Pot
New Study Confirms Benefits of Marijuana in Treating MS Symptoms
Thousands, if not millions have been able to confirm that cannabis has helped provide them relief in a world where top medical care is often reserved for those with the right job or bank account. Conveniently lawmakers now often say “there is not enough research” to support the idea that marijuana is an effective pain and psychological substance, though they rail against any research being performed in the area. Like any controversial issue, the opinion of the people is discarded or minimized in favor of men in white coats and links to the pharmaceutical industry. Many refuse to listen to our friends, family, and countless others who can only provide their honest and truthful experiences with marijuana. Of course our lawmakers condescend them and say their testimonies on their own bodies is insufficient and unqualified. Who is better suited to speak on matters of their body than the individual?
This is not to the ignore the science at all as it is crucial to understanding why patients are feeling better. Personal stories regarding multiple sclerosis relief have been around for some time but now there is official scientific data to back it up. Many news outlets including msnbc.com are reporting on study that was published in Canadian Medical Association Journal and performed at Multiple Sclerosis Center at the University of California, San Diego. The study showed marijuana reducing MS symptoms including pain and spasticity. Marijuana was shown to combat pain that was resistant to conventional MS treatments. The study involved 30 individuals with over half of the participants requiring walking aids. One drawback, according to researchers, was that cognitive ability was reduced after patients smoked marijuana and some patients complained of feeling “too high.”
THC is only one of many cannabinoids and is typically associated with the “high” feeling. Research into cannabinoids is showing so much promise and while opponents will jump all over the fact that some participants in the study were uncomfortable, the larger picture is so bright. Pain and spasticity was reduced and future marijuana strains have the potential to reduce pain without making patients feel overwhelmed or “stoned.” Another cannabinoid, CBD, has shown great promise in this area.
The marijuana reform movement has been seeking to highlight the science behind what advocates claim. The breakthrough on MS is significant and will require further examination and hopefully other conditions will receive the necessary funding to be properly evaluated. While the science of marijuana is fascinating it is not always accessible to everyone. With the help of labs such as The Werc Shop, a sophisticated but approachable label system could change this in the future. However, for now, we need to stop ignoring our peers. For the unrefined scientific mind, personal experience is what we are able to recognize and serves as the greatest evidence.
We may not understand how to identify cannabinoids under a microscope (though we are extremely appreciative of those who do) but we do notice when a person feels better and when their quality of life improves. Lawmakers have created a scenario where we ignore these people and say no other evidence is available, however their mistake lies in the fact that WE ARE compassionate and see mounting evidence piling up one patient testimony at a time. With personal stories and science now supporting marijuana’s varied benefits, where will opponents turn to next?
Detroit Lawmakers Attempt to Block Ballot Initiative to Decriminalize Marijuana
Michigan has been a hotbed of marijuana reform activity over the course of the past several years. They are one of the 16 states with legalized medical marijuana and have had local municipalities attempt decriminalization efforts, usually met with opposition by state Attorney General Bill Schuette.
The marijuana reform movement has had to rely heavily on ballot initiatives grassroots support as politicians have had a hard time breaking away from lobbyists who desperately want to uphold antiquated cannabis laws. Marijuana reform has many accomplishments including helping patients and pushing forward decriminalization efforts that can help non-violent offenders to avoid incarceration. It is also is allowing the American public access to a unique perspective in what is normally a very closed door political system. Americans can now see that so much more is at hand than simple matters of right or wrong. Lobbyists, special interests and long held stubborn beliefs carry more weight in Washington D.C. and state governments than struggling patients and those whose lives are ruined by small possession marijuana charges.
A recent entry in the Detroit Free Press sheds even more light on this issue in Michigan. Efforts to totally decriminalize small marijuana possession had gained considerable momentum as of late. However, the Detroit political machine is in full force and has filed a suit with the Michigan Supreme Court to disqualify a ballot initiative that would eliminate penalties associated with low level cannabis possession. Detroit’s legal department claims that the ballot issue would not create a legitimate ordinance because marijuana is not legal on a state level. Activists and patients are accustomed to this desperate political argument as relief is often prevented by this line of thinking. Of course what is most interesting is this the same state (like many others) that has already sided with its people by providing medical marijuana on a state wide level even though it conflicts with federal law. Proponents of the ballot initiative seemed unfazed as Tim Beck, who heads the initiative through an organization called Coalition for a Safer Detroit, stated “The law is on our side, and we have every expectation that the people of Detroit will vote on this in 2012.”
Activists should only be motivated by the actions our elected officials have taken. Clearly, lawmakers feel well within their comfort zone to ignore the pleas of Americans. Three quarters of this country agrees with medical marijuana and half even support total legalization. A ballot initiative is organized and conducted by the people, typically without the support of big time corporate lobbyists. Apparently politicians fear us far less than them, but they seem to have overplayed their hand, and whether they like it or not reform is coming.
Medical Marijuana Industry News May 11, 2012
Presumptive GOP Nominee Mitt Romney Irritated by Marijuana and Gay Marriage Questions…
The GOP primary race is all but officially over with Mitt Romney expected to accept the party’s nomination in August. The election season is heating up and the candidates now will be grilled over policy related issues on a daily basis. Earlier in the week, North Carolina passed a ban on Same Sex Marriage and Civil Unions. Proponents of the ban feel they are protecting marriage’s traditional values while opponents are concerned with civil rights and children who stand to lose health benefits. Mitt Romney indicated he did not agree with same sex marriage while President Obama has now come out in support of same sex couples being wed. While the marriage issue is predictably a large political issue, it is often now being followed up with questions on marijuana reform, showing that reporters are taking the issue seriously. At a campaign stop in Colorado on Wednesday, Mitt Romney was asked about both issues to which he responded by saying “Aren’t there issues of significance you would like to talk about?” Many residents in Colorado likely feel that these are issues of significance, especially to struggling patients and families. The fact that marijuana reform is now being asked as much as other social issues demonstrates its growing importance to Americans.
For more on the exchange between reporters and Mitt Romney click here
Attempt to Defund Marijuana Raids Fails but Shows Promise…
Yesterday marijuana.net ran entitled “Lawmakers Propose New Tactic in Fight For Marijuana Reform” which described members of the House attempting to prevent the Department of Justice from using any funds to conduct marijuana dispensary raids. The gesture was significant and signals a new method policy makers can use in order to push issue of marijuana reform. The vote did fail by with a 163-262 vote. Only 29 Republicans supported the measure while seventy-three percent of democrats were in favor of the bill. The margin is not politically insurmountable and it will be interesting to see if future votes will be tighter or even in favor of outlawing the raids.
Arizona Courts Rule that Contracts With Medical Marijuana Companies are Not Enforceable…
Arizona has passed its fair share of confusing and seemingly unenforceable laws in recent years. Another ruling earlier this week added to the state’s legal confusion. Michele Rene Hammer and Mark Haile, issued a $500,000 loan to a medical marijuana company in Colorado. When the company failed to repay the loan Hammer and Haile filed a lawsuit. Maricopa County, Ariz., Superior Court Judge Michael McVey threw the case out of court because federal law prohibits marijuana on any level, even though the state the judge rules in does permit medical marijuana. Randy Nussbaum, who is from the firm representing Hammer and Haile, fears that no contract with any medical marijuana company is valid in Arizona now. Specifically Nussbaum said “The macro view of this is, if it’s true that anyone who has a contractual relationship with anyone dispensing medical marijuana and that contract is not enforceable, how does anyone enforce a legitimate contract in this business?”
For more on this story click here
Prominent Advocacy Group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Takes to the Airwaves…
One of the most successful and influential marijuana advocacy groups is about to take their successful message even further. “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol” is largely responsible for Amendment 64, which would accomplish exactly what the group’s name states. If passed, marijuana would be governed in a way very similar to liquor. The group was instrumental in collecting the over 80,000 signatures needed to get the marijuana initiative onto the ballot. As a result, Colorado residents will have the chance to vote on legalizing cannabis. Now the group will be running its first television ads over the Mother’s Day weekend. You can look out for their “Dear Mom” ad on several broadcasts including Friday’s “Today Show’, “Ellen” show and the Mother’s Day episode of “The Doctors”.
Lawmakers Propose New Tactic in Fight for Marijuana Reform
For decades the idea of high profile politicians taking on the issue of marijuana reform was laughable. Even after the Proposition 215 passed, many lawmakers outside of California would not publicly consider proposing changes to marijuana law. Currently there are now 16 states, (with Connecticut expected to join the growing list) and the nation’s capital where marijuana is permitted for medical use.
Americans have stated their desire for a compassionate medical system. We are seeking to move on from medical treatments that rely on addictive pills and unaffordable bills. However, the greatest threat to our new compassionate medical system are the people who work for us. The Federal government, despite statements from President Barack Obama that the Department of Justice would not be using tax payer resources to circumvent state laws, has tried to dismantle relief one dispensary at a time. Fortunately, U.S. House of Representatives members Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) and Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) have proposed outlawing federal funds from being used to interfere with state laws. The debate is over HR bill 5326, the bill that determines the funding for the Department of Justice.
Most of the reform conversation has revolved around protests and ballot initiatives. While these have been successful, ballots to change the law have not been able to protect caregivers from federal raids. It is only recently that our elected officials have decided to push the issue and get more creative. Many of us are familiar with the popular legalization bill proposed by Barney Frank (D-Mass) and Ron Paul (R-TX). The bill was met with predictable opposition, but at least kept the issue in the spotlight. An attempt to defund the DOJ is a new method being utilized by lawmakers and may be a more effective way to frame the discussion. If deficit spending continues to dominate the campaign coverage then saving money on raiding marijuana dispensaries should match the national financial conversation in step.
Like the ghosts of a haunted past, marijuana reform is rearing its pretty head everywhere. The president has been taking criticism on marijuana policy seemingly everywhere he goes. Foreign leaders (Vicente Fox), domestic allies (Nancy Pelosi), presidential candidates (Gary Johnson), comedians( Jimmy Kimmel), evangelicals (Pat Robertson) and of course patients seeking pain relief are all voicing their opinion in support of cannabis reform. Now that politicians on a national stage are starting to support compassionate reform, hopefully they will use even more creativity in trying to pass legislation that will finally end a century long error.
Teen Marijuana use on the Rise: Is America Finally Ready to Discuss Regulation?
Whether they realize it or not, the American minor is one of the staples of politics in the United States. Both sides of an out of touch political aisle hold up our children and claim to know how policies will or will not impact them. For the largest group of Americans who cannot vote, children have an awful lot to do with governing policy in the United States.
Marijuana advocates and patients are accustomed to this. The excuse of “what about the message this sends to children” has caused a tremendous amount of pain for patients who have witnessed their safe access be compromised as a result. Sick patients typically are not wearing trench coats and selling drugs on the street, rather, they are just seeking relief. Patients would say the message to children should be “we do not sit idle in this country and watch people suffer when we can easily help them.” Talking to your children about why people medicate is a far easier approach. Marijuana simply having legal status does not put it teen hands. Like alcohol, (with far worse addicting qualities yet receives less criticism), there are safety precautions to make sure minors/non patients are not purchasing it. Direct conversation is always the best antidote, but just as television executives have found, parents do not want to be the bad guys and have tried to enlist the help of policy makers to make their lives easier.
Reports on rising teenage marijuana use have been making the media rounds lately. According to an article by the Associated Press that was posted on CBS News, monthly marijuana use by teens rose from 19% in 2008 to 27% currently. The article cites a study conducted by the Partnership at Drugfree.org. Additional findings included a rise in teenagers who smoke 20 or more times per month. In 2008 this number was at 5%, but has almost doubled to 9% in 2012. Morgan Fox, a spokesman for Marijuana Policy Project responded to the findings by saying “If we remove marijuana from the criminal market and have the market run by responsible business people that have an incentive to check IDs and not sell to minors, then we might see those rates drop again.”
The facts obviously shows that legalized marijuana is not the core of the issue as even in states where marijuana is not legal, teens have been resourceful enough to find cannabis. Our attack on marijuana for close to a century has created a black market, The Mexican Cartel, dangerous synthetics, and gross misinformation. Ridiculous propaganda that was easily proven false by the last 50 years of youth has only made opponents seem silly and created an even larger generational gap. If a rise in teen cannabis smoking truly is a concern, then regulation is the only way to keep it out of the hands of minors.
Marijuana Friendly Gary Johnson Nominated as Libertarian Candidate for President while D.C. Program off to Rough Start
It has been an eventful week for marijuana law as Connecticut is poised to enact a strict medical marijuana program, aimed at avoiding the legislative pitfalls seen in other states, especially California. Over the weekend there was also the Global Marijuana March, which saw hundreds of thousands gather across the world with events held in over 160 cities in 29 different nations.
As always, there were many other stories that developed over the weekend. Although presumed to be the nominee for months, two term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson has officially been named the Libertarian Party’s choice for President in the upcoming 2012 election this November. The long time supporter of marijuana reform/legalization won by capturing 70% of the party’s 632 delegates at the Libertarian Party’s convention held in Las Vegas. Mr. Johnson told Reuters that “I am very humbled. This is just the start.” In addition to his promise to reform marijuana laws, Gary Johnson has taken aim at big government spending and income tax laws. Gary Johnson shares Ron Paul’s view on ending income tax and replacing it with a “Fair Tax”. The proposal would see an end to the current income tax structure and replace it with flat rate 23% tax on new goods. Resold goods would not face any sales tax. Mr. Johnson is also hopeful that Ron Paul and his supporters will back the ex-Governor.
As Gary Johnson prepares for a possible journey to the White House, he may face the issue of marijuana reform before he even unpacks his bags. Washington D.C. has finally started to move forward with a medical marijuana program that has been weighed down by legal disputes. The program was originally voted on and approved by D.C. residents 12 years ago. Six licenses have finally been granted to cultivation centers with hopes of patients being served within a few months. Despite the approvals finally being issued, some applicants seeking to open dispensaries are filing lawsuits. They feel they have easily met the criteria laid out by the Health Department in order to open and have been denied anyway.
According to the Washington Times, 3 law firms have filed a total of 5 civil complaints that contest the way in which the D.C. Department of Health scored and denied the applicants. Dr. Duplessie is one of the plaintiffs and is seeking his application to be re-sent to Department of Health with a third party to oversee the second review. The Washington Times article quoted Dr. Duplessie as saying “It appears that the D.C. Board of Health has either not read my application or the playing field is not level, I think the process is beyond flawed.” Dr. Duplessie’s attorney has questioned what they believe is a lack of transparency, and said city health officials should elaborate on their decision further than simply saying “it’s just our right.”
While the D.C. story is not what patients want to hear, it is important to note how much progress has been made. With a presidential candidate and the city of Washington D.C. supporting cannabis reform, the future for patients appears bright. Despite whatever recycled statements are emitted from the well dressed men in landmark buildings, compassion seems to be winning out.
World Renown Economists become newest Marijuana Advocates
A generation of Americans have grown tired of watching taxpayer dollars being diverted toward fighting a plant, when Americans are sick, in debt, and can use a new approach to governing. A generation of Latin Americans have grown tired of witnessing violence, being controlled by a growing Cartel, and policies of the United States that have only increased the problems. No dollar value can be put on the lives of those lost or impacted during the failed 40 year war on drugs.
There are many areas where a dollar value on outdated marijuana laws can be assessed. Three hundred of the world’s leading economists have signed a petition that urges President Barack Obama and Congress to consider marijuana legalization. The petition cites Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron’s recent letter which describes the possibility of tens of billions being saved and generated if marijuana were properly regulated. The article and the economists are also concerned with how many lives have been ruined because of incarceration linked to marijuana charges.
It is interesting to see that the conversation has changed and commenting on marijuana reform is no longer a political death sentence. Even Nancy Pelosi was willing to address the issue last week as she expressed concern over medical marijuana raids. Even if our elected officials are trying to run from it, marijuana is becoming a tremendous political issue. Similar to prohibition, if politicians keep running from addressing the issue head on, it will only avalanche into an uncontrollable situation. Now the old page of talking points will not properly satisfy a new generation where statements can be watched over and over again on youtube. There are no issues to run from and there are no offhanded comments any longer.
This country is full of pundits who fight about which economic recovery plan will work the best. Of course, in an election year that conversation has degenerated into inaudible arguments taking up the same talking points. All we hear is a few arguments from Democrats on corporate tax rates and tax rates for the wealthy while Republicans respond by saying raising any of these will slow job growth. These decades old arguments can truly use a new perspective, and marijuana legalization will not cost anything, in fact it will save billions while simultaneously generating billions. Are we to believe the politicians talking into the camera, or the world renown economists who are experts on how to fix America’s financial problems?
Breaking News: Connecticut Legislators Pass Medical Marijuana Bill with Governor Expected To Sign
Lawmakers in Connecticut have passed a bill that would legalize medical marijuana. The news was expected but advocates and patients were still waiting anxiously. The bill passed by a 21-13 vote. The bill now awaits the approval of Governor Dannel P. Malloy, who expected to sign the bill into law. If this happens Connecticut will join 16 other states and Washington D.C. where marijuana is permitted for medical purposes. The bill took extra precautions to avoid federal interference as lawmakers have grown concerned with raids conducted in California. Marijuana.net will be reporting on this story again in further detail once Governor Malloy makes his decision.
Colorado Lawmakers Appear set to Enact Marijuana DUI Law
As the discussion of medical and legalized cannabis continues, our focus is often on why the federal government has stubbornly not made any changes to marijuana law. Surely, if they could just move marijuana from a schedule I to a schedule II substance, then the debate would be over. While many of us wish that were the situation, it may not be quite that simple. Many legal analysts feel that authorities are unsure of how to enforce “smoking and driving” limits.
So far there has not been any uniform way to determine if drivers are fit to drive after marijuana use. One key point is that because of tolerance and other issues, cannabis does not impact everyone in the same manor. Colorado lawmakers have passed a bill that will set parameters for how much THC a driver can have in their system. This bill would set the legal limit at 5 nanograms of THC in order to legally be able to operate a moving vehicle. The vote was close and only passed by a slim 18-17 margin. The bill will now face the state senate but is expected to pass there as well by a wider margin. Those who passed the bill are not necessarily advocates of marijuana. The deciding vote was cast by state Republican Sen. Nancy Spence who said “I’m just sick of the abuse that the state of Colorado has taken from the medical marijuana industry.” However, we must question if the tides have turned when staunch opponents have accepted that medical marijuana is here to stay and would rather regulate the industry instead of eradicating it.
One major problem, as it always has been when conceiving of the “one size fits all” marijuana test, is that marijuana is fat soluble and will remain in the blood long after the effects of THC are felt. As Colorado state Democrat Pat Steadman put it, “Some of these people wake up in the morning and roll out of bed at 5 nanograms.” If any common sense goes into these laws (our hopes should not get too high for that considering the decades long war on drugs and information suppression on marijuana) then officers will use a series of tests to determine a drivers competency. In DWI stops an officer typically analyzes the condition of a driver by other methods such as walking a straight line and hand/eye coordination tests before making them submit to a breathalyzer.
This law may not be ideal but the issue of “drugged driving” will always stand in the way of marijuana reform unless it is properly dealt with. Marijuana DUI laws will hopefully evolve and perhaps even more reliable tests will be utilized in determining and individuals capacity to operate a motor vehicle. In fact they will likely HAVE to evolve, because as the law stands (5 nanograms is considered a very low amount) anyone who uses marijuana may be prevented from driving legally. Perhaps insurance and automaker lobbyists will be on the marijuana activist’s side. In any case, we have accepted that politicians are not equipped with the foresight to legislate in the modern world so, for now the hope may have to be a law that can be tailored in the future. Additionally, there are studies that show that legal medical marijuana states have experienced a decrease in fatal car accidents, likely due to less alcohol related incidents. Of course other studies show marijuana increasing the risk for fatal car crashes even if overall accidents are down. Because of this, a continuing conversation on marijuana and the dangers associated with driving needs to unfold. However, without this first important step, marijuana reform will likely remain in the legal stalemate it currently suffers from.
As with many social issues that are on the political fringe, change occurs behind smoke and mirrors. The White House has made it a point to urge states to enact drugged driving programs. Additionally, President Barack Obama said he could only enforce the laws on the books and placed some blame on Congress in his recent Rolling Stone interview. While none of this guarantees legalized federal marijuana laws, he may be setting the groundwork for a massive system addressing one of the biggest concerns of those in opposition to marijuana reform.
Update on International Marijuana Issues
Support for marijuana reform seems to be growing all around America. As marijuana.net has suggested previously, President Barack Obama has been getting pressured on the issue an awful lot lately. Marijuana’s benefits are not simply a domestic issue and there have been interesting updates from around the globe.
Over the weekend, marijuana.net briefly spoke about a new trend in professional sports that refreshingly was not about inflating ticket prices, player salaries or owner profits. The NBA has already decided not to test its players for marijuana in the offseason and the Detroit Lions‘ general manager Martin Mayhew has indicated that he is not overly concerned with his players being arrested for marijuana. Building on this trend internationally, Australia’s Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports has recently said that marijuana should not be grouped with performance enhancing drugs such as steroids or Human Growth Hormone. Unlike the United States (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS etc.), Australia has one organization that represents many of the different professional sports. As Martin Mayhew suggested, the culture is changing and athletes in their prime are in their 20s. Altering the approach professional sports takes on marijuana seems to be very crucial moving forward.
We have already witnessed the pressure put on the United States and President Obama from our neighbors to the south to change marijuana laws. Now, mayors from British Columbia cities in Canada are also calling for a new approach to cannabis law enforcement. Eight mayors are now officially calling for marijuana legalization in order to reduce crime and violence associated with cannabis laws. The mayors are also seeking to generate tax funds from a regulated marijuana system.
In particular, Mayor Gregor Robertson of Vancouver recently stated in a letter to the Canadian government, “As mayors of BC municipalities, we are fully aware of the harms stemming from the province’s large illegal marijuana industry, “Our communities have been deeply affected by the consequences of marijuana prohibition including large-scale grow-ops, increased organized crime and ongoing gang violence. It is time to tax and strictly regulate marijuana under a public health framework; regulating marijuana would allow the government to rationally address the health concerns of marijuana, raise government tax revenue and eliminate the huge profits from the marijuana industry that flow directly to organized crime.”
It is great to see a progressive approach from other countries even though the Netherlands seems to be trying to uphold their recent ban on allowing tourists to purchase marijuana. The plan is controversial and may cripple Holland tourism so it will be interesting to see if the ban remains permanently. If the ban on Amsterdam coffee shops hurts the Dutch economy, will the United States take note? Even with tough talk from the feds it seems that marijuana has gotten over the hump and moved into mainstream acceptability.