Pot
Outside of U.S. Comfort Zone President Obama Forced to Discuss Failed War on Drugs
Over the weekend President Obama attended the 6th Summit of the Americas in Columbia. Most of the media focus will be on the secret service prostitute scandal and Cuba’s exclusion from the event. However, medical marijuana patients were treated to at least a glimmer of hope from the weekend summit.
President Obama has sidestepped discussions on marijuana several times over the past several months. In two separate online votes, the White House has encouraged participants to submit topics they wanted the president to discuss. Marijuana reform dominated the votes, but was sidestepped by the White House. This comes at a time where patients are genuinely concerned about the administration’s handling of medical marijuana and feel that President Obama is not keeping his promise to uphold state law.
Unfortunately for the president, he was unable to maneuver out of a drug policy discussion at the Summit of the Americas. Momentum for marijuana legalization seems to be growing significantly. Many Latin American countries have voiced their opposition to the American War on Drugs recently. Vice President Joe Biden also was pressured on marijuana policy last month in his visit to Central America. As the violence has escalated out of control in the region, especially in Mexico, many former and current world leaders including former Mexico president Vicente Fox, have called for a change of course.
At the summit, President Obama maintained his current position that legalization is not the answer to combat drug cartel violence. Instead he feels we need smarter laws, better law enforcement structure and stronger economies. These general statements may not sit well with U.S. patients and residents of Latin America although President Obama did indicate that he was willing to hold a debate on the issue. He did acknowledge that the war on drugs has not been successful over the past 40 years.
While the United States Federal government seems reluctant to enact any changes to its approach on marijuana policy, other countries seem more than willing to do so. The United States now trails many other countries in education, crime rates, and stem cell research. Is America willing to take a backseat on yet another global issue?
Jersey Officials seem more preoccupied with Corruption and Bureaucracy instead of Compassion
Although there has been incremental progress in trying to institute New Jersey’s medical marijuana program, the delays are highlighting the ineptitude of modern government. New Jersey passed legislation permitting medical marijuana use over two years ago in January of 2010. Since that time, patients have witnessed a litany of delays which include opposition from Governor Christie, local zoning resistance for dispensaries, and political squabbling.
A new story in the news cycle may also explain why New Jersey officials have been dragging their feet. It apparently may be more desirable for New Jersey authorities to profit off marijuana as an illegal substance as opposed to regulating it legally. A municipal prosecutor representing the township of North Bergen has been charged with aiding two giant marijuana operations launder their money. Marcanton Macri was freed over the weekend after posting his $50,000 bail. One of the men Marci conspired with was the manager of a local bank. The forty-four year old attorney is officially being charged with financial facilitation and money laundering charges.
While Marcanton Macri may represent the dysfunction of government officials, Rich Caporusso symbolizes the frustration patients are experiencing in New Jersey. Years ago he noticed a sick family member benefiting greatly from medical marijuana use. Now over a decade later, Mr. Caporusso suffers from muscle spasms and Crohn’s Disease. His condition qualifies for medical marijuana use in New Jersey. However such a program is not operational at this time. The former corrections officer is on disability due to injuries he suffered on the job, making his situation even more desperate. He is seeking medical marijuana but says that New Jersey lawmakers have set up “a million roadblocks.” He and his physician have now filed a lawsuit against the state’s Department of Health and have accused them of intentionally delaying the program. The program was set to start on July 1, 2010 after former Governor Corzine approved the legislation. Lawmakers extended the deadline by 3 months, but an additional year and a half delay has angered patients.
Rich Caporusso is an actual person and if lawmakers were to actually interact with the suffering patients they legislate against, they may not take these decisions so lightly. Caporusso suffers and can be arrested seeking relief while Marcanton Marci is out on bail and reaps the benefits of marijuana’s black market. If Rich Caporusso and his physician are successful they may be able to eliminate avenues of corruption for Marci, grant compassionate relief for the sick, and show the legislators of New Jersey that bureaucracy will stop hurting patients and start hurting political careers.
Hemp for Victory!
In 1943 the US was embroiled in World War II. The Japanese had been invading islands in the Pacific, going after the Philippines. Their fleet had cut off access to Manila and many supplies that the US war effort relied upon. One of those supplies was hemp. Hemp was widely used by the US Navy. But, thanks to the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, Cannabis was no longer legal to grow on domestic soil. Once we were cut off from those precious hemp supplies, the government realized that they needed to supply their own hemp. Afterward the Department of Agriculture put together a piece of wartime propaganda called “Hemp for Victory.” This short film was distributed and shown to American farmers as an instructional guide for growing and preparing cannabis crops for industrial use.
“Hemp For Victory” outlines the proper way to pick seeds, and proper soil types for optimum growing conditions. It then goes on to discuss harvesting techniques and how it gets turned from a plant into the many items the Navy uses. In 1942 the US harvested 36,000 acres of hemp and for 1943, with the help of some patriotic farmers, they were looking to yield upwards of 50,000. They needed it for the war effort; a battleship required 34,000 feet of hemp rope for mooring lines, tows, anchor lines, tackle and gear. The army used hemp for parachute webbing, light duty fire hoses, threads in shoes and clothing, twine and more. Of course to plant all these crops, American farmers needed a special permit from the Internal Revenue Service, or else they would be criminals, instead of patriotic planters.
It’s amazing how the US government is willing to turn a blind eye against their own laws, when it suits their purposes. Marijuana the medical herb is the scion of this plant yet it was completely banned. Suddenly America needed it again and it was legal for a special few to grow it. However, after the war the film was mothballed and the official word from the USDA was that it did not exist. The government denied its existence until two copies of it surfaced and were donated to the Library of Congress in May 1989, by Mia Farrow, Carl Packard and Jack Herer. On one hand marijuana is evil, but on the other it is the most useful plants Americans needed to win the war.
Medical Marijuana Industry News April 13, 2012
Marijuana Advocacy Groups put Pressure on U.S. Attorney John Walsh to Cease Raids
Activists are fighting back after federal raids have targeted the core of the marijuana reform movement. Eleven groups have joined together to request that U.S. attorney John Walsh back off of the threatening letters he has sent to 25 medical marijuana dispensaries, citing violations such as proximity to school zones. The coalition would like to see Walsh respect the dispensaries and patients they serve and have sent a formal letter to the attorney’s office. Among the 11 members of the group is the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, who recently inducted workers from medical marijuana dispensaries from both California and Colorado. It appears the strength of the union may already be paying activists dividends. Additionally, a Denver attorney, Rob Corry, has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to Walsh, requesting all information Walsh has on medical marijuana and exactly how Walsh determined which dispensaries were too close to schools. Corry has also asked to see evidence of the “the outpouring of thanks and appreciation” that Walsh claims to have received since closing dispensaries.
Mayor of San Francisco Calls Marijuana a Nuisance, Compares it to Liquor Stores and Exotic Clubs
While most Americans may not jump for joy at being referred to as a nuisance, marijuana advocates in San Francisco have been seeking such a description for some time. Mayor Ed Lee now considers marijuana dispensaries as “nuisance retail” but finally called marijuana dispensaries “legitimate.” This may put dispensaries under the same legal category as strip clubs, liquor stores and pawn shops. San Francisco has seen a lot of bickering over its medical marijuana dispensaries. San Francisco currently has 22 dispensaries, with the possibility of more opening as additional permits have been granted.
420 Celebrations Gets Ready for Notable Weekend
Marijuana reform has been gaining significant momentum in 2012 and with April 20 is exactly one week from today, activists voices will not be ignored. Even those outside of marijuana culture realize the significance of this day. Many individuals will be attending the exciting events planned for next weekend. The High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup will be held in Denver next week. Marijuana.net is proud to be one of the sponsors of the event and for those in Colorado, we hope to see you there. Additionally, other events such as “Overgrow The Government”, Deep Green Fest, and Washington D.C.’s 420 fest will be taking place. Those who comment on this article are encouraged to talk about other events that will be taking place next weekend.
Medical Marijuana may become Reality in Massachusetts
Momentum for marijuana reform has swept the Northeast. Policy makers in Massachusetts have been debating whether or not to legalize medical marijuana for some time now. Federal intervention seems to be a concern so politicians seem keen on leaving the issue to the people. In November, it seems likely that the people of Massachusetts will get a chance to vote on whether or not to legalize medical marijuana.
Small Village in Spain Considers Growing Marijuana to Pay Off Debt
The United States is not the only country to struggle financially over the past several years. Many feel that the European debt crisis may be on the verge of a financial catastrophe. New age economic issues are not always fully understood by elected officials, and as always, people have to rely on their own creativity.
A small village in Spain has proposed an idea appropriate for the new financial age. The residents of Rasquera recently voted on a measure that would allow land to be leased to marijuana growers. The village is weighed down heavily with debt and the money generated from leasing the land would be directed toward climbing out of debt. In February, Rasquera was planning to move forward with the plan but delayed due to many voicing their opposition. As a result the plan was put to a vote by residents. The measure passed with 56% in favor but fell well short of the required 75% that was required to move forward. It is unclear what will happen and if a new plan will be created. In the meantime, the people of Rasquera are desperate for economic relief and new jobs.
With little help from world leaders, as always, it will be up to the people to try and better their own situations. Rasquera is one of countless areas in the world that has to consider alternative ideas to generating economic success. Will the government’s of the world accept a new approach, or will they place a higher value on being “right” and continue a century of fighting a plant that will continue to grow naturally. At this point, marijuana advocates are not asking for help, rather, they just want the world’s governments to step aside and stay out of the way of progression.
Rasquera may not currently be in a position to start leasing their land to marijuana cultivators, but the story has garnered worldwide attention. Surely another village, city, or country will take a long hard look at the idea. All it will take is one municipality willing to utilize a progressive approach toward marijuana regulation. Cannabis may be the most financially secure crop in the world to grow with corn and tomatoes not being enough to usher in a new age of financial prosperity.
Landmark Case: Will the United States Choose Religious Tolerance or Marijuana Intolerance?
Religious tolerance is one of the founding principles of the United States. As the election process has unfolded we have heard about perceived religious persecution of Christian America, especially from Rick Santorum. Yesterday he suspended his campaign for president and vowed “We’re going to continue to fight for the Americans who stood up and gave us that air under our wings that allowed us to accomplish things that no political expert would have expected.”
The continued “fight” will likely revolve around religion but will Santorum and the rest of the government support religious tolerance for other groups? The Oklevueha Native American Church utilizes marijuana as a part of their religious rituals. As the title of this article suggests, will our country choose religious freedom or continue to wage war against individual liberties? A new lawsuit, Oklevueha Native American Church of Hawaii Inc. V. Holder, may force the federal government to make that choice. The suit may stimulate a national conversation on marijuana and stop the federal government from avoiding an honest discussion with the American people.
Earlier this week the Ninth Circuit Court of Federal Appeals ruled that Okleveuha Native American Church could sue the federal government over marijuana seizures. The decision reverses the ruling from a lower court decision rendered by U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway. The group is seeking protection through the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the case is the result of authorities seizing marijuana from Rex Mooney, member of the church. The Okleveuha Church is affiliated with the larger Native American church and already has been granted legal use of peyote for religious rituals.
The Okleveuha Native American Church aims to promote education on “American Native indigenous ceremonies.” With peyote already being having been granted legal status for religious uses, it would seem like typical petty pot politics to prevent marijuana from attaining the same legal status. The case may prove to be historic on several levels. For one, it could be an extremely pivotal moment for religious rights for the original Americans, and may also force the federal government into legalizing at least some form of marijuana use.
Medical Marijuana Finally Gains Momentum with New York State Lawmakers
Although the Oaksterdam situation has received national media coverage, it is important not to lose sight of the larger picture. Everyday members of state level governments show they are not intimidated by federal bullying. Unfortunately, in the third largest state in U.S., medical marijuana discussions have been surprisingly quiet in the political spectrum, until now.
New York has approximately 20 million residents, many of which are seeking relief from debilitating medical conditions. The Empire State has failed to enact legislation that permits medical marijuana previously, but the political tides seem to be turning. State Senator Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island) is the lead sponsor of a new medical marijuana bill that will be introduced shortly in the state assembly. The assembly is controlled by Democrats and has approved several of the previous measures that were rejected by the New York Senate. State Democrats are confident that they can muster enough Republican support for the bill, leaving New York’s Governor as the wild card.
Governor Andrew Cuomo ran a campaign in 2010 where he directly stated his opposition to legalizing medical marijuana in New York. However, his stance seems to be softening a bit. Governor Cuomo now acknowledges that there has been more research on marijuana’s benefits and that the issue can be revisited. However, he says he does not feel there is enough time left in this year’s legislative session to properly hold the discussion. While the statement may buy time for Cuomo, it does not seem like he is willing to outright dismiss the idea any longer. There could be good reason for this as a Quinnipiac University poll conducted shortly after Cuomo took office in 2010 showed that 71% of New Yorkers were in favor of medical marijuana.
Andrew Cuomo is a second generation Governor and likely learned a great deal about what it takes to succeed running New York State. His father Mario Cuomo, spent 12 years as Governor of New York state. It does not take a political genius to realize that ignoring the wishes of millions of New Yorkers may not be politically savvy . Patients may place pressure on the Governor in order for him to accelerate discussions, and make up his mind sooner rather than later.
Richard Lee Forced to Walk Away from Oaksterdam yet remains Positive
Marijuana.net hopes you all had a nice holiday weekend. With so much preparation for the holiday it can be difficult to keep up with new developments in the medical marijuana industry. While we wish the only updates were related to Easter egg hunts and Passover Seders, patients learned that their struggles do not take a rest, even during the holidays.
The Oaksterdam raid by federal authorities has generated considerable attention in the media nationwide. Richard Lee, who ran the university as well as a medical marijuana dispensary has decided to give up his business operations. The news is troubling for many patients and advocates who have found inspiration through his tireless efforts. Richard Lee is well known for his dedication to patients and spent over 1.5 million dollars in an attempt to pass proposition 19, a measure aimed at legalizing marijuana in California. After the raids of his home and businesses, Mr. Lee is left with few options and has been forced to shut his doors to patients. He may face many years in jail, and federal law even calls for the death sentence in cases where an individual possess over 60,000 plants. Richard Lee admitted he did not know how many plants were seized during the raid though it still seems unlikely he would face execution.
Fortunately, Mr. Lee is utilizing an upbeat approach to his situation, despite facing what may be a lengthy jail sentence, or worse. He sees his situation as a possible motivation point for activists. Richard Lee recently stated “I think the nationwide coverage of the raid shows that there is a story here that a lot of people would like to see and like to hear about.” He also went on to say “We are getting very close to a tipping point on this issue,” and referenced the fact that Oaksterdam has trained approximately 15,000 individuals, many of which are willing to continue the march toward marijuana reform. The national coverage of the story may help Lee, as polls show that a vast majority of Americans support a physician’s right to prescribe marijuana to patients. A harsh sentence for Mr. Lee may result in a harsh public backlash.
We wish the best for Richard Lee as his efforts have provided compassionate relief for so many patients. While his legal downfall could help the future of medical marijuana, we do not want to lose focus on the individual. Hopefully, the federal government will find some sensibility and provide leniency on someone hoping to promote education, safety, and compassion.
Medical Marijuana Industry News Update April 6, 2012
Hemp Comeback Could Be in the Works for Kentucky Farmers…
In an age that is increasingly tough on America’s agricultural industry, some good news may be ahead for Kentucky farmers. Kentucky used to be one of the largest hemp producers before legal changes made its production illegal. Hemp is now often imported from Canada and lawmakers may seek to bring the industry and its economic benefits back home. Hemp is known for its versatility and has a wide range of uses including bio-fuels, clothing, paper, lotions, building and composite materials, anti inflammatory medicines, omega-3 supplements, and many other products. Building support for hemp reform has taken years but state Sen. Joey Pendleton sees a brighter future. He recently said “We’ve come a long way” and “The first year I had this, it was lonely.” Many others in the Kentucky legislature have now shown their support and Senator Pendleton said he believed that 2013 would be the year where new laws permitting hemp production will be passed.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Lake Elsinore Raided…
Federal authorities targeting medical marijuana dispensaries had a busy week in California. Oaksterdam University was raided and now the Drug Enforcement Administration has moved on to force Compassionate Patients Association to close its doors, at least for the time being. Agents also searched the home of Ernest Cruz Acosta, who runs the collective. The attorney for the collective said that Compassionate Patients Association has followed all state laws. No arrests have been made as of yet.
Billboard in Colorado Tries to Cultivate Different Image of Marijuana Supporters…
The push for marijuana reform seems to have been slowed, for years, by the negative stereotypes associated with users. Advocates have fought long and hard to change that perception. The group from Colorado, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol have placed their message on a billboard. The billboard depicts an ordinary woman who says “For many reasons I prefer marijuana over alcohol. Does that make me a bad person?” The group has been very active and even organized a successful ballot initiative to place marijuana legalization in the hands of voters. The billboard is not the first of its kind as Florida has also seen advocates getting their message out this way.
Was Monkees Singer Davy Jones Smoking Pot Prior to Death? – Gather Celebs News Channel
 TMZ.com |
Was Monkees Singer Davy Jones Smoking Pot Prior to Death?
Gather Celebs News Channel Was Davy Jones of The Monkees smoking pot prior to his death in February? His toxicology report came back saying he had cannabinoids in his system. He tested negative for all other kinds of drugs, however. According to a report from TMZ, the presence … Davy Jones Weed-Type Drug in System At Time of Death |