is performed, which is surprising because the financial guru candidate for president, Mitt Romney, has also championed the idea of drug testing welfare recipients. However, further analysis shows that since drug tests are not free of charge, that it will actually cost taxpayers far more.
Oklahoma has joined over 20 other states that are considering this new legislative trend. There was an interesting twist in the case of Oklahoma’s law. The proposed legislation included provisions to also require anyone seeking public office to pass a drug test. Democrats opposing the welfare recipient drug testing on the grounds of constitutionality, had added the provision. GOP Sen. David Holt categorized the action as a “stunt” and removed the language from the bill that would require legislators to submit to drug tests. Although it may indeed have been a bit of political grandstanding by state democrats, would it not have provided validity to the bill if those who sign it also abide by it?
According to politicians, the only people where drug abuse is a concern is for welfare recipients. Thankfully no politicians or Medicare eligible members carry the potential for substance abuse. Even those on welfare have voting rights and politicians work for the people. If the legislation saved money it would be worth considering, though this still would not preclude it from the constitutionality discussion. We should no longer allow our politicians to say “Do as I say and not do as I do.” Elected officials often forget, but they work for us and should be abiding by the same guidelines we do.
Federal Agents Raid and Take Over Oaksterdam University
Agents of the Federal Government attempted to attack the heart of the medical marijuana community today as they raided Oaksterdam University. There has not been much in the way of public comments from federal authorities as Arlette Lee, an IRS spokeswoman would only simply say “What we are doing here today is under seal.” Protestors already gathered outside of the sectioned off school to demonstrate against the federal take over. One protestor and former student of the university Ryan Hooper, said “This is not in the best interest of the city. If they close the dispensaries, all of this stuff is going to go back underground.” Oaksterdam University is well known for promoting a safe and educated medical marijuana industry. As more details unfold, marijuana.net will be providing updates.