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Top 10 Cannabis Strains in California

California has its own unique strain landscape compared to the rest of the world. With a geography that favors outdoor grows, the Golden State has championed some of the world’s finest strain genetics. OG Kush crosses flourished throughout the state, and today you’d be hard-pressed to find a strain that hasn’t been crossed with this illustrious hybrid. What other strains have risen to the top of California’s market? You’re about to find out.

Using Leafly menu data from California dispensaries, we determined which strains appeared most often and synchronized these results with local search terms. Here are the top 10 according to our data – dispensary owners and budtenders, are these strains on your shelves?

1. Blue Dream

This hybrid tops the charts in every major market, California included. Even in the state where OG Kush is expected to reign supreme, it would appear that Blue Dream still maintains a stranglehold. Leafly reviewers rant and rave over this uplifting berry-flavored hybrid, but do you think Blue Dream’s quality justifies its notoriety?

2. Girl Scout Cookies

This California native has sprinted its way to fame in recent years, gobbling up awards left and right for its potency. Itself a descendent of OG Kush, Girl Scout Cookies is given an extra sativa lift from a Durban Poison parent. In masterful balance of soaring euphoria and deeply relaxing physical effects, it’s no wonder that Girl Scout Cookies ranks #2 in the California market.

3. Sour Diesel

No doubt, Sour Diesel is a staple sativa that holds an esteemed position in most major markets. While some don’t like the strain’s funky fuel flavor, its weightless cerebral high is often worth it. The uplifting effects can help you get up and out, making this strain a perfect pair for those warm, sunny California days.

4. OG Kush

OG Kush, the flagship strain of California genetics, ranks #4 among its top strains. Reviewing this list, however, you’ll notice many of the forerunners are bred using OG Kush genetics. Countless other hybrids not mentioned here also contain OG genetics, so much so that you can attach “OG” to the end of almost any strain name and assume that some California breeder has already made it. OG Kush phenotypes are also marketed under a variety of monikers, many of which play off celebrity names and pop culture references. If we were to include all those branded OG Kushes, OG Kush might actually be the top California strain, period.

5. Green Crack

Though rare in many markets, Californians are lucky to enjoy better access to this ridiculously stimulating sativa strain. Green Crack’s racy cerebral high seems to have no ceiling, and hands down, no other strain on Leafly seems to yield as hilarious reviews as this one. California’s warm climate could very well be the reason for the abundance of this delicacy, because it sure isn’t due to lack of demand up in the cold north.

6. Jack Herer

Jack Herer is the tried-and-true sativa you’d expect to find on any market’s top 10 list. Beautifully crafted genetics from Sensi Seeds give way to a balanced effect profile that promotes happiness, creativity, and an uplifting sense of energy. That, plus its rich woody pine aroma, explains why this Amsterdam transplant has been so widely embraced overseas.

7. Skywalker OG

When Skywalker met OG Kush, a beautiful baby was born. That baby is Skywalker OG, a strain that has earned its way to fame not by name (although that probably helped), but through potency and flavor. The THC content of this indica-dominant hybrid is certainly one to write home about, and I’ve seen the loud earthy and lemon flavors of this hybrid literally raise eyebrows.

8. Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush has roots in California, so it’s not hard to imagine how this powerhouse indica carved a name for itself since its inception in the 90s. Earthy sweet aromas introduce tranquilizing mind and body effects, making this strain a perfect companion for lazy day relaxation or for a smooth transition into a restful night’s sleep.

9. Fire OG

The predominant OG family has another prestigious strain in California, and its name is Fire OG. A cross of different OG Kush phenotypes, Fire OG takes on a fiery appearance with vibrant orange hair stretching out from a bed of crystal resin.

10. SFV OG

Born and bred in California’s San Fernando Valley, this OG Kush phenotype is another unsurprising appearance on this list. Oozing trichomes as sticky as glue blanket the buds in a show of this hybrid’s potency. Sweet lemon and woody aromas lift from SFV OG’s crystal-covered buds in a testament to this strain’s true OG heritage.

Are you a business looking to get a leg up on the competition in the crowded California market? Leafly can help you stand out among the others!

How to Make Rosin

Dabbing enthusiasts everywhere, rejoice! Rosin is here, and its making some big waves in the extract community. This emerging solventless extraction technique allows anybody to make their own high quality hash oil from the comfort of their home.

The best part about rosin is that it can be made safely and inexpensively in just minutes by using ordinary household tools. This method utilizes heat and pressure to squeeze the cannabinoid-rich resin from your flowers, bubble hash, or kief. Your average hair straightener, some parchment paper, and a collection tool are all you need to produce a hash oil that rivals hydrocarbon extraction methods in flavor, potency, and effect.

Aesthetically, rosin is almost impossible to distinguish from shatter or sap. However, the difference between the two is that rosin is completely free of the residual solvents often left behind by hydrocarbon extraction processes (e.g. butane, propane, etc.). You can also make rosin at home in minutes without the dangers associated with using butane.

Rosin is certainly making an impact in the cannabis market. Dispensaries all over the country are beginning to stock their shelves with this easily crafted, incredibly potent, and flavorful product. Let’s make some!

Ingredients Needed to Make Rosin at Home*

* Please exercise caution when handling the hair straightener and use heat-resistant gloves as an added safety measure — we don’t want you to burn yourself!

Four Simple Steps for Making Rosin

STEP 1: Turn on your hair straightener to the lowest setting (280-330F) and cut yourself a small 4×4” piece of parchment paper. Now fold it in half and place your material in between the folded parchment paper before giving it a light preliminary finger press.

STEP 2: Carefully line the buds inside of the paper together with your hair straightener and apply a very firm pressure for about 3-7 seconds. You will want to hear a sizzle before you remove the pressures — it indicates that the resin has melted from the plant material.

STEP 3: Remove your sample from the hot surface and unfold the parchment paper. Now pluck the flattened nug away and grab your collection tool. This is a very sticky process so be patient and careful. For larger batches, use different clean sheets of parchment and collect your samples together at the end.

(OPTIONAL) STEP 4: Remove any visible plant material if you wish. Fold the finished product between the parchment and flatten it to your preference. Then use a clean tool to pick out any plant particulates. You may place the substance on a cold surface for a few seconds if you desire a more stable material to work with.

Now load a nice fat dab of your fresh new rosin and celebrate! You just became an extract artist!

Help A Disabled Veteran Who Had His Kids Taken Because Of Cannabis

I just read a heartbreaking article on theDaily Haze.A disabled veteran named Raymond Schwaband his wife Amelia had their children taken away while they were in the process of moving to Colorado so that Raymond could received legal cannabis treatment for PTSD and chronic pain. Per theDaily Haze: The Schwabs decided to relocate to Colorado,

Why Do the Feds Keep Targeting California?

Nearly 20 years ago, California became the first state to give patients legal access to medical marijuana. It happened with a voter initiative that was short and simple enough to fit on the back of a postcard. And ever since, locals’ relationship with federal law enforcement has been thorny, plagued by waves of FBI and DEA raids in which authorities seize property, break up families and put well-intentioned citizens behind bars.

As a thoughtful piece in the Los Angeles Times last week shows, it’s a pattern that has continued even as other states have implemented their own policies with comparatively little pushback from the feds. While hundreds of millions of dollars in cannabis is now freely bought and sold in recreational states, federal prosecutors continue to pursue cases in California.

So what accounts for the difference?

It’s easy to fault U.S. officials. Federal law regulates cannabis more tightly than opium or cocaine. But while the government’s position is extreme, that’s not the whole story. People on all sides of the issue admit that California law itself is largely to blame. And with more than a dozen states eyeing cannabis legalization in one form or another this year, there are lessons to be learned from the Golden State.

Consider the 1996 initiative that first allowed medical marijuana there. It’s extremely short, and while it clearly protected patients from legal penalties, it left basic questions unanswered: Where were patients supposed to obtain cannabis? How much could they have? And what specific ailments qualify?

The biggest gaps were around growth and distribution. So in 2003 the Legislature passed the cheekily named Senate Bill 420, allowing patients to “associate … in order collectively or cooperatively to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes.” But the law never explained what that meant.

“The early medical marijuana laws were Trojan horses designed to allow effective legalization for anyone who could fake an ache,” Carnegie Mellon University public policy professor Jonathan Caulkins told the L.A. Times. “California is in that category.”

As a lawyer described it to me during the height of the federal crackdown, state lawmakers failed to delineate clearly what was and wasn’t allowed. “They’ve designed an inherently ambiguous system to allow people to enact whatever they want,” said Todd R. Wulffson of Greenberg Traurig. “From a pragmatic standpoint, it leaves everyone kind of in the lurch. And until someone tests it in court, it’s difficult to know what will fly and what won’t.”

Here’s a fun fact: Even when dispensaries in California reportedly outnumbered Starbucks or McDonald’s outlets, officials weren’t sure whether they were allowed under state law. Over the course of just a few months, one court ruling prevented a city from banning dispensaries while another ruling called them flat-out illegal.

That’s a big reason things get hairy with the feds. The Department of Justice and now Congress have announced the government won’t go after cannabis operations that comply with state law, but in California it’s not always clear what that means.

And even when growers or dispensaries make every effort to comply, prosecutors accuse owners of “hijacking” state law to sell cannabis to just about anybody. Experts say the wide scope of California’s medical law has motivated prosecutions of respected dispensaries like Oakland’s Harborside Health Center, the nation’s largest.

As the Times reports:

Even in the case of Harborside, which state and local officials often hold up as a gold standard for the medical marijuana business, California’s loose rules about who is permitted to buy medical pot have left the operations a natural target for prosecutors, Caulkins said.

‘Harborside is gigantic, and the Justice Department thinks it is not providing marijuana just for kids with epilepsy or people with cancer or people with HIV,’ Caulkins said.

States that have more recently adopted medical marijuana provisions are not seeing their legitimate medical marijuana businesses targeted because they serve a much narrower group of clients, he said.

Legislative changes could slow prosecutions. Two federal lawmakers from California, U.S. Reps. Sam Farr and Dana Rohrabacher, teamed up in 2014 to pass a measure that prevents prosecutors from targeting anyone selling medical cannabis legally under state law. Local officials have cited that change, known as the Rohrabacher–Farr amendment, in efforts to curb federal cases from proceeding. They’re starting to get traction in courts, but prosecutors don’t show any sign of relenting.

Changes to California law could also help clarify what it means to be state compliant. Gov. Jerry Brown has signed three measures to clean up existing laws, but they don’t take effect until 2018. And initiatives to legalize cannabis recreationally are headed to the 2016 ballot.

It’s easy to see legal cases as statistics, measured by fluctuations in the number of businesses here or there. But prosecutions don’t simply close stores or shut down growers. Aaron Sandusky, who operated medical dispensaries in Southern California, is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence, the minimum under federal guidelines. He’s expected to be released on May 8, 2021.

Two decades ago, California led the nation in legalizing cannabis. As other states weigh their options, it’s important to learn from those early experiments — and their side effects. Voters might agree cannabis should be legal, but it’s still hard to iron out how to reasonably regulate the stuff. What do we want legalization to look like?

Weekend Weirdness: Pigeons Reveal Secret Cannabis Grow

Pigeons sure seem to be attracted to cannabis in some way, whether they’re delivering it over prison walls or inadvertently ratting (or would it be “birding” in this instance?) out illegal grow operations, the latter of which happened in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, England.

Police officers happened to notice hundreds of pigeons preferring to rest on a particular roof in town that appeared to be suspiciously absent of any frost despite the cold winter temps. A subsequent raid uncovered 14 cannabis plants, and the heat lamps used in the illegal grow were acting as a makeshift radiator, warming the roof enough to attract about 300 pigeons that wanted their undersides nice and toasty.

An onlooker told The Sun that it didn’t take a genius to figure out something shady was going on in that warmed up warehouse:

“It seems obvious when you think about it. It’s like the criminals were waving a sign saying they were growing cannabis. The birds blew their cover.”

Seems like a flimsy reason to conduct a raid, but I guess that’s what happens when a little birdy (or 300) tips off the cops.

The Best Cannabis Strains for Wintertime Activities (According to Leafly Reviewers)

From all of us here at Leafly, happy new year! No doubt you’ve already crafted your list of resolutions for 2016. Perhaps one of your new to-dos is to get moving after a solid few weeks of chowing down mostly on Christmas cookies and hot cocoa. But alas, winter weather can get in the way of good intentions.

Don’t be deterred! For one thing, the days are already getting longer, and for another, certain cannabis strains are great for beating the winter blues. Whether you’re planning on hitting the slopes or tromping through the snow, here are just a few Leafly user-recommended strains perfect for wintertime activities.

For Snow Sports

“I smoked this on a fresh ½-ft powder day skiing on the mountain and I’ll just say that I’ve never had any spiritual experience like this before.” –showell961

“I just got back from a day of snowboarding…it completely eliminated the soreness.” –JaredBrueckner

“I’ve smoked this strain hiking, and fully connected with Mother Nature. I could feel the peace around me…snow would drop from the trees and lightly fall on my face. I watched a deer run past me with a confused look on his face, and enjoyed watching him, wondering what it was like to be him.” –EntropicFlower

For Snow Leisure

“Awesome strain, made me feel adventurous as I traversed through the snow and started messing around in the snow with my friends like little kids.” –burnholesinmymemory

“We were all walking in the snow, I felt like I was in a winter f****** wonderland or some shit. Everything was so vivid.” –hemispheres2112

“Feels like you’re Christopher Walken in a Winter Wonderland.” –FoolofaTook

For Getting Out of the House

“This one keeps away the winter blues, SAD, and depression.” –avonsac

“I first felt it in my face, but instead of the pressure behind the eyes I got a warm glowing sensation under my eyes on top of my cheeks. Next as it spread over my body I became extremely euphoric and talkative. I also became very energetic which was perfect as we decided to walk old Amsterdam and with the Kali Mist in my system…the exciting hustle and bustle made for a memorable experience.” –London_1985

“Gets you out of the house to get some vitamin D and beat the winter blues.” –Puffalo

For Après-Activity Coziness

“I get couched easily, but this had me in the kitchen, cooking dinner, playing my songs through my speakers on full blast.” –arp716

“Endless rainy days and nights getting to you? Us too, but not after a couple of inhalations of this. It simply does all the things a strong sativa-dominant hybrid should do…Perfect for those endless winter days.” –lamabso

“Such a cozy, creative high. The flavor of smoke is so yummy and smooth. One hit, and it’s like being snuggled in blankets with a warm cup of tea.” –StarlingDarling

So, what are your favorite wintertime activities, and what strains do you use to accompany them? Tell us in the comments!

Marijuana Policy Predictions for 2016

MPP executive director Rob Kampia’s “Marijuana Policy Predictions for 2016” has been published by The Huffington Post.

I don’t often use superlatives, but it’s easy to say that 2016 will be the most significant year yet in the battle to repeal marijuana prohibition in the United States.

Up until now, the two biggest years were 1996, when California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana, and 2012, when Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older.

2016 will likely comprise a cornucopia of cannabis policy advances, which I’ll enumerate in the form of predictions.

Click here to read the entire column.

The post Marijuana Policy Predictions for 2016 appeared first on MPP Blog.

What Will Happen In The Marijuana World In 2016?

2016 Will Be A Very Big Year For Cannabis Since the end of the 2012 election, all eyes from the marijuana reform movement and industry have been set on 2016. Campaigns held off on 2014 efforts to ‘wait for 2016.’ People in the industry anticipating big victories on Election Day 2016 have said the words

How Does Depression Impact Your Sex Life, and Can Cannabis Help?

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States, according to the National Institute on Mental Health. Despite its prevalence, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals rarely speak to the impact depression can have on sexuality, and even more rarely suggest utilizing cannabis as an alternative therapy. I spoke with JoEllen Notte, a sex educator, writer, and creator of the first sex-positive online survey on sex and depression, to get her take on dealing with depression and whether cannabis can help revitalize a depressed person’s sex life.

JoEllen Notte, sex educator

Ashley: How long have you lived with depression and in what ways has it affected your sex life?

JoEllen: I have been acknowledging the depression for the last 11 years, but the symptoms have been there for about 17 (since I was 19). As for my sex life, it has differed. I always say my depression comes in two distinct “flavors”:

A: Which one tends to be more common for you?

J: The first one. When that happens, I lose all interest and the idea of sex can be stressful, almost like the world is demanding more from me.

A: You created an online survey on sex and depression and received 1,100 responses. How did that come about?

J: The survey came about because I had done a little writing about my own experience with sex and depression (first when a new drug killed my libido and orgasms), and I started hearing from people about their experiences. The recurring theme I noticed was people weren’t feeling heard. Partners of people dealing with depression were often the loudest voices in my comments fields (but what about ME?!), drowning out the depressed folks, and that just pissed me off.

I did the survey for two reasons: First, because I wanted data on how widespread the experience of depression damaging one’s sex life was and that data didn’t exist. Second, because I wanted to give this experience and the people who are having it a voice.

A: What were the most surprising results of the survey?

J: Of the 1,100 people who participated in the survey, I interviewed 20. Some of the most interesting stuff came out of the interviews. Before I started the project, several people dismissed it based on the assumption that “depressed people don’t want to have sex, anyway,” so they wouldn’t be able to differentiate between medication side effects and depression. We didn’t ask about sexual side effects of depression when people were not medicated on the survey but we did in the interviews, and over 2/3 of those respondents reported that when their depression was untreated they had/wanted MORE sex.

Another thing that came out of the survey was the information about communication with doctors. We found that a lot of people were not talking to their doctor about symptoms. When asked why, we found an interesting combination of bad experiences with dismissive/sex negative doctors, shame, and fear, and also just some possibly unfair assumptions about the willingness of doctors to listen/help. A lot of people are afraid to talk.

A: I’m so glad you’re giving them a voice. I’ve experienced a lot of relief with depression-related side effects when I incorporate cannabis into my sex life. Have you also found that to be helpful?

J: For me, because my sex and depression relationship manifests in anxiety about sex, I find that cannabis is frequently the thing that can get me over the hump (so to speak) and back into the place where things sound pleasant again. I found this out completely accidentally when I was smoking for pain, but it was a really happy discovery. OG Kush and Girl Scout Cookies are my favorites for sexy time. I always picture those old-school round dimmer switches (like my aunt had on her “classy” dining room chandelier), and for me it feels like someone comes along and turns one of those down on my anxiety. The rest of me is still there, but the unpleasant stuff is turned way down. Also, GSC always makes me a little goofy.

I also chatted with Stephen Biggs, RP, who assisted JoEllen with the survey and provided his psychological expertise when designing the questions and analyzing the results. He added:

“I think that for some people who experience a lot of anxiety or negative cognition, people who are self conscious and distracted by performance anxiety… Anything that helps them relax and takes them out of their heads can enhance sexual experience. Of course, this all depends on the person’s response to the cannabis. There are number of patients that I see who report that they use cannabis as an anxiolytic [anxiety inhibitor]– it may not have a direct impact on their mood, but they feel less agitated.”

There is much more research to be done regarding cannabis, sex, and depression, but thanks to these two sexuality professionals, people are finally getting to speak out about their experiences! Do you live with depression? Does cannabis help you get out of your head and enjoy your body? Tell us your stories!

What Are The Best Marijuana Events In 2016

What Are The Top Cannabis Events In 2016? It seems like every time I hop on social media, check my e-mail, or look on media websites it seems like there is a new marijuana event being announced. There are events for just about anything and everything cannabis related these days, from shark tank type events

The 6 Best Cannabis-Inspired SNL Skits

While we gear up for the 2016 Leafly Comedy Tour, which kicks off January 2nd with T.J. Miller of HBO’s “Silicon Valley” headlining at the Crocodile Café in Seattle, we wanted to start your new year with a laugh! We sifted through old Saturday Night Live archives to find the funniest cannabis-related sketches from the last 40 years. It was a tough job, but we managed to narrow the results down to the top six funniest SNL skits pertaining to cannabis. Enjoy the laughs, and happy new year!

1. Weekend Update: Michael Vick – Really!?!

This skit is less about marijuana and more about Michael Vick, football player of infamous dog-fighting shame. In 2007, Michael Vick was confronted in the Miami airport as he tried to board a plane with a water bottle filled with cannabis. Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers expertly take down his attempt, piece by piece, in a gut-busting news segment that’ll leave you dying. From his obvious (and terrible) choice of hiding spots to the possibility of the Miami airport of all places checking for drugs, the Weekend Update hosts get into a delightful back-and-forth rendition of one of my favorite segments, “Really!?!”

2. Out of Africa – Put Your Weed In It

We open in a store filled with cultural artifacts to see a 1993 incarnation of Rob Schneider playing the hippie store employee. It’s clear he knows what he’s talking about and exactly what to do with all of these artifacts. “That’s a Tanamano ancestral idol from Brazil…You put your weed in there!”

It seems that for every customer, he’s got a gift – that they can put their weed in! Whether it’s tribal masks, talking drums, or rain sticks, don’t worry, there’s a compartment for that…until Charles Barkley shows up in a police uniform and Rob Schneider completely loses his cool. C’mon, man, be chill!

3. Nancy Grace – Legal Pot

This sketch takes place immediately after Colorado legalized recreational cannabis and features Noel Wells as the sharp-tongued, squinty-eyed news host who, yes, has already made up her mind. First, she interrogates a cannabis bakery owner played by the delightful Kate McKinnon, who is completely on board the cannabis train. When confronted by Nancy Grace about being pro-pot, her reply clearly has a grain of truth in it: “Nancy, last week I made $650,000. That’s more money than I’ve made in the last 15 years! You’re freakin’ right I’m pro-pot.”

Nancy turns to Katt Williams, played with convincing nasality by Drake, complete with tempered hair flips and velvet suit. After trying unsuccessfully to convince him of the evils of cannabis, “Katt” dismisses her concerns with a colorful description of her less-crazy counterpart.

4. The Mellow Show: Jack Johnson

Featuring Andy Samberg as the ultra-mellow songster Jack Johnson, and with random witticisms spoken aloud to the camera as “vegan cookies” and “hemp necklace,” this sketch is extra funny if you’re a fan of the mellow musicians visiting. Samberg’s Jack Johnson is prone to losing his canna-friendly pets, including a jester hat-wearing gecko who “is unique in that he can both roll and smoke doobies.”

Joseph Gordon-Levitt visits the set to scat a few tunes about fedoras as Jason Mraz, and Bill Hader plays a nervous Dave Matthews who gets freaked out when the real Dave Matthews comes out pretending to be Ozzy Osbourne in all of his mumbly, long-haired, incoherent glory.

5. A New Day – New York Marijuana Policy

This gem is from one of the more recent seasons of SNL and it was, of course, inspired by true life. As you all may remember, New York City made a change of policy for low-level marijuana possession, reducing charges to a civil fine rather than jail time. In this skit, we see New Yorkers look up from their television, dust the crumbs from their lap, and step out into the New York sunshine with a bag of cannabis in tow. It quickly turns into a celebratory parade, complete with Woody Harrelson emerging from a cloud of smoke while carrying a bong among crowds waving the Rastafari flag.

Suddenly, everyone run into the NYPD. Will police try to harsh the buzz? No, instead of handcuffs, they give a tip of the hat, and the celebration continues….until someone tries to spark up a joint. Oops. Public smoking is still not allowed. Sorry New Yorkers, time to return to your couches and Funyuns to watch more “Rugrats.”

6. The Marijuana Doctor

Featuring the magnificent Kevin Spacey as, you guessed it, a physician recommending medical marijuana, this skit was filmed in 1997, just months after cannabis was legalized in California via Proposition 215, and it’s exaggerated for absolutely hilarious effect. For a sore throat, Kevin Spacey’s MMJ doctor writes a prescription for “two huge bags of weed,” with the recommendation of “huge bong tokes” to follow it up.

Darrel Hammond’s Harvey Weinstein makes an appearance, fingers orange with Cheetos dust, looking for a prescription refill in the form of a baggie from Jamal Wilkes Booth, an in-house “pharmacist” who looks suspiciously like a stereotypical dealer that reminds his patrons, “You know, Blue Cross Blue Shield don’t cover that!” Amen, Jamal!

BONUS:

American Dope Growers Union

We went digging through the archives to find this little clip from 1977, which just shows how far the cannabis movement has come. Laraine Newman opens with a somber face, advising the camera that “Every time you buy pot from Mexico, or Colombia, you’re putting an American out of work.” She urges you to buy locally sourced, American-grown cannabis, which you can identify by the “American Dope Growers Union” label on the bag.

As the camera pans out, the whole cast joins her with potted pot plants, shovels, and watering cans to sing the song of the American Dope Growers Union. Amazingly enough, while this skit was purely comical at the time, with legal marijuana becoming an industry, unions are, in fact, starting to pop up. Life imitates art!

American Dope Growers Union from Joe Turner on Vimeo.

Ep. 40 – She leads student advocacy group; He's a voice for the cannabis industry

Published: Dec 31, 2015, 6:46 pm • Updated: Jan 6, 2016, 7:11 pm Cannabist Staff Featured guests: Students for Sensible Drug Policy executive director Betty Aldworth and National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith. Podcast: Play in new window | Download We’re talking about marijuana policy — including legislation in Congress and who’s making […]

US: Review: Harlem's Drug Warriors

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n716/a04.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Fri, 01 Jan 2016Source: Reason Magazine (US)Copyright: 2016 The Reason FoundationContact: Website: http://www.reason.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/359Author: Sara MayeuxNote: Sara Mayeux is a Sharswood fellow at the University ofPennsylvania Law School. HARLEM’S DRUG WARRIORS Was the Drug War Imposed on Black America, or Did Black America Demand It? Black Silent Majority: The Rockefeller Drug […]

Smuggler’s Blues: U.S. Legalization is Crashing Mexico’s Cartel Market

For decades, if you came across a pinch of cannabis in the U.S., odds were good it came from Mexico. Moreover, it was probably smuggled across the border by someone affiliated with a massive and often violent criminal enterprise.

Now that’s changing.

Medical and recreational legalization in the United States has caused a market crash in Mexico. According to an article this week in the Los Angeles Times, prices in some areas have tumbled as much as 70 percent.

Growers in the state of Sinaloa, one of Mexico’s biggest production areas and home to the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, told reporter Deborah Bonello the amount they make on cannabis has fallen over the past four years from $100 per kilogram to $30.

That’s taken a toll on traffickers, too. Officials on both sides of the border say the drop in profits has curbed both production as well as the amount of cannabis smuggled into the U.S. by cartels.

“Changes on the other side of the border are making marijuana less profitable for organizations like the Cartel de Sinaloa,” Antonio Mazzitelli, the representative in Mexico for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, told the Times.

Only a few years ago, cannabis comprised as much as 20 to 30 percent of cartels’ revenue from drug exports, according to estimates by the Mexican Institute of Competitiveness and the RAND Corporation. So a falloff in profit is likely to hit organized crime hard.

As recently as 2008, about two-thirds of cannabis consumed in the U.S. came from Mexico, according to RAND. Current estimates peg that figure at approximately one-third. That’s likely caused by two factors: increased production north of the border and scaled-down operations by growers and smugglers in Mexico.

“The big argument for drug legalization is reducing drug cartels’ power around the world,” wrote Vox in response to the Times story. While it’s certainly not the only reason to legalize — let’s not forget the thousands of Americans behind bars, racial disparities in the enforcement of cannabis laws, or the risks faced by patients who must still obtain medicine illegally — dealing a blow to ruthless drug cartels is a cause that should rally both government officials and cannabis users.

Free-market economics have long stymied the war on drugs. Efforts by the Mexican government to encourage farmers to grow legal crops fell flat because high profits from cannabis cultivation were so appealing. But it now seems market forces may actually be curtailing illegal activity.

On top of all this, Mexico is currently considering changes to laws that would legalize or decriminalize cannabis. That could further reduce cartel profits by adding small-time growers and smugglers into the mix, the BBC reported last month.

But while piecemeal legalization in U.S. states has reduced cannabis payouts to cartels, experts say that so long as federal prohibition in the U.S. continues, trafficking by organized criminals will persist.

“If Mexico legalized marijuana production for domestic consumption and exports to the U.S. remained illegal,” RAND Drug Policy Research Center co-director Beau Kilmer told the BBC, “there would still be incentives to smuggle marijuana to the U.S.”

Best Practices for Keeping Your Children While Using Medical Cannabis in Hawaii

Law enforcement will most likely continue their investigation after a routine compliance check if children and what police call, “paraphernalia” were present during the raid. Would you rather risk losing your children to Child Protective Services or treat your disease using Cannabis? There are very few protections and all of them hinge of a police officer’s ability to do […]

Surgeon General Report Could Sway Federal Policy

A top U.S. health official is putting together a first-of-its-kind report on substance abuse that could help set the tone for future policymaking, the federal government announced Thursday.

The report is being prepared by the office of U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and will examine “the state of the science on substance use, addiction, and health” surrounding both illegal substances and legal drugs such as alcohol and prescription pills.

Reformers are cautiously optimistic. Murthy in February acknowledged the medical benefits of cannabis, adding that “we have to use use that data to drive policymaking.” But he seemed later to backtrack, saying that “neither the FDA nor the Institute of Medicine have found smoked marijuana to meet the standards for safe and effective medicine for any condition to date.”

Intended to be broad and comprehensive, the report will focus on an array of issues surrounding substance abuse, according to a summary in the Federal Register:

Areas of focus in the report may include the history of the prevention, treatment, and recovery fields; components of the substance use continuum (i.e., prevention, treatment, and recovery); epidemiology of substance use, misuse, and substance use disorders; etiology of substance misuse and related disorders; neurobiological base of substance misuse and related disorders; risk and protective factors; application of scientific research in the field, including methods, challenges, and current and future directions; social, economic, and health consequences of substance misuse; co-occurrence of substance use disorders and other diseases and disorders; the state of health care access and coverage as it relates to substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery; integration of substance use disorders, mental health, and physical health care in clinical settings; national, state, and local initiatives to assess and improve the quality of care for substance misuse and related disorders; organization and financing of prevention, treatment, and recovery services within the health care system; ethical, legal, and policy issues; and potential future directions.

Cannabis advocate Tom Angell, who drew attention to Thursday’s announcement, noted the surgeon general’s report could be useful if President Barack Obama moves to relax the federal prohibition of cannabis before he leaves office:

The last clause about “ethical, legal and policy issues” is likely to be of most interest to advocates of reforming marijuana laws and ending the broader war on drugs.

Under the Obama administration, federal drug agencies have made a point to talk about addiction as a medical problem, but the drug control budget continues to devote far more resources to arrests, punishment and interdiction than to health strategies like treatment and prevention.

If President Obama intends to bring federal drug polices and budgets into line with his administration’s rhetoric before he leaves office, he could hardly find a better or more effective way to do it than through the nation’s top medical doctor.

A number of other changes are unfolding at the federal level that could sway U.S. policies on cannabis. Among them, the Department of Health and Human Services recently provided guidance to the Drug Enforcement Administration regarding cannabis’s potential reclassification under the Controlled Substances Act. While the advice isn’t yet public, it’s one of the many signs that the government may slowly be opening its mind to at least the medical potential of cannabis.

Image Source: United States Department of Health and Human Services [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Best of Cannabis Best-of Lists for 2015

If you’re reading a top-10 list today, it can mean only one thing: The old year is about to die. And websites across the interwebs are eulogizing it in a shameless attempt to capture eyeballs and boost pageviews.

Count us in.

We decided to wrap up 2015 with a top-10 meta-list, tying some of our favorite best-of lists into a master bundle. One list to rule them all, so to speak. Consider it our tabulation of tallies totting up the year in cannabis.

10. Russ Belville’s Top Ten Marijuana Data Stories of 2015 — Marijuana Politics

Radical Russ, one of our favorite cannabis radio yakkers, is also a bit of a data hound. Here he rolls up his top mining expeditions of 2015. Good stuff on youth-use surveys, the role of cannabis in the California drought, road safety and rehab admissions.

9. What Americans Googled in 2015 — Estately

The folks at Estately put out another “What Americans Googled” map with a year-end twist. What’s the cannabis connection? Check out our friends in Ohio.

8. Top 5 Cannabis Moments of 2015 — Chalice Farms

The growers and budtenders at Oregon’s Chalice Farms put out a list that’s just a wee bit self-referential. (We’re not sure Chalice’s big win at the 2015 DOPE Cup will rank so high on other tallies.) It makes our list, though, in part for recognizing Women Grow, which began 2015 as a tiny startup and ended the year as a burgeoning cannabis group with national influence.

7. Top 10 Marijuana News Stories of 2015 — CelebStoner.com

We could come up with a Top Ten list of Celebstoner’s best headlines of 2015 (No. 1: “Frank Sinatra Was Not a Stoner”), but that’s another story. Their year-end list puts the Ohio legalization debacle in the top spot, followed by a lot of state decriminalization measures and celeb calls to end prohibition. Expected: Bill Walton. Unexpected: Morgan Freeman.

6. Top 10 National Marijuana News Stories of 2015 — Chicago Sun-Times

Illinois’ medical marijuana opening drew the Sun-Times onto the cannabis beat this year, and its list leans heavily on politics. Top story: Bernie Sanders’ call to end federal prohibition, becoming the “first U.S. Presidential candidate” to do so. We could argue it was Jimmy Carter, but he only promised decriminalization, so we’ll give Bernie the nod.

5. Top 10 Marijuana Policy Victories of 2015 — Rob Kampia

Marijuana Policy Project Executive Director Rob Kampia looks back at the political ground gained over the past 12 months, including a lot of local decriminalization victories, medical marijuana expansions, and five statewide legalization campaigns on track for 2016 (see our take here).

4. 2015: The Year of the Cannabis Industry — Cannabis Wire

We think you’re calling this a little early, Cannabiswire. If you thought 2015 was big, wait ‘til you see 2016. We like Cannabis Wire’s list because No. 2 is the ouster — finally, mercifully — of DEA head Michele Leonhart, whose blockheaded views on cannabis were embarrassing even to those on her side.

3. NORML’s 2015 Year in Review — NORML

NORML tops its list with one winner and one loser. Upside: Congress’ reauthorization of protections. Downside: Federal Judge Kimberly Mueller upholding marijuana’s Schedule I status.

2. (Tie) Top 10 Cannabis Studies of 2015 — LiveScience and The Joint Blog

These two sites tot up the scientific breakthroughs of 2015, including new insights into conditions helped by medical cannabis, problems with labeling inaccuracies in unregulated markets, and a new understanding of the mechanism that triggers the munchies.

1. Top 10 Weed Songs of 2015 — WeedStream

Aww, yeah. From Pop Evil’s heavy “Ways to Get High” (No. 9) to Snoop Dogg’s chill “California Roll” (No. 2), the researchers at Weedstream cover the full spectrum in 2015. We’ll let you click through to reveal who sparked up at No. 1. WeedStream’s list lends itself to a natural New Year’s Eve game: Name the single best cannabis lyric of 2015. Enjoy.

New York Opens Medical Marijuana Registration for Doctors and Patients

The five companies chosen to cultivate and distribute for New York’s medical marijuana program are hurtling towards January’s debut date and firing on all cylinders to make it happen. Prospective patients have been anxiously awaiting the launch of a much-needed medical marijuana program, and at long last the time has come.

New York’s State Department of Health launched the Medical Marijuana Patient Certification and Registration Program. Doctors must be registered in order to make the recommendation, which involves a $200 fee and a four-hour training course.

In order for patients to qualify for the program, they must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Create an account with my.ny.gov
• Have a photo identification
• Be able to prove he or she resides in New York state
• Pay a $50 application fee (unless it is waived for financial hardship)
• Receive a DOH Medical Marijuana Program certification from a registered doctor before applying for a registry identification card, which will be mailed upon approval
• Qualify under the conditions specified in the law:
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Cancer
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Lou Gehrig’s Disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Epilepsy
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Neuropathies
  • Huntington’s Disease

As for the state’s five dispensing organizations, here’s an update on when they’re expected to open:

• Columbia Care — CEO Nick Vita confirmed that the organization was on track for the opening regulatory date of January 5, 2016, and it will be opening a dispensary location in Rochester first.
• Etain, LLC. — It’s optimistic that it will open its five dispensaries on a rolling basis starting in late January with its Syracuse location on Erie Blvd.
• Empire State Health Solutions — It’s planning to open its Westchester location on January 5, 2016, but it’s been under radio silence to the media for the past couple of months, so we’re not sure how far along it is with the process.
• Bloomfield Industries — Its first dispensary will be located on Marcus Ave in unincorporated Lake Success. Although it anticipates a January premiere, it has not set a firm opening date yet.
• PharmaCann — It’s been quite busy in the recent months pioneering the rough terrain of Illinois’ new medical market, but it looks like this organization will also be ready to open doors at its Liverpool location by the second week of January.

Quite an impressive display of determination, which should give some hope to the patients that have been eagerly watching and waiting for access. January can’t come soon enough!

Recreational Cannabis Sales Tax Coming Soon to Oregon

Oregon recreational consumers have been living the high life since October, enjoying easy access, no sales tax, and the best Oregon-grown cannabis they could ask for. Unfortunately, the harsh reality of recreational legalization is about to crack down on the green utopian landscape Oregonians have come to love in the form of a 25 percent tax increase.

Starting January 4th, 2016, all recreational purchases of marijuana will be taxed at 25 percent, increasing the cost significantly. On a small scale, it’s not so bad – a $10 gram will only jump up to $12.50. However, on a larger scale, the cost is a bit more jaw-dropping — for a $125 ounce, customers will end up shelling out over $30 in sales tax.

Before you Oregon cannabis lovers jump to the worst conclusion and swear off your new favorite dispensary, don’t forget that the revenue from these sales will be going to an excellent cause (and also provided a convincing argument for legalization to begin with). Recreational marijuana sales tax will be disbursed to the following programs after July 1, 2017:

• 40 percent to the Common School Fund
• 20 percent to mental health, alcoholism, and drug services
• 15 percent to the Oregon State Police
• 10 percent to city law enforcement
• 10 percent to county law enforcement
• 5 percent to the Oregon Health Authority for alcohol and drug abuse prevention, early intervention, and treatment services
• Dispensaries are allowed to keep up to 2 percent of taxes collected

Dispensaries will need to register with the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Tax Program and submit quarterly tax returns in addition to monthly tax payments.

In preparation for the influx of cash coming from the retail industry, the Department of Revenue has stepped up its security and employee training for the handling of large cash sums, and hired an additional team specifically for cannabis-related tax payments.

Another upside to consider is that although the tax jump is extreme, it’s also only temporary. Once the program is off the ground and firmly established, the tax rate will decrease back down to a much more reasonable 17 percent permanent sales tax. Not only that, but Oregon medical marijuana patients will continue to be tax-exempt.

US IL: OPED: Make Cannabis Legal To Revitalize Illinois

Rockford Register Star, 29 Dec 2015 – The state of Illinois collected more than $5 million in fees from more than 350 applications for only 81 licenses to become a cultivator or distributor of medical cannabis. Rural Illinois saw a surge of interest in creating new jobs and boosting some small-town economies. The reason for this interest is to grow and distribute a plant, but not the usual ones like corn, soy or wheat.

US NJ: Column: Jersey Supreme Court Allows Modern Jim Crow to

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n732/a09.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 31 Dec 2015Source: Trentonian, The (NJ)Copyright: 2015 The TrentonianContact: Website: http://www.trentonian.comDetails: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1006Author: Edward Forchion, NJWeedman.com For The Trentonian JERSEY SUPREME COURT ALLOWS MODERN JIM CROW TO PERSIST The marijuana laws are the oldest Jim Crow laws still on the books.  While many states across the country are changing their archaic […]

US CO: Column: Not Your Grandma's Cookbook

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n732/a08.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 31 Dec 2015Source: Boulder Weekly (CO)Column: Weed Between the LinesCopyright: 2015 Boulder WeeklyContact: Website: http://www.boulderweekly.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/57Author: Sarah Haas NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S COOKBOOK If you were to see Robyn Grigg Lawrence’s new cookbook lying out on your grandma’s kitchen table, you probably wouldn’t think twice.  The book’s glossy cover shows a […]

US CA: Column: (Predictions And Questions) For 2016

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n732/a07.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 31 Dec 2015Source: SF Weekly (CA)Column: Chem TalesCopyright: 2015 Village Voice MediaContact: Website: http://www.sfweekly.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/812Author: Chris Roberts PREDICTIONS ( AND QUESTIONS ) FOR 2016 Lists, reflections, and other filler: these are the newspaper reader’s “reward” when the calendar flips.  This is when both writer and reader would rather be polishing […]

US CA: Column: Resolving Weed

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n732/a05.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 31 Dec 2015Source: North Coast Journal (Arcata, CA)Column: The Week in WeedCopyright: 2015 North Coast JournalContact: Website: http://www.northcoastjournal.comDetails: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2833Author: Grant Scott-Goforth RESOLVING WEED Every year, it seems like Humboldt County’s marijuana industry, and the complicated relationship our community has with cannabis, goes through massive upheaval.  And every subsequent year, there […]

US CO: Column: Dear Stoner: What's The Difference Between

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n732/a04.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 31 Dec 2015Source: Westword (Denver, CO)Copyright: 2015 Village Voice MediaContact: Website: http://www.westword.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1616Author: Herbert FuegoColumn: Ask A Stoner DEAR STONER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHAKE AND TRIM? Dear Stoner: What’s the difference between shake and trim? Sandy Dear Sandy: The big difference is that shake is the stuff that falls […]

US OR: Column: The Best Canna-events Of 2015

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n732/a06.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 31 Dec 2015Source: Portland Mercury (OR)Column: CannabuzzCopyright: 2015 The Portland MercuryContact: Website: http://www.portlandmercury.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1174Author: Josh Jardine THE BEST CANNA-EVENTS OF 2015 IT’S BEEN QUITE a year for anyone who enjoys cannabis in Oregon.  On July 1, we went from being dirty, black market, pot-weed smokers to law-abiding canna-enthusiasts whose interest […]

US NJ: Column: Legalization of Marijuana Leads to Worries Over

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n732/a03.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 31 Dec 2015Source: Trentonian, The (NJ)Copyright: 2015 The TrentonianContact: Website: http://www.trentonian.comDetails: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1006Author: L.A. Parker LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA LEADS TO WORRIES OVER POT HEISTS Initial reports of the burglary of a Madras, Ore.  marijuana dispensary forced a check up on several local cannabis smoking friends. With all present and accounted for, […]

US CA: Drug Agent Arrested For 200 Lbs. Of Pot

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n732/a02.html Newshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htm Votes: 0 Pubdate: Thu, 31 Dec 2015 Source: Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, CA) Copyright: 2015 Appeal-Democrat Contact: Website: http://www.appeal-democrat.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1343 Author: Monica Vaughan Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption – United States) DRUG AGENT ARRESTED FOR 200 LBS.  OF POT Yuba County Deputy on Leave After Being Jailed in Pennsylvania A Yuba-Sutter drug task force […]

West Virginia Veterans For Medical Cannabis Rally Next Month

I saw the following event on Facebook. If you are in West Virginia, you should definitely come out and support the cause: Sign the petition! http://actionnetwork.org/petitions/support-our-troops-west-virginia-veterans-for-medical-cannabis We are uniting at the West Virginia State Capitol Building on Tuesday, January 26th, 2016 to call on our state legislators to act now to allow VA medical centers

Shh! Here's How Cannabis Companies are Banking Legally on the Down Low

For cannabis companies in need of bank accounts, the news out of Colorado hasn’t been good. In a court hearing this week, a federal judge balked at the notion of forcing federal bankers to license a credit union catering to the cannabis industry.

“I would be forcing the reserve bank to give a master license to a credit union that serves illegal businesses,” U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson said at the hearing.

At stake in the court battle is whether the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City must issue a master account, which is required for lending institutions, to Fourth Corner Credit Union, a startup created earlier this year to serve state-regulated cannabis businesses. Cannabis is still illegal under U.S. law, so while Fourth Corner has won Colorado accreditation, it’s hit a wall with the federal reserve bank.

While the judge hasn’t issued a formal ruling, an executive for the credit union vented his frustration after the hearing.

“In 2016, $1.2 billion in cash will be transacted by the cannabis industry in Colorado,” Executive Vice President Mark Goldfogel told the L.A. Times. “That’s all in $20 bills. At some point somebody will die. And then we will be allowed to bank.”

But will the cannabis industry really have to wait for a changing of the guard? Goldfogel’s statement is a beauty of a quote, but it’s not exactly true.

The Fourth Corner case draws a lot of media attention, but dozens of cannabis businesses in Oregon, Colorado and Washington state already have accounts with a established banks and credit unions. These aren’t national brands like Bank of America or Wells Fargo. They’re small, state-chartered institutions with names you’ve probably never heard of: Salal, Maps, Timberland, Numerica.

It’s the industry’s quiet little secret — only it’s not exactly a secret. A few financial institutions are open about their cannabis clientele. Salal Credit Union in Seattle has been serving the cannabis sector since mid-2014.

“After talking about it at great length with our board of directors, we decided that this would be a fit,” Senior Vice President Sheryl Kirchmeier said in an interview this year. “We saw it in part as a public safety issue” for their local community, she said.

Bankers at Salem, Ore.-based Maps Credit Union, which has been doing business with medical dispensaries for more than a year and now works with state-licensed recreational businesses, were also motivated by public safety concerns. “The thought of some guy walking out of his business at night, and going to an environment where there might be lots of people, with $25,000 in cash in his backpack to buy money orders just doesn’t sit right,” Vice President Shane Saunders told the Salem Statesman-Journal.

No Colorado bank or credit union has publicly acknowledged opening cannabis accounts. But a few accounts are open. Talk off-the-record with some of the bigger players in the state’s cannabis industry, and they’ll acknowledge that they’ve managed to obtain banking services — but they almost never give up the name of their banker. Those who have accounts don’t want to lose them by exposing the bank to unwanted attention or criticism.

Data is limited, but it tends to back up the chatter. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the Treasury Department bureau that fights money laundering, reports that 266 depository institutions nationwide currently maintain accounts with marijuana-related businesses, known in banking jargon as MRBs. In a recent survey of 400 respondents in the cannabis industry, Marijuana Business Daily reported that 40 percent had bank accounts.

Make no mistake: Banking is still an enormous headache for MRBs. And it’s technically illegal, federally speaking. But a lot of people are finding workarounds.

How are They Doing It?

As with everything in the cannabis industry, it depends on the state. A handful of Washington and Oregon banks are open about their business with MRBs. But those accounts, usually very basic merchant accounts, are expensive and cumbersome. In Colorado it’s very hush-hush — and it’s still expensive and cumbersome.

Washington pushed ahead of Colorado in the banking realm by being proactive with smaller banks and credit unions. Three years ago the state’s Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), which regulates banks and credit unions, took extraordinary measures to find a path to banking legalization.

DFI director Scott Jarvis spent more than a year working with federal regulators to make legal cannabis banking happen. His agency now posts specific guidelines and documents to help businesses and bankers make their way through the thicket of regulations to bank legally.

Colorado’s counterpart agency has no such guidance. Officials there thought the better way to go would be to have the state encourage the formation of marijuana banking co-ops. To that end, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies posts information about starting cannabis-focused credit unions.

Which, of course, is how Fourth Corner Credit Union ended up in federal court this week.

But wait: Banking MRBs is still federally illegal, right? Yes and no. Here’s how it works.

The big scary law is the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), a 45-year-old federal statute that outlaws money laundering. FinCEN is the main federal agency enforcing the act. If you’re a bank that wants to accept cash from a business selling a federally illegal substance, you’ve got to get FinCEN’s approval.

FinCEN has given that approval. Sort of. It’s tricky.

In February 2014, the Justice Department and FinCEN issued concurrent guidance documents (you can find them here and here) that created a way for banks and credit unions to bank MRBs without technically running afoul of the Bank Secrecy Act.

But the documents are only guidance; they’re not laws. They don’t legalize money laundering. Rather, they give financial institutions some assurance that FinCEN won’t come after them for handling cannabis-related accounts provided they follow a stringent set of rules.

FinCEN said, essentially, that it will allow banks and credit unions to handle state-legal cannabis cash as long as the banks report it to the agency and conduct extraordinary initial and ongoing due diligence on those clients.

Credit unions like Salal must file quarterly Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) on their cannabis clients with FinCEN. That sounds bad, but it’s actually good. An SAR filed under the category “marijuana limited” means the client is operating a cannabis-related business that adheres to federal enforcement priorities as outlined in the Justice Department’s 2013 Cole memo. If the credit union discovers activity that may violate those priorities, it’s reported as a “marijuana priority” case. If the credit union closes out an account, it’s reported as a “marijuana termination.”

In a way, the FinCEN guidance turns banks into another set of eyes watching to make sure cannabis businesses follow the Cole memo priorities.

All that vetting and reporting is labor-intensive, which makes these accounts expensive for the banks and their clients. Charges for a basic MRB account can run from $400 to $1,000 per month. So even if a bank or credit union is willing to open an account, a merchant might flinch at the price. Toni Savage Fox, owner of Denver’s 3D Cannabis Center, isn’t working with a bank “and it’s mostly by choice,” she told Leafly. “I won’t pay $1,000 a month for someone to store my money. It’s not worth it for me.”

Washington state is working with the FinCEN guidance, mainly because Scott Jarvis, the state’s head banking regulator, continues to put effort into making it work. When federal bank examiners looked as though they might obstruct cannabis accounts, for example, Jarvis and his agency intervened.

“We had a couple instances early on where an examiner maybe came in from out of the region and was unfamiliar with the issues,” Jarvis told Leafly. “We followed up with them and took care of the problem. And our folks,” he said of his office’s examiners, “are all pretty schooled up.”

Colorado, by contrast, has taken a “Congress must change it” stance. The state’s financial regulators have told banks and credit unions only that they must abide by the FinCEN guidelines and recent Justice Department memos. Beyond that, banks are on their own.

Don Childears, CEO of the Colorado Bankers Association, has lamented that the FinCEN guidance is too weak to offer banks the assurance they need to open cannabis accounts. “We believe it literally takes ‘an Act of Congress’ to attract banks to this business,” he advised in a letter to association members.

Such an act may finally stand a chance in both the House and Senate in 2016. (See various attempts that stalled this past year, here and here.) Until then, banking for cannabis businesses will continue to be a drag. But don’t believe the hype about cash-only being the only option. Accounts exist for those who are willing to find them — and pay.

7 Giggly Cannabis Strains for Inducing Laughing Fits

In your experience, are there any particular cannabis strains that lead to more laughing fits than others? You might already know what your go-to giggly strain is, but we’ve got some recommendations for the next time you need a companion strain to that funny movie, comedy show, or time spent kicking back with friends. With the help of Leafly user-submitted reviews, we uncovered the strains that consumers like yourself rated as most giggly. Here are seven top contenders; you can also browse an expanded list of gut-busting strains in the Explorer.

Blue Diesel

Introduced by strong flavors of sour blueberry, Blue Diesel is a hybrid to elevate you to an uplifted and jovial mindset. Its nimble cerebral effects make Blue Diesel a perfect daytime companion strain, and the giddy euphoria is sure to bring on spells of laughter (unfortunately to an exaggerated degree for one Leafly reviewer).

“I laughed so hard that I threw up. And that made me laugh more.”

Laughing Buddha

Laughing Buddha’s effects can be understood simply by reading its name: a relaxed state of mind gives way to joyful elation. With an earthy and herbal sage aroma, this sativa helps you let go of stress and unlock a more lighthearted outlook on life. This strain is a favorite for weekend nature excursions with friends, or for getting your day started with a smile.

“Made me feel like nothing could annoy me, I just laughed it off! Very giggly, and made me take myself less seriously.”

Church OG

A serious name for a non-so-serious strain, Church OG is a heavy indica that’ll knock you into stupefied episodes of laughter (especially if friends are around to trigger it). The OG Kush descendent packs a sleepy punch in large doses, so take this one slowly if bedtime is still far off.

Chemdawg

The effects produced by Chemdawg’s high THC content can manifest in many ways, one of which is clearly fits of laughter. This one’s a personal favorite of mine for creative collaborations and chilling with close friends, since it lends both social and artistic energy. However, mind the word of caution from the Leafly reviewer below.

“Prepare for laugh attacks and an extremely heavy body and head high. Everything becomes funny as hell and I legit pissed myself while laughing so hard at a Steak and Shake drive-thru.”

Sweet Diesel

With a champion heritage from OG Kush and Sour Diesel, Sweet Diesel masterfully captures everything we love about sativas: a little boost of wakefulness, creative energy, social engagement, and nonstop giggles.

Black Diamond

Sometimes the best way to unwind after a long, active week is to sit down with a sedating couch-lock strain and a Netflix comedy marathon. Black Diamond is a perfect match for lazy weekends or long bedrest recoveries that take a toll on your mood.

“One of the main things I noticed when I’m on this is that the smallest things trigger the biggest laughing spell you will ever see in yourself again. I swear I saw the funniest shit ever on it, and it was the first time any strain made me laugh for more than 20 minutes straight.”

Mango Kush

First comes that unforgettable mango flavor, and then it’s all giggles. Few strains have more to offer the flavor enthusiast and the social butterfly alike than Mango Kush. Named for its strong fruity mango aroma, this hybrid keeps you chatty and upbeat for social outings or when you’re just kicking it with best friends.

“Two bowls put me and a buddy into a fit of giggles for a good 45 minutes while munching down on a bag of Cheetos. Then we got serious for a bit and had just about the most beautiful in-depth talk ever.”

'Stoner Sloth' Creators Defend Hapless Three-Toed Critter, Tell Haters They're Too Old to Get It

After watching the social media world mock their anti-drug campaign, the creators of Australia’s infamous Stoner Sloth PSAs are punching back. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday, a Saatchi & Saatchi spokesman defended the ad agency’s work as a “significant return on investment and involvement.

“The videos have truly gone viral,” the agency rep told Herald writer Eamonn Duff. Global media derision “is now providing a platform for parents and teenagers all over the world to have ‘the conversation’ about cannabis in an engaging way.”

Fair point, that. For a $360,000 budget, the New South Wales government got more than 4 million views on YouTube and Facebook, and a globally recognized symbol of the adult-teen generation gap.

As for the social media derision that greeted the ads, the S&S official spun it as a classic Old People Problem. The videos were designed “specifically for teens; the audience is not for adults or long-term cannabis users,” the spokesman said. A rep for media agency UM, which handled the media buy, said its research indicated “the majority of negative comments are not from our target audience, which is teenagers.”

In other words: It’s not our worry if you don’t get it, Dad. It’s not meant for you.

Mmm, no. Here’s a curious case of an agency simultaneously arguing the success of the campaign (The kids get it even if you don’t) while heralding the social media FAIL fuel (4 million views!) as a sign of its global reach.

Let’s give Saatchi half credit. Look, the kids think the sloth ads are just as ridiculous as adults do. But 4 million views are 4 million views. And if humor provides an easier entry point into the awkward teenage conversation about cannabis use, the legal age and the effects of consumption, the government has gotten more than its money’s worth.

As a bonus, the poor Stoner Sloth has provided entertainment for all of us stuck at work during this holiday interim week. In the weeks since going viral, an entire genre of parody videos have been turned out by people with a lot of creative time on their hands. They include:

The anti-salt brigade: “Say NO to the White Death.”

We’re not saying salt is heart-healthy, but “the White Death” seems a bit of an overreach…

The straight-up message reversal, Snoop Dogg remix

The standardized testing rebel, throwback Pink Floyd version

The inevitable Star Wars mashup

And this one

Frankly we’re not sure what this one’s all about.

Image Source: Stoner Sloth

Justice Department Shuts Down Major Property Seizure Program

Threatening to seize property has been one of the most effective tools federal prosecutors have used in their stop-and-go efforts to close cannabis businesses across the country. When U.S. attorneys shuttered hundreds of dispensaries and growers across California a few years ago, it was a tactic deployed across the state.

This week the Justice Department announced it would shut down one of the most controversial pieces of its asset forfeiture operations. Under the “equitable sharing” program, a big chunk of what federal prosecutors seize can be funneled to local law enforcement agencies. That practice is over — at least for now.

“We explored every conceivable option that would have enabled us to preserve some form of meaningful equitable sharing,” M. Kendall Day, chief of the DOJ’s asset forfeiture and money laundering program, wrote in a letter to state and local law enforcement, but congressional spending cuts to the department “totaling $1.2 billion made that impossible.”

Critics contend the opportunity for police to pad their budgets has led to overuse of asset forfeiture, which allows authorities to take property — cash and real estate, most commonly — from citizens who haven’t been convicted or even charged with crimes.

Lots of money is at stake. In California, local law enforcement get to keep 66.25 percent of what’s seized under state law, but 80 percent of what’s seized through federal equitable sharing. And indeed, federal forfeiture far outpaces the local route. In 2013, California police seized $28 million in cash and property, but $98 million in federal courts, according to the Institute for Justice. And recent reports suggest that forfeiture is on the rise.

According to this week’s DOJ letter to local officials, that faucet of money has been turned off:

“While we had hoped to minimize any adverse impact on state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners, the Department is deferring for the time being any equitable sharing payments from the Program.”

The DOJ letter said payments will resume “as soon as practical and financially feasible.”

For now, law enforcement agencies have condemned the move. “Those seeking to do us harm can rest easier knowing one less tool can be used against them,” the National Sheriff’s Association wrote in a statement. “While Congress and the President vacation in peace and tranquility, law enforcement knows all too well that the criminals, terrorists, and criminal aliens do not take a holiday.

That stance suggests that asset forfeiture is off the table for police and prosecutors. It’s not. The move doesn’t prevent authorities from using asset forfeiture to seize property; it merely changes their ability to keep what they take.

The change “does not stop police and prosecutors from chasing criminals,” Lee McGrath, legislative counsel for the Institute for Justice, said in a statement. “They’re frustrated because Congress put on hold their chasing cash.”

As far as cannabis enforcement goes, cities even in states where medical marijuana is legal have used the program to fund efforts to shutter dispensaries and halt growers. In 2011, Lake Forest, Calif., managed to close every dispensary in the city in using forfeiture as a chief tactic.

Prior to enlisting federal help, the city had spent nearly $600,000 on prior enforcement actions. But after the forfeiture actions, a lawyer for the city said he was confident that “we’ll get every cent back.”

It’s no secret that cannabis-related businesses have been booming in recent years. According to San Francisco defense attorney J. David Nick, the suspension of the equitable sharing program could ease scrutiny on dispensaries and growers.

“Law enforcement opposition to cannabis legalization is almost single-handedly motivated by one factor: losing the forfeiture money,” he wrote in an email to Leafly. “This is a great step to a more just society and will erode paranoia felt by landlords and banks who want to do business with the cannabis community.”

Meet the Guy Who Gave Away 1,000 Joints on Christmas Eve

For Nick DiCenzo, it all started with a problem: He had too much cannabis on his hands. “I had all this flower left over from my personal grow,” the 40-year-old Denver resident told Leafly. “You’re allowed to have six plants in a home grow here in Colorado, and it’s amazing how much one person can produce.”

As an occasional consumer, DiCenzo found himself with a growing supply and only so much personal demand. He wasn’t licensed to grow or sell, so the stuff had no legal commercial value. “I had a bunch of friends sitting around my porch in Denver last summer. We were trying to figure out what to do with it. Somebody said: Why don’t we give it away?”

DiCenzo had a further thought. What if they donated it in a way that would help the local community?

“That’s how Cannamas came about.”

Cannamas was the answer to DiCenzo’s problem. On Christmas Eve he and a handful of volunteers with his nonprofit group Cannabis Can passed out 1,000 joints — more than a pound and a half of Blue Dream and Caramelicious — to the homeless on the streets of Denver. It was a way, DiCenzo said, to both brighten the holiday for the less fortunate and bring some attention to the problems faced by those living on the streets.

Done and done. The 5-hour gifting tour garnered attention from local television stations as well as coverage in the New York Daily News, the Chicago Sun-Times, the Washington Times and Russia Today. Word on the street was good too. “Merry Christmas and a puff puff, New Year’s,” said one happy recipient.

Giving is easy. The hard part’s the rolling — and logistics.

How do you give away 1,000 joints? It’s tougher than you might think. Because first you have to roll 1,000 joints.

“We had a cannabis roll-a-thon the Sunday before Christmas,” DiCenzo said. About a dozen friends and volunteers, most with little rolling experience, spent nearly twelve hours grinding, sprinkling, and twisting. Chris Hill, founder of the Great American Rolling Paper Co., donated rolling machines and papers. “It took a lot longer than we thought,” DiCenzo said. “And without those rollers we wouldn’t have made it to 1,000.”

Then came the logistics. It’s legal to give away a single joint in Colorado. But an individual can possess no more than one ounce, so you can’t just lug hundreds of joints in a shopping bag down Colfax Avenue. “It was really tricky,” DiCenzo said. “Depending on how they’re rolled, thirty to fifty joints together contained an ounce. So we had to have a team of runners to refill our supply as we walked the streets.”

The volunteers met up around 11 a.m. at Sancho’s Broken Arrow, a Deadhead bar on East Colfax, and made their way west toward the Capitol Building, Broadway and the Catholic Charities building near Speer Boulevard. It took about 5 hours to give away every last gift.

DiCenzo isn’t your typical philanthropist. He doesn’t come from money, and he hasn’t made a lot of money. He works occasionally in film production and manages an Airbnb for his family. He’s just a guy who found himself sitting on a pile of cannabis and wanted to do something to help the homeless folks he met in Denver. His giveaway reaped a heap of free media but so far hasn’t resulted in an avalanche of donations for the homeless cause.

“We ran into a lot of people who wanted to give us donations, something for Cannabis Can,” DiCenzo said, “but we couldn’t accept,” because that could be considered an unlicensed sale.

Instead he’s asking donors to hit up the group’s GoFundMe campaign, “Restrooms & Grooms,” which is raising money to offer free showers and haircuts to Denver’s homeless. DiCenzo is hoping to raise $10,000 to purchase and retrofit an RV with showers and a hair-styling station. “When we talk with people on the street, so many of them mention the need for a haircut and regular showers,” DiCenzo said. “It’s one of the biggest obstacles they face in getting employment.”

A few days after Christmas, DiCenzo was out looking at a used RV priced around $700. “It was in terrible condition, but I gotta start somewhere,” he said. “Maybe I can renovate it and get it down to a parking lot where we can offer these services. If we can do that, then this whole thing will be a success.”

Cannabis Business Conferences are Booming. Is It a Bubble?

Where there’s a booming industry, a bevy of business conferences usually isn’t far off. And in the past few years, that’s exactly what’s been happening around cannabis.

Only a single business conference existed in the U.S. back in 2013. By the next year, the number had risen to six. And 2015 saw the rollout of a whopping 31 conferences.

Those numbers come from research by Marijuana Business Daily, which hosts conferences of its own. And while MBD sees the skyrocketing number of gatherings as an indication of the rapid legitimization of cannabis, it also warns “there are signs that a shakeout in the cannabis conference scene could be on tap.”

Look at the cannabis market’s recent growth — $1.6 billion in sales in 2013, a predicted $3.1 billion in 2015 — and it’s easy to see what both conference organizers and participants are after. Event attendees network, share best practices and industry information, and hawk products and services to one another.

The explosion of conferences parallels much of what’s going on in cannabis. As the previously black-market industry steps into a legal, regulated space (remember, for decades even legitimate medical patients were obtaining and using cannabis illegally, and many still are) entrepreneurs are jumping in to get a piece of the pie. With sales expected to jump to almost $4 billion in the coming year, the bustle doesn’t show signs of slowing anytime soon.

Is it a bubble? Only time will tell. Marijuana Business Daily predicts that “eventually there will likely only be a handful of national business-focused trade shows and major gatherings, as is the case in other industries.”

Canada and the Logistics of Legalization

More than two months after a landslide election of both a party and a prime minister whose campaign platforms focused significantly on the legalization of cannabis, Canada remains firmly in the international spotlight, with eyes watching globally to see the how the country handles the logistics of a national retail cannabis market.

Speculation is rampant. Regarding when and how the first steps towards legalization will occur, the most logical first step would be to use the 27 already-licensed producers of Health Canada to expand on legalization. But with the current production rates, will that be enough to meet the demand from Canadian recreational cannabis consumers?

A recent poll from Forum Research suggests that a solid majority, 59 percent, support Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s proposed legalization. About 18 percent of those surveyed admitted to using cannabis in the past year, although use was nearly double among 18 to 24 year olds, at 34 percent. Notably, 13 percent of respondents who said they don’t currently use cannabis indicated they would be “very likely” to consume it if it were legalized.

On a large scale, that means 31 percent, or somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 million Canadians, could very well participate in a legal recreational market.

Another factor to consider is the potential introduction of an international market. Canada’s stringent regulations and quality control makes the possibility of internationally importing and exporting products an attractive, not to mention lucrative, opportunity. Last year there were about 40,000 registered medical marijuana patients, a far cry from the 10 million Canadians who would potentially participate in a retail market.

The reported production rate for licensed producers in the first quarter of 2015 was about 8,848 kilograms per year, which means that if the anticipated user rate of about 1.1 grams a day is even near accurate, there’s no way for licensed producers to meet recreational demands at the current production rate.

However, many licensed producers are not currently producing at full capacity and could easily ramp up productions. And with the clear regulations and safety measures already in place, using the complex system of licensed producers seems like the most logical place to start.

The latest debate among local provinces is whether or not to sell cannabis through licensed liquor store-type outlets. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne suggested that perhaps les Société des alcools du Québec (SAQs) may be a viable means for selling cannabis to the public. While the proposal struck some as convenient, others argue vehemently that cannabis and alcohol should not be sold side-by-side.

If the government does not decide to sell cannabis in liquor stores, will they continue to exclusively sell cannabis through licensed producers, perhaps by expanding the outreach to include retail consumers? And what will come of the dispensaries currently operating across the Canadian landscape in a legal gray area?

Trudeau’s election could mean big things for cannabis, but it won’t come without some major complications along the bumpy road to legalization.

What to Expect if You Try to Fly with Cannabis

Say you spent the holidays in one of the four states — or one district — where cannabis is legal. You get to the airport and realize you’ve accidentally left a gram or two in your pocket (OK, it might’ve been on purpose). You start to sweat. What will happen on your way through security?

Chances are good you’ll be better off than you would’ve been just a few years ago. It’s still against the law to cross state lines with cannabis, but a number of airports have relaxed their policies on how to handle offenders.

Let’s be clear: The Transportation Security Administration is a federal agency, and its website warns travelers that state laws are “not relevant to TSA screening.” If screeners do find cannabis, the agency says, it will refer the matter to law enforcement. In other words, just because you bought that joint legally doesn’t mean you can bring it on your flight.

Well, unless you’re staying in Oregon. Portland International Airport allows adults 21 and over to travel with cannabis as long as they’re flying to an in-state airport, according to a July announcement.

Washington state hasn’t gone quite that far, but Seattle-Tacoma International Airport told USA Today that officials won’t make a fuss provided travelers are complying with state law.

Leave the Pacific Northwest, though, and you might have a tougher time. Authorities at the Denver International Airport make travelers toss their cannabis, but you’re likely to get off without a citation despite posted warnings about fines.

In California, where only medical use is legal, you might be OK if you can show a doctor’s note. Cannabis Now noticed an Instagram post by an employee of an extract-maker who was stopped after a TSA screener mistook kale chips for a bag of cannabis. The official said he would’ve let it go, the poster wrote, “had I shown my medical recommendation. Gotta love SFO!”

The tsa employee thought my bag of kale chips were a big bag of weed going through the scanner! He said it would have been all good if it was, had I shown my medical recommendation. Gotta love SFO! #goodvibesgoodhash #treadlightly #kalechips

A photo posted by @treometry on Dec 23, 2015 at 7:34am PST

We still don’t advise taking your chances. An arrest is no way to ring in the new year.

Colleges Ease Athlete Punishments for Cannabis

Colleges across the country have been slowly easing penalties facing student–athletes who fail screenings for cannabis, a new Associated Press analysis has found. And statements by the NCAA’s medical chief suggest the organization is shifting its focus away from recreational drugs and toward substances it considers cheating.

“The NCAA last year cut in half the penalty for athletes who fail screenings for substances like marijuana at its championship events, and its chief medical officer is pushing for college sports’ governing body to get out of the business of testing for rec drugs altogether. The AP found that some of the nation’s biggest universities, from Oregon to Auburn, have already eased their punishments as society’s views on marijuana use have changed.”

AP looked at policies from 57 of the 65 schools in the Southeastern Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences, as well as Notre Dame.

Since 2005, 23 of the schools have either reduced penalties for failed tests involving cannabis and certain other substances or allowed athletes to test positive more times before facing suspension or dismissal. In Washington state and Oregon, which legalized recreational cannabis use during the time period AP analyzed, punishment has eased significantly despite the fact that schools still prohibit it:

“At Oregon, an athlete doesn’t lose playing time until a third failed test; at Oregon State, a third failed test used to mean dismissal, but athletes are now given one more chance.

“At Washington, a third failed test used to be a one-year suspension but is now just 30 days.”

Schools in other states adopt an array of policies, but many have become more lenient toward cannabis and other so-called street drugs, even in states where cannabis remains illegal. Athletic directors say the focus is increasingly on rehabilitation rather than punishment, especially as cultural attitudes toward cannabis change.

“It’s a moving target, and we have to find that balance between being too punitive and not punitive enough, and making sure that we help people that have a problem,” Utah athletic director Chris Hill told AP.

The changes also reflect the NCAA’s focus on performance-enhancing drugs rather than recreational ones. Athletes who test positive for PEDs usually face a one-year suspension, while an initial positive test for cannabis typically results in counseling but no suspension.

Such policies align with views of the NCAA’s top doctor, who told the AP he feels focus the body should focus on cheating, not policing morality:

“NCAA medical chief Dr. Brian Hainline said his organization should concentrate on busting athletes who use PEDs and leave it to the schools to deal with the rest, preferably through treatment rather than punishment.

“‘The most important thing that I can’t emphasize enough is that as a society, we have to make a clear distinction between recreational drug use and cheating,’ Hainline said. ‘I really believe that they require two different approaches. One is more nuanced, and one is hard core.’

“What about marijuana being against the law in most states?

“‘If we’re going to test at championship events for things that are illegal, then we shouldn’t just test for pot,’ Hainline said. ‘If there are any kids under the age of 18 smoking cigarettes, we should test for that. We certainly should be testing for alcohol for everyone under the age of 21. Then we ask ourselves, “Where does the moral authority stop?” I’m all for moral authority as long as there is a philosophical consistency to it.'”

It’d be a mistake not to mention reports Tuesday night that three Clemson football players headed for the Orange Bowl have been suspended for failed drug tests. As of Wednesday afternoon, however, it still wasn’t clear what substances were detected.

1st Annual Board Meeting

1st Annual Board Meeting

Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada)

July 14-15. 2002

End Prohibition Now!

August 16, 2002 and August 23, 2002

Long Island Alternative Media Cablevision, Channel 71

The talk on “Drug Policy Reform” by Jack Cole, executive director of LEAP, given on June 8th at the ReconsiDer: Forum on Drug Policies 2002 Annual Meeting has been scheduled for two showings on Long Island Alternative Media, a one hour cable access program devoted to serious issues. The full lecture is included, followed by a number of the questions and answers that “round out” a 58:30 program. The program will air on channel 71 of Cablevision’s Woodbury cable system, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, on Friday, August 16, 2002 and be repeated on Friday, August 23, 2002.

Cablevision’s Woodbury system is one of the largest in the US, with some 660,000 subscribers. The area covered includes most of Nassau County and the Towns of Huntington and Babylon in Suffolk County.

Syracuse University

LEAP Director Peter Christ will be speaking at the School of Social Work, Child & Family Policy, at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA.

Drug Policy Alliance Conference

LEAP Executive Director Jack Cole and Dan Solano will be attending the Drug Policy Alliance Conference “Breaking the Chains: People of Color and the War on Drugs,” in Los Angeles, California, USA

Friday Night Radio

LEAP Executive Director Jack Cole will be interviewed on WMBR 88.1 FM, Friday Night Radio, by the host Chuck Rosina.

International exchange

LEAP Executive Director Jack Cole will be meeting with law enforcement personnel, health workers, and legislators in several countries that have already modified their drug laws for the better and others that are in that process of changing their policies now: Belgium, Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.

Journey for Justice

LEAP Director Dan Solano will be speaking along with Kevin Zeese, of Common Sense for Drug Policy at the conference, “Journey for Justice: End Drug War Injustice,” presented by the November Coalition and the Drug Policy Forum of Michigan at the University of Detroit, Mercy School of Law, Detroit, Michigan, USA.

WW: Council candidate talks weed, Spokane Valley says no more pot businesses

By Jake Thomas The Inlander

Evan Verduin is running for Spokane City Council against incumbent Councilwoman Karen Stratton. He wants the council to get back to legislating on basic municipal services and avoid social issues that he says are needlessly divisive. Backed by Mayor David Condon, he says he’ll be independent and will bring a business perspective to the council, which he and Condon both say is needed.

HISTORIC MARIJUANA DISPENSARY LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW

By Dennis Romero LA Weekly

Gov. Jerry Brown today signed a trio of bills that finally provides statewide rules for California’s medical marijuana growers and sellers.

New regulations don’t clear all the hurdles for pot dispensaries

By Maura Dolan Los Angeles Times

California’s new medical marijuana regulations will likely reduce federal crackdowns in the state, but dispensaries will continue to have difficulty obtaining banking services and deducting business expenses, legal experts and activists said Friday.

Council approves licensing rules for medical pot shops

By Christine Ferretti The Detroit News

Cannabis Proposed to Stop Severe Seizures in Children

By Jhayla Tyson The Liberty Voice

The Plant That Even Politicians Are Talking About

By Emily Gibson MMJ Observer

Marijuana News with Lanny Swerdlow

Blog Talk Radio Marijuana News

5 Things Justin Trudeau Says About Legalizing Marijuana

Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister has promised to legalize marijuana. With the Liberal Party’s electoral victory on Oct. 19, many are anticipating a campaign promise…

The post 5 Things Justin Trudeau Says About Legalizing Marijuana appeared first on Leaf Science.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a group of active compounds found in cannabis. While most cannabis users understand the relationship between THC and getting high, understanding the chemistry…

The post What are Cannabinoids? appeared first on Leaf Science.

Medical Marijuana Update

By Paul Ebeling Live Trading New

A Beginner’s Guide To Marijuana Edibles

Marijuana edibles are becoming a popular alternative to smoking cannabis. Edibles are a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis, particularly for those who cannot…

The post A Beginner’s Guide To Marijuana Edibles appeared first on Leaf Science.

L.A. lawmakers want to bar new pot shops from signing up to pay taxes

By Emily Albert Reyes Los Angeles Times

Prominent Scientific Group to Promote Development of Cannabis Testing Standards

By Omar Sacirbey Marijuana Business Daily

Is Marijuana Addictive?

While some cannabis users argue that marijuana is not addictive, others believe it is. It is true that marijuana is less addictive than tobacco or…

The post Is Marijuana Addictive? appeared first on Leaf Science.

Vaping: How Safe Is It?

Most experts agree that vaporizing is better for you than smoking. The upward trend of vaporizing marijuana has many users touting its benefits when compared…

The post Vaping: How Safe Is It? appeared first on Leaf Science.

THCV May Affect Your High, Study Finds

New research on the cannabinoid THCV shows that it may reduce the effects of THC. While almost all marijuana users are familiar with the effects…

The post THCV May Affect Your High, Study Finds appeared first on Leaf Science.

Delaware to Increase Patient Access Next Year

On December 2, the

The addition of two centers will help to better meet the needs of Delaware patients and will reduce the distances they have to travel. Currently, one dispensary serves the more than 700 patients and caregivers who have registered in the state since the program began. Under existing restrictions, a compassion center can only have up to 2,000 ounces of usable inventory at a time. Unfortunately, patients and caregivers are not allowed to cultivate their own medicine, so increasing the number of dispensaries is vital to ensuring safe, reliable access.

Proposals will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on March 30, 2016.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on February 1 at the Delaware Division of Public Health, Jesse Cooper Building, Third Floor Conference Room in Dover. Applicants must preregister at (302) 744-4862.

The post Delaware to Increase Patient Access Next Year appeared first on MPP Blog.

Minnesota Health Dept. Accepting Public Comments on New Rules

Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger gave patients reason to cheer earlier this month when he approved intractable pain as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. Unfortunately, though, proposed revisions to Minnesota’s medical marijuana regulations could result in an excruciatingly long delay for reviewing future petitions. Under the proposed changes, there could be a delay of more than two years from the time a petition to add a new qualifying condition or delivery method is made to when it takes effect!

If you are a Minnesota resident, please write to Commissioner Ed Ehlinger at the Minnesota Department of Health and urge him to once again show compassion to patients by changing the timeline for adding new conditions. Members of the public may comment on the proposed rules until Wednesday, December 16.

A vast majority of medical marijuana states allow individuals to use and access any number of preparations of medical marijuana to treat a variety of conditions. Minnesota is one of the few that exclude conditions like severe nausea and that strictly limits the modes of delivery — including by excluding whole plant.

The post Minnesota Health Dept. Accepting Public Comments on New Rules appeared first on MPP Blog.

Are Vaporizers Just a Health Fad?

Cold-pressed juice cleanses. Activated charcoal. Coconut oil pulling. Gluten free diets. Vaporizers? While health trends come and go, the few that stick around prove themselves…

The post Are Vaporizers Just a Health Fad? appeared first on Leaf Science.

New Decriminalization Bill Introduced in Illinois

Flanked by leaders in the faith community, Illinois Rep. Kelly Cassidy today announced a new decriminalization bill last week for the 2016 session, HB 4357. Rep. Cassidy has long worked to establish a more just approach to marijuana possession in Illinois, and this new bill gives lawmakers and the governor a chance to quickly pass a bill they both agree would improve the lives of thousands of Illinoisans.

Rep. Kelly Cassidy

While both Gov. Bruce Rauner and the legislature agreed that arrest and jail should be replaced with civil penalties, Gov. Rauner wanted some changes to the legislation approved by the General Assembly. After he issued an amendatory veto, attention turned to the state budget during the latter half of the year. HB 4357 picks up where the previous bill left off.

Currently, possession laws in Illinois are harsh and unfair. Not only can a person be arrested, jailed, and fined large amounts of money for simple possession, people of color are also far, far more likely to be arrested than their white counterparts. It’s past time for state law to change and apply equally to all residents.

The post New Decriminalization Bill Introduced in Illinois appeared first on MPP Blog.

Can Marijuana Help With Depression?

Medical research suggests that cannabis may help improve mood, but users also seem to suffer higher rates of depression. Marijuana is sometimes referred to as…

The post Can Marijuana Help With Depression? appeared first on Leaf Science.

D.C. Advocates Urge Council to Ease Limits on Private Consumption

Late last week, the

Should B21-0107 fail, owners and operators of private clubs and event spaces will be allowed to decide for themselves if they want to allow marijuana consumption by adults 21 and older. Currently, District residents are legally allowed to consume marijuana only in private residences. Because of restrictions on public housing and by some landlords, this leaves some District residents with nowhere they can consume cannabis.

District code already prevents marijuana consumption “any place to which the public is invited,” so marijuana could still not be consumed in bars or restaurants if B21-0107 is defeated.

Congress has prevented the Council from taking further action to treat marijuana like alcohol, but that does not mean they have to adopt overbroad bans on public use. If you are a District resident, ask your council members to oppose advancement of B21-0107 thereby allowing social marijuana use in limited, non-residential, private spaces. Marijuana is safer than alcohol; help us continue to shape policy to recognize this.

The post D.C. Advocates Urge Council to Ease Limits on Private Consumption appeared first on MPP Blog.

Report: Criminal Justice Referrals Still Driving Marijuana ‘Treatment’ Admissions

Over half of all people admitted to drug treatment programs for marijuana-related issues over the past decade were referred there by a criminal justice source, according to a report published this month by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

In the years 2003 through 2013, 52 percent of people in drug treatment for marijuana as their ‘primary substance of abuse’ were referred by the criminal justice system. Of those, almost half (44 percent) entered treatment as a component of their probation or parole.

Only 18 percent of marijuana treatment admissions were based upon self-referrals. Primary marijuana admissions were less likely than all other drug-related admissions combined to have been self- or individually referred to treatment.

The data mirrors those of previous federal reports finding that only a small percentage of those entering treatment for marijuana perceive that they are abusing cannabis or have even used the substance recently.

Mon: NJ Senate to Hold First-Ever Hearing on Legislation to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients from Discrimination and Loss of Employment

Trenton—The New Jersey Legislature is poised to hold the first-ever hearing on legislation clarifying employment protections for medical marijuana patients. The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee hearing is scheduled for Monday, December 21st at 1PM in the New Jersey State House Annex Committee Room 1. The Legislation, Senate Bill 3162, is sponsored by Senator Nicholas Scutari (DMiddlesex/Somerset/Union) and Senator Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex).

Advocates applaud the legislation. “Medical marijuana patients in New Jersey are in a state of limbo and fear. They fear being fired from their jobs for using medical marijuana even though it is legal under New Jersey law,” said Roseanne Scotti, New Jersey State Director for the Drug Policy Alliance. “No individual and no family should be punished for following their doctor’s order and the laws of their state.”

A number of high profile lawsuits in New Jersey and other states have involved medical marijuana patients who were terminated from employment for using medical marijuana and the law as it stands is unclear. Advocates say that the patient protections included in the New Jersey’s Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) are stronger than those in other state medical marijuana laws. In keeping with the oft-stated intent of the legislature to make the CUMMA a national model, the legislature needs to clarify those protections.

For patients, in addition to protection from any criminal penalties for possession and use of medical marijuana, the CUMMA provides that “A qualifying patient, primary caregiver, alternative treatment center, physician, or any other person acting in accordance with the provisions of this act shall not be subject to any civil or administrative penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, civil penalty or disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, related to the medical use of marijuana as authorized under this act.” (emphasis added).

For employers, the CUMMA states that “Nothing in this act shall be construed to require a government medical assistance program or private health insurer to reimburse a person for costs associated with the medical use of marijuana, or an employer to accommodate the medical use of marijuana in any workplace.” (emphasis added)

Senator Nicholas Scutari (D-Middlesex, Somerset and Union), who drafted and sponsored the CUMMA, has introduced the new legislation Senate Bill 3162 clarifies that patients do have employment protections and cannot be penalized or fired because of their use of medical marijauana.

“It was not the intent of the legislature when we passed the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act to allow patients to lose their jobs simply because of their use of medical marijuana,” says Scutari. “Medical marijuana should be treated like any other legitimate medication use by an employee.”

Senate Bill 3162 still prohibits medical marijuana use in the workplace but protects patients for use outside the workplace. The legislation states that, “Unless an employer establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the lawful use of medical marijuana has impaired the employee’s ability to perform the employee’s job responsibilities, it shall be unlawful to take any adverse employment action against an employee who is a qualified registered patient using medical marijuana consistent with the provisions [of the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act].”

Advocates say that the bill balances the rights of patients and employers and provides clear guidance to both. They are urging the members of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee tovote favorably on this crucial legislation.

Author:
Date Published: December 15, 2015
Published by Drug Policy Alliance

Drug Policy Alliance Applauds Ralphs for Being First Chain Supermarket in California to Make Overdose Antidote Naloxone Available Without a Prescription

SAN FRANCISCO— The Drug Policy Alliance is applauding Southern California supermarket giant Ralphs for being the first chain grocery in California to stock and sell the opiate overdose reversal drug naloxone in their pharmacies without a prescription. All store locations in Southern California will soon make the lifesaving drug available to friends and family members of people at risk of an opiate overdose. Ralphs’ participation is a direct result of the passage of Assemblymember Richard Bloom’s AB 1535, which was co-sponsored by the Drug Policy Alliance and the California Pharmacists Association. The bill was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in 2014.

Overdose prevention advocates are elated to see a leader in the retail supermarket space making naloxone so easy and convenient to buy. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to see Ralphs expanding access to naloxone throughout Southern California,” said Laura Thomas, California deputy director of the Drug Policy Alliance. “They worked hard to quickly make naloxone access a reality for thousands of families,” she added.

Accidental drug overdose continues to be the leading cause of accidental death in California, causing more deaths than motor vehicle accidents. Over 44,000 people die of accidental drug overdose every year in the United States and the number of deaths has doubled since 1999. Most of those deaths involve opiates, including prescription pain medications and illicit opiates such as heroin. Naloxone is a very safe and effective antidote to opiate overdose. Overdose prevention advocates including the Drug Policy Alliance are working to ensure that people who use drugs and their family members have access to naloxone to reverse opiate overdoses. This September, CVS became the first major pharmacy chain in California to make naloxone available without a prescription. CVS also expanded non-prescription naloxone access in more than 12 other states.

“As a mom in Southern California, I couldn’t happier or more proud of Ralphs for helping to save lives,” said Denise Cullen, an Orange County mom who lost her son Jeff to a heroin overdose. “I work with parents who lost their kids to opiate overdose. We know better than anyone that having access to naloxone can literally be the difference between life and death for our sons and daughters. The fact that Ralphs so quickly understood the problem and worked to help get naloxone to us is amazing. They deserve a lot of credit,” said Cullen.

Author:
Date Published: December 15, 2015
Published by Drug Policy Alliance

Congress Unveils 2016 Omnibus Spending Bill, Reauthorizes Marijuana Protections

Members of Congress this morning unveiled the 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill, legislation that is responsible for funding the federal government through the 2016 fiscal year.  While stand alone marijuana related bills rarely gain traction in Congress, the annual omnibus appropriations bill has become a tool for federal lawmakers to pass marijuana related language into annual spending guidelines.

In last week’s Legislative Round Up, we covered five distinct marijuana provisions that lawmakers sought to include in the final draft of the 2016 spending bill.

We now know that two of these provisions have been included in the omnibus appropriations bill. One measure prevents the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration from spending money to interfere with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws. The other measure prevents the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration from spending money to interfere with the implementation of state industrial hemp research programs. Both measures were initially passed by Congress in 2015, but required reauthorization to extend into 2016.

Unfortunately, separate provisions permitting doctors with the Department of Veterans Affairs to recommend medical marijuana to military veterans, and to prevent the V.A. from denying services to veterans because they are state recognized medical marijuana patients were eliminated from the final bill. Senate-backed language seeking to authorize financial institutions to engage in relationships with state-licensed marijuana business was also rejected from the final bill.  

Lastly, language prohibiting the District of Columbia from taxing and selling marijuana was included in the annual spending for the second year in the row. Current law allows for residents to grow, possess and share marijuana. But the sale and promotion will be prohibited for at least another year.

While we see success in having kept in place protections for state sponsored medical marijuana and hemp programs, it is nonetheless disappointing that members of Congress continue to unnecessarily insert themselves into a doctor-patient relationship with our country’s veterans and continue to deny licensed businesses access to needed banking services.

No ground has been lost, but Congress should know we’ll be back next year to gain more.

Federal Survey: Marijuana Use By Young People Declining

Self-reported marijuana use by teenagers has declined since 2010, according to annual survey data compiled by the University of Michigan and released today.

Authors state that adolescents’ use of cannabis has fallen slightly since 2010, while respondents’ self-reported use of other drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, are at near-record lows. Young people also reported finding it harder to access cannabis, a trend that has stayed consistent since the late-1990s.

The conclusions are consistent with other studies — such as those here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here — finding that the enactment of state laws permitting the use of marijuana for medical or social purposes is not associated with overall rises in cannabis use by young people.

Congress Set to Pass Significant Drug Policy Reforms in New Spending Bill

Congress is set to vote on a must-pass spending bill introduced last night that includes language that stops the Obama Administration’s Department of Justice from spending money to block the implementation of state medical marijuana laws. The amendment was passed last year on a temporary basis and must be renewed this year.

“The renewal of this amendment should bring relief for medical marijuana patients and business owners,” said Michael Collins, Deputy Director of National Affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. “For decades Congress has been responsible for passing disastrous drug laws,” continued Collins. “It’s encouraging to see them starting to roll back the war on drugs by allowing states to set their own medical marijuana policies.”

The amendment was sponsored by Rep Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Rep Sam Farr (D-CA), and approved by the House this summer by 242 votes to 186. The Senate Appropriations Committee subsequently passed the same amendment, sponsored by Sen. Mikulski (D-MD), by 21 to 9. The amendment has already been used to successfully litigate certain court cases. In October, a federal judge threw out a case brought by the DEA against a medical marijuana dispensary by citing the amendment. Provisions preventing Washington DC from taxing and regulating marijuana were included once again, while amendments to allow banks to provide financial services to marijuana businesses and to allow veterans to have access to medical marijuana were not included, despite the Senate’s approval of both.

Meanwhile, in a huge win for public health, Congress has included language in the spending bill that would enable states and localities to spend federal funds on syringe access programs, effectively lifting the decades-long ban on federal funding for such life-saving programs.

“Syringe access programs are a sound public health intervention, rooted in science, and proven to drastically reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis C,” said Michael Collins, Deputy Director of National Affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. “Lifting this archaic ban will save thousands of lives.”

The ban was put in place in 1988 at the height of hysteria around the drug war and HIV. It was repealed in 2009 when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, but reinstated by Republicans in Congress in 2011 after they regained control of the House. But outbreaks of HIV in Indiana, and the rise in heroin use in places like Kentucky and West Virginia have forced Republicans to rethink their opposition to syringe access programs.

Restricting access to sterile syringes among people who inject drugs has been proven to lead to syringe sharing – a major cause of HIV infections. Clear evidence shows that allowing adults to access sterile syringes – through syringe exchange programs and non-prescription sales of syringes – prevents the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases, without contributing to increased drug use, drug injection, crime or unsafe discard of syringes. Such programs are also cost-effective. Syringe access programs are supported by every major medical and public health organization, including the American Medical Association, National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Bar Association, and U.S. Conference of Mayors, as well as UNICEF, the World Bank, and International Red Cross-Red Crescent Society.

In countries where addiction is treated as a health issue, the fight against HIV/AIDS is being won. New HIV infections in countries such as Australia, Germany and Switzerland have been virtually eliminated among people who use drugs, just as mother-to-child HIV transmission has been eliminated in countries that make medicines for pregnant women accessible.

The language modifying the ban is as follows:
SEC. 520. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, no funds appropriated in this Act shall be used to purchase sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug: Provided, That such limitation does not apply to the use of funds for elements of a program other than making such purchases if the relevant State or local health department, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, determines that the State or local jurisdiction, as applicable, is experiencing, or is at risk for, a significant increase in hepatitis infections or an HIV outbreak due to injection drug use, and such program is operating in accordance with State and local law.

Author:
Date Published: December 16, 2015
Published by Drug Policy Alliance

U.S. Government Sides With Colorado, Urging Supreme Court To Reject Neighboring States' Challenge To Country's First Marijuana Legalization Law

Today, the Obama Administration filed an amicus brief, asking the Supreme Court to reject a case filed by Nebraska and Oklahoma seeking to block Colorado’s voter-approved marijuana legalization law.

Almost a year ago – on December 18, 2014 – Nebraska and Oklahoma filed suit in the U.S. Supreme Court against the state of Colorado over its marijuana legalization law, saying the law has created an increased law enforcement burden in neighboring states. The suit, filed by the attorneys general for Nebraska and Oklahoma, claims federal marijuana prohibition preempts Colorado’s law. Colorado voters decisively approved marijuana legalization in 2012 by adopting Amendment 64.

“We are pleased the DOJ agrees that this lawsuit borders on the frivolous. States have historically been allowed to establish their own criminal laws,” said Jolene Forman, staff attorney for the Drug Policy Alliance. “Moreover, Colorado is putting resources into ensuring its policies follow DOJ guidelines and has worked extensively with the DOJ towards this goal.”

The Federal government itself has not challenged the regulatory law in Colorado nor did they choose to interfere with its implementation. To the contrary, the government has deprioritized enforcement of state-level marijuana reforms and acknowledged the interests that both states and the Federal government have in openly regulating marijuana.

“Nebraska and Oklahoma’s primary problems are their own punitive policies regarding marijuana use and possession,” said Art Way, Colorado State Director of the Drug Policy Alliance. “It is not Colorado’s fault these states look to spend such a high degree of law enforcement and judicial resources on marijuana prohibition. Nebraska and Oklahoma should look to establish policies based on the potential harm of marijuana as opposed to simply using marijuana as the gateway to their criminal justice systems.”

Author:
Date Published: December 16, 2015
Published by Drug Policy Alliance

Delaware Decriminalization Law Takes Effect

Legislation signed into law last June decriminalizing marijuana possession offenses takes effect at midnight tonight.

House Bill 39 reclassifies the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis by those age 21 and over from a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a criminal record, to a civil violation punishable by a $100 fine only — no arrest, and no criminal record. (Those between the ages of 18 and 21 may face criminal charges, but only if it is their second or subsequent offense.)

The new law also amends the personal possession of marijuana paraphernalia from a criminal to a civil violation. Public use of the substance, as well as marijuana possession while inside a vehicle, remain classified as misdemeanors.

Prior to the law change, Delaware ranked #17 in the nation in per capita marijuana possession arrests.

Delaware’s decriminalization law mimics similar laws in effect in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont — each of which treat minor marijuana possessions as a civil violation.

Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio classify marijuana possession as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine only.

Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, DC previously enacted marijuana decriminalization policies, but have since amended their laws to legalize the plant’s possession and use.

NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up

With the holidays around the corner, there is plenty to celebrate in regard to marijuana law reform successes! Congress unveiled their 2016 omnibus appropriations bill that will fund the government through next year which included several marijuana measures and we’ve seen a number of state and municipal measures take hold as well. Keep reading to see if your state is moving ahead in reforming their marijuana laws!

Federal: In last week’s Legislative Round Up, we covered five distinct marijuana provisions that lawmakers sought to include in the final draft of the 2016 spending bill.

We now know that two of these provisions have been included in the omnibus appropriations bill. One measure prevents the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration from spending money to interfere with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws. The other measure prevents the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration from spending money to interfere with the implementation of state industrial hemp research programs.

Both measures were initially passed by Congress in 2015, but required reauthorization to extend into 2016.

To read more about this legislation click here.

State:

Vermont: The sponsor has unveiled the bill that will be introduced in the state’s next legislative session to legalize and regulate the adult use, production and sale of cannabis. Once formally
introduced, the bill will head to the Senate Judiciary committee for its first consideration.

The 41 page bill allows for retail outlets, lounges, and personal cultivation. Taxes and fees are not
included in the bill language and will be covered when the bill is considered in the Senate Finance Committee.

You can read more about the legislation here and write your lawmakers, urging their support here.

Kentucky: Legislation to legalize and regulate the adult use and retail sale of marijuana, The ‘Cannabis Freedom Act, has been pre-filed for the 2016 legislative session.

The legislation allows adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of cannabis, cultivate up to five cannabis plants, store excess cannabis lawfully grown for personal use at the location where it was cultivated; or transfer up to one ounce of cannabis to another person age 21 or older without remuneration.

In a prepared statement, the bill’s sponsor said: “Too many Kentuckians have had their lives stymied with criminal records as a result of nonviolent marijuana convictions. That is wrong. It is time to stop making criminals out of citizens due to outdated and ridiculous laws concerning cannabis.”

Contact your lawmakers in Kentucky and encourage them to support this measure here!

Delaware: Legislation signed into law last June decriminalizing marijuana possession offenses took effect at midnight this morning in the state of Delaware.

House Bill 39 reclassifies the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis by those age 21 and over from a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a criminal record, to a
civil violation punishable by a $100 fine only — no arrest, and no criminal record. (Those between the ages of 18 and 21 may face criminal charges, but only if it is their second or subsequent offense.)

The new law also amends the personal possession of marijuana paraphernalia from a criminal to a civil violation. Public use of the substance, as well as marijuana possession while inside a vehicle, remain classified as misdemeanors.

Municipal:

Pittsburgh (PA): An ordinance, proposed by Councilman Daniel Lavelle,  which would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana passed a preliminary vote in City Council on Wednesday.

The measure would allow police to seize the drugs and issue a $100 fine as long as a person had less than 30 grams of marijuana — about an ounce. People could have about eight grams of hash.

A final vote is scheduled for this upcoming Monday. You can contact your City Council district here to urge their support for this measure.

Palm Beach County (FL): With a 4 to 1 vote Tuesday, Palm Beach County decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Law enforcement can now give offenders a $100 fine or the option of 10 hours of community service instead of arrest. The ordinance only covers offenders 18 and over, and an offender can receive a maximum of two citations.

This vote comes after nearby cities West Palm Beach and Miami Beach also chose to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Additional information for these and other pending legislative measures may be found at our #TakeAction Center!

** A note to first time readers: NORML can not introduce legislation in your state. Nor can any other non-profit advocacy organization. Only your state representatives, or in some cases an individual constituent (by way of their representative; this is known as introducing legislation ‘by request’) can do so. NORML can — and does — work closely with like-minded politicians and citizens to reform marijuana laws, and lobbies on behalf of these efforts. But ultimately the most effective way — and the only way — to successfully achieve statewide marijuana law reform is for local stakeholders and citizens to become involved in the political process and to make the changes they want to see. Get active; get NORML!

Vermont Marijuana Regulation Bill to Be Introduced

A new bill to make marijuana legal for adults and regulated similarly to alcohol in Vermont will be introduced next month, according to bill sponsors.

The Times Argus reports:

Legislation to be introduced next month when lawmakers return to the State House would allow those 21 and older to grow and possess marijuana for recreational use as early as July.

Sen. Joe Benning
Sen. Jeanette White

The legislation, sponsored by Sens. Jeanette White, D-Windham, and Joe Benning, R-Caledonia, would allow for lounges, where customers could purchase and use marijuana, and retail outlets in 2017. Edible products would not be allowed.

…

Personal cultivation and use would allow residents to grow marijuana in plots of up to 100 square feet. Marijuana possession would be limited to 1 ounce. Anything harvested over that amount would be required to be in a secured location. The private sale of marijuana between two parties would not be allowed, and marijuana could not be exchanged for anything of value except at a state-permitted retail establishment.

There are still details that legislators say will be dealt with in committee next session. If you are a Vermont resident, please urge your lawmakers to support making marijuana legal and visit the Vermont Coalition to Regulate Marijuana.

The post Vermont Marijuana Regulation Bill to Be Introduced appeared first on MPP Blog.

Delaware Decriminalization Law Takes Effect Today

Delaware’s marijuana decriminalization law officially takes effect today, making Delaware the 19th state in the nation to remove the threat of jail, a punishment far too severe for simple marijuana possession.

Under the new law, the possession or private use of one ounce or less of marijuana will no longer trigger criminal penalties or create a criminal record for adults over 21 years of age. Instead, it will be a civil violation punishable by a $100 fine. Adults between the ages of 18 and 20 will face the same $100 civil fine for their first offense. Marijuana possession by minors and public consumption by people of any age will remain misdemeanors.

“Delaware’s marijuana policy is about to become a lot more reasonable,” said Karen O’Keefe, who lobbied for the bill as state policies director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Most people agree adults should not face jail time or the life-altering consequences of a criminal record just for possessing a substance that is safer than alcohol. Taxpayers certainly don’t want to foot the bill for it, and fortunately they will not have to any longer.”

The post Delaware Decriminalization Law Takes Effect Today appeared first on MPP Blog.

We are All Drug Users

Who can honestly say that they don’t use drugs? I’m not necessarily talking about illegal drugs, like marijuana or psychedelics. Alcohol is a drug. Nicotine is a drug. Caffeine is a drug. Aspirin is a drug. Many kids are on Adderall and many parents [and grandparents ;) ] take Viagra. There are drugs to help us stay awake, drugs to help us fall asleep, drugs that heal our pain and cure illnesses. You can’t watch television without seeing tons of commercials for drugs. Some drugs have been around for thousands of years while new ones are being discovered and created all the time these days. And yet most people I talk to don’t see themselves as drug users.

Drugs are a part of life, but the way we talk about drugs in our society is hugely problematic. We make distinctions based on a drug’s legal status, and most people never question why only certain drugs are illegal. Legal drugs are often looked at as “medicines” and illegal drugs are “dangerous substances.” But legal drugs like tobacco and alcohol are responsible for WAY more deaths than illegal drugs each year. And most illegal drugs were actually legal at one point. If you or your parents are old enough, going to the pharmacy might even be known as going to the “drug store” in your house.

It shocks most people when they hear that many legal drugs are the same as illegal drugs. Did you know that morphine and opioid prescription painkillers are essentially the same thing as heroin, and the Adderall we prescribe to young people across the country is virtually the same thing as methamphetamine? Watch what Dr. Carl Hart has to say – there is so much misinformation out there and he can explain much better than I can.

No one is saying that drug use can’t be problematic for some people. According to Dr. Hart, 10 to 20 percent of people who use drugs will struggle with drug misuse. So that also means that, “80 to 90 percent of people who use illegal drugs are not addicts. They don’t have a drug problem. Most are responsible members of our society. They are employed. They pay their taxes. They take care of their families.”

It bothers me that we can have compassion for people who use legal drugs but turn our backs on people who use illegal drugs. I just saw a new commercial that opened my eyes to this. Opioid painkillers are being prescribed so often there is now a market for people who want another drug to treat their opioid-induced constipation. So people who have access to legal opioids are offered other medications to deal with the side effects of their opioid use. Meanwhile, people who use heroin are stigmatized and persecuted for their opioid use and it’s such a struggle to convince lawmakers just to expand access to the life-saving drug naloxone and syringe access programs. Why are we treating these people differently? Doesn’t anyone realize that a huge portion of people who use heroin are doing so because of an addiction that started with legal prescription opioids?

Our drug policies should stem from a public health approach, not a criminal justice one. Portugal is the best current example of how to effectively do this.

I can understand why people don’t want to come out and identify as drug users – there are legal liabilities and it’s a real form of privilege to be able to speak out like that. But this should make readers reflect and think – “What if the drugs I depend on were made illegal?”

If we all begin to see ourselves as drug users, then we’ll have more compassion for those who struggle with drug misuse. We’ll see why it doesn’t make sense to arrest people simply for using or possessing drugs, and why we need to end the decades-old failed war on drugs.

Derek Rosenfeld is the manager of social media and media relations at the Drug Policy Alliance.

View more blog posts.

Author: Derek Rosenfeld
Date Published: December 17, 2015
Published by Drug Policy Alliance

Congress Adopts Significant Drug Policy Reforms in New Spending Bill

Congress passed a must-pass spending bill this morning that includes language that stops the Obama Administration’s Department of Justice from spending money to block the implementation of state medical marijuana laws. The amendment was passed last year on a temporary basis and must be renewed this year.

“The renewal of this amendment should bring relief for medical marijuana patients and business owners,” said Michael Collins, Deputy Director of National Affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. “For decades Congress has been responsible for passing disastrous drug laws,” continued Collins. “It’s encouraging to see them starting to roll back the war on drugs by allowing states to set their own medical marijuana policies.”

The amendment was sponsored by Rep Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Rep Sam Farr (D-CA), and approved by the House this summer by 242 votes to 186. The Senate Appropriations Committee subsequently passed the same amendment, sponsored by Sen. Mikulski (D-MD), by 21 to 9. The amendment has already been used to successfully litigate certain court cases. In October, a federal judge threw out a case brought by the DEA against a medical marijuana dispensary by citing the amendment.

Provisions preventing Washington DC from taxing and regulating marijuana were included once again, while amendments to allow banks to provide financial services to marijuana businesses and to allow veterans to have access to medical marijuana were not included, despite the Senate’s approval of both.

Meanwhile, in a huge win for public health, Congress has included language in the spending bill that would enable states and localities to spend federal funds on syringe access programs, effectively lifting the decades-long ban on federal funding for such life-saving programs.

“Syringe access programs are a sound public health intervention, rooted in science, and proven to drastically reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis C,” said Michael Collins, Deputy Director of National Affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. “Lifting this archaic ban will save thousands of lives.”

The ban was put in place in 1988 at the height of hysteria around the drug war and HIV. It was repealed in 2009 when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, but reinstated by Republicans in Congress in 2011 after they regained control of the House. But outbreaks of HIV in Indiana, and the rise in heroin use in places like Kentucky and West Virginia have forced Republicans to rethink their opposition to syringe access programs.

Restricting access to sterile syringes among people who inject drugs has been proven to lead to syringe sharing – a major cause of HIV infections. Clear evidence shows that allowing adults to access sterile syringes – through syringe exchange programs and non-prescription sales of syringes – prevents the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases, without contributing to increased drug use, drug injection, crime or unsafe discard of syringes. Such programs are also cost-effective. Syringe access programs are supported by every major medical and public health organization, including the American Medical Association, National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Bar Association, and U.S. Conference of Mayors, as well as UNICEF, the World Bank, and International Red Cross-Red Crescent Society.

In countries where addiction is treated as a health issue, the fight against HIV/AIDS is being won. New HIV infections in countries such as Australia, Germany and Switzerland have been virtually eliminated among people who use drugs, just as mother-to-child HIV transmission has been eliminated in countries that make medicines for pregnant women accessible.

The language modifying the ban is as follows:

SEC. 520. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, no funds appropriated in this Act shall be used to purchase sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug: Provided, That such limitation does not apply to the use of funds for elements of a program other than making such purchases if the relevant State or local health department, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, determines that the State or local jurisdiction, as applicable, is experiencing, or is at risk for, a significant increase in hepatitis infections or an HIV outbreak due to injection drug use, and such program is operating in accordance with State and local law.

Author:
Date Published: December 18, 2015
Published by Drug Policy Alliance

Justice Department Will Continue to Be Prohibited From Interfering in State Medical Marijuana Laws Under New Spending Bill

The Justice Department will continue to be prohibited from interfering in state medical marijuana laws under the new federal spending bill unveiled late Tuesday night.

The compromise legislation includes a provision that is intended to prevent the department, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, from using funds to arrest or prosecute patients, caregivers, and businesses that are acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws. It stems from an amendment sponsored by Reps. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Sam Farr (D-CA) that was first approved in the House of Representatives in May 2014 and included in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 signed by President Obama last December.

In April 2015, a Justice Department spokesman told the Los Angeles Times that the department did not interpret the amendment as affecting cases involving individuals or businesses, but merely “impeding the ability of states to carry out their medical marijuana laws.” In October, a federal judge ruled that interpretation was inaccurate and that the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment prevents the department from taking action against individuals who are acting in compliance with state laws.

Unfortunately, the new spending plan also includes an amendment, introduced by Rep. Andy Harris (R-Maryland) and approved earlier this year, which prevents the District of Columbia from regulating the cultivation and distribution of marijuana for adult use. District voters approved a ballot initiative in 2014 to make possession and growing of limited amounts of marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age and older.

The post Justice Department Will Continue to Be Prohibited From Interfering in State Medical Marijuana Laws Under New Spending Bill appeared first on MPP Blog.

Annual Survey Shows Teen Marijuana Use Remains Steady, Not Increased by Policy Reform or Debate

The results of an annual survey of U.S. middle and high school students released Wednesday invalidate claims that reforming marijuana laws and debating legalization will lead to increased marijuana use among teens.

According to the Monitoring the Future Survey sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):

Rates of daily marijuana use by 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-graders, as well as monthly use by 12th-graders, did not change from 2014 to 2015 and have remained unchanged since 2010.

The rate of monthly marijuana use by 8th-graders did not change in the past year, but has dropped significantly since 2010.

The rate of monthly marijuana use by 10th-graders appears to have dropped significantly from 2014 (and 2010) to 2015.

The survey also found a decline in the number of teens who perceive ‘great risk’ in marijuana use, negating the theory that softening perceptions of harm will result in more teens using marijuana.

The post Annual Survey Shows Teen Marijuana Use Remains Steady, Not Increased by Policy Reform or Debate appeared first on MPP Blog.

Pot and Senior Citizens: It’s a Natural Fit

As another year draws to a close, and I turn another year older, I am reminded how nicely marijuana compliments the aging process. And yet, because of the fears and misconceptions from the decades-long “reefer madness” government propaganda campaign, most seniors today remain unaware of the benefits and pleasures of cannabis. Those over 65 years of age remain the only demographic in the country who do not yet support marijuana legalization. We need to change that.

Marijuana and Health

First, aging brings a host of natural aches and pains, many of which are best remedied with a little marijuana smoking. Most of us who qualify as seniors end up with a growing list of pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by our physicians, most of which have some undesirable side-effects, some minor and some not so minor. Recent research has documented that those who use marijuana to treat the symptoms of their conditions generally use fewer dangerous, Schedule 2 narcotics, avoiding the inevitable unpleasant side-effects those drugs bring, along with their palliative effects.

Improving the Quality of Life for Seniors

But primarily the point I would like to make in this column is the positive role marijuana can play in an older individual’s life, beyond the traditional medical applications. That is, marijuana can help enhance the quality of life at a time when most seniors have time on their hands and can explore facets of life that might have been missed when one’s career or family responsibilities consumed every available moment. We can now slow down and smell the flowers.

Many older citizens fill their time by traveling more extensively than before; some spend more time playing golf or tennis or some other sport that may have been only an occasional diversion during their earlier years; and many pursue an intellectual search to learn more about the world around them, an option made enormously more attractive with the internet.

And each of these uses of their free time, and many more, can be enhanced with the use of marijuana.

With a couple of hits of high-quality weed, one might be inclined to finally take the time to learn that foreign language you have always wanted to master; or to research the family tree to learn your family’s history; or to more fully understand some of the serious social and environmental challenges with which we are confronted today.

There are wonderful, creative ways to spend free time when your mind is open to new experiences.

Opening the Doors of Perception

The marijuana high, when used properly, opens the doors of perception and allows us to ask ourselves questions we might not have asked before, when we were overwhelmed with the challenges of everyday life – it stimulates one’s intellectual curiosity.

By the nature of our existence, as we grow older we naturally ponder the reality that we are mortal and will not live forever, and that none of us are certain precisely what that means. It is the nature of the human experience that some of these question are beyond our ability to answer.

Marijuana can be an entheogen that helps one achieve a degree of calmness about such imponderable spiritual questions, and allows us to set those issues aside while we enjoy each day, even with all of life’s uncertainties and challenges.

And finally, the marijuana high can turn an otherwise ordinary time into a special experience. Marijuana enhances the pleasures we derive from spending time with family and friends; from good music and good food, however one defines those things; and from those ordinary things that bring us joy each day, such as seeing a new-born baby, listening to the birds chirp in the morning, smelling the distinctive aroma of spring flowers, playing with our pets, or watching our grandchildren develop into younger versions of ourselves.

This seems to me to be the most useful aspect of the marijuana high; it allows us to find value and richness in the ordinary.

For seniors who enjoy smoking marijuana, there is really no such thing as “too much time on our hands.” It’s all good time that we can use to enrich our lives.

I sometimes think marijuana is wasted on the young; it really is best suited for those of us who are now senior citizens, with discretionary time, and enjoying every minute of it.

Stoner Seniors. It has a nice ring to it!

President Obama Grants Clemency to 95 Individuals

Today, President Barack Obama commuted the sentences of 95 people incarcerated in federal prison for drug offenses. This follows the commutation of 45 people in July, 22 people in March, and 8 people in December of 2014. All of those who received commutations today were serving time in prison for nonviolent drug offenses.

In taking this step, the President has now issued 170 commutations, the vast majority to non-violent offenders sentenced for drug law violations under draconian sentencing laws. President Obama has been under significant public pressure from advocacy groups and family members of people incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses who are serving long, mandatory minimum sentences.

“The President is to be applauded for bringing some much needed holiday cheer to the families of these incarcerated individuals, but we need so much more,” said Michael Collins, deputy director at DPA’s office of national affairs. “There is legislation moving through Congress that would reduce mandatory minimums, and Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell need to bring these bills up for a vote.”

The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, spearheaded by Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), includes reductions in mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses, an expansion of the federal “safety valve” (which allows judges to use their discretion to sentence people below statutory mandatory minimums), and will expand prison programming and early release, among other things. A similar bill, championed by Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), was introduced in the House. Both bills have strong bipartisan support, and are awaiting floor action.

Just last month, at the Drug Policy Alliance’s International Drug Policy Reform Conference, more than 1,500 attendees were asked to take part in a text action calling on President Obama to use his clemency powers more aggressively to free victims of the drug war.

Jason Hernandez, who served 17 years of a life sentence for a crack cocaine offense before becoming the first Latino to receive clemency from President Obama, announced the call to action: “President Obama, I love you like a father for giving me my life back. I will never be able to thank you enough for what you have done for me and my family, and I know you are not responsible for this war on drugs. You can’t end it by yourself, but, Mr. President, with all due respect, you need to do more. There are mothers and fathers that have been in prison so long that their kids are being raised without a parent — entire communities are being decimated — all because of this failed war on drugs. Mr. President, bring our loved ones home.”

“I am gratified that President Obama used his powers to release individuals who deserve to have a second chance at life,” said Anthony Papa, media relations manager for the Drug Policy Alliance, who was granted clemency in New York State in 1997 after serving 12 years under the notorious Rockefeller Drug Laws for a first-time nonviolent drug offense. “These horrific drug sentences overwhelmingly impact people of color, and it’s time our leaders righted these wrongs.”

View the list of people who received clemency here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/12/18/president-obama-g…

Author:
Date Published: December 18, 2015
Published by Drug Policy Alliance

President Obama Commutes the Sentences of 95 People – and He Should Still Do More

Last week, President Obama commuted the sentences of 95 people incarcerated in federal prisons. Forty of these individuals were serving life sentences for a drug law violation.

The announcement more than doubles the number of commutations that President Obama has granted since he took the oath of office. President Obama should do more. Nearly 2,000 individuals are serving life in prison for drug related crimes. Thousands more remain incarcerated having been sentenced under unfair and outdated crack cocaine sentencing guidelines. The Fair Sentencing Act, passed by Congress in 2010, reduced the sentencing disparity for crack cocaine and powder cocaine from 100:1 to 18:1 but was not made retroactive.

A commutation is a reduction of a person’s prison sentence. The United States Constitution gives the president the authority to issue commutations for anyone convicted of a federal crime. The same holds true for cases prosecuted in D.C. Superior Court. The President cannot commute a sentence imposed by a state court, instead most often the state’s constitution gives the state’s governor the authority to grant clemency or pardons.

A pardon is official forgiveness of a crime and includes restoration of civil rights, such as the right to vote or sit on a jury. Although it can be granted at any time, it is most often granted after a person has completed their sentence and maintained a record of good behavior for a period of time. The President granted two pardons on Friday.

Many barriers exist for people released from a period of incarceration. People with a felony conviction are barred from public housing and individuals with drug related felonies are ineligible for nutritional, housing and other low-income public assistance. Many potential pathways to careers are cut off by a felony record since employers often discriminate against individuals with a criminal record and professional licenses, such as barber and cosmetology and taxi-cab licenses can be denied to persons with a felony conviction. Overall, there is little meaningful assistance provided to individuals reintegrating back into their communities upon their release.

Congress should take action to reduce long prison sentences for non-violent offenses and apply the Fair Sentencing Act retroactively. The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, spearheaded by Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), includes reductions in mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses, makes the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive, and expands prison programming and early release, among other things. A similar bill, championed by Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), was introduced in the House. Both bills have strong bipartisan support, and are awaiting floor action. Additionally, Congress should remove the ban on cash assistance and food stamp programs for people convicted of drug related crime. About half of states have already modified or opted out of the ban altogether.

No one should spend decades of their life imprisoned for drug related crimes. It is equally unjust that a lifetime of denied opportunities awaits a person who has just completed such a sentence. President Obama has said that he wants to restore balance to America’s drug policy; thousands of people are still serving mandatory minimum sentences for drug related crimes. President Obama has the power to free thousands of victims of failed drug war, restoring families and communities. I’m waiting for his actions to speak louder than his words.

Lindsey Lawson Battaglia is a policy manager for the Drug Policy Alliance.

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Author: Lindsey Lawson Battaglia
Date Published: December 21, 2015
Published by Drug Policy Alliance

The Drug Policy Alliance Requests Sentencing Reprieve for Louisianan Given 13-year Prison Sentence for Possession of Two Marijuana Cigarettes

NEW ORLEANS—The Drug Policy Alliance formally requested the Louisiana Governor today to grant Bernard Noble a gubernatorial reprieve and release Mr. Noble from prison, where he has served more than four years behind bars having been sentenced to a term of 13.3 years of hard labor without the opportunity for parole for possessing the equivalent of two marijuana cigarettes.

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 5 of the Louisiana Constitution, the Governor has the absolute power to issue reprieves of persons convicted of crimes against the state. Drug Policy Alliance has written Governor Jindal asking him to exercise his power of office by staying Mr. Noble’s unjust sentence and setting Mr. Noble free.

Legislation signed into law by Governor Jindal earlier this year would make Mr. Noble a free man today had it been the law at the time of Mr. Noble’s offense. Because the new law is not retroactive in its application, a gubernatorial reprieve is required for Mr. Noble’s release. Mr. Noble has been a model prisoner during his incarceration.

“The sentence inflicted by Louisiana on Mr. Noble for simple, low-level marijuana possession, on a gainfully employed father with absolutely no history of any serious or violent crime, is a travesty,” said Daniel Abrahamson, Senior Legal Advisor to the Drug Policy Alliance. “Mr. Noble’s sentence does not enhance public safety. It has devastated Mr. Noble and his family. And it flies in the face of what Louisianans believe and what current law provides. Governor Jindal should exercise mercy and use his power as Governor to advance fairness, justice and compassion by issuing Mr. Noble a sentencing reprieve.”

Mr. Noble’s prison sentence for possessing two joints will cost Louisiana taxpayers nearly one-quarter of a million dollars and will add to the majority of nonviolent offenders who currently fill Louisiana’s prisons.

Author:
Date Published: December 21, 2015
Published by Drug Policy Alliance

Colombia To License Medical Cannabis Use

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has signed legislation into law regulating the licensed production and exportation of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

Under the new policy, those seeking to grow medicinal cannabis commercially or manufacturer cannabis-based medicinal products may apply with government agencies for licensure. Regulators will also grant permits to those seeking to export medicinal cannabis products out of the country.

Santos said that the goal of the policy “is for patients to be able to access medications made in Colombia that are safe, high-quality and accessible. It is also an opportunity to promote scientific research in our country.”

While existing law allows for the personal possession and cultivation of cannabis, the plant’s commercial production, manufacture, and sale had not been permitted.

Federally licensed medical marijuana production and distribution is presently permitted in Canada, Israel, and the Netherlands.

In 2013, Uruguay officials approved legislation authorizing the retail production and sale of cannabis to those age 18 and older. Consumers in that country are anticipated to be able to begin purchasing cannabis at state-licensed pharmacies by mid-2016.

Charging Drug Sellers with Murder if Someone Dies from Overdose Will Ruin Lives, Save None

Over 47,000 people lost their lives to drug overdose in 2014 and overdose deaths continue to rise at a disturbing rate. Heroin deaths, in particular have increased 128% since 2013, and 350% since 2010.

A growing number of states are implementing harm reduction-centered approaches proven to reduce overdose fatalities. Lawmakers in some states, however, are turning to punitive, counter-productive measures in a misguided effort to combat the overdose crisis.

In New Hampshire, the state’s attorney general announced that individuals who sell drugs that result in the user dying will now face felony second-degree murder charges. The AG claims they have made this change “in hopes of deterring dealers from selling dangerous drugs, such as heroin.” Such tactics are not unprecedented, with federal and state prosecutors in Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Wisconsin pursuing similar charges. Some states have had drug-induced homicide laws on the books for years, while others charge heroin-related deaths as reckless homicide or involuntary manslaughter. Federal law has long allowed for federal prosecutors to seek increased penalties in drug delivery cases involving death.

Prosecutors hope harsh charges will deter those who sell drugs, and keep drugs away from those who use drugs. In reality, incarcerating the average street level drug seller has almost no impact on drug distribution, it does not reduce demand for drugs within the community, and new recruits simply fill the void. Such policies are retributive, not grounded in public health science.

It is more likely criminalization of overdose will result in negative unintended consequences that exacerbate the situation. For instance, establishing punitive overdose policies may reduce a bystander’s willingness to cooperate with law enforcement and emergency personnel, especially if the bystander sold to the person who is overdosing and is the only person who can call for help. Policies targeting sellers could inadvertently result in abandonment of overdose victims out of fear of prosecution.

These policies fundamentally misunderstand the dynamics of the average drug seller, treating people who use drugs and sellers as two distinct groups with different motives: drug sellers as sinister and people who use drugs as dupes. Overdoses are not caused by malice on the part of the drug seller. Overdoses are often the result of the circumstances in which a person is consuming, or unfamiliarity with a substance. In reality, the average person selling drugs struggles to make ends meet or sells drugs to supplement their own drug use. The line blurs even further when considering users who occasionally provide and use drugs with small groups of friends. Cases like those of Chelcie Schlem and Sean Harrington illustrate the folly of these prosecutorial labels.

Despite belief that street level sellers are adding fentanyl to heroin to cut costs, making a more potent drug that results in overdose, the DEA has found little evidence that fentanyl is added to heroin in the US. It is generally manufactured in labs in Mexico and mixed with heroin before shipment. Most people who sell or use heroin likely aren’t aware when fentanyl has been added.

As a nation, we have recognized we cannot arrest our way out of substance use, and it is widely accepted that those struggling with problematic drug use deserve treatment rather than incarceration. In order to reduce overdose-related deaths we must leave failed drug war policies behind and treat substance use as a health issue. Overdose-related homicide charges are a return to the outdated “tough on crime” rhetoric that inspired decades of destructive drug war policies that failed to reduce problematic substance use. Losing someone to overdose is a tragedy, and policies like drug-related homicide simply expand that tragedy.

Kaitlyn Boecker is a policy associate with the Drug Policy Alliance.

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Author: Kaitlyn Boecker
Date Published: December 23, 2015
Published by Drug Policy Alliance

NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up

While many are already celebrating the holidays with family and loved ones, we didn’t want to miss the chance to spotlight some important marijuana law reforms that have taken place this past week. We have exciting news internationally, federally, and in several states! Keep reading below to find out more!

International:

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has signed legislation into law regulating the licensed production and exportation of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

Under the new policy, those seeking to grow medicinal cannabis commercially or manufacturer cannabis-based medicinal products may apply with government agencies for licensure. Regulators will also grant permits to those seeking to export medicinal cannabis products out of the country.

Santos said that the goal of the policy “is for patients to be able to access medications made in Colombia that are safe, high-quality and accessible. It is also an opportunity to promote scientific research in our country.”

While existing law allows for the personal possession and cultivation of cannabis, the plant’s commercial production, manufacture, and sale had not been permitted.

You can read more about this new policy here.

Federal: Back in July, we wrote about a letter authored by Senator Elizabeth Warren and seven other Senators that demanded answers from the federal government in regards to the facilitation of research into the medical benefits of marijuana.

While the DEA, ONDCP, and HHS responded to the letter in October, the Senators were not satisfied and have just recently written a second letter asking for those answers again after claiming the initial response, “failed to answer key substantive questions.”

Of importance to the Senators were topics such as the rescheduling of marijuana in the Federal Controlled Substances Act, the current monopoly the University of Mississippi holds on cultivating cannabis for federal research purposes, interagency coordination as well as the coordination between the federal government and states, and surveillance and epidemiological studies on the use of medical marijuana in the U.S.

This second letter once again signals to many that medical marijuana is becoming an even more important issue in the political sphere not only to voters but also to their elected officials.

Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a press release this week stating that they would “ease some of the regulatory requirements imposed by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) for those who are conducting FDA-approved clinical trials on cannabidiol (CBD), an extract of the marijuana plant.”

Current federal regulation requires researchers who wished to expand their CBD based studies to submit a written request for additional CBD. This would delay the research while the request went through the approval process. According to the press release, “Under these changes, a previously registered CBD clinical researcher who is granted a waiver can readily modify their protocol and continue their research seamlessly.  This waiver effectively removes a step from the approval process.

Deputy Director for NORML, Paul Armentano comments, “It’s a minor change. The DEA has done nothing to speed the process for investigators who want to do clinical work with CBD. In order to do clinical work on a drug on the Schedule 1 list, an investigator still needs approval from the FDA, the DEA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.”

State:

Massachusetts: H. 1561: The Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act of 2016 has been scheduled for a hearing before the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, January 13th at 1PM.

This legislation would permit the personal possession, cultivation and retail sale of marijuana to adults. The measure would also permit home cultivation of the plant for non-commercial purposes.

Bring your written testimony and testify in front of the committee in support of The Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act of 2016.

If you can’t make the hearing, you can contact your lawmakers and urge their support here.

New Hampshire: Legislation has been prefiled for the 2016 legislative session to allow persons 21 years of age or older to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and to cultivate up to 6 marijuana plants without penalty.

Police in New Hampshire arrest some 2,900 individuals annually for simple marijuana possession offenses. The continued criminalization of adult marijuana use is out-of-step with the views of New Hampshire adults, some 60 percent of whom now endorse legalizing and regulating the plant, according to an October 2014 WMUR Granite State Poll.

Click here if you’re a resident of New Hampshire and want to contact your lawmakers and urge their support for this legislation!

Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh City Council on Monday voted to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, falling in line with a growing number of municipalities that have taken similar actions in recent years, city officials said.

Under the ordinance passed with a 7 to 2 vote, police in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s second-largest city, will begin to issue fines of $25 for possessing less than 30 grams of marijuana and $100 for smoking it in a public space instead of citing for misdemeanors, the city clerk’s office said.

The ordinance is subject to approval by Mayor Bill Peduto, who has voiced support.

Virginia: Virginia NORML in Richmond, VA will be holding their state Lobby Day on January 14th!

Virginia NORML members and supporters will convene at the General Assembly building to bring our message directly to our lawmakers. RSVP now — this is their #1 advocacy event of the year, and they need all hands on deck in Richmond!

Participants will be teamed with other constituents and meet with their legislators face-to-face to discuss the marijuana policy reforms critical to the Commonwealth. Participants will be lobbying for decriminalization, and for eliminating the driver’s license suspension upon a conviction.

For more information click here.

Wyoming: House legislation (HB 3) to depenalize marijuana possession offenses has been pre-filed for the 2016 legislative session, which begins February 8. 

Annually, state and local police make some 2,100 marijuana possession arrests. The state ranks sixth in the nation in per capita marijuana possession arrests. Under state law, first-time marijuana possession offenses are classified as a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

House Bill 3  replaces criminal sanctions involving the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana with a civil fine of no more than $100 — no arrest and no criminal record.

To take action and contact your House member to urge their support for this measure, click here.

—

Additional information for these and other pending legislative measures may be found at our #TakeAction Center!

** A note to first time readers: NORML can not introduce legislation in your state. Nor can any other non-profit advocacy organization. Only your state representatives, or in some cases an individual constituent (by way of their representative; this is known as introducing legislation ‘by request’) can do so. NORML can — and does — work closely with like-minded politicians and citizens to reform marijuana laws, and lobbies on behalf of these efforts. But ultimately the most effective way — and the only way — to successfully achieve statewide marijuana law reform is for local stakeholders and citizens to become involved in the political process and to make the changes they want to see. Get active; get NORML!

A Look Back at 2015; and Ahead to 2016

The end of the year is a natural time to review our progress advancing legalization over the past 12 months, and to look ahead to what we hope to achieve in the coming year.

Compared to our recent dramatic electoral victories in 2012 and again in 2014, 2015 was a slow year. We made some modest gains, but nothing dramatic.

During the current phase of legalization, when our victories primarily come by way of voter initiatives, we have become accustomed to expecting more progress in election years, especially presidential election years when the youth vote is highest, than in non-election years. Those basic rules still apply.

But even with that caveat, 2015 moved us forward and positioned us well for 2016.

Public Support Remains Strong

We are legalizing marijuana because we finally enjoy the support of a majority of the American public, both smokers and non-smokers alike. And that majority support, which first began to register in the national polls three years ago, is holding firm.

National polling in the past year by Gallup (58% support), PEW (53%), CBS (53%), Morning Consult (55%), Fox (51%), General Social Survey (52%) and Beyond The Beltway (61%) have all demonstrated marijuana legalization continues to have the support of a majority of the nation.

As the authors of the latest Gallup Poll concluded: “These trends suggest that state and local governments may come under increasing pressure to ease restrictions on marijuana use, if not go even further like the states of Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska in making recreational marijuana use completely legal.”

So the foundation for continued progress remains in place, and appears to be growing: most Americans have concluded that marijuana prohibition is a failed public policy.

Some Statewide Progress

The one most significant statewide victory during 2015 came in Delaware, where the state legislature decriminalized minor marijuana offenses ($100 civil fine for possession of up to one ounce), the 19th state in the country to stop arresting marijuana smokers. The new law became effective on Dec. 18th.

And in Oregon, where the state legalized marijuana in 2014, the legislature became the first of the legalized states to take steps to minimize the impact of prior marijuana convictions, imposed under the old law. Democrat Gov. Kate Brown signed legislation in June allowing those with past marijuana possession convictions to have their criminal records expunged, if those offenses are no longer illegal. That’s an area that each legalization state needs to revisit and address.

In a somewhat unexpected development, the state of Louisiana, traditionally one of the harshest states in the country for marijuana offenses, took significant steps to mitigate penalties for repeat marijuana offenders—defendants who, in the past, faced up to two decades in prison. Under the new law, second-time possession offenders face a maximum sentence of six months in jail (reduced from five years); and third-time offenders see their potential maximum sentences reduced from 20 years to no more than two. The new law also permits these possession offenders to have their records expunged if they remain arrest-free for two years. It is surely only incremental change, but in Louisiana, it represents real progress.

Municipal Ordinances

Much of the progress made in 2015 came at the municipal level. In East Lansing, MI 65% of the voters approved a local ordinance eliminating penalties for the possession or transfer of up to one ounce of marijuana on private property. Lansing is the seventeenth Michigan city to approve an initiative de-penalizing minor offenses.

In Milwaukee, WI, members of the City Council reduced penalties for marijuana possession (up to 25 grams) to a fine of no more than $50.00. Nine of the state’s 10 largest cities have now adopted decriminalization ordinances.

And in Miami-Dade County, FL, Commissioners in Florida’s largest county approved an ordinance that permits police to cite rather than arrest minor marijuana offenders (up to 20 grams), with a civil fine of $100. Previously misdemeanor marijuana arrests accounted for 10 percent of all cases filed in the Miami-Dade County criminal court system.

Marijuana Arrests Drop in Several Major Cities

And marijuana possession arrests dropped dramatically in several big cities during 2015. In the District of Columbia, marijuana arrests fell roughly 99%, from nearly 900 arrests in 2014 to less than 10 arrests in 2015.

In Philadelphia, where marijuana was decriminalized by municipal ordinance in 2014, marijuana arrests for simple possession dropped from 3,700 in 2014 to just over 1,000 in 2015, a drop of 73%.

And in New York City, where more than 30,000 New Yorkers were arrested on marijuana charges in 2014, marijuana arrests fell 40%, to less than 19,000 in 2015. Still far too many, but a substantial step in the right direction.

The Bad News in 2015

The most obvious political disappointment in 2015 was the ill-fated legalization initiative (Issue 3) in Ohio. Brought in a non-election year (assuring a low youth vote turnout) and drafted to enrich the investors who put-up the $23 million spent in the campaign, Issue 3 was met with widespread opposition, even among many who support the legalization of marijuana. The proposal won the approval of only 35% of the voters, making it likely that Ohioans will continue to face arrest and jail for several more years.

Another disappointment was the failure of the legislature in IL to override the veto by Governor Bruce Rauner of a decriminalization bill approved by the legislature earlier in the year. The proposal would have reduced penalties for possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana to a $125 civil fine. Police in IL arrest some 50,000 individuals annually for simple marijuana possession. In Chicago, 95% of those arrested for marijuana possession are either Black or Hispanic.

Nationwide, decriminalization proposals were introduced, but failed to be approved by the legislatures, in HI, KY, NE, NH, SC, TX and VA.

Full legalization proposals were introduced, but failed to be approved by the legislatures, in CT, FL, HI, MD, ME, MO, NM, RI and VT.

Looking Forward to 2016

As we look ahead to 2016, the best news for those who support marijuana legalization is the agreement reached by most of the major players in the nation-state of California to coalesce behind one legalization initiative. California is the big prize, and a win there will add significant momentum to the legalization movement nationwide.

Most of us presumed California would be the first state to fully legalize marijuana, as it has historically been the breeding ground for progressive marijuana policy. But in the recent past, the sheer size of the state has resulted in several competing proposals being advanced, with marijuana remaining illegal in the Golden State. The same possibility loomed large for 2016 as well, with several differing versions of legalization being circulated by different interest groups, and no assurance that anyone would be willing to compromise.

With crucial leadership provided by current Democratic Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, a consensus has now formed around a single proposal, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, and it now appears California voters will likely approve legalization in November of 2016.

Other states that appear poised to approve full legalization via voter initiatives in 2016 include Arizona, Massachusetts, Maine, and Nevada. Needless to say, were all five states to approve full legalization, 2016 would truly be a break-out year, and would set the stage for several additional states to adopt legalization in 2018. But even if we fail to win them all, it promises to be a banner year for legalization around the country.

And it is possible that 2016 may give us our first state legislative approval of full legalization. A breakthrough in this area would be especially important for those 26 states that do not offer a voter initiative option. The states that appear most likely to take this step in 2016 include the three northeastern states of Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

So as we look forward to the new year, those of us who smoke marijuana, and all who support marijuana legalization, can anticipate a string of victories that should catapult the movement well past the political tipping point in America. Our momentum continues to grow with each election cycle

We are finally winning this long fight to stop the senseless arrest of responsible marijuana smokers, and establish a legally regulated market where consumers can obtain their marijuana. As we prepare for 2016, the smell of personal freedom is in the air.

__________________________________________________________

This column first appeared on Marijuana.com.

http://www.marijuana.com/blog/news/2015/12/a-look-back-at-2015-and-ahead-to-2016/

Top 10 Marijuana Policy Victories of 2015

MPP executive director Rob Kampia’s list of the “Top 10 Marijuana Policy Victories of 2015” has been published by the Huffington Post.

In 2015, state legislators considered bills to legalize marijuana in 21 states, decriminalize marijuana possession in 17 states, and legalize medical marijuana in 19 states.

Most of the action in 2015 was aimed at achieving substantial victories in 2016, which is slated to be the most successful year in the history of the movement to end marijuana prohibition.

With this in mind, the Marijuana Policy Project is hereby releasing its top 10 list for 2015. I’m excluding international and scientific developments, instead focusing on policy developments in the United States.

Click here to read the entire column.

The post Top 10 Marijuana Policy Victories of 2015 appeared first on MPP Blog.

2016 Outlook Free Reports

INN has created a series of Free Reports for investors, reviewing highlights of 2015 and looking forward to 2016. Over 50 articles covering over 40 investing topics including insight and forecasts from hundreds of sources, these Free Reports offer incredible value to investors.

All new for 2016, these free reports are mobile and tablet friendly. This means you can take them to go or read these free reports at your leisure. Feel free to share with your friends and family – anyone you feel should be looking at the investing opportunities that 2016 presents.

Critical Metals Outlook: The Potential for 2016

Jon Hykawy of Stormcrow Capital Talks Rare Earth Prices 2015
Rare Earth Market Outlook 2016
Graphite Outlook 2016: Megafactory Deals on the Horizon?
Cobalt Outlook 2016: Near-term Deficit Still Expected
Tungsten Outlook: Does 2016 Have Potential?
Tantalum Price Trends 2015
Magnesium Mining Outlook 2016
Manganese Outlook 2016: Weak Steel Demand a Threat
Scandium Market Trends for 2015

Precious Metals

Gold Trends 2015: CEOs Recap the Year
Gold CEO Outlook
Gold Analyst Outlook
Silver Predictions 2016: Watch China and the Gold Price
Top Silver Investments of 2015
Platinum Price Forecast 2016: Market to Balance
Palladium Price Forecast 2016
Diamond Outlook 2016: Summer to Bring Higher Prices?

Energy

Uranium Outlook 2016: Supply Deficit in the Cards
Analysts Look Back at the Lithium Market in 2015
Junior Lithium Miners: 2015 in Review
Lithium Company Outlook
Lithium Outlook 2016: What are Analysts Saying?
Oil Price Outlook 2016: Turnaround Targeted in late 2016
Natural Gas Outlook 2016: Prices to Stay Down on Oversupply

Industrial Metals (Coming Soon)

Coal in 2015: Another Tough Year
Coal Outlook 2016: Near-term Rebound Highly Unlikely
5 Top Vanadium Articles of 2015
Aluminum Outlook 2016: Weakness to Prevail on Oversupplied Steel Industry
Tin Outlook
Molybdenum Outlook
Chromium Outlook

Base Metals (Coming Soon)

Copper Price Forecast 2016: Producers Under Pressure
Copper Outlook 2016: Companies Weigh In
Zinc Forecast 2016: Will Strong Fundamentals Boost Price?
Iron Price Forecast for 2016 and Onward
Lead Outlook 2016: Watch China for Cues
Nickel Outlook

Agriculture

Investing in Cannabis 2016: Legalization and FDA Approvals to Revolutionize the Market
Potash Outlook 2016: SOP Expected to Shine
Phosphate Outlook: Steady Demand on the Horizon

Technology (Coming Soon)

2016 to Bring Big Changes for Cleantech Investors?
3 Social Media Future Trends for 2016
Year in Review: The Bitcoin Market in 2015
Data Mining Trends for 2016
Investing in 3D Printer Companies in 2016
3 Top App Investing Trends for 2016
Nanotechnology Future Outlook 2016
Graphene Outlook
Cybersecurity Outlook
Cloud Outlook

Life Science (Coming Soon)

Top Trends for Genomics Stocks in 2016
2016 Outlook for Pharmaceutical Investors
Top Longevity Research Trends: Life Extension in 2016
Top Medical Device Trends for 2016
Biotech Outlook

Have other topics you’d like us to cover?

Please let us know!

The post 2016 Outlook Free Reports appeared first on Investing News Network.

Major Colleges Are Reducing Penalties for Athletes’ Marijuana Use

The Associated Press reported today that some of the nation’s biggest colleges have been reducing their penalties for student athletes who test positive for marijuana.

At least one-third of the Power Five conference schools are not punishing athletes as harshly as they were 10 years ago for testing positive for marijuana and other so-called recreational drugs, according to an investigation by The Associated Press.

…

The AP analyzed policies for 57 of the 65 schools in the Southeastern, Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences, plus Notre Dame.

Of the 57 schools, 23 since 2005 have either reduced penalties or allowed an athlete to test positive more times before being suspended or dismissed. Ten schools have separate, less stringent policies addressing only marijuana infractions.

Click here to read the entire article.

The post Major Colleges Are Reducing Penalties for Athletes’ Marijuana Use appeared first on MPP Blog.

2015: The Year In Review – NORML’s Top 10 Events That Shaped Marijuana Policy

NORML reviews the top news stories of 2015.

#1 Congress Reauthorizes Medical Marijuana Protections
Members of Congress approved language in the fiscal year 2016 omnibus spending bill that continues to limit the federal government from taking punitive action against state-licensed individuals or operations that are acting are in full compliance with the medical marijuana laws of their states. The provisions reauthorize Section 538 of the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015, which states, “None of the funds made available in this act to the Department of Justice may be used … to prevent … states … from implementing their own state laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana.”

#2 Federal Judge Upholds Marijuana’s Schedule I Status
A federal judge in April rejected a motion challenging the constitutionality of cannabis’ classification as a Schedule I prohibited substance. “At some point in time, a court may decide this status to be unconstitutional,” Judge Kimberly Mueller said from the bench. “But this is not the court and not the time.” Judge Meuller had presided over five days of hearings in October 2014 in a challenge brought by members of the NORML Legal Committee.

#3 Medical Cannabis Access Associated With Less Opioid Abuse
States that permit qualified patients to access medical marijuana via dispensaries possess lower rates of opioid addiction and overdose deaths, according to a study published in July by the National Bureau of Economic Research, a non-partisan think-tank. The findings mirror those published in 2014 in The Journal of the American Medical Association concluding, “States with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate compared with states without medical cannabis laws.”

#4 DC Depenalizes Marijuana; Arrests Plummet
Despite threats from members of Congress, District officials implemented voter-approved legislation earlier this year eliminating penalties associated with the possession and cultivation of personal use quantities of marijuana by adults. Following the law’s implementation, marijuana-related arrests in the nation’s capital fell 99 percent.

#5 Marijuana Law Changes Don’t Change Youth Use, Attitudes
Rates of youth marijuana use are unaffected by changing laws, according to data published in July in The American Journal of drug and Alcohol Abuse. Investigators evaluated trends in young people’s attitudes toward cannabis and their use of the substance during the years 2002 to 2013 – a time period where 14 states enacted laws legalizing the medical use of the plant, and two states approved its recreational use by adults. “Our results may suggest that recent changes in public policy, including the decriminalization, medicalization, and legalization of marijuana in cities and states across the country, have not resulted in more use or greater approval of marijuana use among younger adolescents,” researchers reported.

#6 Gallup Poll: More Americans Than Ever Say Marijuana Should Be Legal
Fifty-eight percent of Americans believe that “the use of marijuana should be made legal,” according to nationwide survey data released in October by Gallup pollsters. The percentage ties the highest level of support ever reported by Gallup, which has been measuring Americans’ attitudes toward cannabis since the late 1960s. The percentage is more than twice the level of support reported in the mid-1990s.

#7 Study: Marijuana Use Not Associated With Changes In Brain Morphology
Marijuana use is not associated with structural changes in the brain, according to imaging data published in January in The Journal of Neuroscience. Investigators assessed brain morphology in both daily adult and adolescent cannabis users compared to non-users. They found “no statistically significant differences … between daily users and nonusers on volume or shape in the regions of interest” after researchers controlled for participants’ use of alcohol. “[T]he results indicate that, when carefully controlling for alcohol use, gender, age, and other variables, there is no association between marijuana use and standard volumetric or shape measurements of subcortical structures,” researchers reported.

#8 Marijuana Consumers Less Likely To Be Obese, Suffer Diabetes Risk
Those who consume cannabis are 50 percent less likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome as compared to those who do not, according to findings published in November in The American Journal of Medicine. Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and abdominal fat, which are linked to increased risk of heart disease and adult onset diabetes, among other serious health consequences. The findings are similar to those of previous studies reporting that those who use cannabis are less likely to be obese or suffer from diabetes.

#9 NHTSA: THC-Positive Drivers Don’t Possesses Elevated Crash Risk
Drivers who test positive for the presence of THC in their blood are no more likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes than are drug-free drivers, according to a case-control study released in February by the United States National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Authors reported that drivers who tested positive for the presence of THC possessed an unadjusted, elevated risk of accident of 25 percent (Odds Ratio=1.25) compared to controls (drivers who tested negative for any drug or alcohol). However, this elevated risk became insignificant (OR=1.05) after investigators adjusted for demographic variables, such as the drivers’ age and gender. The study is the largest of its kind ever conducted in the United States.

#10 Legal Marijuana States Collect Over $200 Million In New Tax Revenue
Taxes on the legal production and sale of cannabis in the states of Colorado and Washington have yielded over $200 million in new revenue since going into effect in 2014, according to calculations reported by The Huffington Post in September. Colorado collected more than $117 million dollars from marijuana sales while Washington collected over $83 million. Cannabis sales commenced in Oregon in on October 1, 2015 and have yet to begin in Alaska.

No easy answers in study of legal marijuana’s impact on alcohol use

Does legalization of marijuana lead pot users to drink more, or are they likely to substitute alcohol for weed? A new paper seeks to discover how changing marijuana laws affect the use of alcohol, the nation’s most popular drug.

PGT Episode #281- 2015-The Year in Review

Listen LIVE 8-10 pm EST at www.planetgreentrees.com or call in 347-326-9626   Hosted by attorney Michael Komorn from Komorn Law and Chad from Birmingham Compassion   Contributions from Rick Thompson from The Compassion Chronicles, Jamie Lowell from Third Coast   Tonight- The Year 2015 in review- everything you need to know. Detroit and all of […]

US DC: Arrests In Mobile Marijuana Outfit

Washington Post, 24 Dec 2015 – ‘Kush Gods’ Took ‘Donations’ Cannabis-Laced Treats Traded on Streets of D.C. For months, a brightly painted Mercedes SUV and a Lexus coupe plied the hipster spots of the District along H and U streets and Adams Morgan, their operators openly doling out brownies, cupcakes, cookies and gummy bears that police say were laced with marijuana. The vehicles, with out-of-state plates and bearing pictures of marijuana plants, were as common in some neighborhoods as food trucks, and the proprietors of “KushGods” did little to hide their enterprise. They talked to the media about trading pot for “donations,” and patrons could follow them on Twitter and call the mon a phone advertised on the vehicles.

US AZ: Columm: New Conditions

Tucson Weekly, 24 Dec 2015 – NEW CONDITIONS The State Is Failing to Meet the Requirement to Allow New Medical Conditions The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act has provided safe legal access to medical cannabis to sick Arizonans since the passage of Prop 203 in November 2010. The program is regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services. New conditions can be added to the program during open application periods twice a year, but the rules surrounding the process and the specific standards by which these conditions are approved or denied are largely left to the AZDHS administration. AZDHS has fought hard against all the petitions filed in the history of the program. Only PTSD, with the help of the Arizona Cannabis Nurses Association has been successfully added as a qualifying condition. AZCNA Attorney Ken Sobel appealed the AZDHS denial of PTSD and prevailed.In a huge victory for patient rights, this was special because is it is the first mental health condition to be approved for treatment under the AMMA.

Ep. 39 – She owns a marijuana shop; He's a pot baron

Published: Dec 24, 2015, 4:32 pm • Updated: Dec 24, 2015, 4:32 pm Cannabist Staff Featured guests: Simply Pure co-owner Wanda James and Medicine Man CEO Andy Williams. Podcast: Play in new window | Download We’re talking with industry insiders about issues involving Colorado marijuana shops — ownership by minorities, edibles cooking classes, consulting opportunities […]

2014 Cannabis Research Study Links

Cannabis Research http://phoenixtears.ca http://thesethgroup.org http://cannabis-med.org/index.php?lng=en http://gwpharm.com/cannabinoids-science.aspx