Texas
Pot industry pleads its case against potential Texas CBD ban
A month after a Texas health agency proposed cracking down on CBD, the cannabis industry is actively trying to change the minds of health authorities about CBD to keep the products on shelves throughout the state.
Advocates Push for a 2017 Texas Medical Marijuana Bill in Austin
Advocates push for a 2017 Texas medical marijuana bill during a Constituent Advocacy Day that brought a few hundred cannabis supporters to the state capitol, in Austin. The effort to galvanize support for cannabis in the southern state was organized by a coalition of groups including chapters of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana […]
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Two Lawyers From Texas Release New Song of the Summer, “Don’t Eat Your Weed”
With some of the toughest weed laws in the country, it’s no wonder many touring musicians and other passerby get tangled up in petty possession charges on their way through the Lone Star State. A pair of Texas attorneys are trying to alleviate the issue somewhat and help prevent misdemeanors from becoming felonies. Will Hutson […] Thanks to marijuana.com
Dallas Texas: Chief of Police Admits Tickets Over Incarceration Is “just so damn practical”
The Dallas City Council and local Police Chief are pondering the cultivation of a much-needed pilot program – similar to the cite and release program scheduled to roll out in the Houston area on January 1, 2016 – Dallas police would instead issue citations to individuals busted with a small amount of cannabis. Currently in the […]
Texas Bust: Daughter of DEA Chief Called ‘Adorable Drug Kingpin’
The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration in Beaumont, Texas, Bill Furay, has long been considered a heavy hitter within the DEA’s underground world of ruthless narcotic officers. And while he’s been famously quoted, telling those who’d listen, “You don’t see many drug traffickers retire,” his 19-year-old daughter Sarah, apparently never got that sermon.
According to a post on Raw Story, the Texas DEA agent worked diligently at creating havoc and mayhem for the Mexican drug cartel along the border. Becoming “the implacable scourge of drug dealers,” and someone who was a “ familiar presence at triumphant DEA press conferences announcing mass arrests and seizures of contraband and proceeds.”
On his way to the top of the DEA food chain, Furay led a large-scale drug bust called “Operation Blood Loss” in 2009, which boosted his professional career within the DEA hierarchy; eventually leading to another massive DEA drug bust in 2010, this time taking on the Sinaloa drug cartel’s activity along the US border.
And he’s apparently been milking that notoriety ever sense…
Most recently, Furay explained his antidrug crusade by pointing out to a group of reporters the obvious, “You don’t see many drug traffickers retire. Either they end up in prison, or they end up dead.” With the irony fueled subtext of his comment underlining the fact that it’s DEA agents like him that turn up the pressure on street level drug dealers.
Looking to follow in her father’s footsteps (sort of), Sarah also created an elevated name for herself within her chosen industry.
The seemingly ironic thing is… she played for the other team. Slinging coke, speed, acid, and whatever else she could get her hands on.
When the daughter’s bedroom was raided, police confiscated “31.5 grams of coke packaged for sale, 126 grams of some chronic marijuana, 29 ‘ecstasy’ tablets, methamphetamine and 60 doses of a drug similar to LSD.”
Unfortunately for Sarah, thanks to DEA agents like her dear old dad, the Lone Star State is known for handing down extremely harsh sentences for drug-related crimes.
Provided her father doesn’t pull any strings – Sarah is now staring down the barrel of at least three felony charges. And according to the Raw Story post, she could face up to 215 years in prison and a fine of $30,000.
As this dysfunctional family drama continues to unwind, one can’t help but wonder if Bill Furay’s understanding of the war on drugs has changed? Particularly now that his own daughter may soon be calling the Texas prison system home for the foreseeable future.
People in america Like Marijuana Greater than Congress and Leader Obama
Leader Barack Obama’s recent approval rankings are at 42%. Congress is affected with a level worse approval rating of 13%. We can’t just blame a moody American public because you will find some approval amounts increasing. The thought of legalizing leisure marijuana is greatly accepted individuals two battling branches of presidency.
Inside a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, 55% of participants supported the thought of legalizing marijuana and controlling it in an identical fashion to Colorado and Washington Condition. Another 24% of the nation didn’t support legalisation but didn’t feels laws and regulations went by condition congress and voters ought to be repealed. The amounts are shifting rapidly toward a huge most of People in america searching to repair a nearly century old damaged system. The support isn’t unanimous and could be divided by groups. For example, as NBC NEWS stated, People in america aged 18-34 favor legalisation with a massive 49 point margin. Individuals over the age of 65 are against 59-38, though that’s considerably less resistance than a couple of years back for your age group. Older People in america tend to be more split lower the center. The amounts also break lower along party lines as Dems largely favor the concept (34 point margin) with Republicans opposing (By 23 points). Independents support legalizing 60-39%.
This signifies that it’s likely support is only going to grow. Recent claims may accelerate the support as Leader Obama lately established that marijuana wasn’t any more harmful than alcohol. U.S. Senator, Charles Schumer (D-NY) publically stated that the testing out new strategies in Colorado and Washington would be a “good idea.” Even among the champions of contemporary conservatism, Texas Governor Ron Perry, recommended he may aim to decriminalize marijuana.
The thought of legalisation, decriminalization, taxation, and also the growth of medicinal marijuana aren’t new. Most are able to see the possibility economic benefits. It leads someone to think that our chosen leaders simply love disorder and drama. When they legalized marijuana, are they going to fight less as tasks are produced and much more tax revenues are available in? What can they argue about when less teens are jailed, or our edges are safer having a less strong Mexican cartel? The thought of legalisation isn’t solely Republican or Democrat there might not be your final push until one for reds from the aisle understands a method to steal the loan. Meanwhile, People in america will still be awaiting our government to trap as much as the relaxation people.
The Republican Case for Legalizing Marijuana
From the social movements in the 1960s, to the Democratic party embracing the idea in recent years, marijuana reform has not enjoyed a tremendous amount of conservative support. Oddly enough, the modern bullet points for legalizing actually match the Republican/conservative philosophy perfectly.
Republican campaign manager, Ryan Scheutte recently submitted a piece to www.policymic.com, highlighting the reasons that marijuana legalization is and should be a Republican mission. The article describes quotes from Pauline Sabin, the first woman to sit on the Republican National Committee and was also the founder of The Women’s Organization for National Prohibition Reform. Back in 1932, she commented on alcohol prohibition by saying publicly “The young see the law broken at home and upon the street, can we expect them to be lawful?” Scheutte mentions that she was correct, and credits her with being an integral part in revoking the disastrous experiment of alcohol prohibition.
Scheutte discusses that it is acceptable to change one’s mind. In 2009, he ran a campaign for a candidate looking to unseat Ron Paul (R-TX), an outspoken defender of personal liberties and marijuana rights. The campaign referred to marijuana as a “troubling substance” and any measure to normalize it was a “blatant disregard” for the
districts values. Scheutte now admits he was mistaken and compares his view of only a few years ago to his great grandmother’s.
Ryan Scheutte then outlines, in detail, four benefits to marijuana legalization with all of them matching Republican values:
1. Pot would create jobs and help prevent Detroit-style bankruptcies
2. We could unplug overcrowded prisons and save tax dollars
3. Legalization could help starve violent cartels at home and abroad
4. We could ease suffering for those who live with chronic illnesses
We at marijuana.net agree! There are even more benefits, but for the time being it would be great progress if the Republican party adopted the above four principles. New Republican support is not a surprise as the vast majority of this country believes in serious marijuana reform. It is becoming the consensus issue.
Teen Highlights the Failure of Prohibition
Banning the sale and consumption of alcohol did not exactly create the moral utopia some expected in the 1920s and 30s. In fact, it created bootlegging and organized crime which still presents major problems almost a century later. Banning and ignoring marijuana has also created an unregulated black market, however our government does not seem to be learning a quick lesson this time around.
Many experts also believe that banned substances can become in vogue. While marijuana happens to be a banned substance with little to no side effects, its chemical copies offer far more devastating consequences. Synthetic marijuana or cannabinoids, can mimic many of the effects of marijuana, but also carry the potential for massive health complications. These include high risk for strokes, heart problems, stomach/intestinal issues, and mental problems. Despite this, synthetic marijuana has become very popular with teens as it can be purchased at local convenience stores. Last year, a federal ban was enacted to stop the sales of products that include these lab created compounds such as JWH-018.
A teen from Cypress, Texas, knows all too well of just how serious the side effects of synthetic marijuana can be. Emily Bauer spent two weeks in an ICU after purchasing and using synthetic marijuana. Two weeks before her ICU stay, she was experiencing persistent migraines. Her symptoms grew worse as her mental state deteriorated. She became violent and when her parents decided to have paramedics take her to the hospital, she fought vigorously and bit guardrails and anybody who attempted to help her. Her symptoms were so severe that it appeared she would not recover. Bauer survived but has endured a traumatic experience. She finds herself part of the group that is most at risk to wind up in the hospital for synthetic marijuana use, those between the ages of 12-17.
Unfortunately, the propaganda and exaggeration machine has eroded the trust between teens and government officials. Teens have heard and found firsthand that marijuana is not nearly the villain that films such as reefer madness have made it out to be. The problem now has become trying to earn this trust back. People are willing to try out dangerous products such as K2 and Spice despite health warnings. Additionally, the bans may never be fully effective as labs can create new synthetic cannabinoids with relative ease. The government has a tremendous credibility issue and has to engage in a realistic conversation on marijuana. It is here, it is not going away, and with proper regulation will be far less harmful than prescription drugs, homemade drugs, alcohol, and synthetics.
Medical Marijuana Industry News September 21, 2012
New Evidence Showing Marijuana Fighting Cancer Emerges…
Marijuana.net has been providing updates on studies that highlight marijuana’s potential provide medical relief. Many of these studies show pain relief, while others have demonstrated that cannabis may hold the ability to actually fight cancer. Several years ago, there was a government study released showing this. More recently, Rick Simpson’s California Tears Hemp Oil has received praise from many who have used it to help fight their own cancer. Only months ago, Tommy Chong announced he would be seeking similar treatment. Although many of these breakthroughs have not received the deserved attention, it appears a new study is gaining a little more visibility. Huffington Post is reporting that two researchers from California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco identified a compound in marijuana that can stop the metastasis of many aggressive forms of cancer. One of the researchers leading the study, Pierre Desprez, described the findings by saying “It took us about 20 years of research to figure this out, but we are very excited.” The findings seem to revolve around cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid that has received a great deal of attention as of late. This is also the cannabinoid found in the newly created Israeli marijuana that produces pain relief with no psychedelic effects. Desprez has been studying the ID1 gene, which causes cancer to spread. With the help of another scientist, Sean McAllister, who has studied CBD in depth, the two were able to determine that CBD can stop the spreading of cancer. Desprez also said “What we found was that his Cannabidiol could essentially ‘turn off’ the ID-1… “We likely would not have found this on our own, That’s why collaboration is so essential to scientific discovery.” Scientific collaboration on the issue can be difficult as experimenting with marijuana is often not allowed under current U.S. law.
For more on this story click here
Fiona Apple Arrested for Marijuana Possession…
This week has been an eventful one in terms of musicians and marijuana. Earlier this week we reported that Lady Gaga smoked a joint on stage during a performance in Amsterdam and praised the benefits of marijuana. Now we have learned that longtime musician, Fiona Apple, has now been linked to marijuana. However Fiona Apple was arrested at a border stop in Sierra Blanca Texas due to marijuana and hashish possession. While the marijuana charge is a misdemeanor, possessing any amount hashish is considered a felony in Texas The singer has been on tour for her fourth studio album “The Idler Wheel”. This particular border checkpoint in Sierra Blanca has also been a problem for other entertainers as Willie Nelson and Snoop Dog have also been caught with marijuana there. It is unclear how severe her charges will be.
For more on this story click here
Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Tests Positive for Marijuana
Julio Cesar Chávez Jr. comes from a family of boxers with a rich history. His father, Julio Cesar Chávez is often mentioned as the best fighter to ever come out of Mexico. Chavez Jr.’s brother is also a professional boxer. Chavez junior was a champion in his own right and only lost his WBC championship belt to Sergio Martinez only days ago, a title he held since June of 2011. Unfortunately for Chavez Jr. he may be at risk to lose more as he recently tested positive for marijuana. Because his previous fight was in Las Vegas, Chavez Jr. will face a review from the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Chavez Jr. has prior issues such as a DWI so it is unclear how the commission will rule. In theory they could revoke his license to fight or make him forfeit the entire $3 million purse from the Martinez fight. Chavez Jr.’s promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, tried to calm the situation down. He said “I can’t really get excited about it. There’s no promoter in boxing who could pass the marijuana test, including myself. “Julio is going to have to explain to the commission what happened and the commission will be guided accordingly. If there was a trace of marijuana, to me, it’s not the same as using a performance-enhancing drug. That is cheating.” The issue of treating marijuana as a performance enhancer has come under fire especially as recent Olympians were banned from the games solely based on testing positive for marijuana.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 1, 2012
Anti- Marijuana Stance may have caused Congressman his Job…
The Huffington Post’s website recently posted an article that describes a congressional election that may have been won and lost because of medical marijuana. What has marijuana advocates even more excited is this did not occur in California, Washington, or Colorado, but in Texas. El Paso Democrats decided to let Rep. Silvestre Reyes exit office in favor of Beto O’Rourke. While the race was for the primary, the mostly Democratic district is expected to choose O’Rourke, the winner of this race. Over the years, Reyes has been very adamant in his opposition to marijuana reform. The election seems to have highlighted El Paso voters concern with the growing violence along the Mexican border. Beto O’Rourke helped to push a 2009 legalization resolution in response to the growing problems along the border. Reyes, who maintains very close ties with President Obama and former President Clinton opposed and said that the district risked losing federal funding even if they simply discussed and debated the issue. Residents did not find the explanation of his opposition satisfactory and have moved on. Activists nationally are showing their political muscle as the Attorney General race in Oregon also may have been determined by the candidate’s position on marijuana.
Click here for the Huffington Post article which describes the story in further detail
Poll: California Residents overwhelmingly support medical marijuana but split on total legalization…
As the Los Angeles City Council is considering a ban on all dispensaries in the city, California residents should make them think twice. A new poll shows that an absolute vast majority of residents in the state support medical marijuana. Apparently, the growth of medical cannabis has not caused residents to want an end to the program. Today, the City Council may choose to shut down all of the dispensaries while allowing patients to grown their own medication. Activists say that could compromise “safe access” as many patients do not have the means or knowledge to grow safe medicine. Another plan will also be discussed that would limit the amount of legal dispensaries to 100. All of this is a temporary fix until the state supreme court issues a ruling which is expected next year. The poll also shows that Californians are mixed on recreational legalization and only 46% favored it. Interestingly enough, the rest of the country may support legalization even more than residents in California as a recent poll showed 56% of Americans were in favor. With such strong support from the people on medical marijuana but still opposition from lawmakers, an eventful year is expected.
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White House Ignores Returning Soldiers Pleas for Medical Marijuana…
It is not secret that for generations American soldiers have returned home only to fight a new internal struggle. While marijuana has showed great promise in treating PTSD symptoms, the federal government has refused to alter their position. Thousands of veterans banded together and sent in a petition requesting that the White House reconsider its stance on medical marijuana. Unfortunately they have been rejected. PTSD is a serious and often underrepresented condition. Statistics actually show that suicides are far more of a risk for military personnel as they outnumber combat deaths by a staggering 25-1 margin. Al Byrne, co-founder of the Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access (VMCA) said in response, “Vets have used cannabis for PTSD since the Revolutionary War, we know what we need and to be told by our President, the Commander in Chief, that he does not care about those he has sent to war by denying medicine to the wounded is unconscionable.”
For more on this story click here
Strange News: Denny’s Customer tries to pay for meal with Marijuana…
Although marijuana.net is pleased with the progress the marijuana reform has made, the following story shows us why educating is so important. We encourage readers to check out our legal section and to verify the marijuana laws in your state. However, even education may not have been enough for a man in Niagara, NY. The man tried to pay for his burger and fries at a local Denny’s (approximately $10) with one dollar of acceptable United States currency, and the rest with marijuana. When employees did not accept the well thought out proposal, the man bolted for the nearby woods. Reports indicate that employees informed police of where the man lived. It is unclear as to what charges may be brought if he is caught because he did not eat any of the food and New York has decriminalized marijuana possession for amounts under 25 grams. The penalty is a civil citation carrying a maximum of a $100 fine. It is unclear if authorities will view the action more severely considering he attempted to use the marijuana in a transaction.