The White House
Whitened House Signals Readiness to go over Marijuana Re-arranging with Congress
Glaciers, tortoises, and slugs all appear to maneuver faster than our authorities’s reaction to standing on the incorrect side of marijuana for nearly a hundred years. While the American public continues to be receptive to the thought of deleting marijuana, our government has fumbled the ball for a long time, not able to even come up with a rational reason …continue reading through
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.
Veterans May Catch a Break in Oregon
As the 2012 presidential election nears, we will hear two men in suits talking quite a bit about our soldiers. They will congratulate and praise them, but they will also ignore their basic needs. Returning home after enduring the daily struggles of a foreign military conflict is not an envious position. Our government has a responsibility to help who protect our country. Integrating back into civilian life has proven difficult for many soldiers and with cuts to veteran hospitals and benefits the future does not appear to hold an easier path.
Of course there is an affordable and accessible plan by many to help our soldiers. Instead of addicting prescription pills that ultimately prove less effective, medical marijuana has been crucial to many returning soldiers. If we are unwilling to tax, regulate, and stimulate the economy with our antiquated marijuana laws, then of course we would be willing to make an exception for those who ensure our own comfortable lives. That assumption could not be further from the truth as many states, and The White House have ignored the pleas of veteran organizations.
Recently we did learn there was hope for those soldiers living in Oregon. Oregonlive.com published an article that describes the efforts of veteran groups and activists seeking to add PTSD to list of conditions that qualify for medical marijuana use. The article describes the situations of several struggling veterans including Jared Townsend. Mr. Townsend is an Iraq war veteran and recently said that cannabis use can “balance life out a little bit better.” He also went on to say “If I get racing thoughts and real worked up, it can break a panic attack pretty quick.” While there is considerable momentum for attempting to change the law, precedent is not encouraging. In the 14 years of Oregon’s medical marijuana program only new condition (agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease) has been added to the list of permissible uses. In order to get the law changed, a petition will have to be submitted. Then the Oregon Health Authority will select who sits on a panel to review the submission. Veteran and marijuana advocates claim that past panels have included many anti marijuana members.
Research is still not conclusive on just how effective cannabis is toward treating complications associated with PTSD. Dr. John J. Halpern, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School said there is an “overabundance of case reports” that suggest that marijuana helps PTSD sufferers. However he cited political reasons for a lack of research. Cannabis is the only schedule 1 substance that requires additional review by National Institute on Drug Abuse in order to conduct research. Many are incensed that the least destructive substance in the schedule 1 category requires so much additional red tape navigation. Many analysts have noted that a lack of research seems to be a convenient answer as that line can be used over and over by the same lawmakers who simultaneously block the research. Although research is needed to determine the future of PTSD treatment, we at marijuana.net trusts the tens of thousands of soldiers who have no reason to coordinate a large scale conspiracy. Our heroes need relief and we cannot arm them to fight foreign wars but simply take away any tools that would help with reintegration.
Feds May Not Be Able to Flex Muscles After New State Laws
Similar to an annoying gym rat who screams as he exhales while hogging up any full body mirrors, our federal government acts like a “juicehead”, usually eager to show off and flex any chance it gets. We witnessed this during the medical marijuana raids of the Clinton and G.W. Bush presidencies but in 2008 we were then promised newer and smarter ideas. We were promised a fully body approach complete with calisthenics and nutritional eating. However, despite such claims we find ourselves back to square one, paying taxes to a government that is more concerned with feeding its inflating ego and only working out its upper body. Last fall, dispensary raids conducted a rate previously unseen.
Recently, 23 medical marijuana businesses in Washington were sent threatening letters from the DEA, informing them they would have to shut down or face prosecution. The letters were sent out to dispensaries that are in violation of Washington state law as they are operating within school zones. Matthew G. Barnes, of Seattle’s DEA sent the letters which asked dispensaries to “Please take the necessary steps to discontinue the sale and/or distribution of marijuana…within 30 days.”
While the federal government has made it clear they would like to dismantle the entire medical marijuana program, they have chosen a careful route in doing so. Because they do not want to be accused of interfering with state laws, they so far claim to only target dispensaries that are in violation of state law. Many feel that threats to Harborside Health and other high profile California collectives had nothing to do with state law. In addition to the comments included above, Mr. Barnes made statements that did not seem to be concerned with upholding Washington State law as he said “The DEA will not turn a blind eye to criminal organizations that attempt to use state or local law as a shield for their illicit drug trafficking activities.”
The statement actually seems to insinuate that these collectives were attempting to “traffic drugs” at a profit and that respecting state laws had little to do with the decision. Of course anytime the White House is challenged on the issue they still maintain that they only get involved once state laws are broken. This is a statement that could soon backfire as three states will allow its residents to vote on totally legalizing marijuana, even for recreational use. How sacred will state law be to the feds if Washington, Oregon, or Colorado or all three legalize marijuana? Will the feds continue to flex their muscle and admit their disregard for state laws after using it as their defense for so long? Will they try to be more subtle, or will they walk away from the mirror and try to use all of their resources and strength to help instead of harm?
Marijuana Industry Needs To Become Wall Street
The United States policy direction is largely dictated by successful industries and their lobbyists. Once the money has the ear of the politician, favorable laws that can ensure market consistency tend to follow. Wall Street, for example, thrives on being able to predict consistency and we all know that candidates on either side of the aisle think of New York’s financial district when drafting many laws. While the success of our investments on Wall Street is volatile and anything but consistent, investors do not have to question if they will be open for business, or if their industry will be shut down due to federal influence. When regulations are not working for them they simply put the pressure on Congress to help increase profits.
The idea of consistency is a tremendous hurdle for the legalized marijuana industry. Three states will put a legalization, taxation, and regulation plan to a vote by the people this November. According to a recent article by The Seattle Times, Washington State could see as much as 1.9 billion in new tax revenue, or they could see $0.00. This is all contingent upon the how much interference Washington State will have from federal authorities. However predicting the federal government’s response has been difficult at best. Team Obama indicated they would not divert resources toward medical marijuana patients and dispensaries that are in compliance with state law. That has not proved to be the case and many jobs and patients have become collateral damage from this change in policy direction by the White House.
This November could prove to be a turning point for the marijuana reform movement. Even if one of the three states eligible (Colorado, Washington, Oregon) vote to legalize and regulate cannabis, the move will symbolically show the country is heading in a new direction. While full legalization may not prevent federal agents from storming dispensaries, it could force them to think twice. Exactly how eager is our government to prevent job/economic growth and billions in tax revenues? We also need to take into consideration that although much of our money goes toward funding the overzealous DEA agents, as they too are on a budget.
As our article suggested yesterday, the wheels of progression cannot be stopped and eventually the federal government will not possess enough agents and dollars to continue their assault on our civil rights. However, with any struggle the powers that be will not give up willingly and are unmoved by patient stories, youth incarcerations, and our rights as citizens. This industry needs to ratchet up its pressure on our elected officials. We need to demand that the will of majority is considered and that we need consistency in order to regulate and forecast how much revenue we can rely on in the worst economic period of our generation. We need laws that protect jobs. In the sense of political movement and protecting our interests, we need to become Wall Street.
White House Denies Soldiers Petition to Use Marijuana for PTSD
Despite having no military combat experience or even approving any federal cannabis research, President Obama has come to a very well thought out conclusion, marijuana has no benefit for sufferers of PTSD. Of course many doctors, scientists, and war veterans of this country feel very differently than the president. A coalition of returning soldiers has …continue reading
Chris Christie’s Mixed Message on Compassion
During a recent speech at the Brookings Institution Chris Christie made statements that called for an end to the war on drugs. In fact he called it a failure and even referenced his pro-life views. At one point during the speech he said “If you’re pro-life, as I am, you can’t be pro-life just in …continue reading
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 29, 2012
New Billboard Featuring Father and Son for Marijuana Regulation put up in Colorado…
Supporters of Colorado’s Amendment 64 are starting to add up. Amendment 64 will be voted on by the people of Colorado in November and would see marijuana regulated and taxed. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was instrumental in getting the signatures required to get the issue to the ballots. A new campaign that focuses on families was recently launched. The group has placed a billboard close to the stadium that is home to the Denver Broncos. Opponents were predictably critical and asserted that legalized marijuana will find its way into the hands of children. Recent studies have shown this not to be the case in Sacramento for medical marijuana. The group feels this is not the case and their billboard actually depicts a father and a son with the slogan “Please, Card My Son.” Under that it says “Regulate the sale of marijuana and keep it out of his hands.”
Chicago Passes Law to Ticket Small Level Marijuana Offenders…
Media outlets have been reporting on a plan to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in the city of Chicago. Aldermen (term used for Chicago City Legislators) had a long debate on the issue the other day but in the end overwhelmingly approved the measure, 43-3. The law was supported by President Obama’s former Chief of Staff, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In response to dissenters who claimed the law sent a poor message to children, the Mayor actually stated that no action would send a far more devastating signal. Chicago has seen a tremendous rise in homicides, up 38% from this time last year. Many are concerned with police resources being tied up combating low level marijuana cases instead of more serious crimes. Alderman Will Burns said “The calls I get at 2 o’clock in the morning are not about marijuana possession, they’re about someone who’s been shot in my ward, I want those calls to cease and the way we do that is to make sure our police are fighting violent crime.” Residents of Chicago are also concerned, like New York City, about the disproportionate amount of marijuana arrests for Black and Hispanics, compared with Whites who actually smoke more marijuana.
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New Jersey Assembly Approves Marijuana Decriminalization Bill…
New Jersey Lawmakers have been discussing a bill that would decriminalize marijuana for about a month. Earlier this week they passed it as many residents feel their tax dollars are being wasted on low level marijuana possession arrests. The New Jersey State Assembly passed measure A1465 by a margin of 44-30. Unfortunately for marijuana advocates, New Jersey Mayor Chris Christie has already indicated that he will veto the measure. Judging by the governor’s opposition to a medical marijuana program that was already passed before he came to office, New Jersey residents may be in store for a bitter battle over a sensible decriminalization debate. Check back with us as we will be covering the Governor’s response and possible veto in further detail to the decriminalization bill.
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President Obama to Sign Bill Banning Synthetic Marijuana…
Momentum for outlawing synthetic marijuana has been building for over a year. Many states have their own laws against products such as “K2” and “Spice” but now it appears a federal ban will be signed by President Barack Obama soon. Recently a bill (led by NY Senator Charles Schumer) passed in the United States Senate and will make its way to the president’s desk soon. Dangerous side effects, especially for teens have been reported. Many feel a tightly regulated marijuana industry would have prevented the synthetic black market. The bill comes at a time when advocates are desperate for the White House to engage in a serious marijuana reform conversation. Many were offended when DEA officials refused to acknowledge that heroin and crack were more harmful than marijuana.
Marijuana Friendly Gary Johnson Nominated as Libertarian Candidate for President while D.C. Program off to Rough Start
It has been an eventful week for marijuana law as Connecticut is poised to enact a strict medical marijuana program, aimed at avoiding the legislative pitfalls seen in other states, especially California. Over the weekend there was also the Global Marijuana March, which saw hundreds of thousands gather across the world with events held in over 160 cities in 29 different nations.
As always, there were many other stories that developed over the weekend. Although presumed to be the nominee for months, two term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson has officially been named the Libertarian Party’s choice for President in the upcoming 2012 election this November. The long time supporter of marijuana reform/legalization won by capturing 70% of the party’s 632 delegates at the Libertarian Party’s convention held in Las Vegas. Mr. Johnson told Reuters that “I am very humbled. This is just the start.” In addition to his promise to reform marijuana laws, Gary Johnson has taken aim at big government spending and income tax laws. Gary Johnson shares Ron Paul’s view on ending income tax and replacing it with a “Fair Tax”. The proposal would see an end to the current income tax structure and replace it with flat rate 23% tax on new goods. Resold goods would not face any sales tax. Mr. Johnson is also hopeful that Ron Paul and his supporters will back the ex-Governor.
As Gary Johnson prepares for a possible journey to the White House, he may face the issue of marijuana reform before he even unpacks his bags. Washington D.C. has finally started to move forward with a medical marijuana program that has been weighed down by legal disputes. The program was originally voted on and approved by D.C. residents 12 years ago. Six licenses have finally been granted to cultivation centers with hopes of patients being served within a few months. Despite the approvals finally being issued, some applicants seeking to open dispensaries are filing lawsuits. They feel they have easily met the criteria laid out by the Health Department in order to open and have been denied anyway.
According to the Washington Times, 3 law firms have filed a total of 5 civil complaints that contest the way in which the D.C. Department of Health scored and denied the applicants. Dr. Duplessie is one of the plaintiffs and is seeking his application to be re-sent to Department of Health with a third party to oversee the second review. The Washington Times article quoted Dr. Duplessie as saying “It appears that the D.C. Board of Health has either not read my application or the playing field is not level, I think the process is beyond flawed.” Dr. Duplessie’s attorney has questioned what they believe is a lack of transparency, and said city health officials should elaborate on their decision further than simply saying “it’s just our right.”
While the D.C. story is not what patients want to hear, it is important to note how much progress has been made. With a presidential candidate and the city of Washington D.C. supporting cannabis reform, the future for patients appears bright. Despite whatever recycled statements are emitted from the well dressed men in landmark buildings, compassion seems to be winning out.