Proposition 215
Los Angeles City Council Unanimously Approves Dispensary Ban
Yesterday afternoon patients were dealt what could be a devastating blow. The Los Angeles City Council decided to approve a measure to ban all medical marijuana dispensaries within the city limits. Since the passage of Proposition 215 in 1996, lawmakers have done little to refine and adjust the program. Now they feel problems related to …continue reading
Are California Lawmakers Lost in the Clouds?
Although it is often medical marijuana patients and advocates who are accused of hazy judgment, recent legal developments have us wondering how clearly those in power are thinking. With conflicting decisions and a poor medical marijuana system that was never properly regulated, patient’s safe access has been seriously compromised.
Lawmakers have acted lazy and lethargic when it comes to regulating California’s medical marijuana program. Instead of basing decisions upon research and information, they never checked on how the program is being run or made changes. Now that the system is not functioning as they would like, many are trying to dismantle it. How would Social Security fare if we never monitored or adjusted during its 70 year lifespan? The difficult task is actually analyzing what works, speaking with law enforcement, legitimate dispensary workers, lawyers, and patients in order to determine the proper course of action. After 16 years, California is in desperate need of re-reforming its cannabis laws. Patients are confused as to where they can seek relief.
Despite the guarantees of “Safe Access” outlined in Proposition 215, many municipalities have taken it upon themselves to interpret the legal language as it suits them. Legal experts have witnessed a series of confusing rulings, with the most recent ruling having been issued approximately a week and a half ago. The July 2nd ruling by The Second Appellate District Court of Appeals stated that city municipalities do not have the right to outlaw marijuana dispensaries. The ruling is being applauded by many marijuana advocates and patients. It appears to have at least delayed some of the pending dispensary bans in places such as Long Beach and San Leandro. Joe Elford of Americans for Safe Access said “The court of appeal could not have been clearer in expressing that medical marijuana dispensaries are legal under state law, and that municipalities have no right to ban them.” All eyes will now turn to the California’s Supreme Court as they will be taking up the issue after the new year and will hopefully end the legal guessing game.
The lawsuits and pending court cases could have been avoided had California’s elected officials taken some sort of initiative on this issue. After Dennis Peron fought for the right for patients to medicate, California became the first state to permit medical marijuana. Did anyone think that a hands off program for the first legal cannabis state would just govern itself? It is time for our representation to get their heads out of the clouds and do their job, even if that requires actual work and thinking.
New Marijuana Regulations in California to be put on Hold
Proposition 215 and Dennis Peron changed the course of history in 1996 by overcoming staggering political opposition to medical marijuana. It was a great first step and should have been followed up with a more structured system for how to regulate and dispense medical marijuana. The lack of additional regulation has steadily become a growing problem with the recent dispensary raids symbolizing state lawmakers futility in evolving the program.
State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano had recently pushed for legislation, Assembly Bill 2312, that would create a state run medical marijuana program. Currently local municipalities have different interpretations of how to regulate cannabis dispensaries. With many pending lawsuits, momentum for a dispensary ban in Los Angeles, and the fact that the state supreme court will not be taking up the issue for at least a year, many were hoping to see lawmakers provide a solution. Ammiano’s bill passed in the State Assembly recently but was expected to face a difficult time passing California’s Senate committee vote. The bill aimed to set up a “Bureau of Medical Marijuana Enforcement”. The Bureau would oversee the entire program and allow local governments to collect tax revenue from marijuana sales.
While the bill or a similar one is needed, many analysts and members of law enforcement were not pleased with it. As in any developing billion dollar industry, there were varied interests at stake. As a result many were wondering just exactly who would be part of the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Enforcement and what interests they would serve. Additionally, the extent and specifics of what the Bureau would do seemed vague. Law enforcement officials criticized the bill as being a free pass for dispensaries to operate without worry. While that may not be entirely accurate the bill did seem ill equipped at ensuring a patient oriented industry. It seems the criticism reached Ammiano as he canceled the Senate vote earlier this week.
Regarding the move he said “There is no doubt that my colleagues understand the need for this legislation, and I have a lot of faith in this committee that we can hammer out a well-balanced regulatory policy during the fall to answer calls from local governments, law enforcement including our Attorney General, patients, and the public to enact a highly regulated system for medical marijuana and provide a clear set of rules for everybody.”
If in fact Tom Ammiano canceled the vote in order to present a more comprehensive solution, then the news is not a total loss. However, many are wondering if they will ever see the state politicians come together and place the rhetoric aside and protect dispensaries and patients. To date, political solutions have failed and the “Safe Access” granted in Proposition 215 seems to be in jeopardy.
Lawmakers Propose New Tactic in Fight for Marijuana Reform
For decades the idea of high profile politicians taking on the issue of marijuana reform was laughable. Even after the Proposition 215 passed, many lawmakers outside of California would not publicly consider proposing changes to marijuana law. Currently there are now 16 states, (with Connecticut expected to join the growing list) and the nation’s capital where marijuana is permitted for medical use.
Americans have stated their desire for a compassionate medical system. We are seeking to move on from medical treatments that rely on addictive pills and unaffordable bills. However, the greatest threat to our new compassionate medical system are the people who work for us. The Federal government, despite statements from President Barack Obama that the Department of Justice would not be using tax payer resources to circumvent state laws, has tried to dismantle relief one dispensary at a time. Fortunately, U.S. House of Representatives members Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) and Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) have proposed outlawing federal funds from being used to interfere with state laws. The debate is over HR bill 5326, the bill that determines the funding for the Department of Justice.
Most of the reform conversation has revolved around protests and ballot initiatives. While these have been successful, ballots to change the law have not been able to protect caregivers from federal raids. It is only recently that our elected officials have decided to push the issue and get more creative. Many of us are familiar with the popular legalization bill proposed by Barney Frank (D-Mass) and Ron Paul (R-TX). The bill was met with predictable opposition, but at least kept the issue in the spotlight. An attempt to defund the DOJ is a new method being utilized by lawmakers and may be a more effective way to frame the discussion. If deficit spending continues to dominate the campaign coverage then saving money on raiding marijuana dispensaries should match the national financial conversation in step.
Like the ghosts of a haunted past, marijuana reform is rearing its pretty head everywhere. The president has been taking criticism on marijuana policy seemingly everywhere he goes. Foreign leaders (Vicente Fox), domestic allies (Nancy Pelosi), presidential candidates (Gary Johnson), comedians( Jimmy Kimmel), evangelicals (Pat Robertson) and of course patients seeking pain relief are all voicing their opinion in support of cannabis reform. Now that politicians on a national stage are starting to support compassionate reform, hopefully they will use even more creativity in trying to pass legislation that will finally end a century long error.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Feb 17, 2012
City Council Enables Lengthy Beach Collective Association People to stay Open
 
 
The Lengthy Beach City Council continues to be trying to prohibit medicinal marijuana collectives for many several weeks. The 2009 week, the town Council finally chosen around the problem because it had formerly been postponed toward the finish of 2011. The council chosen 8-1 in support of the collective prohibit. The only real silver lining for patients is the fact that collectives in the Lengthy Beach Collective Association (LBCA) is going to be permitted to stay open for many several weeks hoping that California’s Top Court will problem a ruling on medicinal marijuana. Many advocates have pressed for that high court to part of and hang more stringent recommendations for California’s medicinal marijuana program. Individual cities happen to be interpretation Proposition 215 in a different way, or even even disregarding it entirely. People from the LBCA include Natural Remedies and Avalon Wellness Collective who’ve been recognized to provide proper care to patients.
 
 
Medicinal Marijuana Week
 
 
Now people from the medicinal marijuana community required action against the us government. People in america for Safe Access brought the charge as a number of political actions were planned for that week. Medicinal marijuana week was produced in reaction to a lot of concerns among community people including federal raids. Community people were urged to make contact with the Whitened House, congressional people, and condition governors to be able to urge for federal reclassification of marijuana. Furthermore a listing of rallies seemed to be provided.
 
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“Legalize Louisiana” Group Forecasts finish of Marijuana Prohibition
 
 
Efforts to repeal marijuana laws and regulations are going ahead nationwide. Among the latest efforts originates from Louisiana. The audience, Legalize Louisiana, stated the finish of marijuana prohibition is originating. Susan Womack of Legalize Louisiana stated “The finish of prohibition against cannabis can come much like it included alcohol.” She also continued to state we’ve 16 other states, including Washington, D.C., that curently have models showing the tax dollars that (marijuana) revenue produces.” Many advocates of marijuana reform believe that Louisiana could reap tremendous economic benefits. Both Hurricane Katrina and also the British petroleum oil spill have battered the location recently.
 
Financial Possibilities may open for Colorado Shops
Although rely upon the economic climate might be in a historic low, many experts wouldn’t recommend keeping cash under our beds. Even while rates of interest on accounts is nearly nonexistent, companies depend heavily on controlling their cash and financial records with the major banks. For individuals running marijuana shops, they’ve been avoided from using the most fundamental of economic tools, a banking account. It has led to difficult documentation and shops have to house more money available than is protected, opening the opportunity of robbery.
In September of this past year, Colorado Springs Condition Bank closed their accounts with marijuana shops. At that time these were the final bank to freely work with medicinal marijuana shops. Democrat Sen. Pat Steadman and Republican Repetition. Tom Massey are trying to find to alter this. They’ve introduced Senate Bill 75 which may create financial cooperatives that might be controlled just like a bank. Obviously these lending institutions wouldn’t be insured government, since many banks are.
Insufficient proper banking and forcing a business to depend only on cash appears to provide ripe possibility of a growing underground community. If there’s a conflict between federal and condition law however the shops remain open, why would a regulating body think that the reply is to prevent monitoring the paper trail? If there’s any suspicion of illegal activity, accounts and assets could be frozen immediately. Sue Harank, co-who owns Denver’s All downhill Herbal Wellness agreed and mentioned “It’s in everybody’s interest these individuals don’t have piles of money laying around.” Another advocate in Colorado, Robert Friechtel, director from the Medicinal Marijuana Business Exchange was cited as saying “Forcing shops to visit cash-only is crazy. Just how can proprietors securely and effectively run their companies with no spot to deposit money?”
This isn’t the very first example that highlights how Colorado is paving the way in which for any well run and controlled medicinal marijuana program. Being attentive to the issues in California, Colorado has produced a uniform system using their condition licenses. California continues to be forced to go to its condition Top Court to be able to clarify how Proposition 215 is used as numerous cities are unclear regarding how you can enforce medicinal marijuana laws and regulations. Colorado appears set on safeguarding its patients and without correctly run shops just how can safe access be guaranteed? Senate Bill 75 is really dependent on good sense. Many patients depend around the shops and then any business proprietor can’t be likely to function correctly by hiding money in a basement or acting like gangsters.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News The month of january 20, 2012
California Top Court Aims to obvious up Condition Medicinal Marijuana Laws and regulations
 
For more than fifteen years ,California has developed in the middle of numerous lawsuits regarding its implementation of Proposition 215. While Proposition 215 guarantees safe use of patients, many local cities have attempted to prohibit marijuana shops. Choices in appellate courts have allowed local government authorities to enact restrictions but later this season the condition Top Court will review if restrictions are allowed as Proposition 215 guaranteed safe access. Joe Elford of People in america For Safe Access was very happy to begin to see the high court taking on the problem. He was cited as saying “These cases were very problematic for patients as well as their capability to securely and legally access a medicine that actually works on their behalf.Inch
 
 
 
Major Studying Analyzing Medical Marijuana’s Impact on Post traumatic stress disorder may begin soon
 
Working underneath the Arizona College of drugs, the audience Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) aims to begin a significant study analyzing marijuana’s potential benefits for coming back soldiers suffering the results of Post traumatic stress disorder. The research is not able to maneuver forward before the National Institute on Substance Abuse concurs to supply the appropriate marijuana for that study or ensure it is shipped legally. Past research has outlined a hyperlink between cannabis and a decrease in Post traumatic stress disorder signs and symptoms, however this three month study will be the most thorough research about them. Dr. Suzanne Sisley will manage the research whether it progresses. Sisley thinks the study is essential and stated “We actually believe science should supersede politics, this illness must be treated inside a multidisciplinary way. Drugs like Zoloft and Paxil have proven entirely insufficient.”
 
Federal Attack on Marijuana has Market Impact
In another shocking development, the us government has proven that they’re novice at predicting how their actions will modify the economy. Although this might be a tale with a, medicinal marijuana costs are increasing as a direct consequence from the recent Federal raids. For a lot of patients, it is really an unfortunate development. Most People in america happen to be feeling the economical crunch, and already cash strapped patients trying to alleviate discomfort may have to find away out to stretch the dollar further.
Reviews indicate that the us government was lately focusing on shops in breach of Proposition 215 and California condition law. Since California made medicinal marijuana legal under condition law in 1996, patients happen to be treated to some steady reduction in prices. Large growing procedures were now allowed and didn’t require secrecy. The quantity of cannabis available clearly has jumped, so far. Tommy LaNier, director from the National Marijuana Initiative, place it very candidly and mentioned “Supply is lower, so costs are up.”
The Us Government has every to enforce its laws and regulations nevertheless its conflicting message makes existence hard for patients. Leader Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have mentioned that they don’t aim to target legitimate medicinal marijuana patients. This might actually be true, however the recent raids appear to contradict this. Everyone knows that particular shops aren’t putting patient concerns first and possibly they must be shut lower. However, rather than a business shakeup they might used less dramatic techniques from the companies. An extended phase out process might have saved stress and cash for battling patients. Farmers indicate that lots of strains will rise around $2,000-$2500 per lb.
Because the year in politics has proven, our government is effective in disregarding long-term economic factors. Many sick patients discovered hard method in which their supply of medication was shut lower, as well as once they situated another facility it might be costing them more income. If the us government made the decision to acknowledge medical marijuana’s value and controlled it, they might get rid of the speculating game making existence simpler on already battling patients.
Proposition 215
Before 1996, the thought of legal medical marijuana may have seemed like a waste of time for patients. The previous decades had come down hard on marijuana, creating a social stigma. However with new prevalent medical conditions arising such as AIDS/HIV, during the 1980s and 1990s,chronically ill patients were seeking out alternative treatments for their discomfort. Dennis Peron witnessed first hand, how marijuana could be used medically to alleviate symptoms of AIDS. His partner, Jonathan West, had used marijuana to cope with his pain from the disease. Peron gathered momentum for medical marijuana by assisting in the creation of Proposition P, a San Francisco medical marijuana initiative. This initiative was simply to display the overwhelming support for possible future legislation. Proposition P had no legal authority, but with over 75% of voters supporting it, momentum was clearly gained. Other cities followed suit, but more substantive measures that would actually legalize medical marijuana were vetoed by then Governor, Pete Wilson. With the help of philanthropists, Peron and others were able to secure enough signatures to land medical marijuana on the ballot. This was no easy task as many high profile politicians organized their own efforts to persuade California residents to vote against Proposition 215. The bill was passed with over 55% approval. Now for the first time in over 60 years, there were laws within the United States permitting the use of marijuana. Under Proposition 215 qualifying patients with prescriptions would be protected from state laws that otherwise outlawed the use of marijuana. Under state law, doctors too would not be subjected to any penalties for prescribing medical marijuana and caregivers were offered protection for providing marijuana to patients. However, Proposition 215 makes it very clear that these medical guidelines werenot created to provide a sense that marijuana was legal for social use. Patients however, were pleased with this victory after decades of struggle. Health-is-Wealth.org
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