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Marijuana Industry News December 13, 2013
Uruguay Becomes First Nation to Legalize Marijuana…
The story has been developing for a long time but now it looks official. Uruguay will become the first nation to legalize recreational marijuana. Uruguay, like many other countries in Central and South America, is attempting to rectify the growing problems related to failed marijuana policy, including the brutal cartel violence. This week, Uruguay Senators voted 16-13 to legalize and regulate marijuana. The idea has been championed by Uruguay President, Jose Mujica. His wife, Senator Lucía Topolansky told Reuters “We begin a new experience in April. It involves a big cultural change that focuses on public health and the fight against drug trafficking.” Residents, 18 and over, will be able to purchase up to 40 grams per month so long as they are properly registered.
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New York State Lawmakers Considering a Legal Marijuana Industry…
The marijuana conversation in New York has been front and center over the course of the past year in New York. Unfortunately, most of the focus has been on “Stop and Frisk”, the NYPD’s ruthless strategy to work around a decriminalization law passed in the 1970s. New York allows possession of up to 25g to be considered a civil citation, punishable by a ticket. However, the law does not allow for the cannabis to be in plain sight in order to prevent public consumption. The NYPD tells individuals to empty their pockets. Refusing to do so is illegal while following the officer’s instructions puts the marijuana in plain sight, where the charges will escalate. NY State Senator Liz Krueger wishes to put an end to the unjust practices that overwhelmingly target minority residents. She recently introduced a bill that would create a legal recreational marijuana market similar to Colorado and Washington, complete with state oversight and tax revenues. She recently said publicly that “There is marijuana usage and there has been forever and we have to stop wasting lives and wasting police power and our courts.” It is not clear yet if the bill will have enough votes or support from Governor Cuomo to pass.
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Poll Shows California Support for Recreational Marijuana Law is Increasing…
While California residents have been pioneers in medical marijuana, having passed Proposition 215 (California Compassionate Use Act) in 1996, support for legalizing recreational use has taken far longer to grow. A majority of residents, even up to a few years ago actually were against legalization. Recently those numbers have been much more evenly split. The newest polling on the issue shows a majority of California residents now outright support legalizing and regulating recreational marijuana. A Field Poll found that 55% of California residents support legalizing. Residents may get their chance to do more than answer survey questions as serious efforts are underway to bring the issue to the ballot for residents to vote on next year. Mark A.R. Kleiman is a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is considered an expert on drug policy and recently said “Debating about whether to legalize now is pointless, because we’re going to. The smart debate is about how we’ll do it.”
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Marijuana Enters New Age, While Propaganda Remains Stuck in Last Century
Research into marijuana was almost non existent for the 20th century. In the 21st century, clinical trials are finally being commissioned, trying to make up for decades of lost research time. Blatant propaganda had previously been a staple for the criminalization crowd, those who wish to see our jails overcrowded with non violent criminals. However, as positive patient testimonials, the realization that the war on drugs is a colossal failure, and a desire to regain some individual choices take hold on the American public, wreck less propaganda has begun to fade away.
The self righteous criminalization crowd now realizes they have to be more covert when trying to mislead. They may troll the internet for vulnerable comment sections on blogs, or share exaggerated or factually incorrect articles on social media. It came as a huge surprise to us to see vintage propaganda prominently featured on the Kansas City Star’s webpage. Proving that so much deception could not be successfully crafted by one person, both Ravikumar Chockalingam and Dragan Svrakic needed to collaborate to complete a recent article titled “The risks of marijuana are many”.
The article starts with the following:
Imagine the public outrage if a toxic drug was approved without any regulation for “recreational” use in adults and children that suppresses the immune system, causes schizophrenia, mental illness, brain and lung disease including cancer and death. Also, many long-term and frequent users of this toxic drug have lowered IQs, impaired memory, poor judgment and diminished driving ability.
It does not exactly improve from there. The authors go on to cite marijuana as a “toxic drug” while ignoring obvious comparisons to legal opiates and alcohol’s “toxic” effect. Even stranger, they try and scare readers regarding a fictional “nightmare health scenario” that other states outside of Kansas and Missouri are experiencing. Driving and marijuana is actually a discussion that needs to occur, but there is conflicting evidence to suggest that it causes more accidents. In fact, in certain states where medical marijuana is legal, DWIs and fatal crashes have actually gone down. The authors also claim there is no medical evidence to support marijuana’s medical efficacy. That is incorrect as even the U.S. government has commissioned studies that highlight marijuana’s wide array of medical uses, including the potential to fight cancer.
Of course the article also uses the standard condescension, where patient testimonials are irrelevant and we should not trust people when they tell us about their improved quality of life and reduction in pain, nausea, PTSD, seizures… the list goes on. Patients from different walks of life, politically, financially, and ethnically, all have gotten together during times where their health has deteriorated, to fake marijuana’s benefits. At least this is what the article in the Kansas City Star implying.
While (psychiatry resident) and Dragan Svrakic (associate professor) are both part of the Washington University School of Medicine, they seem to be lagging behind the medical leaders in our country. Even Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN contributor and President Obama’s choice for Surgeon General (Dr. Gupta turned down the offer) has reversed his opposition to medical marijuana, and admitted he was wrong. When leading physicians, clinical trials, and patients all report the benefits of medical marijuana, we can only hope the two authors of the article will take notice. We at marijuana.net noticed an unusual amount of blanket statements and a lack of evidence provided for these outrageous claims. The American public does not seem to be buying the scare tactics of last century as the vast majority (85% according to a Fox News Poll) of residents here support medical marijuana. It may be time for Ravikumar Chockalingam and Dragan Svrakic to abandon the propaganda, or at least utilize more subtle and modern techniques.
Marijuana Industry News December 6, 2013
New Family Networks Develop in Colorado…
Families from all over the United States are migrating to Colorado in order to treat their children with marijuana. While controversial to some, many families feel they are without any other options. The New York Times has recently published an article that examined some of the “marijuana refugees”. The article describes a new network being created by these families. The network is made up of people from varying political and ethnic backgrounds as seeking relief for an ailing child is a universal instinct. Families are sharing recipes for marijuana edibles, baby sitting for each other and doing other activities together. This development embodies much of the compassion that has fueled the medical marijuana movement.
For the entire New York Tines article click here
Proposed Law Would Permit Dispensaries and Edibles in Michigan…
Earlier this week, Michigan’s House Committee debated a new medical marijuana bill. Activists and patients believe Michigan courts and authorities have placed too many restrictions on the voter approved medical marijuana laws. Many are also concerned that safe access has been compromised. Not every resident is adept at growing marijuana and there are certain dangers including pesticides and mold that can be an issue for novice growers. Rep. Mike Callton, (R-Nashville) sponsored House Bill 4271 and believes individual communities should dictate what they want. “Local control will allow cities, townships and villages to regulate the level they feel most comfortable with,” Callton said in testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. “And for those communities who feel it is inappropriate, it allows them to opt out all together.”
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Need for Marijuana Lab Testing Highlighted This Week….
This week many news outlets were reporting on a University of New Haven study that showed marijuana can sometimes be contaminated with mold, mildew and insect parts. Heather Miller Coyle, a forensic botanist and associate professor at UNH worked on the study and would like to see universal testing. “If there’s no certification … it’s like saying we don’t check our meat for mad cow disease,” Coyle said. “That’s our goal as a private university, to develop the tools to address or mediate this issue.” We at marijuana.net have been advocating for lab testing for several years. Medicine is not effective and even dangerous without the proper safety regulations. Labs such as The Werc Shop have excellent track records in testing and can ensure safety.
Compassionate Christie No More?
The bumps in the road for New Jersey’s medical marijuana program have been well documented. The program was initially approved by exiting Governor Corzine on his last day in office four years ago. Current Governor Chris Christie was never a fan of medical marijuana and tried every strategy at his disposal to delay the start of the program.
In the last year however, it seemed Governor Christie was softening his stance and attempting to get himself in line with the views of the rest of the country. He vowed to stay out of the way of the laws and New Jersey finally had a dispensary open in Montclair about a year ago. Although there are very strict parameters set to qualify for medical marijuana, the Garden State appeared to be on the right track. Over the summer, New Jersey residents Meghan and Brian Wilson brought a new medical marijuana discussion to the state. Their daughter suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare but extreme form of epilepsy. As many parents are finding out across the country, marijuana is emerging as one of the most reliable treatments for the condition as traditional medications provide many side effects and do not eliminate the seizures effectively.
A few months back, Governor Christie approved some legislative changes to the medical marijuana program after a public confrontation in a diner where the Wilson’s begged the governor to help their daughter survive. These changes now permit the Wilson’s daughter to receive treatment with cannabis. Unfortunately the strains and necessary information the Wilson’s need are not currently available in New Jersey. They are now pushing the New Jersey legislature to pass a new bill that would allow them to get the necessary medication they need out of state. This has angered Christie, who has reverted back to his more rigid anti medical marijuana stance. In regards to the new bill Governor Christie resorted to what sounded like bully tactics. In what seems to be an oversimplification, the Governor said “See this is what happens. Every time you sign one expansion, then the advocates will come back and ask for another one. Here’s what the advocates want, they want legalization of marijuana in New Jersey. It will not happen on my watch, ever. I am done expanding the medical marijuana program under any circumstances. So we’re done.”
The Wilson’s may see it a bit differently as their daughter’s quality of life is on the line. They do not see themselves as an engine to push legalization. Brian Wilson responded to Governor by saying “There’s no outpouring of people signing up for this program’ because who wants to spend $200 on sign-up fees plus the countless doctors fees, not covered by insurance, to participate in a program that cannot serve the current client base?” Medical marijuana may be a difficult political issue for the conservative Christie as he already has a problem with the Republican base for being too liberal. Unfortunately, on his way to a White House bid the Governor may be alienating everyone as few people are against medical marijuana these days.
Recalling Marijuana Supporter and Philanthropist Peter B. Lewis
We reside in a society where financial wealth is often the way of measuring someone’s greatness. There is definitely an incredible economic climate within the U . s . States that enables for a lot of to operate hard and get personal wealth. Very frequently, however, individuals who find financial success don’t hand back and recognize individuals less fortunate.
It was not the situation with Peter B. Lewis. The billionaire philanthropist was most widely known for his role as Chairman of Progressive Insurance Provider, however, many others will appreciate his charitable work. Last year, Mr. Lewis guaranteed to give 1 / 2 of his wealth to charitable organisation. He was noted for appreciating the humanities, culture, and human privileges. Peter B. Lewis contributed large, very a large amount of cash to a lot of organizations such as the ACLU and The Guggenheim Museum. We are sad to are convinced that he died a couple of days ago.
At any given time when giving and openly supporting marijuana reform was a little more risky for any guy of his stature, Peter B. Lewis wasn’t embarrassed to be among the wealthiest and profiles supporters of medicinal marijuana and leisure marijuana. In 2007 he contributed $3,000,000 to MPP (Marijuana Policy Project). The group has utilized the donations well and it is a number one organization in pushing marijuana reform forward. He also supported Initiative 502, what the law states that made history by legalizing a leisure marijuana market that will provide new tax revenues within the condition of Washington. In 1998, Mr. Lewis experienced from the medical problem that needed an incomplete amputation of 1 of his legs. He stated that traditional medicines and pills were never competitive with marijuana was for his discomfort. Mr. Lewis found idea the thought of criminalizing marijuana to become absurd and be probably the most influential figures for reform.
We’d much like to consider this time around to keep in mind this sort and caring guy. Peter B. Lewis accomplished a lot of things and grew to become a billionaire. However, shown a level more rare trait, he never lost his empathy even while he acquired financial wealth.
What Related To Recently Empty Jail Sales After Legal Marijuana?
One of the leading but less outlined roadblocks for marijuana reform originates from the corrections industry. Incarceration is becoming large business. Unfortunately for individuals who gain tossing non violent culprits imprisonment and pushing citizen dollars, they might need to re-think their business design. As marijuana laws and regulations are cool there might be less inmates to fill the 8×8 cells. Of course government bodies may go after real and harmful crooks, but that’s a lot more difficult than wrestling an 18 years old having a joint lower down. Huffington Publish lately released a cool and satirical piece leaving comments around the problem. We at marijuana.internet thought it might be a pleasant change of pace for that holiday week.
Marijuana Industry News
Feds Raid Colorado area dispensaries…
Only some time ago, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder indicated the us government wouldn’t stand when it comes to legal condition run marijuana programs. We learned now that federal government bodies were matching with local police in Colorado and Boulder to conduct raids. While the instinct for a lot of would be to think that federal government bodies go back on their own word, that won’t be. So far, the Department of Justice has stored the majority of the particulars secret for the time being, but spokesperson Shaun Dorschner has stated the actions from the DOJ are in conjuction with the previous claims that they’ll respect condition law. Mr. Dorschner established that individuals being raided were in breach from the concepts the DOJ mentioned formerly which incorporated efforts to avoid supplying minors and supplying criminal businesses among other focal points. There are certain to be many watching to ascertain if the us government has stored their word and when the recommendations they’ve recommended are obvious and understandable.
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80 2 % of Florida Citizens Support Medical Marijuana…
Elections in Florida receive major attention. The high electoral election swing condition is coveted by presidential candidates called the core wild Rose bush v. Gore 2000 election. Marijuana activists are searching toward what may another historic Election Day the coming year. There are efforts to obtain a medicinal marijuana law around the ballot for 2014. A recent poll indicates the initiative may pass easily if offer a election through the people. The Quinnipiac College poll found citizens supporting medicinal marijuana with a margin if 82-16. Affordable health care is really a major problem in Florida is really a major problem because the state’s human population is seniors. Florida has lengthy held the title for that biggest illegal producer of marijuana, showing the demand is clearly there.
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Parents 4 Pot Turn to Eliminate Stigma Connected with Marijuana…
Even while increasingly more People in america accept using medical and leisure marijuana, there’s frequently still a stigma mounted on it for moms and dads. There has been most cases where government bodies have a parent’s child over marijuana possession. Picture this scenario if your parent lost a young child over alcohol possession. In reaction, Mickey Martin has assisted created the audience Parents 4 Pot. He lately referred to the mission from the northern California organization by saying “What we desire to do would be to alter the way people understand and discuss cannabis within our community.” Parents 4 Pot can also be attempting to bring awareness to situations where children require medicinal marijuana. There has been many recent legal changes, such as with Nj, in which the laws and regulations happen to be changed to permit sick children to get medical cannabis. Martin also spoke about families being damaged by outdated marijuana laws and regulations. “There are lots of parents who lose their freedom, or whose children lose their freedom, every single day to those guidelines and laws and regulations, so that as a society we sit by watching. It’s not okay any longer.” He stated.
 
Is Marijuana the brand new Winning Political Problem?
In America’s polarized political landscape, most issues divide us right lower the center. Oddly enough, one problem accustomed to sink candidates before becoming polarizing, and it is now being a political slam dunk. In many states, medical, leisure, or decriminalization appear to become dictating large areas of campaigns.
The latest example originates from Maryland, where citizens have supported medicinal marijuana for a long time. Now Louise Mizeur, a County delegate for Montgomery want to see marijuana legalized. Ms. Mizeur intentions of attempting to end up being the next governor and could have lots of competition to secure the Democratic nomination for next years election.
The program allows citizens 21 years old and also over could possess as much as one ounce of marijuana. Smoking in public places and drugged driving would remain illegal. Mizeur thinks a legitimate marijuana model could yield 157.5 million in new tax revenues every year. She thinks the cash could be employed to help fund teaching programs for youthful children.
Louise was very direct inside a recent statement regarding hr take on marijuana.”Marijuana’s time like a controlled, illegal substance has run its course. Marijuana laws and regulations ruin lives, are enforced with racial prejudice and draw attention away from police force from serious and violent crimes. … A Maryland with legalized, controlled and taxed marijuana means safer towns, universal early childhood education and less people unnecessarily uncovered to the criminal justice system.” The statement helps guide you far marijuana’s perception originates as candidates want their encouraging sights within the problem known prior to an election.
Marijuana Industry News November 15, 2013
NAACP Encourages Marijuana Legalisation…
Captured we at marijuana.internet referred to an invoice in congress that will go a lengthy way toward correcting unsuccessful marijuana laws and regulations. The Respect Condition Marijuana Laws and regulations Act of 2013 has acquired support by many people in congress because it would safeguard patients and steer clear of ongoing showdowns between federal government bodies. The bill got a brand new major endorsement. The NAACP has managed to get obvious they would like to see an finish towards the unnecessary incarcerations associated with low-level marijuana crimes. Research conducted recently carried out through the ACLU demonstrated that although whitened and black People in america consume marijuana in a similar rate, shades of black are four occasions as apt to be arrested for this. Tom Angell of Marijuana Majority stated the NAACP endorsement helps “political figures and prominent people who wish to see prohibition finish but who’re just a little skittish about states getting too much in front of the feds about this problem.”
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Support For Medicinal Marijuana Growing in Massachusetts…
Medicinal marijuana shops are enroute to Massachusetts after citizens chosen to approve a stride in November if 2012 with a margin of 67-29%. It appears there’s no purchasers remorse like a recent poll found much more citizens supporting the concept. According to some survey carried out by Western Colonial College, citizens favor the shops with a margin of 74-21%. Perhaps more surprising was the truth that 61% stated they’d not mind getting a dispensary within their community. The survey data indicate that Massachusetts citizens have accepted the idea of medicinal marijuana in growing amounts,” stated Tim Vercellotti, director from the Polling Institute along with a professor of political science at Western Colonial College.
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Major Proponent of I-502 Argues to permit Home Growing for Patients…
The continuing saga of Washington’s legal marijuana industry continues. There is a lot concern within the medicinal marijuana program and up to date changes that may basically avoid it. The Washington Condition Liquor Control Board appears to become putting a much greater focus on the leisure sales. One from the primary backers of I-502, Alison Holcomb, is attempting to prevent a few of the overreach by condition authorities. Previously, patients could boost their own medication. This achieves several goals. It cost less for patients who might not have the cash to pay for the hefty costs and taxes which will accompany leisure sales, as well as certain medically customized strains might not be as available.
Congress in Michigan Push for Marijuana Pharmacy Sales
Pharmacies provide the ease of one-stop shopping. Cosmetics, sanitary items as well as toys could be bought in the local pharmacy. Soon there might be a brand new industry placing their items in the shops of pharmacies in Michigan.
Condition congress have suggested permitting medicinal marijuana sales in pharmacies. Last week an invoice was authorized by the Michigan condition senate that can lead to this outcome. Currently medicinal marijuana patients in Michigan can boost their own medical cannabis. The intention, a minimum of for the time being, would be to keep permitting patients in your own home to develop their very own medication whilst helping individuals who aren’t adept eco-friendly thumbs. You will find concerns with the way a new leisure directed industry appears to possess removed the medical enter in Washington condition.
Condition Senator Roger Kahn, who also is surely a cardiologist said around the proposal by saying “Marijuana, whether it’s to become medicinal marijuana, ought to be held to the caliber of medical safety, dosage of a routine. Our medicinal marijuana law does neither of individuals. Yet it uses the term ‘medical’ mainly or conspicuously in the claims.” If the machine may be setup, patients would receive cards following a detailed criminal record check particularly searching for past narcotic selling charges. Senator Kahn can also be trying to change marijuana from the scheduled I substance to some scheduled II. Federal government bodies might not be prepared to make that move.
You will find many issues to sort out before we have seen marijuana in pharmacies. Critics question when the finish result will invariably revert to financial profit, and get rid of the patient who develops in your own home. If earnings are not the driving pressure, pharmacy sales could finish up as being a convenience for patients.