Washington
Attorney General Eric Holder Pressured by Ex-DEA Officials To Oppose State Marijuana Laws
After years of foreign wars, the Patriot Act, and an unpopular healthcare mandate, voters are weary of big government proposals. Politicians on both sides of the aisle are quick to point out that they want to reduce the size and scale of government, even if their actions betray this sentiment. The idea of letting states decide many issues has gained traction, with one major exception. Marijuana.
Approximately 75% of Americans support a physician’s right to prescribe medical marijuana. Even more interestingly, is that now over half of the country supports legalizing, regulating, and taxing marijuana even for recreational use. Three states, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon will have residents in their states voting to enact such plans. Of course we all know the people simply passing the law may not end the ongoing feud between federal and state authorities. The problem the White House faces is that they have tried to make the case that they will not use any federal resources to circumvent state law. This leaves them with trying to apply federal law only when a dispensary is in violation of state law, as confusing as that sounds.
This approach is being challenged by 9 former heads of the DEA. Attorney General Eric Holder has not publicly indicated how the federal government would handle a situation where states operate legal marijuana sales. His silence has drawn the ire of those who feel the federal government needs to take a more definitive stand and send out a message that federal law trumps state law. Holder has spoken out on previous legalization initiatives. He indicated that he would enforce federal law in California in 2010 if residents voted to legalize marijuana. In the letter, obtained by news outlet Reuters, the group said that “To continue to remain silent conveys to the American public and the global community a tacit acceptance of these dangerous initiatives.”
Of course taking a stand against laws voted on and enacted by the people offers its own set of “dangerous initiatives”. No administration wants to be known as the White House crushed state laws and the will of the people. The old system has failed and while many of us understand that federal authorities have to carry out the law, there is a chance of overreaching here. A war between residents and the federal government on this issue could be one of the highest profile examples of the government ignoring the will of the people. Even those who do not support marijuana legalization may be outraged at such large scale intervention. With most Americans feeling the war on drugs is a failure, spending more money and resources to keep the antiquated approach alive could be a disaster as small government fans, fiscal hawks, civil rights groups, and medical supporters could all find themselves coming together over the issue.
Marijuana Gets Political As GOP Convention Gets Underway
This week the Republican National Convention has commenced. The goal of the convention will be to officially nominate former Governor Mitt Romney as the Republican candidate for president of the United States. The convention has been forced to do a balancing act because Hurricane Isaac has been looming. The guest speakers, which included Ann Romney, Rick Santorum and Chris Christie, were tasked with the goal of painting Mitt Romney as the man who can turn our country around. Absent from any of the speeches was marijuana reform, even as it is becoming a large concern for many Americans. The convention will continue throughout the week, however, since mainstream coverage will ignore the issue, marijuana.net would like to take this time to discuss some political updates that will not make it to the airwaves this week.
The two party system in the United States has disenfranchised many and created a sentiment that we have very limited choices. This could explain why the United States Medical Marijuana Chamber of Commerce has now officially endorsed a president that has overseen the largest attack on medical marijuana patients in 16 years. Fear of Mitt Romney seems to have prompted the endorsement. Thomas L. Leto III, President and Founder of the group said in a statement this week “The Economic Potential of the Cannabis Business in the U.S. is Limitless and President Obama understands this, It is our impression that Mr. Romney just doesn’t get it. Mitt Romney is known for his business success and would probably be able to forecast how large the legalized marijuana is set to grow in the coming years. However, his campaign has been forced to embrace far right wing ideals which would likely prevent him from enacting reform measures. Many are confident that an Obama second term would see a less toxic atmosphere for marijuana, while many fear the unknown with a Romney presidency.
We would also like to touch on another political issue that will likely fly under the radar this week. The NAACP has announced their endorsement of Washington States Initiative 502. New Approach Washington has been instrumental in collecting enough signatures from residents in order to get the issue of marijuana legalization and regulation in front of voters this November. As reported by marijuana.net last week, the group also backed Colorado’s Ammendment 64, a ballot initiative that will also face a vote by residents and is similar to Washington’s Initiative 502. NAACP President of the Alaska, Washington State, and Oregon chapter, Oscar Eason, Jr. said “Treating marijuana use as a crime has not only failed, it has perpetuated racial inequities through unequal enforcement.” He also went on to say “African Americans are no more likely than whites to use marijuana, but we are much more likely to be arrested for it.” This sentiment also matches the rationale for the NAACP backing of the Colorado legalization efforts.
As the road to the White House unfolds we will continue to provide updates. Next week is the Democratic National Convention to be held in North Carolina. While we expect a dodging of the marijuana issue there, we would like to remind the president that he could truly galvanize a large voting base by demonstrating some concern for reform and medical patients. We would also hope that Hurricane Isaac passes through with minimal damage. Our hearts, once again, are with the Gulf region.
Developing Stories in California
From a national standpoint, marijuana reform efforts have been achieving a great deal of success as of late. Voters in Washington, Colorado, and Oregon will actually have the opportunity to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana use this November. Even though the situation is not as upbeat in California, the state remains the epicenter for American …continue reading
Meghan McCain Says Yes to Marijuana Legalization
As the two mainstream candidates for president continue to dodge and squirm away from marijuana related questions, others in the political arena are gladly standing up to address the issue. Marijuana.net has previously covered outspoken supporters such as Gary Johnson, Barney Frank, and Ron Paul, but a new voice has entered the discussion.
The daughter of longtime senator and former presidential candidate John McCain (R-AZ) has been taking her father’s moderate and often bi-partisan platform to a new level. Meghan McCain is known for being a centrist and represents a younger generation of voters who are not locked into conservative bullet points. Some of her actions have upset American conservatives, especially recently as she appeared in a photo shoot (fully clothed) in Hugh Hefner’s Playboy magazine. She now has come out in support of legalizing marijuana, making conservatives already weary of both her and John McCain’s middle of the road approach to government, even more aggravated.
Joining the skyrocketing number of Americans who are tired of watching tax dollars being thrown into an abyss, Meghan McCain strongly supported legalization in her new book “America You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom” which was also co-written by comedian Michael Ian Black. In one segment she states I believe the legal ramifications of possessing marijuana are egregious. For one reason, I think it is a substance that does no more damage than alcohol does, and second, if we legalized marijuana in this country and taxed the hell out of it, our economic problems would at least be temporarily helped a great deal. In fact, you could even use the revenue stream to pay for universal health care if you wanted.” She also went on to say “Mostly though, I do not completely understand the allure and taboo associated with marijuana. The few times I have partaken in smoking pot it has been a mild experience. Yes, it is a substance that will alter your mind frame and judgment, but as someone who is high strung and has a natural tendency to get nauseated, I can see its appeal.”
While this nation may be polarized, campaign strategists often seem to overplay the hand. Meghan McCain’s view on marijuana is quickly becoming the consensus of the mainstream. Gary Johnson and Ron Paul’s popularity already show a country ready for a more compromising voice, instead of the gridlocked and dysfunction we typically see in Washington. As unemployment continues to be a concern in the United States, we see politicians desperate to do anything to avoid unemployment lines filled with regular working class people. However, walking the lobbyist line may no longer offer the job security it once did, but opening up an entirely new multi-billion dollar per year job market may help everyone get off the unemployment line.
Bruce Margolin’s Congressional Run Brings Hope for Marijuana Patients and Activists
To the dismay of some of our elected officials, marijuana reform is moving higher on the list of voter priorities. President Obama has has been dogged by questions regarding what appears to be a shift in his marijuana enforcement position. More recently, voters showed that they are no longer willing to tolerate the failed 40 year war on drugs and elected retired judge Ellen Rosenblum, a huge supporter of marijuana rights.
High profile attorney and longtime ally of the marijuana movement, Bruce Margolin, provides even more hope for those seeking a common sense approach to cannabis law. Margolin announced last month that he would be running for California’s 33rd Congressional district. This district covers the Los Angeles’ coastal area and many feel the district could benefit tremendously from Mr. Margolin’s leadership. He is running on a platform that seeks changes in many key areas such as immigration reform, economic fairness, and defending civil liberties.
Bruce Margolin also has a long track record for defending patients and activists. He has lent his assistance to individuals involved with marijuana cases for over 40 years. On his legal website 1800420laws.com, Mr. Margolin directly states his view on marijuana by saying “NO ONE belongs in jail for marijuana.” He also has served as a director of Los Angeles chapter of NORML for 29 years, contributing to so much of the progress in the marijuana reform movement. His long track record in marijuana law has made him the premiere legal expert on cannabis law in the United States.
With the injection of Super Pacs on an already polarized nation, the 2012 election already had the makings of a historic and nasty election. Additionally, there will be at least two states (Washington, and Colorado) and possibly others where residents will have the opportunity to vote on legalizing recreational marijuana use. Bruce Margolin is entering the congressional race at the perfect time. Patients, marijuana activists, immigrants, same sex couples and so many others desperately need representation in this political climate where federal authorities are still intent on violating our freedoms.
Moving to Legalize Domestic Hemp
As the movement for the legalization of marijuana marches on people often forget about the Mary’s sister plant, industrial Hemp. Both plants are members of the cannabis genus and both are illegal to grow or possess under Federal law. They are two genetically distinct species with different properties. Marijuana contains as much as 27% THC in its buds, leaves and trichomes. Whereas hemp generally contains 0.3% or less THC (although some places do allow for it to contain 1% and remain classified as industrial hemp). Furthermore the two plants are unsuited to be used interchangeably. Marijuana is unsuited for industrial purposes such as paper, clothing and building goods due to the nature of growth of the plant fibers. Similarly, industrial hemp will not get have the effects of smoked marijuana. It is very similar to the way that poppy seeds can make a person test positive for opium, but would produce get them “doped up”.
Since 1937 it has been illegal to cultivate both marijuana and hemp plants, aside from a special dispensation in WW2 (see “Hemp for Victory“). Today many states have passed laws allowing for compassionate use of medical marijuana, but it is still illegal to domestically grow and distribute industrial hemp products. This continues despite growing demands for hempen clothing, building supplies, fossil fuel substitutes, and food products. However, it is legally allowed to import foreign hemp products. To meet this demand, American companies must purchase goods from Canada, China and a few European countries. This is a farce. America (from the time of the colonies) was built on money provided by Hemp cash crops. At this time we are relegated to sending hard-earned American dollars overseas (OK, Canada is not overseas) to buy raw seed and fiber and end-products that could easily be made here, at an economic benefit for Americans. This market has nowhere to go except upward, especially as more Americans become aware of the many benefits (nutritional, agricultural, industrial, economical) presented by Hemp.
Currently, eighteen states have recent laws (within the last 20 years), bills, or amendments on the books or pending legislation seeking to allow for domestic cultivation of Industrial Hemp. Many of those states have only first stage laws that require studies by state boards looking into economic and agricultural benefits. Many of these studies are underway, but none have been completed. Part of this is due to the political insecurity that arises from dabbling in marijuana laws. Although attitudes have shifted greatly in the last several years, many politicians are still wary of endorsing anything marijuana-related. Regardless of those studies, every bill has language reflecting the worries about Federal prosecution. The caveats in the bills all mention that Federal statutes must either be overturned, rewritten, or researchers and farmers will require permits or dispensations from the DEA, DOJ or even IRS in order to grow hemp crops and be in compliance of state and federal laws.
The most recent states to challenge this Federal ban include Kentucky, Vermont, North Dakota, Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Montana. Members of Congress have also sought to change the laws. In 2007, 2009, and 2011 they have introduced “The Industrial Hemp Farming Act” so that low potency cannabis crops would be exempted from the Federal ban. The current measure, House Bill 1831 has numerous co-sponsors but has not received a Congressional hearing. If passed, states would have the power to approve and regulate hemp cultivation and trade. Last year, Hemp imports were valued at over four hundred million dollars. This number is expected to increase this year and more in the future. Hemp production could soon be valued at over $1 billion. Taxed revenues from this business would do well to help offset American debt and trade deficits, if it was a domestic product. Not only is this an incredibly useful plant, it is hardy and grows in poor soils that are unsuited for other crash crops. Additionally, rotating hemp through poor soils helps to lock nutrients back into the earth so that other crops can grow better. It also is a prime source for photosynthesis and carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the problems posed by increased amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse chemicals present in the atmosphere.
As more information comes to light about hemp it seems that the cultivation of this plant is a win-win situation for the environment, the economy, and the people of our country. Unfortunately, the same special interests (tobacco lobby, Big Pharma, Alcohol, fossil fuels) who secured the ban over seventy years ago still have enormous political clout. Combined with the inordinate amount of false information and prejudice against the cannabis plant, those in favor of legalization face a stiff uphill battle. More than ever it is incumbent upon us, we the people, to take an active role in our nation’s future and declare that this plant should not be denied to us.
History of the Cups
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It is finally time for the Denver Medical Cannabis cup. If you are in Denver this weekend, please come and visit us as we will be one of the sponsors of the event! We are sure patients will gather for another safe event as they have in the past. But first, a quick look on how we got here…
The first Cannabis cup was organized by Steven Hager, of High Times Magazine. In 1987 Amsterdam was the most famous of cities for legalized consumption of marijuana. So it was held there, in a great smoke-off to find the finest marijuana that a person could smoke. In 25 years the contest has matured; there are multiple categories, seeking the best strains, hybrids, consumables, seeds and so forth. It has also developed into a massive trade show, where builders of bongs can showcase their latest pipes, vaporizers, and novelty papers. Vendors also bring in t-shirts and other apparel and all other kinds of accessories. As the Cup has grown, it has incorporated other elements that have accompanied marijuana use. It has embraced spirituality and the counterculture ideas of the late 60’s and 70’s. Also, as politics have shifted across the world, so have the ideas espoused by the Cup’s sponsors and attendees.
Today, the United States is host to four of High Times’s Medical Marijuana Cups. In Detroit, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The First one was the San Francisco Cup in 2010. Last year saw the inaugural events for Denver and Los Angeles also. These are not just pothead toke-fests as conservative demagogues would paint them; they’re not dens of sin, iniquity and crime, or doorways to destruction. These are modern affairs, full of people with honorable agendas seeking to help people who are suffering from various ailments. For many of these patients, cannabis holds the best treatments they can hope to receive. New categories include judging for high CBD (cannabidiol) strains, which the medical community now agrees hold the key to treating many neuromuscular disorders. One of the largest growing segments of the Cup community is for political activism. Most major events now have devoted sections to increasing political awareness. On a national stage most politicians won’t touch the topic of marijuana; there are few candidates, like Ron Paul and Gary Johnson, who are willing to discuss it. But on state and local levels, many politicians are eagerly discussing with their constituents. Also, there are many active groups like NORML, LEAP and ASA who attend these gatherings and try to increase awareness and activism. For years the pro-marijuana lobby was small and quietly ignored. Now attitudes are turning from universal recreational use (like alcohol and tobacco) to a focus more on compassionate care and medical use, at least in enough cases now to be taken more seriously. Also, by highlighting the many failures of the 40 year-old “War on Drugs” people have realized that change, on a federal level, is necessary for the health of the Union and its people. All of this has helped the Cups to grow from crowds of hundreds to tens of thousands of supporters.
The Seattle HempFest is another event that has grown from very humble roots. The first one was held in Seattle in 1991, with only 500 people in attendance; last year’s event estimated close to 300,000 attendees! At each of these events people have gathered peacefully for several days. Recently, Cannabis use, in public, has been tolerated with no ill effects. Alcohol sales are banned at Hemp Fest, too. And in that wake, there have been no riots, no fights, no dangerous crimes committed. This is a far cry from the mighty fears that Henry J Anslinger stirred up when he pushed to have marijuana made illegal in the 1930’s. In 1991, there were no laws anywhere for compassionate use. Then, in 1998 Washington State passed their medical marijuana legislation. In 2003, Seattle made marijuana its lowest police priority and in 2008 the city stated it “would no longer prosecute simple possession cases.” This year, the state legislation approved patient cannabis gardens and an ordinance for cannabis collectives. With perseverance and patience, even the smallest of groups can hope to accomplish great deeds.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Feb 10, 2012
New Jersey Collective Seems to possess Removed Final Hurdle
 
 
 
 
New Jersey appears prepared to finally be ready to open its first marijuana collective. State legislators approved medical utilization of marijuana over two years back. Individuals trying to open collectives happen to be met by many people legal hurdles. Most lately the delays happen to be over local zoning permits . New Jersey’s townships happen to be unwilling to grant the permits keeping this program grounded . They’ve released a permit towards the Compassionate Care Foundation. The foundation’s Boss William J. Thomas stated “This continues to be hard. I have really experienced hell it.Inch
 
For additional about this story click the link
 
Arizona Passes Law To Prohibit Medicinal Marijuana on College Grounds
 
 
Another condition which has observed its great amount of delays with their medicinal marijuana program is Arizona. Once we have recorded before, Arizona passed legislation for medicinal marijuana using a ballot initiative chosen on through the state’s citizens. However, Governor Jan Maker then challenged what the law states unsuccessfully in the court. As the prospects of the completely functional program appear likely for that summer time, up to now no patients happen to be offered. A brand new bill passed will restrict the privileges of scholars to possess medicinal marijuana on campus even when they’re legitimate consumers. House Bill 2349, that was backed by Repetition. Amanda Reeve, (R-Phoenix) helps make the having marijuana around the property associated with a educational institution not permitted. The balance appears particularly targeted at ensuring students who receive Federal Pell grants or loans aren’t being specific by police force.
 
Police Force Agents Believe Current Marijuana Enforcement Encourage Crooks
 
Two top Federal police force agents think that the Mexican drug cartel and also the gang centered the marijuana market in Canada and also have been embolden by U.S. marijuana laws and regulations. Charles Mandigo that has been an element of the FBI for 27 years, and it has offered because the mind from the Dallas office stated “It may be the money, not the drug, that drives these cartels and gangs.” John McKay, an old U.S. attorney for that condition of Washington agreed and mentioned that “Criminal enforcement of marijuana doesn’t work,” McKay contended. It “creates a massive flow of cash to worldwide drug cartels, crooks and thugs.” These claims were created in a hearing for proposition 502, which may legalize and regulate marijuana much like alcohol if passed. There appears to become considerable momentum for that passing of proposition 502, which may make Washington Condition the first one to legalize marijuana for private use.
 
High Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup in LA a few days ago
 
Below is a few quick information on this weekend’s event. Benefit from the first class competition and are available greet marijuana.internet if you notice us.
Event: HIGH Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup – La, 2/11/12
Date: Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 at 12:00 PM – Sunday, Feb 12, 2012 at 9:00 PM (PT)
Location:
La Center Galleries
451 South Beaudry Ave
La, CA 90017
California and Colorado try New Approach toward Marijuana Law
As increasing numbers of details are revealed concerning the fall’s federal raids of medicinal marijuana shops, it’s becoming obvious that advocates have to take with an alternate approach. Although supporters of medicinal marijuana are equipped with solid details, the effective minority within our government isn’t prepared to admit defeat. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder lately stated that recent raids were targeted at shops who weren’t in compliance with condition law. This could explain why there has been states going for a more organized approach toward safeguarding medicinal marijuana patients from the us government.
Based on a current article from MercuryNews.com, advocates in California are trying to find to institute a state-wide certification system for controlling the medicinal marijuana program. This could setup uniform screening systems for shops and patients. It might also create a far more structured tax code. People in america For Safe Access are leading the ballot initiative and believe that California often see less federal intervention when the condition implements these new rules. When the process goes well, California would create “The Board of Medicinal Marijuana Enforcement” which may oversee the non-profit companies creating, selling and lab testing the strains.
California isn’t alone within their new method for 2012. Colorado has implemented a state-wide license system. Additionally, Colorado makes a proper request towards the DEA to re-classify marijuana. When the DEA finally relented and accomplished it, states will not have to choose from following federal law and supplying relief to the citizens. Two governors from Rhode Island and Washington Condition have previously made such formal demands. Barbara Brohl, mind of The Colorado Department of Revenue authored the request which incorporated the next statement “As lengthy as there’s divergence in condition and federal law, there’s deficiencies in certainty essential to provide safe access for patients with serious health conditions.Inch
Even though the DEA hasn’t behaved on such demands previously there appears to become momentum as states have finished the legislative conflict between condition and federal law. Civil privileges issues previously have proven that it takes only a couple of brave pioneers to stimulate massive change. We’re now seeing more states setup systems that goal to safeguard their sufferers. Colorado’s program will probably function as a model for most of the already established states with medicinal marijuana, along with the 6 others with pending legislation. Since there three states presently asking for reclassification of cannabis, more are certain to join.
Two Governors seek Federal Reclassification of Marijuana
 
The legislative process within the U . s . States can help remind us of difficult family dynamics. You will find different opinions regarding how to handle a specific situation and also the debates frequently escalate into arguments. Within the legal world, just like a family structure, you will find unyielding people who won’t pay a new or even more progressive approach if this involves Medicinal Marijuana. Marijuana reform continues to be postponed for many years because of anxiety when progression just like a grandfather declining to simply accept the behaviour of the generation which has passed him by.
While you will find some in lawmaking positions who wish to keep that old notion that marijuana destroys lives, (actually the life is usually only destroyed after unnecessary incarceration, drug war casualties, or denial of drugs) many more are attempting to get grand daddy to calm lower, switch off “Leave it to Beaver”, and believe that a brand new discussion must occur. The brand new conversation a minimum of must be in Technicolor (where available) and even perhaps progress toward hd. Independent Lincoln subsequently Chafee of Rhode Island and Democrat Christine Gregoire of Washington are a couple of governors seeking a far more modern method of marijuana enforcement. Particularly, they’re seeking a re-classification of cannabis which presently continues to be an agenda I drug. This places it within the same grouping as heroin or ecstasy, and many particularly not cocaine. Based on the Controlled Substances Act, cocaine has significant medical value and consequently, likes an agenda II classification. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Mind and Neck Surgery views cocaine to be really effective being an anesthetic. For medicinal marijuana advocates, this fact probably raises a litany of frustrating and baffling questions. Cocaine has known unwanted effects, and by no means has total support of People in america to savor legal comfort. Therefore we must request, how come our government carefully consider the dangerOrbenefits connected with cocaine, but merely dismisses this model for marijuana? Certainly most would agree that marijuana’s downside and possibility of harm pales compared to cocaine.
When the governors get their way, marijuana could be downgraded to some schedule II drug, departing the doorway open for government allowed medicinal marijuana. They’ve approached the DEA and asked for the problem be examined. The DEA has acknowledged getting a petition through the governors, that will require DEA to examine advances in marijuana research since 2006, the final time the problem was given to the DEA. Christine Gregoire was very direct in her own claims and stated “Poll after poll shows a massive most of People in america now see medicinal marijuana as legitimate.” She also added “An ever-growing quantity of doctors now tell 1000’s of suffering patients they might find respite from the initial medicinal characteristics of cannabis.”
The task of governor is difficult within this political/economic system. Nearly every condition appears to stay in financial trouble. Balancing budgets and enforcing laws and regulations without use of additional funds isn’t a desirable undertaking. Many chosen authorities are actually public regarding their need to alter marijuana laws and regulations. Marijuana reform can generate revenue, reduce funds allocated to enforcement/incarceration and also to provide relief inside a country where medical costs happen to be increasing. America no more has got the luxury of entertaining grand daddy just because a fast and progressive overhaul is required immediately.