Pot
Feds Oversee Colorado Marijuana Collective Shutdowns
The latter part of 2011 put a chill down the spine of many patients who were concerned about where they would have access to medication. Federal raids in California received a great deal of media attention as many news outlets claimed medical marijuana in America was over. Now that the dust has settled and the vast majority of collectives remain open, the raids seem to be targeting an altogether different goal than a total annihilation of the program.
The federal attention has now shifted toward Colorado. Several months ago, federal authorities issued letters informing 23 collectives that they would have to relocate or close their doors because they were too close to schools and in violation of Colorado law. Earlier this week federal agents were sent in to oversee the shutdown, which occurred without incident according to reports. While this is an inconvenience for patients, hopefully most will still be able to access relief without major issues.
Most patients felt that President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder indicated that the administration would not conduct federal raids on collectives. That seemed to match the tone of the statements made on the 2008 campaign trail, however, team Obama choose their words very carefully. They mentioned not raiding any establishment that followed state law, and even as recently as two months ago Eric Holder reiterated the position by saying “our thought was that where a state has taken a position, has passed a law, and people are acting in conformity with a law, not abusing the law but acting in conformity with it, and, again, given our limited resources, that would not be an enforcement priority for the Justice Department.” Of course the statement seems to be filled with exit clauses, but it does indicate that those following state law should not be a federal target.
Much of the media signaled the end for medical marijuana toward the end of 2011. That does not seem to be a well thought out idea as no state has revoked its medical marijuana program even in the face of federal pressure. Additionally, there are 17 other states considering medical marijuana laws and other states considering total legalization. Although California is in a state of legal uncertainty, the pending decision of the state Supreme Court may re-establish order and consistent laws so that patients are ensured their legally protected “safe access”. Colorado has over 700 medical marijuana collectives. With 23 shutting down, that represents approximately 3% of collectives. While those who are against providing accessible relief brag about the closings, it truly is just a drop in the bucket. Of those 23, many may relocate and be able to open up legally elsewhere.
While no advocates/patients want to hear about dispensaries being forced to shut down, it is important to keep everything in perspective. America has changed its views on marijuana and the Federal government does not even seem willing to challenge state laws. While the closings appear to be defeat on the surface, the fact that the federal government is only willing to enforce its laws on 3% of Colorado collectives may signal a victory for patients and advocates alike.
Colorado Residents Will get to Vote on Legalizing Marijuana in November
The 2012 election already was gearing up to be a historic election between the GOP and President Barack Obama. We also cannot lose sight of the house and senate races which will bombard our televisions. Besides its 9 electoral votes being up for grabs, Colorado figures to be a focal point this November as they were finally able to collect enough signatures to get the legalization effort on the ballot.
There has been a push (lead by the group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol) in Colorado to collect enough signatures and get the marijuana legalization initiative on the ballot. Initially, almost double the required 86,105 signatures were submitted. State officials rejected many of the signatures on the basis that they were invalid. The initiative fell just short by about 2,400 signatures but over 12,000 were submitted just before the deadline. Yesterday, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office announced that enough signatures were collected and that the initiative will be placed on the ballots for voters to decide. Colorado voters had a similar opportunity in 2006 to legalize marijuana but chose not to. California also rejected similar measures in 2010, but advocates are hopeful that the current initiative is a better plan and polls show much more support around the country for legalization.
Colorado will not be the only state where recreational marijuana could be legalized. Through the efforts of New Approach Washington and their high profile team of U.S. attorneys, Judges, and law enforcement members, enough signatures were collected to place the issue on the ballots. The Washington plan calls for a system of regulation similar to alcohol. Other states may be poised to make serious changes to marijuana laws as well. Michigan and Missouri are among several other states where ballot initiatives are underway to legalize cannabis. There are also 17 other states with pending legislation to legalize medical marijuana and likely a few more on the way.
Calendar year 2012 already has the ingredients to make even more history than a normal presidential election year. This truly may be the year where we have one or more states that have totally legalized marijuana. While this may not provide any additional protection from the federal government, raids are harder to conduct when marijuana is permitted and available throughout a state and not just in easily identifiable store fronts. The federal government may be forced to consider reclassification earlier than they would like, unless they plan on storming the back yards of residents.
Families find Stress and Relief with Medical Marijuana Laws
As we constantly hear about “family values” in this election year, we find ourselves questioning the sincerity of those statements. The United States witnesses so many families struggling with healthcare, and even for those lucky enough to have access to pharmaceutical treatments it is often not enough to provide relief. Two families have been featured in the news recently as they try their best to provide a better quality of life for their children.
A recent article entitled “Without Marijuana, I’d Probably Be Dead” describes 17 year old Chaz Moore’s health struggles. Doctors say that Chaz is one of 50 people in the entire world who have been diagnosed with myoclonus diaphragmatic flutter. The condition causes muscle spasms that can occur dozens of times in one day alone. For most of his life, Chaz Moore was healthy, athletic, active and seemingly normal. Several years ago this all changed drastically and Moore started to notice hives and spasms several times a week. The symptoms became progressively worse as Chaz’s father recalled, “One week, we went nine times to the ER, we were going nuts, just totally freaking out. Nobody knew what was wrong.” Traditional medicine proved to be ineffective until Chaz was taking a combination of 16 pills per day.
Although doctors were able to treat his symptoms at first with an aggressive pill cycle, eventually the spasms returned and were unable to be controlled. Shan Moore eventually suggested to doctors that Chaz try marijuana as a way to regulate the attacks. To date, it is the only treatment that has proved to be consistent. Although Moore is one of 41 minors who possess a medical marijuana card in Colorado, he could benefit greatly from further marijuana legal reform. His situation requires him to medicate during the day and this has put him at odds with school administrators. Chaz Moore now takes online classes from his home.
Unfortunately, another family seeking relief for their child has even more legal hurdles to overcome. Gill and Catherine Mejias are seeking an alternative approach toward their son Deacon’s autism. Deacon is only seven years old which makes the situation even more sensitive. While it may sound extremely controversial to use marijuana in treatment for young children, many parents are claiming it has helped their children who have autism (click here for a letter from a mother titled “Why I Give My 9 Year Old Pot”). Deacon’s parents claim that his teachers noticed a drastic turnaround in his behavior after he started taking Marinol.
However, Catherine Deacon says that Deacon typically builds up a tolerance to synthetics and the Marinol regimen has lost its effectiveness. Oklahoma is not a state that permits medical marijuana although the Mejias family is hopeful that will soon change. State Senator Constance Johnson (D-Oklahoma City) has proposed senate bill 573, which would allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana. The Mejias family has stated they will move to another state if the bill does not pass. Oklahoma state governor Mary Fallin has indicated she would veto any bill to legalize medical marijuana.
We are a country that places an emphasis on “family”. Is it not equally important that the word “compassion” closely accompanies family? Current laws have forced little choice but to break the law for those who have true family values.
Study Shows Medical Marijuana States have Reduced Suicides
As study after study confirms the medicinal qualities of marijuana, we should probably stop being surprised. However, there are times when new benefits are discovered that are so groundbreaking, even advocates have to take a step back and breathe a sigh of relief.
While many medical marijuana advocates focus on physical pain relief from HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, MS, Nausea, and chronic pain, the psyche also benefits greatly from cannabis. New research has demonstrated a link between PTSD relief and marijuana use as many returning soldiers say it is the only way they can relieve their symptoms. Now it appears another significant link between the psyche and marijuana has been discovered. According to a research paper entitled “High on Life? Medical Marijuana Laws and Suicide”, states that have legalized marijuana have seen a significant drop in suicides. The paper was written by D. Mark Anderson, Daniel I. Rees, and Joseph J. Sabia.
The paper analyzed data from 1990-2007 and found an overall reduction by 5% in overall suicides. Males aged 20-29 saw an 11% drop in suicides. In states that do not permit legalized marijuana, suicide rates actually rose during this time period. While suicide does not garner the attention of many other causes of death, it is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. The authors mentioned above believe that legalizing marijuana may “lead to an improvement in the psychological well-being of young adult males, an improvement that is reflected in fewer suicides.” They also went on to say “The strong association between alcohol consumption and suicide-related outcomes found by previous researchers raises the possibility that medical marijuana laws reduce the risk of suicide by decreasing alcohol consumption.”
While lawmakers still drag their feet and state that marijuana is extremely dangerous, advocates are concentrating on how we can treat the a top ten leading cause of death in the United States. While this may sound naïve in this day and age, we are expected to look up to our government officials. How can we do that? How can we seek help from those who will not even pass a congressional insider trading bill, or allow Super Pacs to influence an election. For the time being, both physical and mental relief are in direct violation of federal law.
For the full research paper including additional statistics from the study click here
Proposed Kentucky Medical Marijuana Law Shows Change in Midwest Politics
The traditional ideas of red and blue state politics may no longer apply. Many Southern and Midwest states are seriously considering medical marijuana, a political issue that would have surely had little chance of passage only several years ago.
With Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama among states that either permit medical marijuana or have pending legislation that could legalize it, the political map has changed drastically. Medical marijuana is becoming a consensus issue, and Kentucky is the newest state to join the mix. Kentucky state senator Perry B. Clark (D-Louisville) has sponsored Senate Bill 129, which would move marijuana from a schedule I to a schedule II substance and allow physicians to prescribe marijuana. The bill is also being titled the Gatewood Galbraith Memorial Medical Marijuana Act, after the high profile attorney who advocated for marijuana reform. Unfortunately, Louis Gatewood Galbraith passed away last month.
Senator Clark cited a poll conducted by the Marijuana Policy Project which indicated that over 81% of Americans feel doctors should be able to prescribe marijuana to patients who are in need of relief. Under the new bill patients would be allowed to have up to 5 ounces of marijuana per month. He also said “Marijuana has positive medical benefits for patients dealing with illnesses like cancer, multiple sclerosis, and AIDS, to name a few, I want to allow this as another treatment option for those individuals.”
This proposed legislation comes from a state where many may be surprised to see considering medical marijuana. As mentioned above, predictable politics is no longer a sure business. Technology connects us at speeds only limited by our high speed internet connections. As patients continue to share their stories, it will not matter what state one resides in, health and relief are desired in both red and blue states alike.
Cartel’s Advanced Tunnel System may pose a serious Security Threat to U.S.
As new details are provided concerning the fight against drugs, this news isn’t positive. While U.S. government bodies happen to be fighting cartel forces for many years, the conflict may now be a much bigger domestic threat.
U.S. Border Patrol agents have found over 160 illegal tunnels across the U.S./Mexico border. However, agents have found much more advanced tunnel systems lately. Huge amount of money are increasingly being spent to equip the marijuana smuggling tunnels with lighting and today even railway systems. Many government bodies believe the geography in Tijuana might be especially useful towards the efforts from the cartel. U.S. attorney Laura E. Duffy has stated that smugglers use horizontal drills that don’t disturb top soil making recognition difficult. The soil is soft and simple to drill through. North Park College anthropologist Victor Clark Alfaro feels this really is one more reason which helps the efforts of individuals digging the tunnels. He lately stated the “noise in the airport terminal is a superb benefit to them.” Probably the most advanced tunnels have been discovered near Tijuana Airport Terminal.
Escalation is definitely an issue in police force. Aggression always provides the opportunity for retaliation, and cartel efforts to smuggle marijuana now pose a much greater security problem than in the past. The weapons and transportation employed by smugglers has become progressively advanced as U.S. agents have concurrently elevated its degree of pressure used to look for marijuana. The fight against drugs cost has jumped in to the billions, as the intended target is continuing to grow unmanageable. America’s almost century lengthy fight against marijuana has produced a scenario where organized crime makes money and people are frequently forced to cope with them (even when in a roundabout way) when they seek relief. A lot of us will invariably question just how much bloodshed and today domestic security risk might have been prevented having a more sensible approach toward marijuana. With no underground community, it is not easy to picture 100s of subterranean tunnels being funded by organized crime.
Of course, national security is a large area of the approaching presidential election. In the end watch two males in customized suits discuss issues overseas or even the Mexican border as it requires immigration, will People in america again be refused the chance to listen to our leaders discuss our most harmful and native security risks?
Marijuana Advocates do something both Locally and Abroad
During the period of yesteryear couple of days, marijuana advocates have shown oneness and determination within the continual quest for sensible reform. From Colorado to Belgium, activists switched in the warmth within their efforts to legalize marijuana.
In Colorado, a ballot initiative headed through the group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol continues to be produced to legalize marijuana for medical and leisure use. Even though the recent financial bill that will have permitted collectives use of accounts unsuccessful, there’s been a lot of support for that legalisation initiative. To be able to obtain the initiative around the ballot for voters to determine, 86,105 signatures are needed. Over 160,000 were posted, however, condition authorities declined about 50 % from the signatures because that they are not valid. One more 2,400 signatures are needed to maneuver the initiative in to the next legislative phase. Over 14,000 signatures were posted to condition authorities a couple of days ago. Activists are hopeful they have done all they are able to which they’re going to have a lot more than the required signatures.
On the other hand around the globe advocates will also be trying their finest to create change. In Belgium, activists became a member of Polish parliament member Janusz Palikot, that has received considerable attention together with his public demos. Palikot and the surging left wing party happen to be pushing for dramatic changes to Poland’s marijuana laws and regulations. Janusz Palikot’s threat to illuminate a marijuana joint in parliament resulted in a huge number of media focus. Government bodies threatened to arrest him so he amended his plan and just lit marijuana incense throughout a session of Polish parliament. Palikot has adopted this up by leading an exhibition where marijuana was smoked freely inside a public protest. The activists were with decriminalization measures and consider Poland’s stance on alcohol production hypocritical. Belgium continues to be creating vodka for hundreds of years.
Marijuana.internet is going to be keeping track of the developing issues in Colorado and Belgium. Colorado may join Washington Condition where voters may have the chance to legalize marijuana this fall. Polish advocates could have a tough road ahead however they appear to become vitalized and prepared for any long-term legal fight.
Colorado Legislation to permit Banking for Shops Fails but Momentum for Reform Accumulates in Alabama
While there absolutely are developments which should lift the spirits of patients, regrettably you will find still obstacles when it comes to a really compassionate health care system. Besides organizations which are only worried about a fast profit at the expense of patient care, advocates experienced a legitimate defeat .
Of course, it’s most likely a much better idea to begin with unhealthy news. Because the Washington Publish reported, an invoice that will have allowed medicinal marijuana shops to get access to accounts unsuccessful to outlive the legislative process in Colorado. The balance might have setup organizations much like lending institutions, that shops would in a position to utilize. Presently, no banks are prepared to conduct business with marijuana collectives because they don’t want to stay in breach of federal law. Obviously, everyone knows that keeping piles of money and marijuana available offers a lot of possibility of criminal activity. Furthermore, backers from the law believe that dispensary use of banking provides an essential paper trail to make sure a legally run operation. Political figures don’t appear to become lined facing a smart method of marijuana finance. However, such as the banks, they seem to be scared of federal penalties. Democratic Sen. Pat Steadman stated “I’m unsure this can be a problem the condition can solve.”
Obviously now we are able to start more beneficial news. Medical and legalisation efforts happen to be released from coast to coast and could increase the already 16 states (and D.C.) that enable some type of legalized marijuana. Alabama might be searching to become listed on the growing list. Repetition. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham is supporting an invoice that will see Alabama enact its very own medicinal marijuana program. Repetition. Todd is mainly trying to provide relief for individuals struggling with Aids/Helps, but regrettably observed her similar proposal fail formerly. However, another politician is joining her cause. Repetition. K.L. Brown, (R-The city of jacksonville) has additionally introduced legislation that will allow patients to own as much as 8 oz . of marijuana. This news is exciting to advocates as this signifies bi-partisan support and may possibly bring people of both Republican and Democratic parties towards the table. Alabama joins other states within the south and 17 overall which are thinking about legislation that will legalize medicinal marijuana.
We are keeping an eye on these developments. Weight loss states make an effort to seriously alter marijuana laws and regulations, deficiencies in an economic structure for shops might not be tolerated. Possibly someone will propose an innovative approach which will satisfy advocates and political figures. Meanwhile, we are able to still hang our hat on the truth that medicinal marijuana is clearly not disappearing, the concept has become thriving in places we weren’t aware of.
Updates on New Laws and regulations and former Governor Gary Manley
Using the tremendous success from the High Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup in La over the past weekend and Love Day moving in, there’s been a lot to discuss. While we are talking about more highlights in the cup soon, we’re really looking forward to a few of the new political/legal developments regarding marijuana.
Gary Manley, that has been formerly been known to as “The Marijuana Candidate”, made head lines lately. Mr. Manley was part of the GOP, but increased frustrated with numerous issues, including his former party’s disinclination to discuss marijuana reform and being excluded in the Republican primary debates. Gary Manley continues to be running for leader but he’s now part of the Libertarian party. Obviously that happened in the finish of 2011, but more lately he won a hay poll in Florida. A hay poll occured including 5 other libertarian candidates, but Gary Manley won 70% from the election. The fiscal conservative but socially moderate Manley stated, “The country’s in really deep trouble” and “Our country isn’t safe from financial collapse.” Manley can also be in support of a progressive national florida sales tax, also called a “Fair Tax”. Although Gary Manley might not have the ability to win the U . s . States presidency, the ex-governor could provide a lot of exposure for marijuana reform.
Patients can also be very happy to hear that another condition has suggested new legislation that will bring serious modifications to existing marijuana laws and regulations. In Maryland, you will find really three plans which have been suggested. Two plans are extremely similar based on Serta Morhaim, an area 11 Democrat from Baltimore County. He mentioned the 2 plans “overlap about 90 %.Inch The 3rd plan differs substantially and it has provisions that will permit patients to develop their very own medication. Advocates believe that enabling patient growing can offer the most affordable method to medicate. The plans, or a mix of what the law states, may stand a high probability of passage as there’s already momentum for alternation in Maryland. This past year, legislation was passed that decriminalized utilization of marijuana for patients who could demonstrate they needed marijuana for “therapeutic or palliative relief.”
The city is standing strong and could have previously suffered its pitch-dark days. While Gary Manley has supported marijuana reform for a while, other political figures are actually prepared to advance and demand change as marijuana sheds its taboo status. Maryland is just one illustration of this as a lot of other states have either legalized medicinal marijuana or are thinking about measures to do this. With marijuana reform no more becoming an act of political suicide, a lot more will stand beside our community.
A Valentine’s Day Love Letter
Dear Mary Jane
Oh Mary Jane, How I love thee. I know that you would never leave me or judge me, you represent the most reliable compassionate relationship I have been in. You are always there for me when others fade away.
You bring a smile to my face when I am blue or feeling sick. You care and provide relief to so many. Our returning soldiers dealing with PTSD symptoms have found you waiting for them stateside ready to ease their pain. Same goes for all those seeking relief for so many other debilitating medical conditions. Cancer, HIV/AIDS, MS, chronic pain, nausea and so many more medical ailments are relieved by your soft loving touch. I know our love is true, and that many love you too, and yet somehow, I know I cant have you all to myself, the world needs you, so I try not to be jealous. I suppose there is enough of your love to go around.
How you make others feel is unlike any other feeling known to man. I love to witness everyone gathering around you as they laugh and smile. I never have to worry that someone will not like you or that you wont give the attention needed to each individual as if it was your love. Just carrying you with me in my lungs reminds me of how warm and fuzzy you make me feel.
Mary Jane, our future looks so bright together. More and more people are ready to see the real you and ignore the false rumors. You know how it is, people are scared of something so amazing, it would make all the other treatments seem secondary. If only they would work up enough courage to come talk to you, get to know the real you. Then they would realize they never had to be nervous, that in fact you can help melt away the nerves. I think Congress will be seeing the light soon. The states have been wooed by everything you have to offer and sooner or later the big boys in Washington are going to see how amazing we have all known you are for so long now. And I know your love will be waiting to spread all over the globe.
We love you so much Mary Jane,
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!