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Richard Lee Forced to Walk Away from Oaksterdam yet remains Positive
Marijuana.net hopes you all had a nice holiday weekend. With so much preparation for the holiday it can be difficult to keep up with new developments in the medical marijuana industry. While we wish the only updates were related to Easter egg hunts and Passover Seders, patients learned that their struggles do not take a rest, even during the holidays.
The Oaksterdam raid by federal authorities has generated considerable attention in the media nationwide. Richard Lee, who ran the university as well as a medical marijuana dispensary has decided to give up his business operations. The news is troubling for many patients and advocates who have found inspiration through his tireless efforts. Richard Lee is well known for his dedication to patients and spent over 1.5 million dollars in an attempt to pass proposition 19, a measure aimed at legalizing marijuana in California. After the raids of his home and businesses, Mr. Lee is left with few options and has been forced to shut his doors to patients. He may face many years in jail, and federal law even calls for the death sentence in cases where an individual possess over 60,000 plants. Richard Lee admitted he did not know how many plants were seized during the raid though it still seems unlikely he would face execution.
Fortunately, Mr. Lee is utilizing an upbeat approach to his situation, despite facing what may be a lengthy jail sentence, or worse. He sees his situation as a possible motivation point for activists. Richard Lee recently stated “I think the nationwide coverage of the raid shows that there is a story here that a lot of people would like to see and like to hear about.” He also went on to say “We are getting very close to a tipping point on this issue,” and referenced the fact that Oaksterdam has trained approximately 15,000 individuals, many of which are willing to continue the march toward marijuana reform. The national coverage of the story may help Lee, as polls show that a vast majority of Americans support a physician’s right to prescribe marijuana to patients. A harsh sentence for Mr. Lee may result in a harsh public backlash.
We wish the best for Richard Lee as his efforts have provided compassionate relief for so many patients. While his legal downfall could help the future of medical marijuana, we do not want to lose focus on the individual. Hopefully, the federal government will find some sensibility and provide leniency on someone hoping to promote education, safety, and compassion.
Medical Marijuana Industry News Update April 6, 2012
Hemp Comeback Could Be in the Works for Kentucky Farmers…
In an age that is increasingly tough on America’s agricultural industry, some good news may be ahead for Kentucky farmers. Kentucky used to be one of the largest hemp producers before legal changes made its production illegal. Hemp is now often imported from Canada and lawmakers may seek to bring the industry and its economic benefits back home. Hemp is known for its versatility and has a wide range of uses including bio-fuels, clothing, paper, lotions, building and composite materials, anti inflammatory medicines, omega-3 supplements, and many other products. Building support for hemp reform has taken years but state Sen. Joey Pendleton sees a brighter future. He recently said “We’ve come a long way” and “The first year I had this, it was lonely.” Many others in the Kentucky legislature have now shown their support and Senator Pendleton said he believed that 2013 would be the year where new laws permitting hemp production will be passed.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Lake Elsinore Raided…
Federal authorities targeting medical marijuana dispensaries had a busy week in California. Oaksterdam University was raided and now the Drug Enforcement Administration has moved on to force Compassionate Patients Association to close its doors, at least for the time being. Agents also searched the home of Ernest Cruz Acosta, who runs the collective. The attorney for the collective said that Compassionate Patients Association has followed all state laws. No arrests have been made as of yet.
Billboard in Colorado Tries to Cultivate Different Image of Marijuana Supporters…
The push for marijuana reform seems to have been slowed, for years, by the negative stereotypes associated with users. Advocates have fought long and hard to change that perception. The group from Colorado, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol have placed their message on a billboard. The billboard depicts an ordinary woman who says “For many reasons I prefer marijuana over alcohol. Does that make me a bad person?” The group has been very active and even organized a successful ballot initiative to place marijuana legalization in the hands of voters. The billboard is not the first of its kind as Florida has also seen advocates getting their message out this way.
Romney Victories and Oaksterdam Raid May Motivate Marijuana Activists
This week did not provide medical marijuana patients with the news they were hoping for. Mitt Romney picked up precious delegates in the Republican primaries and has all but assured his position in general election. Unfortunately for patients, this means that the two main candidates campaigning for president of the United States do not seem willing to discuss sensible marijuana reform. Advocates and patients were also disappointed to learn that the iconic Oaksterdam University was raided by federal agents.
Marijuana advocates have always had to assume a glass half full position and as always, there were some developments to rise out of the ashes of disheartening news. On Tuesday Mitt Romney won the primaries in Wisconsin, Washington D.C. and Maryland. The victories separate him from the rest of the pack and has produced an almost insurmountable lead for the former Massachusetts Governor. Unless a political catastrophe occurs for team Romney, his lead in the delegate count (658 to Santorum’s 281), 1,144 needed in total) should be enough to secure the nomination. The election is now likely to shift from Republican infighting to the inevitable battle between President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney.
Unfortunately for medical marijuana patients these are two candidates who do not appear ready to address the issue of reform with the American public. President Obama has sidestepped the issue several times over the past few months and Mitt Romney has repeatedly made it clear that he does not support medical marijuana. The good news is that another major political figure has reignited the issue of medical marijuana. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson appeared on “The Colbert Report” earlier this week and was more than willing to engage in many social issues such as gay marriage and marijuana legalization. Johnson may not have a particularly great chance at capturing the presidency, but he may offer a third party option that can generate more excitement than we have seen in recent years. Any exposure the former New Mexico governor gets could put pressure on both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to explain why they are not supportive of compassionate relief.
Another blow to the medical marijuana community came in the form of a federal raid of Oaksterdam. Federal authorities have not disclosed the exact reasons as to why they raided the university. Reports do indicate that the IRS was involved, so the potential for profiting or tax issues could have caused the raid. The university was set up to try and help legitimize marijuana and to promote education and safety. There is still hope for a future University as supporters have vowed to reopen “The Princeton of Pot.” Supporters also suggested the federal government would be better off allocating resources toward the horrific shooting on the Oikos University campus.
The medical marijuana community has endured much more than a raid and presidential candidates ignoring them. Many are forced to illegally acquire medicine and deal with the risk of being arrested if they seek relief. The resiliency that the community has shown for decades is not easily shaken and will certainly not be deterred by stubborn political candidates or a building being closed. Education is more than lectures in a brick and mortar building, and it cannot be suppressed.
Arizona Lawmakers Approve Measure to Censor the Internet
Censoring communication has become a common method used in trying to suppress human rights. Syria has an “electronic army” and the country is well known for having censored internet communications as an uprising called for an overthrow of President Bashar Al-Asad. During Libya’s liberation similar tactics were used in order to suppress an uprising as well. China has finally relaxed some of its censorship efforts (not all) and is well known for restricting the access of political information and viewpoints that may not pain their governing practices in a flattering light.
The next body of government taking sweeping action against the internet is actually part of the United States. Arizona lawmakers have just passed House Bill 2549 which “prohibits using any electronic or digital device, instead of a telephone, with the intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend a person.” The intent was to expand upon telephone harassment laws and to protect against bullying but may have created a series of unmanageable laws. The Media Coalition, whose goal it is to defend first amendment rights, said that the law would “apply to the Internet as a whole, thus criminalizing all manner of writing, cartoons, and other protected material the state finds offensive or annoying.” They have written a formal letter encouraging Jan Brewer not to sign the bill.
While this may seem like an odd and possibly unconstitutional law, this is the same state that has passed other laws that have bypassed the Constitution. In Arizona, police officers are required to assume federal responsibilities and determine the immigration status of Arizona residents via racial profiling. Additionally, Governor Jan Brewer has fought everything she can muster against her own residents and potential voting base to stand in the way of a people initiated medical marijuana program. Let us not forget that teaching ethnic study programs in Arizona (K-12) is also illegal and there is also discussion to expand this into the college classrooms as well. Click here for a list of Arizona’s other strange laws.
One of the great things about America is that individual states can address the needs of its residents and it is understandable that a corn farmer in Iowa may have a different set of priorities than an investment banker in New York. However, suppression of information on the internet is hard to justify as an “American value”. Our goal is to separate ourselves from regions where human rights are jeopardized, not to take notes on how they accomplish this. Arizona is demonstrating yet another example of how politicians are skilled at creating headlines for their never ending re-election campaigns, but they no longer seem capable of connecting the dots and realizing the complexities of a digital world. Similar to the SOPA bill which failed miserably, ending the internet as we know it will strip the United States of jobs we can ill afford to lose. The world is not flat and out of touch representatives need not fear new ideas on the grounds that they are “offensive”.
This article may be considered offensive according to Arizona law. Marijuana.net hopes we can continue to provide frequent news updates, if we can avoid being arrested by Arizona authorities. Not every article we write is going to please all readers, but we never previously feared being arrested for writing “annoying” material. People against medical marijuana who do not want to grant compassion, care and relief to suffering patients can be offensive. Reading about controversial laws being passed about internet censorship may be offensive and is absolutely annoying, will Arizona legislators arrest themselves?
Politicians In Oklahoma Send Confusing Messages on Drug Policy
We have all had authoritative figures in our lives tell us “I would never ask you to do anything that I was not willing to do myself.” When we actually believe our parents or employers, it will usually result in a healthy level of respect for that individual. Conversely, if you do not trust the hollow words, it can actually be antagonistic.
Lawmakers in Oklahoma have been sending confusing messages to residents of the Sooner State. Oklahoma is known for its harsh stance on any drug conviction. Low level first offense marijuana possession can result in one year in prison. Even more baffling was a law passed last year aimed at those who convert marijuana into hash. Although there have only been a handful of hash production cases in Oklahoma in the past decade, they felt compelled to enact one of the harshest drug laws in United States history. Even the first conviction for hash production in Oklahoma now carries the potential for a life sentence (minimum 2 year sentence). With an already overcrowded prison system, many legal analysts have been shocked at Oklahoma’s handling of marijuana and hash laws.
The hash law has created even more confusion. Was there a hash epidemic we all missed? In the class warfare we have seen developing over the past several years, it has become a popular idea (started first by Arizona) to target and require drug testing for those receiving government assistance. These laws typically target the younger welfare recipients, but never require Medicare participants to prove their moral superiority via urine samples. The whole concept sounds well and good until any financial analysis is performed, which is surprising because the financial guru candidate for president, Mitt Romney, has also championed the idea of drug testing welfare recipients. However, further analysis shows that since drug tests are not free of charge, that it will actually cost taxpayers far more.
Oklahoma has joined over 20 other states that are considering this new legislative trend. There was an interesting twist in the case of Oklahoma’s law. The proposed legislation included provisions to also require anyone seeking public office to pass a drug test. Democrats opposing the welfare recipient drug testing on the grounds of constitutionality, had added the provision. GOP Sen. David Holt categorized the action as a “stunt” and removed the language from the bill that would require legislators to submit to drug tests. Although it may indeed have been a bit of political grandstanding by state democrats, would it not have provided validity to the bill if those who sign it also abide by it?
According to politicians, the only people where drug abuse is a concern is for welfare recipients. Thankfully no politicians or Medicare eligible members carry the potential for substance abuse. Even those on welfare have voting rights and politicians work for the people. If the legislation saved money it would be worth considering, though this still would not preclude it from the constitutionality discussion. We should no longer allow our politicians to say “Do as I say and not do as I do.” Elected officials often forget, but they work for us and should be abiding by the same guidelines we do.
Federal Agents Raid and Take Over Oaksterdam University
Agents of the Federal Government attempted to attack the heart of the medical marijuana community today as they raided Oaksterdam University. There has not been much in the way of public comments from federal authorities as Arlette Lee, an IRS spokeswoman would only simply say “What we are doing here today is under seal.” Protestors already gathered outside of the sectioned off school to demonstrate against the federal take over. One protestor and former student of the university Ryan Hooper, said “This is not in the best interest of the city. If they close the dispensaries, all of this stuff is going to go back underground.” Oaksterdam University is well known for promoting a safe and educated medical marijuana industry. As more details unfold, marijuana.net will be providing updates.
Marijuana Superstore WeGrow Opens in Washington D.C.
Often the best place to hide from an enemy may be right under their nose. This may not usually be an ideal choice when the enemy is the federal government, but medical marijuana will be doing just that. Although historic buildings like the White House and the United States Capitol Building loom over the city and serve as a constant reminder of stubborn federal laws, Washington D.C. is set to open medical marijuana dispensaries by the summer.
WeGrow is opening its doors approximately 4 miles away from the White House. Their website suggests that “weGrow is the world’s first honest hydroponic superstore.” Wegrow aims to be a one stop destination for cultivators as they offer nutrients, grow lights, grow mediums, pest and mold control products, and much more. In the “About Us” section of their website they say “Our services are designed to train customers on safe and effective cultivation methods by expert technicians, so you can increase your harvest while also protecting your crop.” WeGrow offers growing classes, designed to maximize yields as well as safety.
Such a large supplier will obviously make the lives of growers convenient, as many of the items they utilize require multiple trips or worrying about shipping products across state lines. Additionally, it could help to provide some uniformity in safety regulations. Dispensary workers and growers will not be forced to shop at WeGrow, but many inevitably will. WeGrow will be having an effect on a significant portion of the Washington D.C. medical marijuana industry and if inspectors make sure they are complying with regulations, patients can be confident that the D.C. area dispensaries are at least buying quality controlled items to cultivate their plants with.
Washington D.C., like much of the country has experienced trouble in attracting new industries and jobs. The medical cannabis industry offers solutions to both of these problems. Large retailers always use employment opportunities as a reason a community should embrace them. WeGrow can claim that in addition to the potential to help increase patient awareness and provide an economic boost that Washington D.C. residents so desperately need.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 30, 2012
Rhode Island Lawmakers Consider Legalizing Marijuana For Recreational Use…
Rhode Island has been full of marijuana updates lately. Earlier in the week it was reported that RI is considering three new medical marijuana facilities. Currently, medical marijuana is permitted if patients meet certain criteria. They are allowed to possess 2.5 ounces and 12 plants but there are no dispensaries. In a newer development, it was revealed that legislators in Rhode Island are now even considering legalizing marijuana for recreational use. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear both sides of the debate on Tuesday. Decriminalizing cannabis will also be discussed at Tuesday’s hearing.
Initiatives to Make Marijuana Enforcement Lowest Priority are Underway in 6 Washington State Cities…
Washington State has already considered serious marijuana reform by the actions of New Approach Washington. The group was able to collect enough signatures for marijuana legalization (Initiative 502) to make it to the ballot and face a vote by the people. In the meantime however, it looks as if residents in Washington will attempt other ways in which to reform marijuana law. Sensible Washington is making a huge effort to push the decriminalization initiatives in Spokane, Olympia, Kent, Bellingham, Everett, and Bremerton. Seattle and Tacoma have already passed similar legislation making marijuana enforcement for personal adult use the lowest priority by authorities.
New York State Bans the Sale of Synthetic Marijuana…
Lawmakers in New York State have been pushing for a ban on synthetic marijuana for the past several months. They have finalized the ban preventing convenience store and tobacco shops from selling the popular products such as “K2” and “Spice”. Many have been concerned with recent health reports on the products. Teenagers seem especially vulnerable as there have been many emergency room visits reported that have been linked to use of synthetic marijuana. Many of these instances involve teens not being able to speak or acknowledge their surroundings. The National Poison Control Center has received 8,000 calls involving synthetic cannabis since 2011. The rise in the numbers is staggering as New York had 4 such instances in 2009 and 2010. New York State Senator Charles Schumer has led the charge for both a national ban and New York’s ban on synthetic cannabis. He has met opposition on a federal by those who feel any ban should be left up to individual states. Most states have already enacted similar bans.
The Danger in Delivery
Most of the updates we cover in the medical marijuana industry are very serious. Patients seeking relief need marijuana reform desperately so that there is no shame or embarrassment in acquiring their medicine. However, there are times when developments highlighting the need for change are actually quite comical.
The idea of criminals using masks to conceal their identities is nothing new. However, it appears we have seen a rise in crimes performed by those wearing costumes of our favorite popular culture figures. One famous case involved none other than Darth Vader himself who apparently was short on cash and felt compelled to rob a Chase bank in 2010. Two “ninjas”, or at least individuals with authentic costumes, robbed a medical marijuana delivery man. The man dropped a bag of cannabis that was intended for a patient and also money. The two costumed perpetrators thankfully were not armed with Katana blades, but instead batons. No one was hurt and authorities are on the lookout for the ninjas, who may evade capture if their stealth techniques are sharp enough. This story does provide something serious to take away from it however. Those who usually deliver products door to door are not in as much of a high risk situation as a marijuana worker. Pizza delivery employees do not have piles of cash and valuable marijuana on them. Those delivering cannabis should be taking extra precaution and perhaps even escorted by security personnel.
Another comical example of just how much marijuana laws need to be reformed was provided by a man in Massachusetts. Michael Sansone of Whitman did not exactly make much of an effort to conceal his illegal business. He had business cards printed that had a picture of marijuana plant with the words “for sale” and “medical”. Additionally the cards included a phone number and directions that stated “ask for Mike”. The business hours were listed as 3pm-7pm weekdays and 12pm-6pm on weekends. Local Deputy Police Chief Scott Benton said “I guess he’s not an early riser. Only in America.” Police arrested Mr. Sansone after he approached a woman and asked if she wanted to purchase marijuana. He opened the trunk of his car to show her that he had it. The frightened woman contacted local police. Massachusetts does not even permit medical marijuana, and certainly will have zero tolerance for public selling out of one’s car. Although the story may induce a few chuckles, Mr. Sansone is breaking state law and likely does not have his marijuana tested by a lab.
While we can have a little fun with these two news stories, in no way do we want to lose sight of the daily struggles for so many patients. More security precautions should be the future of any delivery service and may eliminate the “ninjas” from stealing medicine and cash. Safe access would prevent the black market that allows an eccentric individual to sell marijuana out of his car. While funny stories bring a smile to our faces, we would see even more smiles on patients faces if we take the stigma out of their medicine.
Landlords Renting to Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Could Face more Jail Time than Violent Offenders
A single article cannot even begin to decipher the priorities of our government. Law is supposed to be fair, just, and consistent. However, when comparing the penalties from one crime to another, the consistency just simply is not there.
A recent article posted on Opposing Views.com highlights several examples of how punishments are not fitting the crimes committed. Jonathan Janetski, a landlord in Montana is facing charges for maintaining a “drug involved premises.” By leasing his property to a medical marijuana dispensary, he could potentially be incarcerated for decades. That may not be the case and according to Opposing Views he is much more likely to serve about 3 years in prison, and will actually be behind bars for more time than those who cultivated the marijuana. The article then compares Mr. Janetski’s situation to another Montana resident, Kyle Eugene Avery.
Job recruiters often recommend that resumes should be no more than one page, because apparently, intelligent well read employers are bored easily. This obviously limits their casual reading choices. We could only imagine what recruiters would say about confining a criminal rap sheet to a single page. In Kyle Eugene Avery’s case he may have to use single space and 8 point font. In 2008, Avery served one (two year sentence) for first degree arson. The next year he was charged with sexual battery but the case was dismissed. He followed this up with a conviction for one count of lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child under 16 years of age. After that his ex girlfriend and her roommate accused him of raping them. Prosecutors also said he sexually assaulted a third woman while she slept. Authorities have dropped the two rape charges and a judge feels that Avery deserves a suspended sentence. Sexual assault in Montana carries a far lighter sentence and Avery faces a maximum of six months in jail while Janestski will likely spend far more time familiarizing himself with prison walls.
Hell hath no fury like a scorned politician. While the two situations outlined above describe problems with Montana law, the federal government has demonstrated a problem with how they allocate their legal resources. Despite the fact that medical marijuana has overwhelming support from Americans, politicians have insisted on using every tool at their disposal to punish those who use a naturally growing plant. They ask how dare anybody think differently than the likes of Rick Santorum and Orin Hatch who have not been able to adjust with a changing culture? We would ask that our government refocuses its efforts to protect the civil rights of Americans. Like any relationship, it is ok to admit when you have been wrong. In fact, it would be the mature thing to do, to tell patients they can have relief and that no one else will die due to re-election or presidential campaigns.
Other than Bernie Madoff, the government rarely seems inclined to bring down the hammer on those who commit financial crimes on Wall Street (despite how many retirement funds and lives are ruined) yet those leasing their property to allow a business to help patients should expect an extended stay in an 8×8 room. While we at marijuana.net usually do not like to bring up the “what about the children” argument, we do have to question what message we are sending. George Zimmerman has yet to be arrested and currently faces no jail time even as he shot and killed 17 year old Trayvon Martin, who was armed only with skittles and iced tea. Mr. Zimmerman claims that he was assaulted and we do respect the due process, but a teenager was shot dead by him and it is surprising no charges have been formally introduced. While the comparison between Jonathan Janetski and Kyle Eugene Levy may not become a dinner table conversation, Trayvon Martin has. Americans are long overdue to start questioning exactly what the goals of law enforcement on every level truly are.