Washington
New Hamphire Set to Overhaul Marijuana Laws
The road to sensible marijuana reform has been long and windy for activists. Decades of frustration has now given way to frequent victories. Colorado and Washington may have altered the conversation permanently. After the 2012 election, decriminalization and legalization are no longer a fringe issues.
Another state appears ready to join the marijuana reform movement. New Hampshire lawmakers are considering two new marijuana bills. One bill would legalize medical marijuana while the second bill would decriminalize up to one ounce of marijuana. New Hampshire would become the 19th state to allow the medical use of cannabis if they pass the bill. There have been attempts to create a medical marijuana program in New Hampshire over the past few years.
Although previous bills have failed, many in New Hampshire are confident that the political situation is different this time around. Momentum has shifted across the country as public support for marijuana reform has reached an all-time high. Matt Simon, of Marijuana Policy Project, is feeling confident that New Hampshire lawmakers are poised to finally pass major marijuana reform laws. He recently said “There is an increasing appetite in the House for reforms, and I would say that appetite goes beyond therapeutic use.” Republican State Senator, Jeb Bradley, feels less optimistic about a decriminalization bill surviving the political process. However, Senator Bradley did mention that he thought a medical marijuana was likely to pass.
Even if New Hampshire does not see further reform beyond legalizing medical marijuana at this time, it is starting to seem as if it is only a matter of time. The public pressure is on as many Americans would like to see an end to unnecessary incarcerations and money wasted on by law enforcement.
Marijuana Industry News March 8, 2013
Ex-DEA Officials Pressure White House to Go After New Recreational Marijuana States…
As we have previously reported at Marijuana.net, federal authorities have remained relatively quiet on the issue of legal marijuana ever since the voters of Colorado and Washington state decided to legalize recreational use. The issue is gaining national acceptance as a recent Reason/Rupe poll suggested that 72% of Americans do not think marijuana users should be arrested. The poll also found that 68% of respondents do not feel growers should be arrested. Fifty three percent of those included in the national poll said they felt marijuana should be regulated in a similar fashion to alcohol. Even with swelling public support, former DEA officials are trying to convince the federal government to overpower Colorado and Washington. The retired DEA members feel that if the feds do not act now, they may lose the issue forever. Peter Bensinger, a former DEA administrator recently told the Associated Press that “My fear is that the Justice Department will do what they are doing now: Do nothing and say nothing. If they don’t act now, these laws will be fully implemented in a matter of months.” In a country where consensus is becoming a rare phenomenon, these soaring levels of support may already have signaled the point of no return. As we start to feel the impact of sequestration and lack of compromise, DEA officials may find it a tough sell to continue using tax dollars to go after marijuana users and growers. Additionally, federal law is actually preventing billions in potential tax revenue that is desperately needed.
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New Jersey Lawmakers Seeking to Keep Medical Marijuana Patients on Organ Transplant List…
Many lawmakers around the United States have long snickered at medical marijuana. The easy and quick analysis is that it MUST be front a for those looking to circumvent the law. However, for many this is the most serious issue they have ever encountered in their life. As millions worldwide have improved their quality of life with medical marijuana use, naïve talking point politicians have been slow to research the issue. One major problem for elderly medical marijuana patients is that they typically taken off organ recipient lists. This places them in a difficult situation. How does one value the long term (needed organ transplant) over the short term (immediate daily pain relieved by cannabis)? New Jersey is attempting to fix this before it becomes a major issue in the Garden State. Earlier this week, New Jersey’s Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee passed S-1220. The panel stated that S-1220 “would provide that a registered, qualifying patient’s authorized use of medical marijuana would be considered equivalent to using other prescribed medication rather than an illicit substance and therefore would not disqualify the person from needed medical care, such as an organ transplant.” It took New Jersey several years to cut through their bureaucratic red tape and institute a medical marijuana program passed under previous Governor, Jim Corzine. However, it is reassuring to see that they are taking a compassionate approach with this issue. In a press release by the bill’s co-sponsors, lawmakers said that removing patients from the organ recipient list because of medical marijuana use is a practice that is “unconscionable as the patients have followed their doctors’ orders and have taken a legal medication to reduce the pain and suffering associated with their illness. Transplant centers should not be able to discriminate against people for using this prescription pain killer.”
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Michigan Judge Rules that Medical Marijuana Patients Cannot be Denied Unemployment Benefits…
The story above highlighted a victory for patients in New Jersey. We also have good news to report for those patients in Michigan. Last August, a Michigan court ruled that the Michigan Marijuana Act of 2008 “does not offer any employment protection to card holders” and “does not regulate private employment.” In September the decision was upheld when former Walmart employee, Joseph Casias, was let go for marijuana use even as he was suffering from an inoperable brain tumor. He was also denied benefits after being let go. This week, Ingham County Circuit Judge William Collette ruled that medical marijuana patients can receive unemployment benefits after termination of employment. Medical marijuana has had a wild ride in Michigan over the course of the past several years since it was legalized in 2008. Even as Michigan lawmakers and state Attorney General, Bill Schuette, try to fight against medical marijuana, residents have made it clear they support a patient’s right to use medical cannabis. Michigan has some of the most progressive medical marijuana laws and is one of the only states that allows for minors to receive legal marijuana for certain qualifying conditions.
Pennsylvania Senator Wants State to Regulate and Sell Legal Marijuana
Inaction by the federal government has been prompting states to alter their marijuana laws for over 15 years. Until November, state government officials and activists have mostly been discussing medical marijuana and decriminalization laws. With residents voting to legalize recreational marijuana in Colorado and Washington, the discussion has widened its scope.
Pennsylvania State State Senator Daylin Leach is seeking to have the state government regulate marijuana in the same way as alcohol. This would increase tax revenues and place a system of control that officials currently do not have in regards to regulating marijuana. As the idea of respecting state rights, individual freedoms, reducing incarcerations rates for non violent acts, and saving tax payer dollars grows in popularity, these proposals no longer seem so far fetched.
His plan to drastically update marijuana laws has certainly gained momentum. The voter initiated plans in Colorado and Washington seems to have prompted state lawmakers across the country to propose similar measures. Rhode Island lawmakers are also discussing a similar bill. Although a recent bill has stalled among lawmakers in Hawaii earlier this week, the momentum appears to be gaining. In West Virginia, a recent Marijuana Policy Project poll show that 53% of West Virginia residents support legalizing medical marijuana. An even greater number (63%) decided feel that marijuana was a safer choice than oxycontin for debilitating pain.
Senator Leach feels legalization is only a matter of time because the majority of younger Americans “have very little interest in continuing prohibition.” He also said the legislation was important because “There are other intoxicants that are far worse that we do not treat the same way. We do not accuse people of criminal offenses for consuming.” Senator Leach is hoping to save Pennsylvania over $500 million per year with a combination of law enforcement savings and tax revenue.
New Study Shows Teen Brain Tissue Not Impacted by Marijuana Use
Lately, much of the marijuana talk has been the historic legal victories in Washington and Colorado. Other stories have discussed New Jersey distributing medical marijuana to patients after years of delays. However, it is important not to lose focus on one of the major reasons why marijuana has gained mainstream acceptance. It is proving to be an incredible medicine.
Opponents of marijuana reform are keen on hiding behind the “what about our children” remarks. In no way do we feel that minors should use marijuana, but we do want to highlight the truth. A new study, conducted at UC San Diego, examined the scanned results of 92 teenage brains over an 18 month period. Half of the group used marijuana and alcohol frequently before on during the 18 months. The other group abstained or consumed very little amounts of alcohol during the period. For teens who drank more than 5 drinks at least twice per week, the scanned images showed a reduction in white matter brain tissue. This could greatly impact memory, decision making, and other mental processes as they become adults.
Those who primarily smoked marijuana yielded very different results. For those who smoked at least 9 times per week, there was no change in brain tissue. The results come at a time where some may fear marijuana’s legalization in Colorado and Washington. Perhaps this will help push forward new plans to reform marijuana policy. Additionally, we may want to continue this research, as alcohol’s impact on the developing brain needs to be more understood.
Those who simply want to keep the status quo, or who hide behind pills and alcohol being legal should pay full attention. The previous century saw propaganda and fear construct our marijuana policy. We have a failed war on drugs, teens being unfairly incarcerated, billions of dollars wasted, and sick patients in need of relief. Their time has passed as information is exchanged more quickly and freely than ever before. Scare tactics will no longer dictate our legislative direction.
After Historic President Obama May Be Ready to Examine Marijuana Reform
Often a politician’s true feelings are not decipherable until after they no longer face the prospect of re-election. While President Obama’s 2008 campaign included a progressive tone to the war on drugs and marijuana reform, his first term drifted away from those sentiments. Federal raids on dispensaries have been at an all time high under President Obama, more so than the Clinton and Bush years combined.
While normally an elected official could risk paying a high price such misleading political statements, marijuana advocates were left with little choice as Republican challenger Mitt Romney stated that he would medical marijuana “tooth and nail”. One year ago, sensible marijuana reform and all the hard work for 15 years seemed to seriously be at jeopardy. Raids were underway in California and Newt Gingrich (who vowed to increase government efforts on the failed war on drugs) was the frontrunner for the GOP nomination. While the atmosphere was starting to appear toxic, activists remained undeterred. Groups such as Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (Colorado) and New Approach Washington were able expand awareness and help collect enough signatures to get legalization to the ballots. The legalization of marijuana in Washington and Colorado seems to be a game changer
Elections clearly have winners, losers, and consequences. The international community, especially our neighbors to the south have been calling on the United States to alter its approach to the War On Drugs. The Obama administration seemed unmoved by the international pressure. President Obama even sidestepped online forum questions on marijuana several times. Through all of this many kept their fingers crossed that President Obama would take on a softer tone as he likely will never be running for public office again. The second term is here and marijuana activists were thrown a bone recently.
Even as the media coverage is narrowly focused on the so called “fiscal cliff”, the president must have taken notice of what happened in the two now legal marijuana states as he felt compelled to comment on the issue last week. He recently told Barbara Walters that “We’ve got bigger fish to fry,” Mr Obama said in a nationally televised interview. “It would not make sense for us to see a top priority as going after recreational users in states that have determined that it’s legal.” He also went on to say that the Justice Department is researching how they can reconcile the differences between federal and state law. The president does not even have to draft his own legislation as The Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act of 2012 has already been introduced to congress. The bill, which is sponsored by Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, would amend the US Controlled Substances Act and prevent federal law from taking precedence over state law.
It remains to be seen what exactly President Obama will do in regards to marijuana reform. Unlike previous politicians, President Obama has previously professed his love for marijuana in print. In his 1995 memoir “Dreams from My Father,” the president stated that he smoked marijuana like Dr. Suess wrote about Green Eggs and Ham. Here, there everywhere. Other reports suggest he was part of a pot smoking group named “The Chrom Gang”. This is not to say that he must be forever tied to his actions as a teen and college student. However, for a president that had a personal love for marijuana, and now has first hand experience in the failings of the drug war, it should be expected that he try his very best to fix this mess. While the future is unclear, it is encouraging that marijuana would even get any airtime as fiscal cliff coverage, the aftermath of the Newtown shooting, and a re-energized conversation on gun control is dominating the airwaves.
Col. Gov Hickenlooper Shows He is Serious About Legal Marijuana By Seeking Task Force
Marijuana activists scored major victories several weeks ago on election day. Colorado residents voted to legalize, regulate, tax, and distribute marijuana. However, the decision is much more complex than simply saying “now everything is ok”. There many questions to be answered such as the future of current medical dispensaries, tax rates, and law enforcement concerns.
Because of the complexity of the situation, Governor Hickenlooper is seeking to put together a task force to deal with the situation. He recently said “We are working to create a task force to identify the policy, legal, and procedural issues that need to be resolved related to Amendment 64.” There are not many more details as to how the new law will move forward. However, Colorado lawmakers do appear serious in making sure the new law is upheld. Once the Amendment 64 goes into effect (Dec.6), adults 21 and over will be allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use. Some prosecutors in Colorado are not waiting until December 6th, and have dismissed current marijuana possession cases that would be legal next week. Authorities in Washington have also taken similar steps.
The situation in Colorado and Washington is showcasing that the conversation has turned an important corner. The economy needs new ideas and a decades long expansion of government has made the public weary. Marijuana reform could generate jobs and tax revenue and also provide the rare expansion of civil rights. Federal authorities could still try to desperately flex their muscle, but as more jobs and revenues are contingent upon legal marijuana it could become increasingly difficult for the feds to simply disregard state laws. So far Attorney General Eric Holder has been silent on the issue. Analysts are unsure if this shows he wishes to avoid the issue and permit the states to operate as they will. Others believe Mr. Holder will soon step down and already a lame duck so he may be waiting for successor to handle the issue.
We at marijuana.net are hopeful that elected officials will work alongside the people and abandon the failed policy of aggressively persecuted its own people for non-violent crimes. Additionally, Americans are ready for compromise. In a divided country, the word compromise has seemed to fallen by the wayside recently, but we want to see people behave as adults and work together. We may finally see this with the so called “fiscal cliff” debate as both parties appear ready to strike a deal. We may be seeing the same situation in Colorado as Governor Hickenlooper publicly voiced his opposition to Amendment 64 on multiple occasions. However, we are pleased to see that despite his personal view, he is recognizing his function and job as an elected official.
Two Marijuana Bills Introduced in Iowa Show Post Election Momentum
Over the course of the past year, there have been polls conducted on a daily basis in order to gauge the mindset of the American public. Most of these polls ended up being accurate but only the actual vote of the people provides the final word. The victories in Washington, Colorado, Michigan, and Massachusetts show a changing electorate, an electorate that no longer wants to continue our failed marijuana policy.
In Iowa, we are seeing the momentum from the election spill over. Iowa is known for its impact on presidential elections, as it is the first event to kick off the campaigns. President Obama credits Iowa as a main reason for his initial 2008 election, as she shocked the political world at the time and defeated Hilary Clinton. Even this year, both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama fought very hard for its 6 swing electoral votes and the president made it his final campaign stop.
Lawmakers have now introduced two bills that would drastically reform Iowa’s marijuana laws. Iowa state Rep. Bruce Hunter plans to introduce a bill that would decriminalize marijuana possession for personal use. The law would not protect those selling cannabis. Additionally, Rep. Hunter also plans to bring back a medical marijuana bill that has not previously been passed. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has threatened to veto any bill that would legalize marijuana in any capacity. It is unclear if decriminalization or a compromise on that front would be something the governor would consider.
Even as Governor Branstad displays his reluctance to adjust with the times, momentum around the country has clearly shifted. Steve Morrow, president of Iowa’s NORML chapter agrees. He said the recent votes in Colorado and Washington “helped the cause”. Iowa may be small state from population standpoint, but it has a tremendous impact on American politics. Even if Iowa does not pass new legislation now, change certainly appears to be on the horizon. Presidential politics now encompass the almost entire four year period between elections, and if Iowa changes, those seeking the White House will also have to change.
Michigan May Be Election’s Unsung Hero
Now that we are almost a week removed from the historic 2012 election, new stories are emerging in the aftermath. Colorado and Washington State are receiving most of the headlines in the world of marijuana reform for enacting landmark legislation that will see recreational marijuana legalized. Massachusetts has received some attention as well for approving a medical marijuana program and becoming the 18th state to do so. These stories cover both the west and east coast, but as was the case in the presidential election, the Midwest would have a lot to say about marijuana reform.
Michigan is known for its progressive medical marijuana program. It is one of the only states that allows for suffering minors to receive legal medical cannabis prescriptions. Its flagship city, is now going to take a more progressive approach toward rebuilding its ailing economy and crime problem. Last week, Detroit voters decided to decriminalize marijuana. Several other Michigan cities witnessed residents enact similar measures as Flint and Grand Rapids also decided to shift away from failed marijuana policies.
The tension between law enforcement and Michigan residents has been steadily rising for several years now. Even as Michigan residents have voiced their desire to alter marijuana laws, state Attorney General Bill Schuette has been notorious for disregarding the will of the people. Nobody likes a sore loser, and elections are set up to highlight which ideas win out. However, it seems that many are sticking their fingers in their ears and singing loudly and ignoring the vote tallies. Previously, those who lost the elections were expected to step aside.
In Michigan, we still now hear the losers resolving to carry on as if there was not some monumental election last week. Flint police Chief Alvern Lock said “We’re still police officers and we’re still empowered to enforce the laws of the state of Michigan and the United States. We’re still going to enforce the laws as we’ve been enforcing them.” We at marijuana.net are wondering exactly when Michigan police were granted the authority and time of day to act as enforcers of federal law. It would seem there is much to do in fighting crime in Michigan besides moving heaven and earth looking for artificial crimes. As Brian Morrissey of Coalition for a Safer Flint stated “”If the city police want to follow state law rather than city law, then maybe the state should be paying their salary.” Is there room for police in Michigan to moonlight as federal agents?
Even if officials are still desperately clinging to failed policy and false memories of the imaginary golden age of the 1950s, this election clearly showed the people are not living inside such ridiculous bubbles. Elected officials are not accustomed to answering to anyone, but they certainly have bosses. In fact, over 100 million of them casted their votes last week. Lawmakers and officers may not yet respect their bosses, but the writing on the wall is clear. There may be more peaks and valleys but marijuana reform is coming, via the will of the people and bureaucrats beware, suppressing the majority has a habit of accelerating change. Many analysts believe we saw this last week, as the non-white voter turnout was higher than ever and perhaps in response to voter suppression attempts. We would like to take this time to congratulate the voters in Detroit and to send a friendly warning to authorities. The Detroit metro area is one of the most populous regions in the America, located in one of the larger states. Politicians and law enforcement beware, you are drastically outnumbered in your misguided quest to fight the people. Even as the economy improves, nobody wants to be unemployed, most especially elected officials.
Game Changers After Historic Election
There were many highlights from Tuesday’s election. Obviously the headlines are focusing on President Barack Obama’s re-election which came by dominating the electoral college. However the President won a much slimmer popular vote victory. There were also tremendous victories for the LGBT community and anyone who supports equal protection. Minnesota residents voted against outlawing same sex marriage Maine and Maryland passed legislation allowing the unions. Other stories include the fact that the majorities in the House (Republican controlled) and the Senate (Democratically controlled) stayed the same, with the exception of a few seats shifting. Another victory for the people was the apparent failure of the Super PACS(outside political groups with no limits to how much they can spend) to impact the election. Perhaps there will be a few less advertisements in 2016 or for the 2014 midterm elections, though that is likely wishful thinking.
In the world of marijuana reform, America saw a true game changing events. Massachusetts has now become the 18th state to pass medical marijuana legislation. The list almost grew to 19 but the ballot initiative narrowly failed(51-49%). However, activists should be pleased as a narrow defeat shows even the deep south is changing and is receptive to marijuana reform. What is even more striking is that Colorado and Washington State voters have passed an initiative that will regulate, tax, and distribute recreational marijuana.
Although the legalization in Colorado and Washington State does not end the conflict with the federal government, it does provide even more legitimacy for legalized marijuana. Now there will be tighter regulation and greater tax revenues collected from marijuana sales. If federal agents intervene, they now will have to compromise local economies and infringe on state laws. They will have to take marijuana from safe and regulated environments and return it to street dealers. Additionally, we are fresh off of a major statement by the people and while the feds have not respected our will previously, the writing on the wall is becoming more and more apparent. All over this country the people want to see a different approach toward regulating marijuana, and the old system is simply obsolete.
Thankfully the election cycle is finally over. It may be instinctive and easy to take a cynical outlook on what occurred but we should all be encouraged by the fact that the biggest changes in this country came directly from the hard work of the people and groups such as Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol and New Approach Washington . Ballot initiatives have produced same sex marriage equality and common sense marijuana reform. The 2012 election was historic and will set the stage for even more states to return rights back to the people.
Indiana may be Next State to Decriminalize Marijuana
As Election Day 2012 quickly approaches, there have been many developments for activists to keep an eye on. Most of that attention is turned toward many of the ballot initiatives that residents across the country will be voting on. As public officials have still been hesitant to fully embrace marijuana reform, residents have found only they typically need to take matters into their own hands to try and change the tides of a losing drug policy.
However, there are several states where lawmakers are pushing for change through the traditional legislative process. Most recently, we learned that an Indiana lawmaker plans to introduce a bill to decriminalize possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana. State Senator Brent Steele is hoping to change the current law, which calls for a Class A misdemeanor for possession of any marijuana up to 30 grams. Mr. Steele noted that many other municipalities and college campuses have enacted decriminalization efforts and “Society didn’t melt down, and we didn’t turn into a drug-crazed culture as a result of it.”
The three state wide marijuana legalization bills (Colorado, Oregon, Washington) have received the most media attention as of late, but decriminalization measures may be equally important. For one, decriminalizing marijuana can have an immediate impact and reduce the time money invested by police officers. Additionally, courts and prisons are also strained by a high amount of los level marijuana charges. There are also broad economic implications as well to decriminalization. These arrests, which impact young non-whites at disproportionate rate have compromised the ability for many people to gain employment.
Even if Brent Steele is not immediately successful in getting this current law passed, new age economics seem likely to only increase calls for marijuana decriminalization. The slowed economy of the past few years has ignited serious conversations on wasteful spending. If the country wants to experience better years in front of it, it will require a new approach to how we allocate government resources.