Pot
Romney Victories and Oaksterdam Raid May Motivate Marijuana Activists
This week did not provide medical marijuana patients with the news they were hoping for. Mitt Romney picked up precious delegates in the Republican primaries and has all but assured his position in general election. Unfortunately for patients, this means that the two main candidates campaigning for president of the United States do not seem willing to discuss sensible marijuana reform. Advocates and patients were also disappointed to learn that the iconic Oaksterdam University was raided by federal agents.
Marijuana advocates have always had to assume a glass half full position and as always, there were some developments to rise out of the ashes of disheartening news. On Tuesday Mitt Romney won the primaries in Wisconsin, Washington D.C. and Maryland. The victories separate him from the rest of the pack and has produced an almost insurmountable lead for the former Massachusetts Governor. Unless a political catastrophe occurs for team Romney, his lead in the delegate count (658 to Santorum’s 281), 1,144 needed in total) should be enough to secure the nomination. The election is now likely to shift from Republican infighting to the inevitable battle between President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney.
Unfortunately for medical marijuana patients these are two candidates who do not appear ready to address the issue of reform with the American public. President Obama has sidestepped the issue several times over the past few months and Mitt Romney has repeatedly made it clear that he does not support medical marijuana. The good news is that another major political figure has reignited the issue of medical marijuana. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson appeared on “The Colbert Report” earlier this week and was more than willing to engage in many social issues such as gay marriage and marijuana legalization. Johnson may not have a particularly great chance at capturing the presidency, but he may offer a third party option that can generate more excitement than we have seen in recent years. Any exposure the former New Mexico governor gets could put pressure on both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to explain why they are not supportive of compassionate relief.
Another blow to the medical marijuana community came in the form of a federal raid of Oaksterdam. Federal authorities have not disclosed the exact reasons as to why they raided the university. Reports do indicate that the IRS was involved, so the potential for profiting or tax issues could have caused the raid. The university was set up to try and help legitimize marijuana and to promote education and safety. There is still hope for a future University as supporters have vowed to reopen “The Princeton of Pot.” Supporters also suggested the federal government would be better off allocating resources toward the horrific shooting on the Oikos University campus.
The medical marijuana community has endured much more than a raid and presidential candidates ignoring them. Many are forced to illegally acquire medicine and deal with the risk of being arrested if they seek relief. The resiliency that the community has shown for decades is not easily shaken and will certainly not be deterred by stubborn political candidates or a building being closed. Education is more than lectures in a brick and mortar building, and it cannot be suppressed.
Arizona Lawmakers Approve Measure to Censor the Internet
Censoring communication has become a common method used in trying to suppress human rights. Syria has an “electronic army” and the country is well known for having censored internet communications as an uprising called for an overthrow of President Bashar Al-Asad. During Libya’s liberation similar tactics were used in order to suppress an uprising as well. China has finally relaxed some of its censorship efforts (not all) and is well known for restricting the access of political information and viewpoints that may not pain their governing practices in a flattering light.
The next body of government taking sweeping action against the internet is actually part of the United States. Arizona lawmakers have just passed House Bill 2549 which “prohibits using any electronic or digital device, instead of a telephone, with the intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend a person.” The intent was to expand upon telephone harassment laws and to protect against bullying but may have created a series of unmanageable laws. The Media Coalition, whose goal it is to defend first amendment rights, said that the law would “apply to the Internet as a whole, thus criminalizing all manner of writing, cartoons, and other protected material the state finds offensive or annoying.” They have written a formal letter encouraging Jan Brewer not to sign the bill.
While this may seem like an odd and possibly unconstitutional law, this is the same state that has passed other laws that have bypassed the Constitution. In Arizona, police officers are required to assume federal responsibilities and determine the immigration status of Arizona residents via racial profiling. Additionally, Governor Jan Brewer has fought everything she can muster against her own residents and potential voting base to stand in the way of a people initiated medical marijuana program. Let us not forget that teaching ethnic study programs in Arizona (K-12) is also illegal and there is also discussion to expand this into the college classrooms as well. Click here for a list of Arizona’s other strange laws.
One of the great things about America is that individual states can address the needs of its residents and it is understandable that a corn farmer in Iowa may have a different set of priorities than an investment banker in New York. However, suppression of information on the internet is hard to justify as an “American value”. Our goal is to separate ourselves from regions where human rights are jeopardized, not to take notes on how they accomplish this. Arizona is demonstrating yet another example of how politicians are skilled at creating headlines for their never ending re-election campaigns, but they no longer seem capable of connecting the dots and realizing the complexities of a digital world. Similar to the SOPA bill which failed miserably, ending the internet as we know it will strip the United States of jobs we can ill afford to lose. The world is not flat and out of touch representatives need not fear new ideas on the grounds that they are “offensive”.
This article may be considered offensive according to Arizona law. Marijuana.net hopes we can continue to provide frequent news updates, if we can avoid being arrested by Arizona authorities. Not every article we write is going to please all readers, but we never previously feared being arrested for writing “annoying” material. People against medical marijuana who do not want to grant compassion, care and relief to suffering patients can be offensive. Reading about controversial laws being passed about internet censorship may be offensive and is absolutely annoying, will Arizona legislators arrest themselves?
Gail Kerr: If nothing else, Constance Gee’s story needs to be heard – The Tennessean
|
Gail Kerr: If nothing else, Constance Gee's story needs to be heard
The Tennessean Let's just state the obvious right off the bat: The Republican-dominated Tennessee Legislature is never going to legalize smoking pot for medical reasons in an election year. If ever. But a key committee stands to send a powerful voice for compassion … |
Politicians In Oklahoma Send Confusing Messages on Drug Policy
We have all had authoritative figures in our lives tell us “I would never ask you to do anything that I was not willing to do myself.” When we actually believe our parents or employers, it will usually result in a healthy level of respect for that individual. Conversely, if you do not trust the hollow words, it can actually be antagonistic.
Lawmakers in Oklahoma have been sending confusing messages to residents of the Sooner State. Oklahoma is known for its harsh stance on any drug conviction. Low level first offense marijuana possession can result in one year in prison. Even more baffling was a law passed last year aimed at those who convert marijuana into hash. Although there have only been a handful of hash production cases in Oklahoma in the past decade, they felt compelled to enact one of the harshest drug laws in United States history. Even the first conviction for hash production in Oklahoma now carries the potential for a life sentence (minimum 2 year sentence). With an already overcrowded prison system, many legal analysts have been shocked at Oklahoma’s handling of marijuana and hash laws.
The hash law has created even more confusion. Was there a hash epidemic we all missed? In the class warfare we have seen developing over the past several years, it has become a popular idea (started first by Arizona) to target and require drug testing for those receiving government assistance. These laws typically target the younger welfare recipients, but never require Medicare participants to prove their moral superiority via urine samples. The whole concept sounds well and good until any financial analysis is performed, which is surprising because the financial guru candidate for president, Mitt Romney, has also championed the idea of drug testing welfare recipients. However, further analysis shows that since drug tests are not free of charge, that it will actually cost taxpayers far more.
Oklahoma has joined over 20 other states that are considering this new legislative trend. There was an interesting twist in the case of Oklahoma’s law. The proposed legislation included provisions to also require anyone seeking public office to pass a drug test. Democrats opposing the welfare recipient drug testing on the grounds of constitutionality, had added the provision. GOP Sen. David Holt categorized the action as a “stunt” and removed the language from the bill that would require legislators to submit to drug tests. Although it may indeed have been a bit of political grandstanding by state democrats, would it not have provided validity to the bill if those who sign it also abide by it?
According to politicians, the only people where drug abuse is a concern is for welfare recipients. Thankfully no politicians or Medicare eligible members carry the potential for substance abuse. Even those on welfare have voting rights and politicians work for the people. If the legislation saved money it would be worth considering, though this still would not preclude it from the constitutionality discussion. We should no longer allow our politicians to say “Do as I say and not do as I do.” Elected officials often forget, but they work for us and should be abiding by the same guidelines we do.
Federal Agents Raid and Take Over Oaksterdam University
Agents of the Federal Government attempted to attack the heart of the medical marijuana community today as they raided Oaksterdam University. There has not been much in the way of public comments from federal authorities as Arlette Lee, an IRS spokeswoman would only simply say “What we are doing here today is under seal.” Protestors already gathered outside of the sectioned off school to demonstrate against the federal take over. One protestor and former student of the university Ryan Hooper, said “This is not in the best interest of the city. If they close the dispensaries, all of this stuff is going to go back underground.” Oaksterdam University is well known for promoting a safe and educated medical marijuana industry. As more details unfold, marijuana.net will be providing updates.
Marijuana Superstore WeGrow Opens in Washington D.C.
Often the best place to hide from an enemy may be right under their nose. This may not usually be an ideal choice when the enemy is the federal government, but medical marijuana will be doing just that. Although historic buildings like the White House and the United States Capitol Building loom over the city and serve as a constant reminder of stubborn federal laws, Washington D.C. is set to open medical marijuana dispensaries by the summer.
WeGrow is opening its doors approximately 4 miles away from the White House. Their website suggests that “weGrow is the world’s first honest hydroponic superstore.” Wegrow aims to be a one stop destination for cultivators as they offer nutrients, grow lights, grow mediums, pest and mold control products, and much more. In the “About Us” section of their website they say “Our services are designed to train customers on safe and effective cultivation methods by expert technicians, so you can increase your harvest while also protecting your crop.” WeGrow offers growing classes, designed to maximize yields as well as safety.
Such a large supplier will obviously make the lives of growers convenient, as many of the items they utilize require multiple trips or worrying about shipping products across state lines. Additionally, it could help to provide some uniformity in safety regulations. Dispensary workers and growers will not be forced to shop at WeGrow, but many inevitably will. WeGrow will be having an effect on a significant portion of the Washington D.C. medical marijuana industry and if inspectors make sure they are complying with regulations, patients can be confident that the D.C. area dispensaries are at least buying quality controlled items to cultivate their plants with.
Washington D.C., like much of the country has experienced trouble in attracting new industries and jobs. The medical cannabis industry offers solutions to both of these problems. Large retailers always use employment opportunities as a reason a community should embrace them. WeGrow can claim that in addition to the potential to help increase patient awareness and provide an economic boost that Washington D.C. residents so desperately need.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 30, 2012
Rhode Island Lawmakers Consider Legalizing Marijuana For Recreational Use…
Rhode Island has been full of marijuana updates lately. Earlier in the week it was reported that RI is considering three new medical marijuana facilities. Currently, medical marijuana is permitted if patients meet certain criteria. They are allowed to possess 2.5 ounces and 12 plants but there are no dispensaries. In a newer development, it was revealed that legislators in Rhode Island are now even considering legalizing marijuana for recreational use. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear both sides of the debate on Tuesday. Decriminalizing cannabis will also be discussed at Tuesday’s hearing.
Initiatives to Make Marijuana Enforcement Lowest Priority are Underway in 6 Washington State Cities…
Washington State has already considered serious marijuana reform by the actions of New Approach Washington. The group was able to collect enough signatures for marijuana legalization (Initiative 502) to make it to the ballot and face a vote by the people. In the meantime however, it looks as if residents in Washington will attempt other ways in which to reform marijuana law. Sensible Washington is making a huge effort to push the decriminalization initiatives in Spokane, Olympia, Kent, Bellingham, Everett, and Bremerton. Seattle and Tacoma have already passed similar legislation making marijuana enforcement for personal adult use the lowest priority by authorities.
New York State Bans the Sale of Synthetic Marijuana…
Lawmakers in New York State have been pushing for a ban on synthetic marijuana for the past several months. They have finalized the ban preventing convenience store and tobacco shops from selling the popular products such as “K2” and “Spice”. Many have been concerned with recent health reports on the products. Teenagers seem especially vulnerable as there have been many emergency room visits reported that have been linked to use of synthetic marijuana. Many of these instances involve teens not being able to speak or acknowledge their surroundings. The National Poison Control Center has received 8,000 calls involving synthetic cannabis since 2011. The rise in the numbers is staggering as New York had 4 such instances in 2009 and 2010. New York State Senator Charles Schumer has led the charge for both a national ban and New York’s ban on synthetic cannabis. He has met opposition on a federal by those who feel any ban should be left up to individual states. Most states have already enacted similar bans.
Nunavut youth: immersed in booze, weed, boredom – Canada.com
|
Nunavut youth: immersed in booze, weed, boredom
Canada.com Most start smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol by age 14, and nearly all youth are smoking dope and drinking by the time they turn 18. Girls in these south Baffin communities are more likely to start marijuana use at an earlier age and end up binge … |
The Danger in Delivery
Most of the updates we cover in the medical marijuana industry are very serious. Patients seeking relief need marijuana reform desperately so that there is no shame or embarrassment in acquiring their medicine. However, there are times when developments highlighting the need for change are actually quite comical.
The idea of criminals using masks to conceal their identities is nothing new. However, it appears we have seen a rise in crimes performed by those wearing costumes of our favorite popular culture figures. One famous case involved none other than Darth Vader himself who apparently was short on cash and felt compelled to rob a Chase bank in 2010. Two “ninjas”, or at least individuals with authentic costumes, robbed a medical marijuana delivery man. The man dropped a bag of cannabis that was intended for a patient and also money. The two costumed perpetrators thankfully were not armed with Katana blades, but instead batons. No one was hurt and authorities are on the lookout for the ninjas, who may evade capture if their stealth techniques are sharp enough. This story does provide something serious to take away from it however. Those who usually deliver products door to door are not in as much of a high risk situation as a marijuana worker. Pizza delivery employees do not have piles of cash and valuable marijuana on them. Those delivering cannabis should be taking extra precaution and perhaps even escorted by security personnel.
Another comical example of just how much marijuana laws need to be reformed was provided by a man in Massachusetts. Michael Sansone of Whitman did not exactly make much of an effort to conceal his illegal business. He had business cards printed that had a picture of marijuana plant with the words “for sale” and “medical”. Additionally the cards included a phone number and directions that stated “ask for Mike”. The business hours were listed as 3pm-7pm weekdays and 12pm-6pm on weekends. Local Deputy Police Chief Scott Benton said “I guess he’s not an early riser. Only in America.” Police arrested Mr. Sansone after he approached a woman and asked if she wanted to purchase marijuana. He opened the trunk of his car to show her that he had it. The frightened woman contacted local police. Massachusetts does not even permit medical marijuana, and certainly will have zero tolerance for public selling out of one’s car. Although the story may induce a few chuckles, Mr. Sansone is breaking state law and likely does not have his marijuana tested by a lab.
While we can have a little fun with these two news stories, in no way do we want to lose sight of the daily struggles for so many patients. More security precautions should be the future of any delivery service and may eliminate the “ninjas” from stealing medicine and cash. Safe access would prevent the black market that allows an eccentric individual to sell marijuana out of his car. While funny stories bring a smile to our faces, we would see even more smiles on patients faces if we take the stigma out of their medicine.
Trayvon Martin’s family blames police for leaking info on marijuana suspension … – Washington Post
 TIME |
Trayvon Martin's family blames police for leaking info on marijuana suspension …
Washington Post The parents of a slain Florida teenager are blaming police for leaking information about their son being suspended for marijuana and details about the fight he had with the shooter that portrayed the teen as the aggressor. Trayvon Martin's mother … Blacks, Bias and Marijuana: Did Drug Stigma Contribute to Trayvon Martin's Death? Trayvon suspended over marijuana; thousands expected at rally Marijuana, beating claims put slain Florida teen's supporters on the defensive |