Pot
Landlords Renting to Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Could Face more Jail Time than Violent Offenders
A single article cannot even begin to decipher the priorities of our government. Law is supposed to be fair, just, and consistent. However, when comparing the penalties from one crime to another, the consistency just simply is not there.
A recent article posted on Opposing Views.com highlights several examples of how punishments are not fitting the crimes committed. Jonathan Janetski, a landlord in Montana is facing charges for maintaining a “drug involved premises.” By leasing his property to a medical marijuana dispensary, he could potentially be incarcerated for decades. That may not be the case and according to Opposing Views he is much more likely to serve about 3 years in prison, and will actually be behind bars for more time than those who cultivated the marijuana. The article then compares Mr. Janetski’s situation to another Montana resident, Kyle Eugene Avery.
Job recruiters often recommend that resumes should be no more than one page, because apparently, intelligent well read employers are bored easily. This obviously limits their casual reading choices. We could only imagine what recruiters would say about confining a criminal rap sheet to a single page. In Kyle Eugene Avery’s case he may have to use single space and 8 point font. In 2008, Avery served one (two year sentence) for first degree arson. The next year he was charged with sexual battery but the case was dismissed. He followed this up with a conviction for one count of lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child under 16 years of age. After that his ex girlfriend and her roommate accused him of raping them. Prosecutors also said he sexually assaulted a third woman while she slept. Authorities have dropped the two rape charges and a judge feels that Avery deserves a suspended sentence. Sexual assault in Montana carries a far lighter sentence and Avery faces a maximum of six months in jail while Janestski will likely spend far more time familiarizing himself with prison walls.
Hell hath no fury like a scorned politician. While the two situations outlined above describe problems with Montana law, the federal government has demonstrated a problem with how they allocate their legal resources. Despite the fact that medical marijuana has overwhelming support from Americans, politicians have insisted on using every tool at their disposal to punish those who use a naturally growing plant. They ask how dare anybody think differently than the likes of Rick Santorum and Orin Hatch who have not been able to adjust with a changing culture? We would ask that our government refocuses its efforts to protect the civil rights of Americans. Like any relationship, it is ok to admit when you have been wrong. In fact, it would be the mature thing to do, to tell patients they can have relief and that no one else will die due to re-election or presidential campaigns.
Other than Bernie Madoff, the government rarely seems inclined to bring down the hammer on those who commit financial crimes on Wall Street (despite how many retirement funds and lives are ruined) yet those leasing their property to allow a business to help patients should expect an extended stay in an 8×8 room. While we at marijuana.net usually do not like to bring up the “what about the children” argument, we do have to question what message we are sending. George Zimmerman has yet to be arrested and currently faces no jail time even as he shot and killed 17 year old Trayvon Martin, who was armed only with skittles and iced tea. Mr. Zimmerman claims that he was assaulted and we do respect the due process, but a teenager was shot dead by him and it is surprising no charges have been formally introduced. While the comparison between Jonathan Janetski and Kyle Eugene Levy may not become a dinner table conversation, Trayvon Martin has. Americans are long overdue to start questioning exactly what the goals of law enforcement on every level truly are.
Los Angeles Medical Marijuana Workers join Labor Union
Everyone in the American work force would appreciate more employment perks. However, most of us do not have to fear being arrested by federal authorities at work. Medical marijuana dispensary employees have to confront this fear regularly, and now workers in Los Angeles seeking better representation and protection have now joined the United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 770.
UFCW 770 represents a wide variety of retail workers including barbers, beauticians, pharmacy workers, meat packing and food processing employees, and laboratory workers. Ricardo Icaza, president of Local 770, was eager to welcome the dispensary workers. He summed up his excitement by saying, “This is the next step in professionalizing and stabilizing this new sector of the health care industry. “This is a positive step towards successfully integrating compassionate care into our system of health care.”
The move is in response to the proposed ban on medical marijuana dispensaries by the Los Angeles City Council. Mr. Icaza indicated that he directed the union’s political influence toward pressuring officials to avoid the ban. The president of the Greater Los Angeles Collective Alliance (GLACA), Yamileth Bolanos, welcomed the help and said “It’s time to bring in some big guns,” she told the Los Angeles Times “Not only are they threatening access for patients, they’re also trying to take jobs away from our employees.”
Workers in this vulnerable industry are seeking more protection and assurances that they can serve patients. The Los Angeles employees are not the only medical marijuana workers to join a union. In October of last year, Colorado dispensary workers also joined the UFCW. While the moves may not yield results overnight, workers may benefit from greater representation. This ultimately may not eliminate federal raids but could possibly bring more attention to vulnerable jobs that our economy cannot ill afford to lose.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 23, 2012
Jeremy Lin calls a foul on “Linsanity” marijuana strain
New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin has taken the world by storm with game play that electrified Madison Square Garden. The internet has been abuzz with plays on his name, but “linsanity” has taken hold. Like other parts of popular culture, it would not be long before business owners would try to profit off of “Linsanity”. Jeremy Lin was not amused with those trying to capitalize on his name and his lawyers have sent out many cease-and-desist letters to dispensaries who are selling the “Linsanity” strains. Twenty four other dispensaries highlighted the problem with the “marijuana name game” and tried to apply for patents to a name they have no connection to. Lin’s lawyer, Pamela Deese said “You can’t file a trademark when there’s a clear connection to someone else’s name, In this case, Jeremy Lin has the right to his name and related names and marks, as well as his signature, voice and likeness. That’s all part of his intellectual property.”
Medical Marijuana Bill Overcomes First Legal Obstacle in Connecticut
A recent Quinnipiac poll of Connecticut residents was released on Wednesday. The poll showed an overwhelming support for medical marijuana with 68% of respondents favoring while only 27% opposed. Only hours after the poll results were released, a legislative committee in Connecticut voted in favor (35-8) of a newly proposed medical marijuana law. Lawmakers also approved a medical cannabis measure in 2007 only to see it get vetoed by then Governor Jodi Rell. Current Governor Dannel P. Malloy supported a medical marijuana bill last year that failed. Several Republicans voiced their concern over the potential for federal intervention. Under the proposed state run system, prescriptions would be valid for one year and all patients would register with Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection.
New Data shows that many Medical Marijuana Cardholders Over 50 in Arizona
New research in Arizona shows that patients possessing medical marijuana are hardly young rebels. The Arizona Department of Health Services has released new dating showing that patients between the ages of 31-50 make up the largest percentage of cardholders (40%). Patients who are 51-81 represent 35% of all medical marijuana cardholders in Arizona and 18-30 year olds make up the smallest major block at 25%. Less than 1% of medical marijuana patients are under 18. The data may surprise many as marijuana, even for medical use, is closely associated with younger populations. Some officials in Arizona claimed the data shows they are doing a good job of keeping recreational users out of the medical program while Carolyn Short, chairwoman of Keep Arizona Drug Free, felt that some recreational users are faking symptoms and that medical marijuana should only be available after patients have exhausted all other medical options and treatments.
For more click here
Mt. Sinai Doctors Discover that Medical Marijuana May Stop Spread of HIV in the Body
There are countless testimonials from patients who feel that cannabis has provided them with a quality of life that would otherwise not be possible as they combat symptoms of HIV/AIDS. Marijuana has been known to stimulate appetite and drastically reduce pain for suffering HIV/AIDS patients. Many of us have read these stories only to hear detractors in our government say “there is not enough scientific research” and that all the evidence is anecdotal.
Researchers at New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital have now uncovered a scientific breakthrough in HIV/AIDS treatments, which have been quite rare to come by for decades. A new discovery by scientists is not anecdotal and may highlight just how miraculous marijuana can be to the medical world. Cannabinoid receptors have been found to have an effect on the spreading of the disease. Specifically, cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 seem to have this ability. Since triggering CB1 can cause a “high” feeling, researchers are focusing their work on CB2. In a laboratory the Mt. Sinai researchers took healthy immune cells and infected them with HIV. Next, they treated these infected cells with a chemical that triggers CB2. This is referred to as an agonist.
Those conducting the study were pleased with the breakthrough. Study author, Cristina Costantino, PhD, said “We knew that cannabinoid drugs like marijuana can have a therapeutic effect in AIDS patients, but did not understand how they influence the spread of the virus itself.” Lakshmi Devi, PhD, Professor of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Benjamin Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases led the research study. They are seeking to take the research to the next step will hopefully be able to emulate these results using lab mice in the future.
Whether or not members of the federal government are moved by this research remains to be seen. Calls for marijuana reclassification have been loud and clear and even echoed by high profile governors. This disease which attacks the immune system has thrived for far too long and we hope patients will find relief soon. Marijuana.net will report any updates on the research from Mount Sinai.
Doctor believes that symptoms of Synthetic Cannabis Use not always Recognized
Prohibition paves a golden road to the black market. The mafia flourished during America’s alcohol prohibition and marijuana.net has recently covered many stories that highlight the Mexican Cartel’s profits during the current war on cannabis. The alternate and unregulated drug market has witnessed new products that are striking fear in parents and health care workers.
Complications from synthetic marijuana are being reported regularly these days. The problem seems much more pronounced in teenagers, with emergency room visits on the rise. Most of the news outlets refer to all synthetic marijuana, ingredients, and effects as if they fit into one category. A recent article entitled “Side effects of synthetic pot-aka Spice- may be missed by ER Docs” has appeared on MSNBC’s website. This article mentions major problems in diagnosing and treating teens who suffer from side effects of synthetics.
Dr. Joanna Cohen is a pediatric emergency physician and told MSNBC that “These drugs are unregulated…symptoms can be unpredictable because the drug is mixed with other types of chemicals and substances.” The problem is also complicated by the fact that there is no standard in the synthetic marijuana market. With 39 states and a federal ban on JWH-018, synthetic creators have used many other compounds. This can make detection of use by teens difficult as there is not necessarily consistency to the side effects. The article also specifically describes several cases where teens were unable to speak, move, or respond to touch after being rushed to the emergency room after use of synthetic cannabinoids. The side effects are different, unpredictable, and impossible to determine as many unknown chemicals can be found in the products used by teens.
While rogue chemists may have replaced the iconic prohibition kings such as Al Capone, the situation remains similar. The black market in 2012 may not have the identifiable faces that made bootleggers so famous, but the effects of this market may be far worse. Synthetic products such as “K2” and “Spice” can be purchased at convenience stores and will likely just appear in different packaging if outlawed. These stories only highlight the need for a regulated and safe marijuana market, where the demand for products that can result in emergency room visits will fade away.
Protests in New York City Held in Support of Marijuana Reform amid Giant St. Patrick’s Celebration
Over the weekend New York City upheld one of its most famous and long standing traditions. Over 100,000 people dressed in green were in attendance for the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade where the consumption of corn beef and alcohol are commonplace.
Another celebration of green took place during the parade as well. Members of the New York State chapter of NORML made their way through the raucous crowd and to City Hall. This protest now marks the 3rd annual protest on New York’s City Hall. Holding the protest during the most recognized binge drinking holiday was not by accident. Doug Greene, the Legislative Director of Empire State NORML told CBS 880 news at the protest that “We’re reminding New York City that there is a safer alternative to pools of vomit in the streets.” He also went on to say “There were over 50,000 arrests last year for low-level marijuana possession, which is a waste of scarce city resources.”
New York City is known for setting trends in fashion, finance, cuisine, and social movements. However, it still is known as an unfriendly destination for cannabis patients and advocates. As Doug Greene mentioned, there was still a very amount of low level possession arrests last year. What is more troubling is this still occurred in the face of a direct memo from NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly who released a memo trying to curb the low level convictions. Although the numbers did decline toward the latter part of 2011, convictions were still alarmingly high.
Although New York State decriminalized marijuana possession over 30 years ago, the New York City police have been overly aggressive in issuing misdemeanor arrests for public use and/or possession. One former NYC police officer joined the protest at City Hall and reflected on her time as a police officer. Joanne Naughton said ” I retired as a lieutenant from the NYPD… What I did decades ago wasn’t any good, didn’t do any good. It was a waste of time.” While activists may have more work ahead, there is a bill in New York State’s legislature that could legalize medical marijuana. New trends can seemingly come out of nowhere and as the famous Don Henley song suggests, situations in New York can change in a minute.
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Expected to Open in Washington D.C. by Summer
With the iconic Berkeley Patient’s Group being forced to close its doors, the Federal government has demonstrated its desire to uphold not only its failed war on drugs, but also the war on patients. Interestingly enough, inside the belly of the beast, medical marijuana centers will be opening up within months.
Washington D.C. is expected to start serving medical marijuana patients by this summer. The process has already begun as cultivators are filling out the paperwork for leasing growing space. Sixty nine percent of D.C. voters approved a measure to legalize medical marijuana way back in 1998, but Congress stood in the way several times. In 2010, the City Council in D.C. approved another measure and this time Congress decided to respect the decision of both the council and residents of Washington. Residents who qualify will be purchasing marijuana within miles of the white house and congress, even as patients thousands of miles away fear raids and shutdowns.
The medical marijuana program in Washington D.C., like many other new states enacting programs, will have a much stricter set of guidelines than California’s system. This may be why the federal government, for the moment, seems to be far less concerned. California does not have a state run program, and municipalities have different interpretations of what rights are afforded under proposition 215. However this is all speculation and with little information available as to how the federal government selects its raid targets, advocates are left without an answer. Even if laws become stricter in California, many patients and advocates are hoping for a unified system so that everyone can operate legally.
Until the federal government decides to take the guessing game out of the legal realm, medical marijuana will remain in limbo. Although Washington D.C. will be allowed to serve patients now, no one can be certain of what the new faces in congress will decide after this November. No one wants a prolonged battle with the federal government, and a government should not be seeking to battle sick patients. The debate seems to be getting sillier each day and if our government cannot decide what they even want in their own backyard (City of Washington D.C), then can we really expect to look to them for leadership elsewhere?
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 16, 2012
Berkeley Patients Group to Close its Doors
One of the largest medical marijuana dispensaries in the state of California has been ordered to shut down. Berkeley Patients Group has served many patients and has one of the best reputations in the industry. They are known for charitable donations to the poor and helping the community. Local politicians have even referred to it as the model business for how a dispensary should operate. Federal authorities were not moved by Berkeley Patients Group’s compassionate for both its patients and the community. They claimed the dispensary was in violation of Federal law but also that it was within 1,000 feet of two schools and in violation of state law.
Montel Williams and Dan Morhaim Continue Fight for Medical Marijuana even after Legislation Fails
Although patients in Maryland were hopeful that they would finally be permitted to medicate with marijuana, Governor O’ Malley has decided to veto the bill citing his fear of Federal intervention. Celebrity and longtime cannabis advocate Montel Williams has joined state Senator Dan Morhaim who is also a medical doctor The two men also held a gathering where patients voiced their desire for medical marijuana. Montel was quoted as saying “What you are trying to accomplish is being compassionate to those who are suffering.” Williams provides a national platform for the medical marijuana conversation and Morhaim has submitted several bills in the Maryland Senate.
For more on this story click here
Legalize Medical Marijuana Billboards are Put Up in Florida
Billboards supporting marijuana reform have been appearing in the Sunshine State. Florida holds the title of largest indoor grower of cannabis in the country which clearly demonstrates a high demand. However Florida has been known for a very strict approach toward marijuana enforcement and many of the state’s residents are elderly and do not support marijuana reform. The man responsible for the signs is 69 year old Robert Platshorn. Platshorn spent 30 years in prison for smuggling marijuana and says he does not want others to suffer his fate. One billboard reads “Legalize Medical Marijuana. I’m a patient not a criminal” while others call for a rescheduling of marijuana.
Mitch McConnell links Marijuana with Death as Santorum has big day in Primaries
The information age is making it more difficult for politicians to make fraudulent statements and avoid any repercussions. Years ago, a politician may have said something at a rally or to a local reporter that would not make it to the national discussion. This has obviously changed drastically as those who try to regulate our social behavior do not even seem to understand quite how it works.
Mitch McConnell is the latest example of an out of touch representative who may be haunted by his impulse statements. The Senate Minority Leader seemed to learn little from Lamar S. Smith’s failed crusade to crush the internet with the SOPA legislation which encountered an embarrassing political death. The SOPA bill clearly appeared to suffer from a lack of research and analysis as to just how far reaching it would be. Mr. McConnell recently told a constituent in a letter that he cannot support marijuana legalization because “it leads to death”. He then also said that THC was available in pill form indicating that legalization is not necessary. The Minority Leader was likely referring to Marinol, which has proven to ultimately not be nearly as effective medically as unprocessed natural marijuana. McConnell took his statements even further and said he had concerns that marijuana legalization would not be following “the scientific process” of the FDA.
Advocates of marijuana will most certainly take offense to McConnell’s statement about the scientific process. This has become the new criticism as decades of fear mongering talking points against marijuana have been proven hollow. However, many are left to scratch their heads as to how exactly marijuana is supposed to closely follow “the scientific process” of the FDA if our government officials use every resource at their disposal to deny any such research.
Marijuana reform has the support of the majority of Americans and Mr. McConnell and those like him may regret their stubbornness on this issue. This is not the only area where the GOP seems to be out of step with Americans. The race for the Republican nomination for president has turned largely into a battle of antiquated ideologies. The race is now about eliminating abortion rights, contraception, and women’s health. Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973 and women (who vote in higher numbers than men) may not want our culture to backtrack 40 years and give up their privacy. Many political analysts expected the Republicans to campaign on the economy, energy policy, and jobs.
The information age is here to stay and expand, our elected officials need to realize that there now can be a quick backlash for empty politically charged statements. We will see if President Obama and those vying for his job will take note.
Speaking of those running against the president, Rick Santorum had a big day on Tuesday. He was the winner in the coveted southern states of Mississippi and Alabama keeping himself in the race. Mitt Romney won in Hawaii as Newt Gingrich was not victorious in any state yesterday. Many are urging Gingrich to drop out of the race as his chances of rebounding seem slim. Analysts predicted that Gingrich’s best chances resided in the south. Although the day was a disappointment for Romney, who is still struggling to gain the support of conservative voters, he did get 1/3 of the delegates yesterday maintaining a healthy lead in the race.
Medicating with Cannabis gets Patient Kicked out of Hospital
Western medicine has been very rigid in its approach toward treating patients, leaving little room for alternative ideas. Accepted medical techniques are bound to the law in America so alternative approaches are often illegal. This week a highly publicized example of the battle between stubborn “accepted practices” vs. alternative methods found its way into the news.
Angel Raich is a widely recognized marijuana advocate who has fought tirelessly over the years for marijuana reform (click here for info on the U.S. Supreme Court Case Gonzales v. Raich) She has suffered debilitating issues since 1995 and most recently has developed an inoperable brain tumor. She attempted to vaporize marijuana while at the UCSF Medical Center and was forced to leave the hospital. Angel Raich has claimed that her quality of life has improved drastically with marijuana use and that she would have been wheelchair bound for the last 17 years without it. Her physician Frank Lucido M.D. has said that “Angel has no reasonable legal alternative to cannabis for the effective treatment or alleviation of her medical conditions…Angel will suffer imminent harm without access to cannabis. Angel needs to medicate every two waking hours. After a certain number of medications have been tried, it would be malpractice to subject the patient to further unnecessary harm.”
We do not recommend that anyone violate the laws of a hospital, but we do understand that patients can be left without much choice. As her physician has previously stated, Angel Raich’s life is threatened constantly by excruciating pain if she is unable to medicate with cannabis. Ms. Raich is not a teenager trying to get exposure, she is a trailblazer trying to make her days tolerable. We also understand that hospitals must be concerned with smoke of any kind, but perhaps they will consider an alternative to turning their backs on sick patients.
The UCSF medical center released the following statement:
“UCSF is a smoke-free campus and this includes medical marijuana. Several members of the media have asked if UCSF allows the use of a vaporized form of marijuana. It does not. Even a vaporized form of medical marijuana releases particles in the air that are damaging to the lung. Any particles from vapor and odor could have an impact on other patients and hospital employees.
Under federal and state law, a physician is at legal risk related to any activity that could be construed as prescribing medical marijuana to a patient.”
At some point we hope to see a medical facility that will challenge federal guidelines and place more emphasis on relief rather than worrying about the legal backlash for permitting patients to medicate with marijuana. As Angel Raich struggles, we hope her story will highlight the obstacles that many patients face. In all facets of life, established ideas rarely die without kicking and screaming but there is room for more than one idea. Medical marijuana does not have to be at odds with traditional medical treatments, rather it can work simultaneously with established treatments.