Washington D.C.
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.
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 Dispensaries Expected to Open in Washington D.C. by Summer
With the iconic Berkeley Patient’s Group being forced to close its doors, the Federal government has demonstrated its desire to uphold not only its failed war on drugs, but also the war on patients. Interestingly enough, inside the belly of the beast, medical marijuana centers will be opening up within months.
Washington D.C. is expected to start serving medical marijuana patients by this summer. The process has already begun as cultivators are filling out the paperwork for leasing growing space. Sixty nine percent of D.C. voters approved a measure to legalize medical marijuana way back in 1998, but Congress stood in the way several times. In 2010, the City Council in D.C. approved another measure and this time Congress decided to respect the decision of both the council and residents of Washington. Residents who qualify will be purchasing marijuana within miles of the white house and congress, even as patients thousands of miles away fear raids and shutdowns.
The medical marijuana program in Washington D.C., like many other new states enacting programs, will have a much stricter set of guidelines than California’s system. This may be why the federal government, for the moment, seems to be far less concerned. California does not have a state run program, and municipalities have different interpretations of what rights are afforded under proposition 215. However this is all speculation and with little information available as to how the federal government selects its raid targets, advocates are left without an answer. Even if laws become stricter in California, many patients and advocates are hoping for a unified system so that everyone can operate legally.
Until the federal government decides to take the guessing game out of the legal realm, medical marijuana will remain in limbo. Although Washington D.C. will be allowed to serve patients now, no one can be certain of what the new faces in congress will decide after this November. No one wants a prolonged battle with the federal government, and a government should not be seeking to battle sick patients. The debate seems to be getting sillier each day and if our government cannot decide what they even want in their own backyard (City of Washington D.C), then can we really expect to look to them for leadership elsewhere?
Legal Marijuana for private use might be a real possibility Soon in Washington Condition
States are separated by much not only the imaginary lines we have seen on the map. Political/social issues might be the greatest divider that differentiates the 50 people of the union. When we take a look at marijuana reform, you will find some states that appear like they’ll remain unwilling to enact any progressive change while some for example Washington might be legalizing cannabis for non medical usage.
The Condition Elections office in Washington Condition has reported that initiative 502 has collected enough signatures to really make it towards the ballot. The audience New Approach Washington has headed your time and effort and assisted within the assortment of over 278,000 signatures, considerably a lot more than the 241,153 needed. I-502 requires a regulation system for marijuana that might be almost just like alcohol and would legalize marijuana, even for private use. The possibility law will escape to legislators where they are able to enact what the law states, propose changes, or election it lower and allow the public decide via a election this November.
I-502 shows a substantial alternation in the marijuana landscape. New Approach consists of many former and current U.S. lawyers and idol judges who no more need to fear career suicide by recommending sensible marijuana reform. You will find also many presently working inside the Washington government who would like to see marijuana reform. Among the initiatives sponsors, Dallas City Attorney Pete Holmes stated “Passing this measure will release police force assets, permitting police and prosecutors to pay attention to violent crooks rather than low-level marijuana customers.” Other police force people have echoed the concern that police assets happen to be extended thin because of marijuana enforcement. Inside a battling economy many cities have thought about reprioritizing their allocation of assets. Furthermore, many citizens and authorities are wanting to visit a controlled and securely run system for marijuana that may generate a lot of tax revenue.
While potentially groundbreaking, what the law states doesn’t get rid of the political fight between condition and authorities. However, weight loss states consider medicinal marijuana and Washington moves nearer to overall legalisation, the us government also must consider extended assets in economically turbulent period. Sooner or later it will likely be difficult to challenge 16 states, its very own town of Washington D.C., and states enjoying the advantages of additional tax funds. Washington Condition may have the ability to construct the blueprint for marijuana reform that other states could easily follow.
Patient Relief might be Distributing
While legislative change can move in a reduced than preferred pace, we’ve observed frequent updates that gives expect patients. Just about every day you will find reviews of recent cities thinking about a big change for their marijuana laws and regulations. Despite the fact that the us government has updated the people as well as their interest in use of safe remedies, condition government authorities (sometimes begrudgingly) have needed to consider patient relief.
Idaho might be known in excess of its taters soon as HB 370 was introduced a week ago within the Idaho House. Tom Trail (R-Moscow) introduced the balance that will permit marijuana use via a condition registration system and prescription cards. Mr. Trail had suggested legislation that carefully was similar to HB370 this past year but it didn’t work through an educational hearing. The legislation states “Compassion dictates that the distinction be produced between medical and non-medical purposes of marijuana. Hence, the objective of this chapter would be to safeguard from arrest, prosecution, property forfeiture, and criminal or any other penalties individuals patients who use marijuana to ease struggling with debilitating health conditions, in addition to their doctors, primary care givers and individuals who’re approved to create marijuana for medical reasons.”
Even though the heart of the us government resides in Washington D.C., patients within the nation’s capital should be expecting use of medical cannabis through the spring. Although Amendment Act B-18-622 required effect in This summer of 2010, the particulars from the D.C. program weren’t completed until lately. Many advocates were wishing for that law to incorporate protections for patients to have the ability to boost their own marijuana. It was talked about initially but was dropped in the final legislation. The machine in D.C. will permit 10 grow sites and five distribution locations. Furthermore, WeGrow is going to be opening within the city and can function as a tool provider for that approaching shops. WeGrow carries items for other plants too and describes themselves as “The Hydroponics Supply Superstore”.
As momentum gains for medicinal marijuana, we at marijuana.internet hope more patients will discover relief. Idaho and Washington D.C., like much of the nation can use economic relief too. The shops, doctors, medical supply stores, security, labs, and grow stores including WeGrow all are in position to provide additional revenues and jobs towards the local financial systems.
Passionate and Sincere Letter Highlights Real Individuals Medicinal Marijuana Discussion
In almost any lengthy attracted out legal fight it may be simple to direct our focus more toward bigger political speaking points and also the much talked about people who end up being the face from the conversations. However, it is vital that we don’t forget the private tales, the actual people influenced by our leader’s lack of ability to do something. Because the fight for medicinal marijuana access continues, we are instructed to watch dramatically outfitted political figures look straight into a camera and reiterate exactly the same speaking points we have heard excessively. While maintaining around the latest political developments in Washington D.C. is essential, we never can get off track on individuals who cannot even result in the visit to Capitol Hill for his or her voice to become heard.
Don Selig of Baltimore is very acquainted with the problem of medicinal marijuana and it is instructed to consider its potential every single day. Inside a recent letter towards the Baltimore Sun, Mr. Selig describes his wife’s debilitating medical situation. He needs to watch the previous “wonderful teacher, sales person for any large telecom and then an exciting pharmacy specialist and health professional on her disabled parents-in-law,” struggle every day because of her fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. Also, he describes how she will no more operate a vehicle as well as a morphine patch and a mix of other drugs to be able to pull through your day.
The letter continues to be designed in reaction to a The month of january 3rd piece that made an appearance within the Baltimore Sun entitled “Go slow on marijuana.” As the article concentrates on the problem inside a broad way, it lacks any personal touch or focus. It’s a quick piece concentrating on the requirement for lengthy scientific experimentation and legal discussion. Even though the article is well intentioned in the requires a sluggish and balanced method of medicinal marijuana, individuals who’ve chronic discomfort have finished awaiting decades. In the end understand the sentiment expressed within the Baltimore Sun article, our hearts are using the Selig family and numerous others residing in chronic discomfort.
The letter from Don Selig is sincere and marijuana.internet hopes that any coverage on their behalf will help bring focus on their situation. As Mr. Selig states, “The way Maryland law has become written she would need to go in the pub to purchase marijuana to assist using the nausea and discomfort, and when caught, she could spend some time in prison.” In order we deliberate and run advertisements within this election cycle it might be simple to talk in simplification, but when we an immediate conversation about real people please.
Ohio Takes Foundation Medicinal Marijuana
Despite recent aggression from the us government as well as their raids, the interest in medicinal marijuana doesn’t seem to be in decline. An organization in Ohio has began to show the gears toward getting medicinal marijuana around the ballot. Ohio would enroll in a growing listing of states and Washington D.C. where medical cannabis is allowed.
The Buckeye condition isn’t any stranger to political/lawsuits. Ohio plays a significant part in presidential elections, because it is among the swing states. Within the approaching year, Ohio is going to be pointed out ad nauseam, as potential presidential candidates compete because of its precious 20 electoral votes. Using its diverse populous both in economic and ethnic terms, Ohio is familiar with disagreement and being split lower the center. Medicinal marijuana, also attracts an assorted crowd, making its potential use within Ohio coming as no real surprise.
The first steps toward serious medical cannabis in Ohio happen to be taken. An organization has lately, based on Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, “submitted a good and truthful statement to explain the problem around the ballot, along with the needed 1,000 valid voter signatures.” The Ohio Ballot Board will evaluate the situation before supporters can rally and collect the needed 385,000 signatures to be able to result in the 2012 ballot. Another group made an effort in September but was declined by DeWine because he stated they “failed to correctly summarize the problem for that ballot.”
Apparently, regardless of how much the us government flexes its muscles and suntans, sick individuals need will not drop their look for effective treatment. With Ohio going to make its scheduled appearance within the political scene, a synchronised medicinal marijuana ballot may pressure candidates to spread out up concerning the problem. Ohio is coveted, even salivated over by candidates and when Joe the Plumber gives method to Peter the individual, serious marijuana discussion may follow within this battleground condition.
NECN.com Ohio medicinal marijuana ballot language approved
 
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Sept. 19, 2011
Montel Williams Among New Candidates for D.C Medicinal Marijuana Shops
This past year the District of Columbia approved legislation allowing medicinal marijuana. Even though many are eagerly attempting to be licensed to supply cannabis, one famous title sticks out. Very long time marijuana advocate, Montel Williams, is probably the 50 candidates. Montel is affected with ms, and states that marijuana continues to be type in his having the ability to deal with the problem. Williams clearly has a hollywood and will bring considerable attention if he’s granted permission. He is capable of doing starting a bigger discussion and also to bring the problem nearer to Congress’ door. Montel also stated he desired to visit a more controlled industry and hopes his work might help accomplish this.
Montel Williams Among New Candidates for D.C Medicinal Marijuana Shops
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Week of Sept. 5, 2011
Week of September fifth, 2011
Washington Electricity takes programs for shops. The District intentions of granting 15 licenses that will permit holders to develop or sell medicinal marijuana beginning this year. The favourite applicant, Montel Williams, wishes to educate the general public concerning the numerous advantages of medicinal marijuana.
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Smoking Marijuana before City Hall? Participants in the Worldwide Cannabis and Hemp Expo, locked in Concord, CA were urged to do this (when they were built with a license and just in designated smoking areas). The fair encourages the safe utilization of medicinal marijuana. Video in the Expo.
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Takin’ it towards the roads. Medicinal Marijuana patients and advocates are marching in Lansing, MI to protest the closing of shops. More than 1,000 protesters have hit the roads from the Capitol to protest the truth that greater than 20 legal shops happen to be instructed to close. The rally is based on the Michigan Medicinal Marijuana Association.
 
 
 
 
Medical Marvel
Marijuana includes a health background that spans almost 5000 years. It’s possibly been used before that, but Chinese emperor Shen Nung’s documents in 2737 B.C. supply the earliest known written text explaining its medicinal value. Other cultures throughout history used marijuana for medical and leisure reasons. 
Even just in the U . s . States marijuana wasn’t initially seen as anything difficult. Colonial settlers towards the “” New World “” were needed to develop hemp and George Washington established fact for growing hemp themself. However, sentiments toward marijuana certainly moved significantly using the turn from the twentieth century. By this time around marijuana rules began to look. Throughout the nineteen thirties, marijuana was outlawed altogether within the U . s . States. Marijuana finds itself in the center of numerous social, political and lawsuits within the last century. Legally, the decades to follow along with weren’t any kinder to marijuana along with a large social divide regarding this was most obvious throughout the sixties. Throughout the seventies there have been some claims that passed measures to decriminalize marijuana. However, within the the nineteen nineties, clearly a brand new social sentiment was establishing itself. California grew to become the very first condition in the usa to pass through legislation enabling medicinal marijuana use. Across the country, there is a great deal of debate relating towards the ethics of the items California was doing. Federal raids happened under both Clinton and G.W. Rose bush administrations. These difficulties didn’t deter other states from implementing laws and regulations to legalize medicinal marijuana use. When we go forward to 2011, 15 states (AK,AZ,CA,CO,HI,ME,MI,MT,NV,NJ,NM,OR,RI,VT) and Washington D.C. are in possession of laws and regulations permitting for medicinal marijuana. The growing quantity of claims that allow medicinal marijuana isn’t surprising when considering what polls around the problem have indicated. In 1997, polls reported that 69% of People in america supported medicinal marijuana use. It was already an increase from the previous polling. This Year, data put together around the problem established that 80% of People in america are actually in support of medicinal marijuana. Throughout very divided and partisan occasions, it’s rare to determine the American public share such unified opinions. If these amounts plateau or rise, don’t be surprised to determine a level bigger quantity of states enact medicinal marijuana legislation. Among the earliest medications ever appears poised to become probably the most generally used later on. Article By Danny Reed
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