Pot
A Day To Celebrate Our Independence
Besides Tom Cruise, there is another high profile birthday this week. While alcohol, red meat, and fireworks are sure to dominate the day for many Americans, July 4th represents our country’s birth. On this day the Founding Father’s adopted the Declaration of Independence and sent a clear message to the Kingdom of Britain that the original 13 colonies would no longer tolerate existing under such tyranny.
July 4th should remind us of the freedom that was won against all military odds. However at times it seems this freedom is dissipating a bit. Patients are not legally allowed under most states and federal law to relieve their medical ailments. George Washington would not have outlawed marijuana, in fact he did the opposite. It was mandated that farmers grow hemp, the all purpose wonder fiber which was instrumental in winning the Revolutionary War.
Our victory in the war provided us with freedom but with the turn of the century the political and propaganda machine took over, even though the Constitution was designed to combat this. Now patients such as Bob Crouse have to break the law to medicate. With a mounting deficit, several military engagements worldwide, and the often ignored issue of American poverty, why exactly is it imperative that we formulate battle strategies against a plant?
While we do not advocate breaking the law we do want people to feel good. July 4th is an upbeat holiday and there are people who would not be able to enjoy the days festivities without medicating with cannabis. Certain barbeque foods may not palatable for patients without nausea relief. Walks on the beach or hikes may not possible either if it were not for the world’s best naturally growing medication. Lets enjoy the day and appreciate the great things the United States has to offer. Our government is certainly off base on this one issue but if we get back to work after enjoying this holiday we may be able to make sure that this is the last July 4th where patients have to secretly improve the quality of their life.
The Walls Are Caving In: America’s Neighbors are Amending their Marijuana Policy
On June 22nd we at marijuana.net reported that Uruguay would be drastically altering their policy on marijuana. Frustrated with the United State’s unwillingness to help reduce Central and South American cartel violence, Uruguay decided to take matters into their own hands and legalize marijuana. In a stunning move the government in Uruguay government will cultivate, distribute, and regulate legalized cannabis.
Only days after Uruguay made history, Colombia has also decided to shift away from a failed drug policy. Colombia’s Constitutional Court approved the government’s legislation that aimed to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana and cocaine. Individuals caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana and 1 gram of cocaine can be sent to psychological rehabilitation but cannot be arrested or detained.
Even if the United States federal government does not realize it, the walls appear to be caving in on our failed drug policy. Federal inaction has prompted many of our 50 states to enact decriminalization and medical marijuana laws. In addition, our closest geographic neighbors are also riding the reform momentum. Besides Uruguay and Colombia, Mexico just witnessed a presidential election that revolved heavily around the issue of cartel violence. On Sunday it was announced that Enrique Pena Nieto of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was the apparent winner. The president elect has vowed to reduce the surging violence linked to cartel activities, though it may take some time to win over all the people as the Institutional Revolutionary Party was known to rule in brutal fashion. Other leaders in Central and South America are also pro decriminalization, especially newly elected Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina.
The evidence of our failed war on drugs is overwhelming. Other than an upcoming presidential election, many analysts are left wondering exactly why the United States has decided to relinquish its traditional leadership role in international politics, and has instead chosen to be reform’s largest obstacle to overcome. As is often the case with American policy, it seems easy to ignore a problem that is not immediately a domestic threat. However, the United States’ failure to forecast how deep the cartel violence problem would become has now compromised our own security. The Mexican cartel has funneled money through race horses, set up a strong operational presence in Utah, and successfully dug over 75 tunnels (that we know of officially), complete with electrical lighting and ventilation. These breaches in security represent far worse than drug smuggling, and government officials should hope that Al Queda or other terrorists do not seize on these tailor made opportunities. Though its late in the game, the United States can recapture its leadership role and enact true marijuana reform which could eliminate the need for the Mexican Cartel’s supply and significantly reduce their funding and power.
New Age Propaganda: Marijuana Blamed for “Zombie” Attack
News of a Miami man tearing apart and consuming the flesh of a homeless man has made national news for weeks now. Initially, the attack was believed to be a catastrophic side effect of “bath salts,” which are hallucinogens viewed very much in the same light as synthetic cannabis products. The increased availability of black market home made drugs has been on the rise over the past several years. Emergency room visits linked to “K2” and hallucinogenic “bath salts” have been skyrocketing.
An extremely harsh policy toward marijuana seems to have created a black market that will likely be difficult or even impossible to control. Marijuana.net previously posted a lighthearted article linking marijuana prohibition to zombie attacks. Those who do not understand cannabis and its benefits were rewarded with a new tidbit of info prompting new propaganda and false claims. The “zombie” man, Rudy Eugene, only had marijuana in his system according to toxicology reports with no evidence of MDPV (the active psychedelic ingredient in “bath salts”).
Those who are at war against a plant have already come out in force with silly jokes about marijuana having made Rudy Eugene so hungry he attacked a human. Of course these are the same detractors that say marijuana makes people lazy. A zombie attack does not seem to be a lazy action so the new agents of propaganda may have to consider coordinating their empty statements with more precision. Their view against marijuana is elastic and will contort and bend into whatever shape they see fit. Overall, America’s view on marijuana has changed drastically and not everyone will be fooled by such reactive comments. Dr. Bruce Goldberger, professor and director of toxicology at the University of Florida mocked those who blame marijuana for the attack and said ‘Well, it must have been the marijuana that triggered Eugene’s behavior. That, in my opinion, is outrageous, and out of the question. Marijuana will not cause this type of behavior.” Dr. Goldberger also went on to express his doubts about labs being able to detect every type of “bath salts”, especially as black market home drug makers are always trying out new compounds in an attempt to circumvent testing and laws. Dr. Goldberger also said “I don’t believe the laboratory could confidently screen against all bath salt-type drugs.”
Marijuana propaganda is as American as apple pie so it is not surprising that many detractors would jump on this story in order to promote the idea that marijuana creates killers. Today’s propaganda may be less ridiculous on the surface than it was decades ago, but it still based on a foundation of falsehoods and misleading statements. Current marijuana propaganda is far more subtle as opponents are losing the battle in the laboratory. Even as the opponents continue to devalue scientific data, the public is not so easily fooled. Scientific evidence and patient testimonies are revealed every day and have pushed marijuana propaganda into dark corners.
Important Dates in Marijuana History: November 24, 1976
The famous and brilliant marijuana advocate, Peter McWilliams, often used to cite the fact that the U.S. government does in fact provide marijuana to a handful of people. He would say he just wanted to join the elite group. While the fact that the federal government is providing four people with marijuana is becoming more well known, many of us do not recognize how this contradictory program came to be.
November 24, 1976 is one of the most important dates in medical marijuana’s history. On this date federal Judge James Washington ruled that Robert Randall could legally use marijuana out of legal necessity. Mr. Randall became the first person in the United States to be granted the legal right to use marijuana since 1937. He suffered from glaucoma and cultivated his own supply of marijuana to alleviate symptoms associated with his condition. He was arrested but as stated above, US v. Randall would become a landmark case and launch the medical marijuana movement.
As with successful movements, a superior understanding of the charges, authorities, and legal rights granted can often be the best weapon to bringing about true change. Randall utilized a little known defense at the time called The Common Law Doctrine of Necessity. A judge agreed and thus the government was forced to create a program for distributing medical marijuana. At its peak the program served 14 patients but still provides marijuana to 4 of the remaining participants. The program is rarely covered in the media, but last year an Oregon woman made headlines as she was pulled over with marijuana. Police officers were surprised about her claim that she received marijuana from the federal government, but after a series of phone calls Oregon police were able to verify her story.
Robert Randall passed away in 2001 but NORML founder Keith Stroup has called him “the father of medical marijuana.” Even after his death Robert Randall serves as a reminder that the federal government’s case against marijuana is contradicted by none other than the federal government. They have acknowledged marijuana’s medical benefits and have even proved competent enough to cultivate and distribute it. Although the battle is far from over, on November 24, 1976, we witnessed the end of the government’s ability to suppress one of the greatest healing agents we have ever known.
Who are We to Question Albert Einstein?
Many social debates are a matter of perspective, of opinion. However there are those iconic figures throughout history where we all simply stare in awe of their brilliance. Albert Einstein revolutionized quantum physics, which in turn, revolutionized philosophy and the definition of the humanity and the universe.
Albert Einstein was around before and during the government’s all out war on marijuana. Always a forward thinker, he did not agree with the United States war on cannabis. Specifically in regards to marijuana and hemp he said “The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the prohibition law. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced. It is an open secret that the dangerous increase of crime in this country is closely connected with this.”
Of course, over 70 years after making the statement we are only finally starting to see a change in marijuana policy. Seventeen states have now passed laws permitting medical marijuana with some more enacting decriminalization measures. As always, we seem to ignore our experts and force their brilliance into a narrow scope. Einstein changed humanity and was much more than a man proficient at formulas and quantum physics. The man changed how we view space, time (space and time are now viewed as one entity because of his work) and humanity, yet we ignored his feelings on a civil rights and cannabis.
No article can do enough justice on Albert Einstein, especially a brief one such as this. However, when we feel that marijuana advocacy is a new phenomenon it is comforting to know that is not the case. This battle has been going on for decades, with recent victories showing we are winning the debate. Einstein may not have even smoked marijuana, but in a day and age where politicians insist on forcing their ideology on us, it is refreshing to hear from advocates of personal rights.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 29, 2012
New Billboard Featuring Father and Son for Marijuana Regulation put up in Colorado…
Supporters of Colorado’s Amendment 64 are starting to add up. Amendment 64 will be voted on by the people of Colorado in November and would see marijuana regulated and taxed. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was instrumental in getting the signatures required to get the issue to the ballots. A new campaign that focuses on families was recently launched. The group has placed a billboard close to the stadium that is home to the Denver Broncos. Opponents were predictably critical and asserted that legalized marijuana will find its way into the hands of children. Recent studies have shown this not to be the case in Sacramento for medical marijuana. The group feels this is not the case and their billboard actually depicts a father and a son with the slogan “Please, Card My Son.” Under that it says “Regulate the sale of marijuana and keep it out of his hands.”
Chicago Passes Law to Ticket Small Level Marijuana Offenders…
Media outlets have been reporting on a plan to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in the city of Chicago. Aldermen (term used for Chicago City Legislators) had a long debate on the issue the other day but in the end overwhelmingly approved the measure, 43-3. The law was supported by President Obama’s former Chief of Staff, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In response to dissenters who claimed the law sent a poor message to children, the Mayor actually stated that no action would send a far more devastating signal. Chicago has seen a tremendous rise in homicides, up 38% from this time last year. Many are concerned with police resources being tied up combating low level marijuana cases instead of more serious crimes. Alderman Will Burns said “The calls I get at 2 o’clock in the morning are not about marijuana possession, they’re about someone who’s been shot in my ward, I want those calls to cease and the way we do that is to make sure our police are fighting violent crime.” Residents of Chicago are also concerned, like New York City, about the disproportionate amount of marijuana arrests for Black and Hispanics, compared with Whites who actually smoke more marijuana.
For more on this story click here
New Jersey Assembly Approves Marijuana Decriminalization Bill…
New Jersey Lawmakers have been discussing a bill that would decriminalize marijuana for about a month. Earlier this week they passed it as many residents feel their tax dollars are being wasted on low level marijuana possession arrests. The New Jersey State Assembly passed measure A1465 by a margin of 44-30. Unfortunately for marijuana advocates, New Jersey Mayor Chris Christie has already indicated that he will veto the measure. Judging by the governor’s opposition to a medical marijuana program that was already passed before he came to office, New Jersey residents may be in store for a bitter battle over a sensible decriminalization debate. Check back with us as we will be covering the Governor’s response and possible veto in further detail to the decriminalization bill.
For more on this story click here
President Obama to Sign Bill Banning Synthetic Marijuana…
Momentum for outlawing synthetic marijuana has been building for over a year. Many states have their own laws against products such as “K2” and “Spice” but now it appears a federal ban will be signed by President Barack Obama soon. Recently a bill (led by NY Senator Charles Schumer) passed in the United States Senate and will make its way to the president’s desk soon. Dangerous side effects, especially for teens have been reported. Many feel a tightly regulated marijuana industry would have prevented the synthetic black market. The bill comes at a time when advocates are desperate for the White House to engage in a serious marijuana reform conversation. Many were offended when DEA officials refused to acknowledge that heroin and crack were more harmful than marijuana.
New Marijuana Regulations in California to be put on Hold
Proposition 215 and Dennis Peron changed the course of history in 1996 by overcoming staggering political opposition to medical marijuana. It was a great first step and should have been followed up with a more structured system for how to regulate and dispense medical marijuana. The lack of additional regulation has steadily become a growing problem with the recent dispensary raids symbolizing state lawmakers futility in evolving the program.
State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano had recently pushed for legislation, Assembly Bill 2312, that would create a state run medical marijuana program. Currently local municipalities have different interpretations of how to regulate cannabis dispensaries. With many pending lawsuits, momentum for a dispensary ban in Los Angeles, and the fact that the state supreme court will not be taking up the issue for at least a year, many were hoping to see lawmakers provide a solution. Ammiano’s bill passed in the State Assembly recently but was expected to face a difficult time passing California’s Senate committee vote. The bill aimed to set up a “Bureau of Medical Marijuana Enforcement”. The Bureau would oversee the entire program and allow local governments to collect tax revenue from marijuana sales.
While the bill or a similar one is needed, many analysts and members of law enforcement were not pleased with it. As in any developing billion dollar industry, there were varied interests at stake. As a result many were wondering just exactly who would be part of the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Enforcement and what interests they would serve. Additionally, the extent and specifics of what the Bureau would do seemed vague. Law enforcement officials criticized the bill as being a free pass for dispensaries to operate without worry. While that may not be entirely accurate the bill did seem ill equipped at ensuring a patient oriented industry. It seems the criticism reached Ammiano as he canceled the Senate vote earlier this week.
Regarding the move he said “There is no doubt that my colleagues understand the need for this legislation, and I have a lot of faith in this committee that we can hammer out a well-balanced regulatory policy during the fall to answer calls from local governments, law enforcement including our Attorney General, patients, and the public to enact a highly regulated system for medical marijuana and provide a clear set of rules for everybody.”
If in fact Tom Ammiano canceled the vote in order to present a more comprehensive solution, then the news is not a total loss. However, many are wondering if they will ever see the state politicians come together and place the rhetoric aside and protect dispensaries and patients. To date, political solutions have failed and the “Safe Access” granted in Proposition 215 seems to be in jeopardy.
From The Lab: How We Test Marijuana
“From The Lab: How We Test Marijuana”
Research and patient testimonials have been building marijuana’s incredible medical portfolio for some time now. Taking the science of marijuana even further is The Werc Shop, a leading cannabis laboratory that utilizes cutting edge science to analyze medicine.
Marijuana.net is proud to present “From The Lab: How We Test Marijuana”. The video features Jeffrey C. Raber, Ph.D. and Sytze Elzinga, M.Sc. of The Werc Shop describing the methods they use in testing cannabis as well as many of the common misconceptions about cannabis and problems other laboratories often encounter. One of the first issues they speak about is THCA (THC Acid). Despite what some may believe, cannabis does not contain THC naturally. Rather, it has THCA and upon heating the acid will be converted into THC. THCA will not produce the psycho activity closely associated with THC though it may still yield medical benefits.
The video also highlights typical testing problems and limitations from other labs. For instance, many dispensaries and laboratories are citing strains with THC levels as high as 35%. Sytze points out why this is not possible. In short, when THC acid is transformed into THC much of the weight is lost. Some of the other laboratories are not taking this into consideration, and as a result their miscalculations (utilizing the original weight) can greatly inflate the actual THC levels. As Sytze states, 35% THC would mean that over one third of the plant material would have to be resin. Jeffrey then goes on to show us how THCA weighs more before being introduced to heat. Once heated the carbon dioxide is eliminated and the lighter (in weight) THC is produced.
The video shows why The Werc Shop is a leader in the field of marijuana testing. Viewers will quickly notice the sophistication of their testing methods, including the use of liquid chromatography to quantify different cannabinoids. Check back with us for future productions from marijuana.net.
2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup San Francisco Winners
Marijuana.net is proud to be at the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup in San Francisco. If you are in the bay area stop by and say hello to us. The weekend’s events have treated us to so much including engaging speakers, top quality products and industry updates. There were also some of the world’s highest quality medical strains on display. The weekend was to be capped off by announcing the results of the highly anticipated awards show. We updated the results live as they were announced. Below you can check out the full list of Cannabis Cup winners, and be sure to see all the photos we took at the event:
Best Indica
1. Cordero Kush Platinum from San Jose Patients Group
2. Master Yoda Kush from Kush Connection
3. Cherry Cola from Sonoma County Collective
Best Sativa
1. Premium Jack Herer from Playbud Delivery Service
2. Yogi Diesel from Elemental Wellness in San Jose
3. XJ13 Cracker Jack from Santa Cruise Mountain Naturals
Best Hybrid
1. Larry OG Kush from Cali Connection
2. Ken’s Phantom from Grand Daddy Purple Collective
3. OG Sky from Buddies Cannabis
Best Concentrates
1. Hardcore OG Butter from Superior Extracts for West Coast Cures
2. OG Super Sexy Budder from L.A. Confidential
3. Unfuckwitable OG Wax from Venice Medical Wax Center
Best Solventless Hash Concentrate
1. Solventless Bamf Hash from Buds and Roses
Best Product
1. Mama P’s Grinders
2. Ko Nail
3. V Syndicate Grinder Card
Best Glass
1. Hitman Glass
2. Pulse Glass
3. Dope Ass Glass
Best Booth
1. Mama P’s
2. Elemental Wellness
3. Cali Connection
Best Edibles
1. Organic Medicated Truffles from Hills Pharmacy
2. Canna Chocolate from Tea House Collective
3. Spicy Orange Drops from Greenway Compassion Relief Inc.
Best CBD Strain
1. Master Control Unit ATF from Hills Pharmacy (MCU ATF)
2. Lemon remedy from Harborside Health Center San Jose
3. Harlequin from Buds and Roses
Dr. Lester Grinspoon Award For Lifetime Achievement
1. Richard Lee, Activist and Founder of Oaksterdam University
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 22, 2012
Uruguay Looks to Legalize Marijuana In Effort to Reduce Violence and Crime…
Efforts by Central American countries to convince the United States government to reconsider their rigid stance on marijuana has proved unsuccessful. America’s demand for marijuana has lead to a rise in cartel power and violence all over Central America. Both President Obama and Vice President Biden have been hammered by criticism from leaders in the region on recent trips. Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico has been very vocal regarding how United States drug laws are having a devastating impact on Central America. Leaders in Uruguay are taking the initiative and will not wait for United States to take action at a glacial pace. Uruguay’s Defense Minister Eleuterio Fernandez Huidobro said this week that prohibition was causing “more problems than the drugs themselves.” Analysts believe this is only a start and that many nations will follow Uruguay’s lead.
For more on this story click here
New Hampshire Governor Vetoes Bill To Legalize Medical Marijuana…
Recently New Hampshire lawmakers approved a measure that would permit medical marijuana. There has been momentum for such a program for several years as a similar measure was passed in 2009 only to be vetoed by Governor Lynch. He has done so again with the new 2012 bill however advocates and lawmakers are hoping they can gather enough votes to override the Governor’s veto. The bill passed by a wide margin in both New Hampshire’s House and Senate though it is still unclear if enough legislators would support overriding the governor’s veto.
For more on this story click here
Two House Representatives Refuse to Let DEA Official Avoid Answering Marijuana Questions
Jared Polis (D-CO) is one of the nation’s most recognized marijuana supporters in Congress. Along with Barney Frank and Ron Paul (R-TX) Mr. Polis has certainly fought hard for marijuana patients. This week he grilled Michele Leonhart of the Drug Enforcement Administration during a Congressional hearing. As Ms. Leonhart was asked questions regarding marijuana, she seemed unwilling to elaborate as to why the federal government has marijuana classified as a schedule 1 drug. Steve Cohen (D-TN) also demanded straight forward answers from Leonhart Below you can find an excerpt of the exchange between Polis and Leonhardt:
POLIS: Is crack worse for a person than marijuana?
LEONHART: I believe all the illegal drug are bad.
POLIS: Is methamphetamine worse for somebody’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: I don’t think any illegal drug is good.
POLIS: Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: Again, all the drugs –
POLIS: I mean, either yes, no, or I don’t know. I mean, if you don’t know, you can look this up you should know this as the chief administrator for the Drug Enforcement Agency. I’m asking you a very straightforward question. Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: All the illegal drugs are bad.
POLIS: Does this mean you don’t know?
LEONHART: Heroin causes an addiction that causes many problems that’s very hard to kick.
POLIS: Does that mean that the health impact is worse than marijuana, is that what you’re telling me?
LEONHART: I think that you are asking a subjective question.
Marijuana.net Will Be Attending the High Times Cannabis Cup In San Francisco this weekend…
There is no rest for the weary as marijuana.net will be taking the excitement from San Jose’s Hempcon with us to San Francisco and the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup. If you are in the Bay Area come check us out on Saturday, Sunday, or both days. We will continue with our popular raffles and we encourage patients to learn more about which medication is right for them with a free one on one session with our strain master . We’ll also be showing off our comprehensive strain library and be providing education on the newest marijuana reform developments.