Pot
Albany Bickering Stalls Governor’s Marijuana Reform Plan
New York City is often viewed as the center for progressive politics. However, New York State is much more balanced politically. When a state oversees a city on the level of New York, lawmakers often bicker as they try to represent their own constituencies.
Concerned New York City residents are finding this out the hard way. New York has desperately needed a change in it’s “Stop and Frisk” policy. Though possession of less than 25g of cannabis was decriminalized in New York during the 1970s it must not be used or held in public view. “Stop and Frisk” offers a loophole for police to demand that individuals empty their pockets, leaving the cannabis in plain site. Families are left to deal with the impact of an unnecessary arrest that could follow their child around for the rest of their lives. As we have mentioned previously, the “Stop and Frisk” law seems to unfairly target young Black and Hispanics. New York City residents have lobbied for years to change the controversial practice but have not succeeded.
In a move that made headlines nationally, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo attempted to change a failed policy that is costing the state money and incarcerating its youth. While many members of the media pursued the easy story and poked fun at the governor, many were pleased to see what appears to be an evolving view for the governor. The reform will be delayed at best and even perhaps discarded. Some Albany Republicans lashed out against the plan in the usual silly and predictable over the top fashion. Dean Skelos claimed he was worried about a law that allowed people to “walk around with ten joints in each ear”. However, many who represent law enforcement welcomed a plan to get rid of the low level marijuana arrests. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg came out in support of the plan (though he has defended “Stop and Frisk” previously). Additionally, NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly also wanted to see a change in the law. There will not be enough time during the current legislative session to bring the issue back up.
This is not unusual for Albany lawmakers. Albany reflects the diversity of New York State, complete with lawmakers who are from opposite sides of the aisle and are not always willing to work together. Analysts believe that Republicans are still stinging from a defeat on same sex marriage as New York became one of the few states to recognize the unions. It appears that NY Republicans are ignoring one of their key voting blocks (law enforcement officials) and are attempting to appease a base that is upset with same sex marriage and cares little for New York’s incarcerated youth.
Of course political revenge is not going to satisfy New York City residents who are tired of witnessing dysfunction among Albany politicians . Efforts to eliminate “Stop and Frisk” will continue and lawmakers from both parties are going to have to consider the fact that they may have pursued political posturing instead of the pleas of residents.
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Do Not Increase Teen Use, Study Shows
The rise in teen marijuana use has been a popular discussion for several weeks. As expected, some will blame medical marijuana dispensaries for the increase even without any data to support these claims. As we have previously written, assessing a generation and a cultural shift is not as simple as blaming marijuana collectives.
New research indicates that teenage marijuana smoking does not rise in states with legalized medical cannabis. This also builds on the recent data that showed marijuana collectives did not impact the crime rate in the Sacramento area. Researchers analyzed data from the Youth Risky Behavior Survey which took into account information from the 13 legal medical marijuana programs from 1993-2009. Professors from Montana State University, the University of Oregon and the University of Colorado found no data that shows a rise in teen use in areas with marijuana dispensaries. One of the lead researchers, Professor Daniel I. Rees of the University of Colorado said “There is anecdotal evidence that medical marijuana is finding its way into the hands of teenagers, but there’s no statistical evidence that legalization increases the probability of use.”
Marijuana.net recently posted an article citing the recent data that shows a rise in teenage marijuana smokers as well as a reduction in younger tobacco smokers. We also made the point that this rise may be due to a combination of factors, including new age information sharing. Patient stories and scientific data regarding cannabis are instantly available to a generation raised during the information age. Marijuana propaganda simply cannot hold water in today’s society. Instead we should concentrate on having an open conversation with teens and accessing whether or not it is wise to continue our policy of non-regulation when it comes to cannabis. The culture has shifted and marijuana is here to stay. Continued efforts to deny this are starting to appear silly.
However, appearing silly rarely serves as a deterrent for government officials. This research serves as a rebuff to statements made by the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The office continues to assert that medical cannabis collectives are contributing to a rise in teenage marijuana use despite having evidence supporting the claim. The office may want to do some research as it is getting more difficult to mislead a population that is more informed than the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Marijuana.net Reports From Hempcon San Jose 2012
For years the medical marijuana community has put together memorable events. These gatherings are known for being peaceful and fun. So far this weekend we at marijuana.net have noticed more of the same, which in this case is welcomed.
The 2012 San Jose Hempcon has been a success so far with many in attendance feeling that the crowds and popularity of the event have grown this year. The diversity of those attending Hempcon is a testament to the greater marijuana community. All walks of life have been represented as both younger and older patients have come out for Hempcon. The diversity can also be found in all of the different businesses and educational organizations that attended. There were also great and informative presentations from a variety of people representing different aspects of the medical marijuana industry.
It has been exciting to talk to patients and provide them with up to date information on Marijuana.net’s strain library, the internet’s largest and most comprehensive strain database. Patients were also eager to consult with our Strain Master in one on one consultation sessions. After speaking with the strain master patients were able to identify their ideal medication. As always our vaporizer raffle and spin wheel are popular. We also had many engaging conversations regarding the newest political, legal , and social issues that are described in our daily articles and updates.
If you have not yet come to Hempcon and are able to make it to the San Jose Convention Center today please stop by and say hello to us. We would love to thank the city of San Jose and those who organized Hempcon and the weekend’s festivities. Check back with us this week as we go into further detail about many of the businesses and organizations that helped to make Hempcon a success.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 15, 2012
Rhode Island Governor Signs Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession…
Rhode Island will follow the momentum for reform that is taking that is going on northeast. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has already proposed eliminating unintended marijuana arrests in New York’s controversial “Stop and Frisk” program. That debate is sure to heated as Albany lawmakers are known for partisan politics. Governor Lincoln Chafee is a step ahead of New York as he has just signed a bill that will decriminalize marijuana possession of less than one ounce. Previously that amount would have resulted in a misdemeanor with possible jail time and a $500 fine. Under the new law the penalty will be a civil citation and a $150 fine. Minors would be required to complete a drug awareness program and community service.
For more on this story click here
Medical Marijuana Bill Passes New York State Assembly but tough Road Ahead…
As mentioned above New York lawmakers will consider the Governor’s proposal to eliminate or amend the plain sight provision in the “Stop and Frisk” program which has become a loophole for law enforcement officials to arrest New Yorkers on serious marijuana charges. In another development coming out of the Empire State legislators in the state’s assembly have passed a bill that would see New York join the growing number of states that permit medical marijuana. However the bill appears to have a tough legislative road ahead of it. Multiple medical marijuana bills have failed in New York state in the past. The momentum seems to be gaining as more state lawmakers are joining the 80% of residents who feel a physician should have the right to prescribe medical marijuana. Governor Cuomo has indicated that he would likely not sign the bill. There is hope for the future for New York patients as the governor has amended his view considerably since his 2010 campaign.
For more on this story click here
Imperial Beach Residents may get chance to Repeal Ban on Dispensaries…
Imperial Beach residents may get a chance to change what is considered the most restrictive marijuana laws in San Diego County. Even those with medical licenses are not permitted to keep any cannabis plants. There is a petition being circulated in Imperial Beach and so far the response has been very supportive of repealing the ban. Over 15% of registered voters have signed the petition. Eugene Davidovich of Americans for Safe Access (ASA) said “Strong regulations like the ones we’re proposing would keep medical cannabis away from children and schools, and create a safe means for those who are qualified, to have safe, reliable, local access to that medicine.” He also went on to say . “At the same time, we’re taking into strong consideration the concerns of the neighborhood.”
Marijuana.net Will be Attending the 2012 Hempcon in San Jose…
For those who plan on being in the San Jose area we encourage you to check out Marijuana.net at Hempcon this weekend. As always, we will be providing education on patient issues, new legal developments, and the future of cannabis in the United States and rest of the world. We will even have our staff on hand who can provide advice on what strains are appropriate for individual. The one on one session will result in a recommendation based on several criteria including ailments to be treated and desired effects. We will also be continuing our popular vaporizer raffle which has been a success as many previous events. Hope to see you there!
Tommy Chong Uses Hemp Oil to Treat Prostate Cancer
Tommy Chong has been making people smile for decades with his work that includes standup comedy, his role in the “Cheech and Chong” movies, and regular appearances on “That 70s Show”. While often playing a silly but harmless “stoner”, we know that Mr. Chong is an engaging and serious intellectual as well.
Tommy Chong has been a long time advocate of marijuana’s benefits so we at marijuana.net were saddened to hear that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He will be attempting to fight his cancer by using hemp oil. The upbeat Chong recently said “I’ve got prostate cancer, and I’m treating it with hemp oil, with cannabis, so legalizing marijuana means a lot more to me than just being able to smoke a joint without being arrested.”
He is not the first person to recognize the great potential hemp oil may possess in the fight against cancer. There have been recent stories from patients regarding hemp oil fighting cancer. One famous benefactor of hemp oil’s healing is Rick Simpson. Simpson is considered a pioneer in this field and his method of using the concentrated oil has caught the attention of many. Additionally there are other non publicized studies showing how cannabis may be able to combat serious medical conditions. Here’s an official United States government study conducted in 2006 that shows THC battling leukemia.
Some Members of marijuana.net were fortunate enough to meet Mr. Chong at a rally in front of Los Angeles’ City Hall. He was extremely kind and personable. We hope that utilizing the hemp oil works for Tommy Chong and that his high profile story opens up a serious national discussion on alternative approaches to serious medical conditions. If cannabis has the potential to cure diseases that modern medicine is inept to fix, then we must demand that more research is conducted. However, we also simply wish whatever treatments Tommy Chong uses that he has a speedy recovery. This is one of the nicest individuals we have ever met and the world could use his kindness for years to come.
Meghan McCain Says Yes to Marijuana Legalization
As the two mainstream candidates for president continue to dodge and squirm away from marijuana related questions, others in the political arena are gladly standing up to address the issue. Marijuana.net has previously covered outspoken supporters such as Gary Johnson, Barney Frank, and Ron Paul, but a new voice has entered the discussion.
The daughter of longtime senator and former presidential candidate John McCain (R-AZ) has been taking her father’s moderate and often bi-partisan platform to a new level. Meghan McCain is known for being a centrist and represents a younger generation of voters who are not locked into conservative bullet points. Some of her actions have upset American conservatives, especially recently as she appeared in a photo shoot (fully clothed) in Hugh Hefner’s Playboy magazine. She now has come out in support of legalizing marijuana, making conservatives already weary of both her and John McCain’s middle of the road approach to government, even more aggravated.
Joining the skyrocketing number of Americans who are tired of watching tax dollars being thrown into an abyss, Meghan McCain strongly supported legalization in her new book “America You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom” which was also co-written by comedian Michael Ian Black. In one segment she states I believe the legal ramifications of possessing marijuana are egregious. For one reason, I think it is a substance that does no more damage than alcohol does, and second, if we legalized marijuana in this country and taxed the hell out of it, our economic problems would at least be temporarily helped a great deal. In fact, you could even use the revenue stream to pay for universal health care if you wanted.” She also went on to say “Mostly though, I do not completely understand the allure and taboo associated with marijuana. The few times I have partaken in smoking pot it has been a mild experience. Yes, it is a substance that will alter your mind frame and judgment, but as someone who is high strung and has a natural tendency to get nauseated, I can see its appeal.”
While this nation may be polarized, campaign strategists often seem to overplay the hand. Meghan McCain’s view on marijuana is quickly becoming the consensus of the mainstream. Gary Johnson and Ron Paul’s popularity already show a country ready for a more compromising voice, instead of the gridlocked and dysfunction we typically see in Washington. As unemployment continues to be a concern in the United States, we see politicians desperate to do anything to avoid unemployment lines filled with regular working class people. However, walking the lobbyist line may no longer offer the job security it once did, but opening up an entirely new multi-billion dollar per year job market may help everyone get off the unemployment line.
Educating Teens Strikes Blow at Tobacco Numbers
Youtube, smartphones, Facebook, reality TV and Rickrolls certainly may represent a new generation that has no idea about vinyl album artwork or Woodstock. However a new study may show even more evidence of a cultural shift.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its findings from a new study that shows U.S. teens are smoking marijuana more than cigarettes. Several decades ago, youth cigarette smoking was way more common than marijuana smoking. With education and more information regarding the risks of smoking, the gap has steadily been closing between the two. During the 1990s 14.7% of high school teens had smoked marijuana within 30 days of taking the CDC survey. In 1997, 36.4% of high school students had smoked at least one cigarette in the past month of participating in the survey. In recent years teen cigarette and marijuana smoking numbers started to mirror each other but the numbers now show a definitive trend toward increased marijuana smoking and decreased cigarette smoking. The new study indicated that 23.1% of teens had smoked marijuana in the past 30 days while only 18.1% had smoked a cigarette in the same time.
These numbers highlight an increasing generational gap. Experts cite education and rising pricing in cigarettes for the decline. There has also been a growing effort to id customers and increased penalties for selling to minors. We all understand how the finances can impact accessibility but decades of propaganda cannot keep up in an age where information is shared instantly. Tobacco education worked because cigarettes actually do cause many of the things we have been taught to fear. Many of us have family members who have suffered heart attacks or have developed cancer that has been linked to cigarette smoke.
However, what was a successful education campaign for cigarettes is anything but for marijuana. Big Tobacco would never have tolerated exaggerated lies to be taught about their products so educators had to rely on the truth. Without such a giant advocacy group for marijuana, propaganda was able to run wild, until recently. Often, teens understand the computer age better than their parents and online patient testimonials and new marijuana research is published, the scare tactics have lost their effect. If we are truly concerned with a rise in teenage cannabis use, then there has never been a more obvious argument for regulation. If a marijuana purchase required an i.d. and was locked behind a store counter, then teens may be less likely to use it.
The Millennials (also known by many names such as Generation Y) are known for demanding evidence and are accustomed to sharing information at a much quicker pace than older generations. Since authorities have not presented evidence other than hearsay and propaganda against cannabis, millenials do not seem to be worried about marijuana. A recent article describes their increasing distrust of the government. One statistic truly exemplified the shift in attitudes. Of the 18-29 year olds polled, 69% felt that community service was an honorable deed while only 35% felt the same about running for public office. In theory the two are supposed to be viewed the same, even as that seems naïve in this day and age. The world is changing and it is changing quickly. We are living in an age where those governing have no idea how to deal with a new block of voters, a changing interconnected global economy, and a failed marijuana policy.
Medical Marijuana Laboratory’s Quest for Safer Medicine goes National
As politicians still take a wait and see approach on the “research” associated with marijuana, they ironically often avoid speaking to those who have been in the field gathering piles of data on the subject. As this industry shows it is here to stay, we must accept that patients need safe and tailored medicine which can only be ensured by quality lab testing after proper cultivation.
Unlike a pharmaceutical pill which takes hundreds of millions of dollars to get to the market and cannot easily be altered, marijuana strains can be cultivated in a way that addresses the specific concerns of the patient. We are happy to see that Jeffrey Raber Ph.D and The Werc Shop are being well received across the country. Getting past the typical talking points and eye rolls can be tough, but Jeff has started to notice a change in this trend. Authorities are also starting to realize that medical marijuana is here to stay and it is going to need regulation.
Recently Jeff took The Werc Shop’s message across the country as he traveled from California to New Jersey. At the New Jersey Association for Forensic Scientists (NJAFS) annual conference, Jeff was asked to address the attendees. He made a great presentation and described many of the cutting edge techniques they are utilizing for terpene profiling, microbiological screening, and cannabinoid profiling. With years of experience, Jeff may be able to help the east coast states get up to speed on the sophistication of the testing done out west. While New Jersey government officials may have delayed their medical marijuana program from starting, Jeff feels the members of the NJAFS are ready and willing to do a thorough job once the program starts serving patients. One impressed crime lab chemist told him that he tests cannabis everyday but has never looked at it quite the way Jeff does. They were also amazed at how benign marijuana cannabinoids are in comparison to the synthetics found in recently outlawed products such as “K2” and “Spice”. Overall, it seemed that those who took part in the conference were very receptive to Jeff’s presentation and are looking to increase their scientific knowledge of the cannabis plant.
Jeff was excited to finally get to speak to audiences about utilizing terpene data to identify phenotypes and accurate strain names. As many of us know, “The Marijuana Name Game”, while fun, has been a bit of a roadblock for this industry to gain total mainstream support. A silly name such as “Purple Urkle” does not exactly tell patients if the medication is suited to their needs. Marijuana.net and The Werc Shop are both working hard to bring uniform definitions to strains. Jeff’s excitement was shared and he was immediately approached to give a similar presentation at Rutgers University. Jeff agreed and again noticed an engaged audience.
For those who question a lack of research in medical marijuana, they need only look to labs like The Werc Shop. The benefits of medical marijuana are constantly becoming more widely known. When conventional treatments fail, it is not realistic to assume patients are not going to seek alternatives, especially when these alternatives can relieve pain and produce little side effects. Medical marijuana is here and the future of this industry needs to rely on regulation and testing to endure the best and safest medicine gets out to patients.
Modern Medical Marijuana Debate is simply Opening a Closed Case
As the debate wages on today regarding the effectiveness of medical cannabis, it is easy to assume that the discovery of marijuana being able to bring relief is a new discovery. This could not be further from the truth as evidence suggests that marijuana medicine predates most of our organized religions.
Thousands of years before the Marihuana Tax Act, the 1960’s, and federal dispensary raids, Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was quite familiar with the healing properties of marijuana. He was an expert on botany during his time and discovered the healing properties of ginseng, ephedra, and cannabis. According to The National Academic Press an ancient text that recorded much of his findings was published later but is still considered to be the oldest pharmacopoeia. In this text Shen Nung recommended marijuana for over 100 ailments including gout and rheumatism. He also is thought to have developed acupuncture and the idea of using tea leaves in beverages, showing his true brilliance.
This makes many wonder about other ancient knowledge that is being withheld from us. Our technology is far more advanced than ancient China’s, and yet their knowledge of the natural remedies the cannabis plant offers is an embarrassment to modern culture. It simply seems arrogant to hear so many opponents question the collective knowledge of several millennia. Several decades of propaganda should not be able to outweigh thousands of years worth of shared medical information.
As in many areas we should try to learn from our past instead of mocking or ignoring it. Western medicine is only about a century old. Marijuana has probably been around since before mankind could walk upright, it is a very short sighted act to lose sight of this. In ancient China there was no moral debate regarding marijuana’s medical properties. We can only wonder what would have been had we continued the research conducted by ancient scholars and doctors instead of being marveled at our newfound technological glory.
Got Hemp Milk?
Milk has enjoyed quite an important role in our modern American culture. Although rare today, many Americans have fond memories of their local milk man delivering fresh milk, the kind where the rich cream floats on top. Unfortunately we live in a world where support for local farmers has given way to mass produced homogenized and pasteurized milk.
Fortunately for those seeking something more natural, we have found a type of milk that truly can deliver the proper nutrition we so closely associate milk with. Hemp milk may raise a few eyebrows but health experts are impressed with what it has to offer. One popular company that produces Hemp Milk is “Living Harvest” and can easily be found on most major online retailers such as Amazon, Ebay, and Buy.com. Reviews online are positive and for those with dairy allergies or lactose concerns, hemp milk provides an alternative for those who do not like soy milk.
We already know of many ways in which the cannabis plant can improve our quality of life. Many patients can attest to this. Additionally we know that hemp has so many industrial uses but now we are fortunate enough to get nutrition from this wonderful plant. While most people are likely unaware of hemp milk, that could soon change. With it’s richness in Omega-3, Omega-6. magnesium, phytosterols, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin and thiamin, the public may soon catch on to this new health choice. Vegetarians are also known to like hemp milk, as it can replace protein servings found in meat. Hemp seeds are not known to contain THC, making hemp milk accessible to everyone.
While we are amazed to keep finding new ways for the cannabis plant to improve our lives, perhaps we should not be. The discoveries keep pouring in, and speaking of pouring, we hope you enjoy a glass of hemp milk soon. You may just want to look out for that milk mustache!