Pot
Gary Johnson Demonstrates Conviction by selecting Judge Jim Gray for VP
Although the current political system has disenfranchised many eligible voters because of two party domination, the 2012 presidential election may get a necessary injection of 3rd party conversation. Polls show that 80% of Americans would consider voting for a 3rd party candidate. Coincidentally (or perhaps not so coincidentally) that is a similar number to the amount of people who support a physician’s right to prescribe medical marijuana.
Former two term Governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson appears poised to win the Libertarian Party’s nomination for the 2012 presidential election. Ahead of the more well known and establishment financed Mitt Romney, Gary Johnson was able to come to a quick decision about his running mate. The popular marijuana culture website tokeofthetown, is reporting that Mr. Johnson has selected retired California Judge Jim Gray to be his vice president. Justice Gray is known for his progressive views on marijuana. This move appears to be paving a way for marijuana to be prominently on display for the Johnson campaign. Governor Johnson told Reason.com he selected Justice Gray because “The thought process all along has been to find somebody that can articulate libertarian ideals and beliefs and I’ve thought all along that he would be a really solid pick.”
Conversely, the representatives of the two party system Mitt Romney, and Barack Obama, certainly do not seem to have as much conviction in some of their decisions. Mitt Romney has changed his position (sometimes more than once) on virtually every important social issue (click here for compilation of Mitt Romney articulating then contradicting his views). The former Governor of Massachusetts has prospective VP candidates running from his offer. Unfortunately for the American public, it seems the only issue Mitt Romney has not waivered on is medical marijuana. He actually has famously walked away from a wheelchair bound man who asked him about changing marijuana laws during his failed 2008 presidential bid. The other major party representative, President Obama, is just starting to acknowledge medical marijuana questions directed his way. Critics feel it may be possible that the president reverts back to his 2008 tone if re-elected, but of course what guarantees are there in American politics?
The move by Gary Johnson does not appear to simply be a gimmick. With a vast majority of Americans supporting medical marijuana and now at least half supporting overall legalization, marijuana is no longer a fringe issue appealing to a small passionate base. Gary Johnson has selected a running mate who is a legal expert and a supporter of repairing one of the greatest injustices of this generation. While politicians may often feel that an election should be scripted with the same talking points, it is important to understand that elected officials work for us. Without a doubt some critics will try to dismiss Gary Johnson and Jim Gray as trying to capitalize on marijuana supporters. While we have all heard this before, marijuana can provide relief to the economy, patients, and an overburdened penitentiary system. We at marijuana.net have to ask why anyone would have a problem with making a rare American consensus issue the center of a political platform?
Jimmy Kimmell Pressures Obama on Marijuana Reform
The pressure on the Commander in Chief to consider a new approach toward marijuana reform seems to be increasing. Recently, both the president and vice president have faced criticism from Latin American countries who have grown weary of the Cartel, and United States failed war on drugs. Participants in online chats have tried to engage President Obama as well, although the topic was simply dismissed both times. Finally, last week in an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, Barack Obama attempted to clarify (though many are still confused) his position on medical marijuana. Barney Frank D-Mass) also put the president in an uncomfortable situation by taking him to task about Obama’s 2009 statements on medical cannabis at a lavish political fundraiser.
As the American 24/7 news cycle further degenerates into a collection of stories that do not engage any real impact issues, Americans have already grown to expect comedians to ask the tough questions. Although political humor is not for everyone, John Stewart and Steven Colbert, would probably be more likely to ask tougher questions of our candidates. However in Colbert’s case, the questions are not straight forward as viewers must see past his faux right wing character to deduce what he is really saying.
Jimmy Kimmel now joins the list of comics asking the tough questions. At the White House Correspondent’s dinner, the late night comic served as the event’s host and was more than willing to grill the president on marijuana. Kimmel balanced the conversation with both humor and serious points. He said “What is with the marijuana crackdown? Seriously, what is the concern? We will deplete the nation’s Funyun supply? Pot smokers vote too. Sometimes a week after the election, but they vote.” Kimmel then turned to the celebrity filled crowd and posed a question to them. He asked them to raise their hands if they did not ever use marijuana. With few hands being raised Kimmel effectively made his point and said “Marijuana is something that real people care about.”
Wherever the president seems to goes he is going to face tough questions on medical marijuana. While being “tough on drugs” may be part of his re-election strategy, is it truly working if these types of questions dog the president? The discussion is not relegated to medical marijuana states or even America as a whole. As always this president has captivated the world, and fair or not, his actions are constantly scrutinized.
Some of the venom toward the president is not fair. It is important for us to avoid being single issue voters, if possible, and the president has some landmark accomplishments such as catching Osama Bin Laden and lifting the federal ban on stem cell research. However, struggling patients may not have the luxury of engaging in the typical political discussions. Patients need relief now and may not have the time to wait for a second term or for a re-election strategy to play itself out.
Marijuana Culinary is Becoming More and More Popular
Highly dramatized food competitions seem to have taken the nation by storm. The Food Network has launched many successful shows complete with yelling, unsatisfied judges, and food that cannot be eaten through a television screens. As both “foodie” and marijuana culture grow simultaneously, it comes as no surprise to that the two would form a natural union. The term “edibles” applies to way more than just marijuana brownies these days. Recently, other stories have been written about marijuana wine increasing in popularity. There are now restaurants offering marijuana dishes on their menu.
Check out Earth Dragon Edibles, a new restaurant that has opened in Oregon.
Professional Sports seems to be Softening Stance on Marijuana
The Detroit Lions have been dealing with media backlash because several of their players have been caught with marijuana. American culture has changed considerably and for 20 somethings marijuana seems to be accepted, or at least not vilified. The Detroit Lions GM, Martin Mayhew seems to recognize the changing culture and said this week “The league has really changed over the years, . “If you go back 10, 15 years ago, and a guy had a positive test, that was a big deal. That was something to be very concerned about. It still is, but not at the level it was years ago. There are certain things we want to hear from guys. There are certain things we don’t want to hear from guys. It doesn’t help us to tell you (media) what those things are.” Professional sports are played by those who in their 20’s and 30’s so it is no surprise they represent modern culture. The NBA has already altered their marijuana testing policy and will not test players in the offseason. If athletes are role models, will America accept that they use cannabis in their spare time?
Medical Marijuana Industry News April 27, 2012
President Obama Finally Addresses Medical Marijuana…
While it may not have been exactly what patients and activists were hoping for, the constant pressure from voters and media outlets may have finally forced the president into speaking about a topic he has tried so vigorously to avoid. In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, President Obama may be shifting the blame on to Congress, somewhat. He told the popular culture magazine that “What I specifically said was that we were not going to prioritize prosecutions of persons who are using medical marijuana. I never made a commitment that somehow we were going to give carte blanche to large-scale producers and operators of marijuana – and the reason is, because it’s against federal law. I can’t nullify congressional law.” He then went on to say “I can’t ask the Justice Department to say, ‘Ignore completely a federal law that’s on the books. What I can say is, use your prosecutorial discretion and properly prioritize your resources to go after things that are really doing folks damage.’ As a consequence, there haven’t been prosecutions of users of marijuana for medical purposes.” Even if the president does not agree with over 70% of Americans who agree with medical marijuana, it is a step in the right direction that he is finally addressing the issue and articulating his position, even if some consider it a policy shift. The President seems to have placed the issue in Congress and said there will be no legalization “anytime soon”. If Congress were to pass a law requiring his signature, it would prove to be an interesting situation. If he wins re-election maybe we will get the chance to see how it plays out.
Click here for a link to the Rolling Stone Interview
Marijuana Found in Mendocino Prosecutor’s Home…
An unfortunate trend seems to be making itself known. Another high profile public prosecutor has been caught defying marijuana laws. Recently, a prosecutor in North Bergen New Jersey was found to be aiding a highly lucrative marijuana smuggling ring. Now, we have another public official who has been caught with marijuana in his home. Deputy District Attorney Sergio Fuentes, The Mendocino prosecutor was supposedly found to have approximately 150 plants in his home, according to the County Sheriff’s Capt. Kurt Smallcomb. Since we are now seeing this occur often it may be time for authorities to re think their marijuana laws. If they cannot abide by them perhaps they should amend them, unless authorities find black markets too profitable to amend the law.
Click here for more on this story
Marijuana Vending Machine Tested in Santa Ana…
Perhaps replacing your red box movie dispenser could be an automated marijuana machine that is not bound to hours of operation. This story is quite surprising considering marijuana’s delicate legal situation. However, in Santa Ana a marijuana dispensary machine is being tested. The machine is called Autospense. There are high tech safety measures included such as a prescription card reader and finger print recognition. However critics will likely jump all over this concept. How would a community feel about a beer vending machine? That too may alarm residents. It is understandable that the community may not be in love with this, but it is interesting to take note of technology. The company responsible for creating the machine is known as Dispense Labs. They will not be filling the machine with marijuana. Dispense Labs clearly have done a great job from a technological standpoint and maybe a machine like this would be best used at a dispensary, such as ticket kiosks located inside the airport to provide quicker service.
Click here for more on this story
Global Marijuana March To Be Held Next Week…
Known by several different names including Million Marijuana March and World Cannabis Day, the Global Marijuana March occurs on the first Saturday of May every year. There have been 738 cities and 64 countries that have signed up for the event since its inception in 1999. This year is expected to have a large turnout as marijuana has gained significant traction over the course of the previous year.
Click here for more on this and to see about the Global Marijuana March Event in your area
Colorado Shows Medical Marijuana can be a Thriving Industry
We are still only a few days removed from the tremendously successful 420 weekend. Celebrations occurred around the world and Marijuana.net was fortunate enough to attend the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup. As always patient access and safety are the most important issues, but the Cup also provides a forum for other interesting aspects of the industry.
The cup gives a unique chance to compare top strains and while the award ceremony may be the biggest attraction (click here for the winners), attendees were treated to a convention that highlighted the many and varied businesses in the medical marijuana industry. In any tough economic times, job creation and tax revenue are popular issues. Fortunately medical marijuana can do so much to create better economic conditions while providing safe and affordable relief. Unfortunately, lobbyists and stubborn politicians have not allowed this industry to reach its full potential. The Cannabis Cup in Denver demonstrated the tip of the iceberg.
We at marijuana.net would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the quality businesses that were present at the Cup. Marijuana.net was located right next to, Judge Jars, which was providing high quality jars and storage options. Education groups were also a big part of the event. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol let their presence be felt. This group has been instrumental in collecting the required signatures to get a legalization vote to the people this November. Sensible Colorado was also at the event fighting to stop federal raids of dispensaries. Another group providing education was the Cannabis Business Alliance. They are advocates for patients, small businesses owners and employees of the medical marijuana industry. There were so many great dispensaries also at the event such as Green Man Cannabis, AMA, and Mahatma. We were also very impressed with Essential Extracts victory for their solvent-less wax. As they did at the Los Angeles Cannabis Cup, Mama P’s won for the best product with their popular grinders. Good Chemistry had an amazing lounge set up in the patient room. As always we support laboratories that promote safe medicine. We can always rely on our friends, The Werc Shop to help spread knowledge to patients about their medicine and the latest testing methods. Lets not forget the Mad Hatter Smoke Shop and Dope Ass Glass. As in any quality cultural gathering, art is an important element. We were happy to meet the talented artist Marie, with Kushed Out Fashions. There were so many other quality businesses so please forgive us if they were not mentioned here.
While Marijuana.net was in Denver over the weekend there were many other 420 events that we could not attend. We are encouraging viewers to describe their weekend in the comment section of this article. Tell us about an event you attended or future events celebrating our wonderful community and the potential to bring physical and economic relief to Americans.
Barney Frank Confronts President Obama on Medical Marijuana Flip Flop
This time of year is very uplifting for medical marijuana patients and activists. It is a time where the community comes together and patients can share their stories with others. Of course there is a lot of fun at 420 events but hopefully not lost during the weekend was Rep. Barney Frank’s (D-Mass ) comments on the Obama Administration’s handling of medical marijuana.
Known for their expert coverage of American politics, Politico ran a story describing Barney Frank’s recent quotes regarding the white house and medical marijuana. Over the weekend Politico caught up with Mr. Frank and the representative said “I’m very disappointed…They look more like the Bush administration than the Clinton administration.” Barney Frank has been a long time advocate of marijuana reform and has co-sponsored bills with Ron Paul to amend cannabis prohibition.
Additionally, Opposing Views reported that both President Obama and Rep. Frank attended a lavish fundraiser across from Norml’s offices at the St. Regis Hotel. The fundraiser cost about $35,800 to attend with mostly rich liberals (Obama’s supposed base) filling the room. Reports indicate that Barney Frank challenged the president on his handling of the recent medical marijuana raids. The president then claimed that they were only going after dispensaries on a case by case basis and was unaware of what the DOJ was doing. Rep. Frank did not agree with this assertion and furthered challenged Obama on his supposed “hands off” policy. The president frustratingly said that the 2009 policy was still in place, to the best of his knowledge. The statement is strange because it seems to either indicate the president is not being truthful about his marijuana policy, or that he has no control over the federal authorities conducting the raids. Neither scenario will likely be acceptable to the American public. Representative Barney Frank has vowed to send President Obama press clippings covering the raids in case he missed the stories.
Progressives may be weary. Obama has also disenfranchised them on other issues like immigration reform, which was a staple of his 2008 election campaign. Perhaps he thinks he needs to be “tough on crime” for the election and then after the possibility of losing office disappears he will backtrack to his 2008 sentiments. At least this is what many are hoping. However, the president is gradually losing support from the medical marijuana community, which includes much of the president’s progressive base. There are surprising supporters of marijuana letting themselves be known all the time and, as Barney Frank said “Obama now lags Pat Robertson in a sensible approach to marijuana.” A dubious distinction that likely does not sit well with progressives and maybe even Barack Obama himself. Frustration may be building in the American public with both President and the likely GOP candidate Mitt Romney (nobody even seems to want to be his running mate), a third party option like Gary Johnson may seem more appealing with each day.
The idea of Obama shifting his policy once to get re-elected, then again to match his true feelings may be politics as usual. Unfortunately for a man who ran his 2008 campaign on change and avoiding politics as usual must be held to a higher standard. It is true that progressives may feel their choices are limited but Barack Obama provided so much hope for so many. The president now seems concerned with his legacy and this is not to say he has not accomplished some great things in his presidency, but does he want his legacy to simply be “better than the last guy, better than anything the GOP offered up in 2012”?
Medical Marijuana Gains Momentum in Connecticut
Marijuana culture just experienced its premiere holiday, 420. The entire weekend was full of events and marijuana.net observed and enjoyed the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup in Colorado. We noticed a great environment with patients sharing stories and socializing. Although the weekend was fun for the community, it is time to roll the sleeves up and get back to work.
Patients in the northeast have been seeing a huge momentum shift toward medical marijuana. Connecticut has now taken a major legislative step toward creating a medical cannabis program for many struggling patients. Connecticut’s State Finance Committee approved a measure to permit medical marijuana. The vote passed easily by a 36-15 margin. The bill will now face further legislative obstacles but support clearly has grown significantly. State Sen. Toni Boucher has been a longtime opponent of medical marijuana in Connecticut. She attempted to attach many amendments to the bill that would limit the rights of physicians and patients. One amendment would only permit marijuana use for terminally ill patients. Every one of her amendments failed to pass.
Federal authorities have been trying to strike at the heart of the medical marijuana industry. This does not mean that every dispensary holds patient safety as their number one priority. However, many do and the government should start to think about its failure to provide quality healthcare for decades and the amount of resources being directed toward combating more affordable and safer medication for America’s sick patients. With the successful events over the 420 weekend across the globe and new states ignoring federal threats in order to help patients, big government actions are ringing hollow. Marijuana is quickly becoming a civil rights movement for a new generation.
We realize the federal government has had its feelings hurt by its ineptitude to provide any compassion or relief to its people. Like a scorned lover, federal authorities seem to feel that if they cannot have you then no one can. Fortunately federal laws targeted against American residents is not derailing the enthusiasm and momentum for medical marijuana. The 420 weekend gatherings demonstrated this clearly and Connecticut now joins one of many states considering relief over grief.
Stunning Reversal in New Jersey as Montclair Dispensary is Granted Permission to Grow Marijuana
Activists are preparing for the annual celebration of marijuana tomorrow and throughout the weekend. Several legal developments this week may make for an even more upbeat 420 weekend than normal. Marijuana.net already reported on such stories as President Obama facing pressure from the international community to legalize marijuana. Additionally, Colorado lawmakers demonstrated huge support for Amendment 64, which if passed by residents in November would legalize marijuana under state law.
What is even better news is that one negative story covered earlier this week may have quickly turned into a positive. Marijuana.net highlighted the exhausting delays patients have had to deal with in New Jersey and the corruption associated with a Bergen prosecutor Over two years ago lawmakers approved the legal use of medical marijuana, but state officials have seemingly thrown every bureaucratic obstacle in its way. This may all have changed as Greenleaf Compassion Center of Montclair has been given the green light to start growing medical marijuana immediately.
It is unclear if all red tape will finally be cut and even Green Leaf Compassion Center’s CEO Joe Stevens is approaching the situation cautiously. He said “My opinion hasn’t really changed. It’s great, and it’s a show of good faith on the department’s side, but what it comes down to is the patients. They still don’t have access and they don’t know when they will have access. It’s still meaningless to me, to be growing marijuana for patients who don’t have access.” Stevens is seeking stronger assurances from Governor Steve Christie that the medical marijuana program will not be weighed down with additional delays. The CEO does not want to grow the medicine only to have it sit around and lose its usefulness.
The news shows that persistence can ultimately achieve victory, especially when fighting for compassion and relief. There has been a great deal of pressure put on Governor Christie and New Jersey legislators lately. Joe Stevens issued a harsh letter to the Governor citing what appears to be intentional delays and the fact that his group has spent over $160,000 in trying to open Green Leaf Compassion Center. Others have also come forward and have even filed lawsuits against the New Jersey government. Perhaps wanting to avoid court cases that would not paint a flattering picture of our elected officials and their agenda to prevent the people of New Jersey from finding relief.
State Legislators show Support for Marijuana Legalization in Colorado
In a matter of a few years marijuana has made tremendous strides in shedding its taboo status and gaining mainstream acceptability. Polls are regularly showing an increase in positive views on medical marijuana and marijuana legalization. Is our elected representation shifting their attitudes as well?
How many high profile state democrats would have backed marijuana legalization in the 1970s, 1990s, or even 2005? The efforts of Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol have played a large roll in changing the political atmosphere in Colorado. RMLA helped to collect more than the 86,000 signatures needed collected to get amendment 64 on the ballot. If passed the bill will legalize marijuana and set up a system, as the name suggests, to regulate marijuana like alcohol. The chair of the Denver Democratic Party, Cindy Lowery-Gra ber, has recently stated her support for bill and said “this is a mainstream issue. Polls show that more than 60 percent of Democrats and a solid majority of independents believe marijuana should be treated like alcohol. A broad coalition is forming in support of Amendment 64 and I am proud to say that it now includes the Colorado Democratic Party.”
The endorsement comes from the right person at the right time. Democrats have a strong presence in Colorado and the state’s residents may be poised to be the first (several other states like Washington will also vote on legalization in November) state with totally legalized marijuana on a state level. Colorado has taken precautions to avoid the legal mess in California as they have put a more structured program run by the state. This singular authority eliminates the problem of individual municipalities interpreting medical marijuana law as they see fit. It seems many elected officials agree with Cindy Lower-Graber as 8 of the 10 largest counties in Colorado support amendment 64.
The fight for marijuana reform is no longer being fought solely by hardcore activists. Although the feds seem intent on fighting its own people over a healing plant, many other government officials have now joined the movement. As stated above, supporting marijuana publicly was a difficult political platform previously, but in a few years it may be a difficult position not to support it.