News & Articles
Marijuana Advocates Lobby California Officials while Patients Suffer Defeat in Maryland
Although laws should be based on facts and common sense, it would be incredibly naïve to assume this was the case. Patients and advocates have found out the hard way that simply having a superior argument is not enough to change the legislative culture.
Marijuana advocates have become increasingly sophisticated in the methods they employ to push for legal change. A high powered group consisting of growers, dispensaries, and union members are shifting course from running a ballot initiative to getting their message on the airwaves with television and radio advertisements. The group will now also use the millions it has collected to lobby California lawmakers to fix the legislative mess that marijuana law finds itself in. Democratic assembly member Tom Ammiano is already on board and has proposed a new system for marijuana regulation in California. Ammiano’s plan would create a state run system that could avoid the pitfalls of the current system where individual municipalities interpret state law differently. The state would oversee dispensary permits, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis. The system would offer a flexible tax system where local governments could institute a tax of up to 2% on transactions. One of the most interesting provisions was designed with patients in mind as Ammiano’s plan would require one dispensary for every 50,000 people, ensuring patient’s “safe access”.
Maryland activists may also have to consider lobbyists as Governor Martin O’Malley has vetoed a recent bill that would have allowed medical marijuana. Patients were hopeful they would be receiving their medicine soon as there seemed to be considerable momentum for a medical bill. State legislators passed this recent measure and last year a law was passed in Maryland that eliminates penalties for those possessing marijuana if they have a debilitating illness. All hope is not lost in Maryland, but Governor O’Malley stated that the federal climate would have to change in order for him to pass a medical marijuana bill. Citing a fear of state employees being arrested the governor said, “I will say that, would the federal landscape look different, then I would support a bill like this.”
California stands to have an eventful legal year as it tries to overhaul its medical marijuana program. Advocates have taken their movement to the next level and politicians may have no choice but to listen. While the defeat in Maryland is unfortunate, patients can at least have hope as their legislators are not staunchly against providing relief.
Pat Robertson becomes an Unlikely Supporter of Marijuana Reform
As the minority in our country refuses to back off of its culture war against a plant, supporters for marijuana reform are revealing themselves from all walks of life. We have all heard that politics make strange bed fellows, but even medical marijuana advocates still must have been shocked to find an ally in Pat Robertson.
The anti-liberal icon, Pat Robertson, is a former Baptist minister who has caused more than his fair share of controversy over the years. Robertson has taken a harsh stance on almost all groups of people outside of his circle. He has often attributed natural and man-made disasters to God’s fury, blaming Hurricane Katrina on America’s abortion policy. He also famously claimed that 9/11 was the joint effort of the ACLU, feminists, as well as gays and lesbians. Mr. Robertson also feels that the people of Haiti suffered the 2010 earthquake because of a pact they made with the devil to escape French rule.
For individuals who consider themselves to be on the liberal side of the political spectrum, they would likely not be expecting to see eye to eye with Pat Robertson on social issues. Surprisingly however, Pat Robertson has recently come out in support of marijuana legalization on his televangelist show “The 700 Club”. Perspective can be fascinating as Mr. Robertson has blamed liberals for the current state of marijuana laws while marijuana smokers (who are often assumed to be liberal), would likely place blame on many of the conservatives who have been against marijuana reform for decades. In what could only be categorized as a progressive approach, Pat Robertson said “I just think it’s shocking how many of these young people wind up in prison and they get turned into hard-core criminals because they had a possession of a very small amount of controlled substance.”
Although many marijuana advocates may not be seeking a political alignment with Pat Robertson, it is clear that America’s sentiments on marijuana prohibition are changing rapidly. When a staple of American conservatives is seeking an end to the war on drugs, who exactly is left supporting the failed policies of the last 40 years?
Marijuana in Music
“See I think drugs have done some good things for us. I really do. And if you don’t believe that drugs have done good things for us, do me a favor and go home tonight and take all your albums, all your tapes and all your CDs and burn them. Because you know what, the musicians that have made all that great music that’s
enhanced your life throughout all the years were reeaaaal f*cking high on drugs.” -Bill Hicks
Music and Marijuana, it’s like peanut butter and jelly. Some things just go great together. Musicians have been writing songs about cannabis for years. And it transcends all genres, too. Country, rap, rock, metal, blues, there are fans to be found everywhere, except maybe opera (although it may enhance the fan experience). Why does this matter? Some of the most outspoken members of society who are in favor of legalizing marijuana are musicians. The most famous event for music and cannabis was, of course, Woodstock. That began a grand tradition of music festivals that continue to this day. The most recent event was the San Bernadino SmokeOut, sponsored by Cypress Hill, and featuring many other bands who believe in the power of the leaf. But what do these bands have to say about it? Pop on an album and listen to them.
Cypress Hill has written numerous songs about marijuana, how much they love it, when they smoke it, and why they smoke it. One track, “K.U.S.H.” off their latest album Rise Up is all about a specific strain, and why they like that one more than the others.
K.U.S.H keeps us so high
the more I smoke, the higher I get
the better I feel, I can’t quit
One reason they love it, it brings people together. Everybody is down with Cypress Hill, “Snoop Dogg and Dre are down with us/ Cheech and Chong they’re down with us.” And so are Willie Nelson, Bruce Willis, Halle Berry, Dave Chapelle, and Dionne Warwick. It is a uniter, not a divider; how could smoking it be wrong?
Sublime’s “Smoke Two Joints” (written by The Toyes in 1983, not Bob Marley) is one of the most famous pro-marijuana songs of all time. Why not, “I smoke two joints in the afternoon, it makes me feel alright.” Some will argue, it can’t be good because drugs killed Bradley Nowell, Sublime’s original lead singer. It wasn’t marijuana that killed him; it was heroin. Hard drugs have killed many musicians, but not one has overdosed on cannabis.
Bands from the SmokeOut weren’t the first ones on the block singing about marijuana. Black Sabbath, the godfather’s of Heavy Metal, were all about the “Sweet Leaf.” That song really gets the introspective properties of smoking.
When I first met you, didn’t realize
I can’t forget you, for your surprise
you introduced me, to my mind
And left me wanting, you and your kind
I love you, Oh you know it
My life was empty, forever on a down
Until you took me, showed me around
My life is free now, my life is clear
I love you sweet leaf, though you can’t hear
Come on now, try it out
Straight people don’t know, what you’re about
They put you down and shut you out
you gave to me a new belief
and soon the world will love you sweet leaf
Ozzy vocals capture all the positive aspects that people look for when medicating with marijuana. It brings clarity of mind, and surety of self. A life once so negative is now euphoric. And then he invites all the non-believers to try it out too. Maybe it is something that the world could do with more of, open minds.
Anti-Marijuana Propaganda from the Mid-20th Century
For over 70 years Marijuana has been illegal in the United States. In that time, the powers-that-be have used many forms of propaganda to maintain their control over people’s fear of cannabis in order to prevent the reforms happening today. Initially, the fear and hatred of marijuana was stirred up by Henry J. Anslinger and his cunning use of racism and bigotry. Anslinger and William Randolph Hearst (Hearst publishing) preyed upon the feelings of the white majority and ideas of miscegenation (white women + not-white men). They also made sure people feared a minority uprising, led by unstoppable drugged-out berserker pot-heads. To this day there are still people who fear this, and push for continuing anti-marijuana legislation. However, one fear cannot be stoked continuously for 70 years. As time went by new fears were co-opted and put to use for the war on drugs.
Cannabis and hemp were made illegal in the 1930’s, but hemp was then re-allowed in World War 2 because of its industrial use. After the war ended the ban was reinstated and something else was needed to enforce it. Enter the threat to National Security. That’s right, after the Nazis were defeated and ideas of Superior Races were less popular the country needed something else to unify it. America had a new enemy… Communism! After the war, Anslinger continued to consolidate power into the government apparatus that would eventually become the DEA. With Senator Hale Boggs as his partner, President Harry Truman was convinced that drugs were being utilized by Communist China to subvert Americans and undermine our democracy. In 1951 Truman signed the Boggs Act which imposed strict penalties for violating the import/export laws pertaining to drugs. Part of these penalties were tough mandatory minimum prison sentences. In 1961, Anslinger had JFK used the US influence at the UN to push for an anti-drug convention that eventually saw over 100 countries agree to make marijuana illegal. It would not be the last time that national security would be used as a scapegoat for anti-drug sentiment. All of this helped build the reaction to the counterculture of the 1960’s and 70’s.
In the 1980’s and 90’s, most anti-drug PSA’s (Public Service Announcement) were focused on the negative effects of drugs on the mind, body and social ties. Anybody remember the “This is your brain on drugs” video with the smashed egg? Well, after the terror attacks of September 11, that type of ad moved to the back burner in favor of a terror and drugs cocktail. Many drugs are produced and exported by terror-supporting organizations (not going to debate that here) but once again cannabis was also targeted in these ads. So the teenager buying a bag from his dealer (which was probably grown domestically, in some backwood) is now helping Al-Qaeda to blow up airplanes and shoot marines. One particular PSA shows two men debating the truth of this. The skeptic says he doesn’t believe it, and the other guy says “It’s true,” repeatedly until the other man is convinced. There’s no evidence offered, or even a counterargument. He maintains his position and eventually the other guy is converted. As a 30-second tv spot makes a strong emotional impression, which is the crux of most propaganda. Facts are distorted in order to evoke an emotional response, which has been proven to create a stronger impression than just a factual argument… so far.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 9, 2012
Study on Endocannabinoids Reveals Potential for Marijuana Weight Loss Pill
Several months ago researchers discovered that marijuana users were less likely to be obese. A variety of reasons including many lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet were suspected. In a newer study, scientists were able to alter the endocannabinoid levels in mice, and alter their weight. Mice lost weight without changing any diet or exercise habits. Study researcher and professor at University of California Daniele Piomelli said “We discovered that these mice were resistant to obesity because they burned fat calories much more efficiently than normal mice do.”
New Hampshire House Approves Marijuana Decriminalization by Slim Margin, but Bill faces additional Challenges
New Hampshire legislators approved a measure to decriminalize marijuana by a razor thin margin. House members in New Hampshire voted 162-161 in favor of less harsh penalties for marijuana possession. Currently the law allows for fines as high as $2000 and one year in prison. The amended law would carry a maximum fine of $250 on first offense and $500 on the second offense. The New Hampshire senate still has to vote on the bill but Governor John Lynch has promised to veto the bill if it crosses his desk.
Click here for more on this story
Border Patrol Agents Seize 1300 Pounds of Marijuana from Abandoned Vehicle
Critics have been loud lately in their opposition to the United States current marijuana laws. Joe Biden received an earful from Central American leaders at a meeting in Honduras earlier this week where they urged the United States to reconsider its stance on marijuana policy. The leaders believe cartel violence could be reduced dramatically with a different approach. The cartel has also developed a sophisticated tunnel system which has also threatened security. Border patrol agents found another disturbing sign of the dangerous marijuana smuggling industry. An abandoned vehicle was discovered by agents and had 1300 pounds of marijuana in it. Smuggling marijuana is a lucrative industry as agents say the 1300 pounds would was worth $680,500. Often violence can accompany the smuggling activities. Advocates for marijuana reform site these instances as yet another reason marijuana should be legalized.
Legislators in Connecticut Consider Medical Marijuana Again
While most of the focus from the major news outlets yesterday was on the Super Tuesday results, patients in the northeast may have been even more engaged in another development. Connecticut residents may find relief as state lawmakers are again proposing a medical marijuana program.
Previous efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Connecticut have failed, however advocates feel they have addressed the issues that led to political failure. The executive director of the Connecticut branch of NORML, Erik Williams, has reportedly said that a newly proposed bill would be the best in the nation if passed. Marijuana cultivators would have to submit to a detailed licensing process. The bill would require dispensaries to have licensed pharmacists either present or on call which Williams claims is a key difference between this and past legislation.
Erik Williams is not the only one who senses a different political environment for medical marijuana in Connecticut. State senator John Kissel, (R-Enfield) said “For some reason, even though this is a short session, I think this is the year.” Another state representative, John Hetherington, (R-New Canaan) backed up Senator Kissel’s feeling. In 2007, a bill made it through the state legislators only to be vetoed by former Governor Rell. While the current governor Daniel P. Malloy has not commented on this new bill, his spokesman Andrew Doba said, “The governor has said in the past that he supports the concept of the palliative use of marijuana for debilitating illnesses.”
Momentum seems to be in favor of patients residing in Connecticut as many state legislators and the governor seem to support medical marijuana. If Connecticut legalized medical cannabis they would join several northeast neighbors. Rhode Island, New Jersey, Vermont, and Delaware have legalized marijuana (click here for all states with legalized marijuana) while states such as New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland (here is a list of all states with pending marijuana legislation) have pending legislation that could start medical marijuana programs in those states.
Super Tuesday filled with Highlights
While the NCAA tournament will begin later this month, another “March Madness” occurred yesterday. Super Tuesday was the largest vote to take place this year besides the actual presidential election. Ten states participated in the vote Tuesday which treated political junkies to a dramatic day and a guarantee that the race for the Republican nomination will continue.
Mitt Romney had a chance to place an almost insurmountable distance between him and Rick Santorum. Mr. Romney may not have ended the race but his 5 wins including the highly coveted Ohio, places him in great position to secure the nomination. Romney also won in Vermont, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Idaho while Santorum was victorious in North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Newt Gingrich won in Georgia, the state where he served in Congress and launched his political career, and the Alaska caucus takes two weeks to finish completely.
As the battle within the GOP waged on yesterday, there was another important news story that may have gotten lost during the frantic elections but was a big part of this Super Tuesday. Joe Biden was in Honduras to meet with many Central American leaders, including Felipe Calderon, the president of Mexico who has a firsthand look at the violence and Cartel power due in large to America’s drug policy. Calderon has already implied that the U.S. should consider a new approach as the violence in Mexico has escalated. Mr. Biden may get an earful from the struggling countries in the Central America region as they are looking for desperate help from the U.S, help that does not even need to cost money except for the paper and ink the reformed laws would be written on. Biden said on Monday that “there is no possibility” of the U.S. enacting legalization efforts. He then followed up by saying it would be worth discussing, which of course only adds to the confusion as to what the U.S. is willing to do to solve the problem.
Although the political process in the United States can often leave a bitter taste in our mouths, keeping up with current discussions and issues is still necessary in order to have any chance at reform. Besides Ron Paul (who appears to have little chance of securing the GOP nomination) every candidate including the president seems ready to battle with marijuana advocates and ignore the desperate need for economic and medical reform, all of which marijuana can provide. We hope the community makes it a goal to focus on the next Super Tuesday in 2016, where marijuana reform should be front and center or hopefully it will be an issue we have already moved past.
http://youtu.be/EQwrB1vu74c
Colorado Collectives Warned by US Attorney
The early part of this week has delivered mixed news for medical marijuana patients. Those who attended the Cypress Hill Smokeout were treated to an excellent day long music festival and community gathering. There was one unfortunate development regarding Colorado, where the federal government has put their collectives on alert however.
Colorado has taken extraordinary steps to ensure patient access including a state wide licensing system for patients (which is what many advocates are hoping to see in California after the state Supreme Court takes on the issue later this year) and a tighter grip on dispensaries operating under state law. Additionally, a ballot initiative was successful and voters will get the chance to legalize marijuana for recreational use this November. As we mentioned last week, 23 of the over 700 collectives in Colorado were closed down, which only represented approximately 3% of all dispensaries.
A U.S. attorney in Colorado, John Walsh, does not want anyone to feel comfortable as they seek medical relief. The 23 collectives were shut down because they were not in compliance with state law. In most cases it involved collectives being too close to schools. President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder (who may have his hands full explaining his position on the US government’s right to target and kill US citizens overseas in the name of anti-terrorism) have said several times since their time on the 2008 campaign trail that they are not seeking to interfere with collectives and patients abiding by state law. Eric Holder even reiterated this idea as recently as December. However, John Walsh is saying that no collective should feel safe and that it is in his office’s discretion to go after any and all collectives in Colorado. Of course his office has to answer to the White House so we can wait and see if team Obama plans on keeping their word during an election year.
While we do not want to see patient access restricted, we should all take into consideration that a U.S. attorney may not want to describe a scenario where they basically green light a medical marijuana program that follows state laws, but is still under violation on a federal level. While John Walsh says everyone is on notice, they did only carefully select 23 to shut down. A spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office mentioned that dispensaries can be shut down for other non cannabis related violations such as possession of firearms and possessing marijuana when they are not in compliance with state laws. It sounds as if the U.S. attorneys are letting everyone know that they will go after any violation they can uncover. This should not be news as we know the feds are salivating to flex their muscle. However, with a vast majority of the country supporting medical marijuana, voters will have quite a bit to say in only a matter of months. It is important that advocates take action and make it out to the voting polls this November and support patient compassion and relief.
Calling All Activists!
When the 2008 election was still up in the air, Barack Obama was campaigning as a medical marijuana-friendly candidate. In that time, we have seen numerous states struggle towards legalizing medicinal marijuana, and still others that have already passed their legislation are finding constant resistance in the forms of unconstitutional bans and arbitrary paperwork that continually holds up the process of getting safe medicine to patients.
California has seen more dispensary raids from the IRS and DOJ during Obama’s reign than during all of GW Bush’s eight years. Why is this happening? We need to raise our voices, louder and more unified than ever. America stands at a crossroads, but now more than ever patients and all citizens must stand behind what they believe in. In this modern era of instant communication, our country can have a stronger, more powerful voice, if only we are willing to use it.
For people who care about the laws of our land and the future it endows, there is so much that can be done. Stand up and make your vote count! Become active in your community. Join a protest at city hall, help spread education and awareness about all the benefits of medical marijuana, or maybe even go as far as to head to D.C. and march on the state capital. Show them who we are by making our presence known through peaceful protests. For those who are less inclined to leave the home, or who simply cannot, there is still much that can be done. Concerned citizens should call their legislators, write a letter to your congressmen, sign petitions, send emails, start a blog and rile up some additional supporters and encourage them to get involved.
Dispensaries have flourished in recent times and have grown some of the finest medication in the world. Colorado, California and other states have led by example, but make no mistake,we still have a long road ahead. The medical marijuana system may not be perfect yet, but it is working in the right direction. Other states, like New Jersey and Hawaii, have passed laws that allow for programs, yet their laws were poorly constructed and they remain unusable. In Hawaii you can get a card to allow you to medicate legally, but there contain no provisions for legally procuring medicine. It is legal to grow and own up to seven plants, but it is still illegal to purchase marijuana plants or seeds to begin a personal grow operation. Also, many employers utilize zero tolerance drug policies that make no exceptions for people who are otherwise abiding by state laws. How does a patient grow their own plants if they can’t hold down a job, therefore they have no income for a home to grow in, or even have money to feed themselves?
Americans need to stand up now and tell all the power-hungry naysayers that we will no longer tolerate the abuse of power and stifling of freedoms. We the people have no more excuses for being lazy. If you can’t figure out how to get involved, then look no further. Marijuana.net will spell it out for you.
Are you in California? Cypress Hill’s San Bernadino SmokeOut was Saturday March 3rd, and two days earlier was the March on LA’s City Hall to demonstrate unhappiness with how laws are being carried out. Thank you to those who made it out. There is more for us to do. Those near San Francisco will also have their opportunity to ensure Safe Access. March will see several County Board Meetings that need people to help out.
Maryland is another state seeking to pass laws in favor of medical marijuana. They need help to guarantee it passes. Furthermore, the right law needs to be passed so that Maryland does not become another New Jersey or Hawaii. Want to help? Check this out.
Michigan is reviewing its current laws and is looking to alter them with several bills that will give its program a chance to grow into something as grand as California, and not stumble where the Golden state has. Concerned citizens near Lansing are holding a forum on March 4th to coordinate a uniform front as they approach legislators and hope to pass a proper set of laws.
We can’t list what every state is doing right here, but we encourage you to find out and help wherever you are. Marijuana.net has been covering developments for some time so please check our archives to find what is relevant. Here are a few other resources for anyone who wants to help.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
One more thing. For those who find that political activism is the right thing to do, don’t stop with marijuana laws. This country needs more people to help it be the best it can be. As more people stand up for what they believe in, America will find itself less dominated by the interests of corporations and power-grabbing politicians. It is our country, fight for it.
CypressHill Smokeout Brings Community Together for Memorable Event
Marijuana.net aims to be supportive of our community gatherings. The past week has been eventful as the community stood up and demonstrated their opposition the Los Angeles City Council’s threat to ban collectives. We also had the Cypress Hill Smokeout over the weekend which treated the community to full day of music, art, food, education and fun.
Those in attendance were treated to excellent performances by more than 20 artists on three stages. Cypress Hill has long been known for its great live performances and on Saturday they more than lived up to expectations. Fans were treated to many of their hits and of course loudly sang along to “Insane in The Brain” which, to no one’s surprise was one of the major highlights of the day. Korn also performed well as their signature deep base could be felt throughout the venue. For those who ventured to the stage inside, they were treated to unique sounds of Wolfgang Gartner. Sublime with Rome also put the crowd into a frenzy as they mixed up their playlists with both old and new hits. For a complete list and information on the 2012 Cypress Hill Smokeout performers click here.
There was also much more offered at the event other than just music. The vendor village included tents selling apparel as well as providing education and awareness for patient related issues. Marijuana.net would like to thank everyone who stopped by our tent in the vendor village. We found those who stopped by receptive to our shared goals of patient safety and awareness. There was also a designated patient area and of course, plenty of food.
As per the recurring theme, we at marijuana.net witnessed a very peaceful environment with law enforcement and attendees getting along well. Our diverse community knows how to handle a large scale concert festival without much of the issues that trouble sporting events or clubs. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next community event. Check back later as we post the winners of our raffle! Good luck and welcome to all of our new patients!