Hawaii Cannabis logo
Facebook-f Twitter

Category: All Medical Marijuana News

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Friday Night Radio

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 […]

US: Power-hungry Pot Industry Taxing U.S. Electrical Grids

Seattle Times, 23 Dec 2015 – Growing Market Cannabis Industry Canceling Out Efforts for Low-Carbon Footprint Pot’s not green. The $3.5 billion U.S. cannabis market is emerging as one of the nation’s most power-hungry industries, with the 24-hour demands of thousands of indoor growing sites taxing aging electricity grids and unraveling hard-earned gains in energy conservation.

Press Release: DOJ Suspends Asset Forfeiture Equitable Sharing

Medical Cannabis

Contact: Mikayla Hellwich                                             Media@nullleap.cc                                                                240.461.3066 DOJ SUSPENDS ASSET FORFEITURE EQUITABLE SHARING Police Currently Take More of Citizens’ Assets Than Do Thieves Federal Sharing Linked to Circumvention of State Reforms Washington, D.C. – The Department of Justice released a memorandum addressed to local, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies Monday to […]

Tell Senator Grassley To Give The CARERS ACT A Hearing

The CARERS Act would do a number of things to help suffering patients that find relief from using medical marijuana. Cannabis Radio has a petition circulating calling on Senator Chuck Grassley to schedule a hearing for the bill. So far the biggest hurtle to the bill has been Senator Grassley’s lack of movement. If Senator

US MD: Delay In Licenses For Medical Pot

Washington Post, 22 Dec 2015 – People who want to buy marijuana in Maryland for medicinal purposes are probably going to have to wait until 2017, nearly four years after the state made it legal. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission announced Monday that it will not award licenses to grow and process the drug until sometime in the summer – and industry officials say it will take an additional four to six months after that for the product to be ready to sell.

PGT Episode #280- Funk 49

    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- Detroit and all of that…More discussions. Jamie and Rick back from D.C. the re-interview Josey Scoggin-Mi Legalize update Greg Pawlowski (activist/businessman) calling in to […]

The Difference Between A Marijuana ‘Edible’ And A Cannabis ‘Consumable’

Marijuana edibles are very popular. I once seen a statisticthat stated 40-50% of all legal marijuana-related product sales in America are of edibles. I wouldn’t be surprised if that number grew in upcoming years. More and more people are either consuming marijuana for the first time now that recreational is legal in some states, or

US CA: Mellow Moments At Cannabis Fair

Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec 2015 – The Emerald Cup Draws a Crowd Who Discussed Pot and Consumed It in Innumerable Ways. SANTA ROSA – The Emerald Cup is not like any country fair you have ever visited. Photographs by Robin Abcarian Los Angeles Times AN EMERALD CUP visitor takes a hit of waxy cannabis extract from a glass pipe. The booth offered free hits of its organic cannabis products. Panel discussions focused on plant genetics, pest and mold management, and how to create medicinal grade extracts.

Press Release: STATE MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS PROTECTED, FEDERAL BAN ON SYRINGE EXCHANGE FUNDING RELAXED BY SPENDING BILL

Medical Cannabis

Contact: Mikayla Hellwich                                                                       For Immediate Release: Media@nullleap.cc                                                                                       Friday, December 18th, 2015 240.461.3066 STATE MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS PROTECTED, FEDERAL BAN ON SYRINGE EXCHANGE FUNDING RELAXED BY SPENDING BILL President Obama Expected to Sign Bill Into Law Washington D.C. – President Barack Obama is expected to sign a critical spending bill […]

US OR: Column: The Cannabis Holiday Gift Guide

Portland Mercury, 17 Dec 2015 – CANNA CLAUS, Marijuanakkah, Chronicwanzaa-however you choose to observe, it’s the holidaze! Right now! And you need to buy gifts! Lots of them, and hurry! No-more than that, ya cheapskate! And look, the good ones are nearly gone! Wait! Can’t you get that for $10 less by buying it online?

US WA: Additional 222 Medical-Marijuana Retail Stores

Seattle Times, 17 Dec 2015 – Liquor and Cannabis Board Would Double Number of Stores in Seattle Trying to fold medical marijuana into the state’s retail system, state Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) staff are recommending an additional 222 retail stores around Washington, including 21 in Seattle.

PGT Episode #279- In the Long Run

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- Detroit and all of that…. Jamie and Rick back from D.C. Richard Clemente and […]

What To Do If California’s Marijuana Regulations Suck?

I received the following press release for the International Cannabis Business Conference. With the evolving situation in California, I felt it was a timely piece that I should pass on: Business and politics: At San Francisco’s International Cannabis Business Conference in February, entrepreneurs will learn about California’s new marijuana policies — and how to change

US CA: Cannabis Dispensary Initiative Likely; Petition Has

Appeal-Democrat, 13 Dec 2015 – A second marijuana-related special election will likely be conducted in Yuba County in June following certification of petitions seeking to allow cannabis dispensaries in the county. County election officials determined last week enough signatures on the dispensary initiative petitions are of registered voters to force an election. The announcement comes a week after County Clerk Terry Hansen certified separate petitions calling for a less restrictive ordinance for growing marijuana in the county.

Largest Study Ever On Marijuana And Epilepsy Shows Effectiveness Of Cannabis

Marijuana has been proven to be tremendously effective when it comes to treating epilepsy. It seems like most of the time that I see medical marijuana being talked about on the news or in print media, it’s almost always talking about how CBD can help epilepsy, with countless success stories. There are a lot of

Every Study Shows Cannabis Works As Medicine For Patients

When California voters passed Proposition 215 in 1996, the Golden State became the first to legalize medical cannabis in the United States. There was one hitch. No scientific studies and clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of cannabis as medicine were available to researchers. Some California state legislators wanted to change that. They approached UC San Diego psychiatrist Igor Grant. “My […]

PGT Episode #278-Who Killed 4209 (and is it really dead)?

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- Dakota Serna- The United States Veteran who had words with Senator Jones and was […]

Sensation-seeking, reward sensitivity and early cannabis use

Sensation seeking, or the tendency to seek out exciting experiences, has been linked to addiction. Researchers have reported that sensation seeking is related to reward sensitivity in teens, and that a school-based intervention that targeted sensation seeking delays the onset of cannabis use, and slows the progression from light to heavy cannabis use in teens.

Every Study Shows Cannabis Works As Medicine For Patients

When California voters passed Proposition 215 in 1996, the Golden State became the first to legalize medical cannabis in the United States. There was one hitch. No scientific studies and clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of cannabis as medicine were available to researchers.

Some

“My recommendation was, look, establish a center to study this,” said Grant, who’d previously looked into whether moderate marijuana use causes long-term brain damage (conclusion: it doesn’t).

“It’ll cost you some money but these studies have not been done before,” he told the legislators.

Soon, Grant found himself in charge of the new state-funded Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research.

It was an enviable position. Many scientists in the United States would love to do experiments using pot, but it’s been incredibly difficult to study. The Drug Enforcement Administration lists marijuana as a schedule one drug alongside heroin and ecstasy.

It’s a category reserved for drugs with “no currently accepted medical use.” Grant said his work challenging that assumption wouldn’t have been possible without Sacramento fully behind him.

“Without the state of California saying, ‘Yes, we support this work,’ we probably would’ve never gotten federal approval,” Grant said.

Grant worked with scientists throughout the UC system to complete a series of small human trials. They sourced their samples from the only federally sanctioned grow operation, a pot farm at the University of Mississippi.

“It would be a joint basically,” Grant said. “But very professionally rolled, I might say. It looked like a cigarette.”.

The joints all looked and smelled the same, but not all of them got subjects high.

These studies required placebos, so some joints contained no THC, sort of like the pot version of decaf coffee. Grant had to convince DEA agents these samples would not leave the lab.

“The DEA has to come locally and say, ‘Where are you going to store it? Let’s look at your research pharmacy,’” Grant said. “In one case they said, ‘Is that safe bolted to the floor?’”

Subjects smoked their joints in hermetically sealed rooms with no ventilation leading toward non-participants who might unwittingly inhale stray fumes.

Grant and his colleagues had to jump through lots of regulatory hoops to pull off the experiments. But once they were done, the findings surprised him.

“I kind of expected, well, we’re going to have a few studies that say yes and a few that will say no, and then at the end of the day we’ll still be arguing,” Grant said. “But in fact every single study showed benefit.”

Grant said it’s now well-established that cannabis is effective in treating neuropathic pain in patients with diseases like HIV/AIDS. It can reduce spasticity in multiple sclerosis. And — perhaps obviously — it can stimulate appetite in underweight patients.

Grant said more research is needed before reaching conclusions about marijuana’s usefulness with other diseases, like epilepsy and schizophrenia. He also admits some purported uses have little to no scientific support. But taken altogether, Grant says there’s now more than enough evidence to justify rescheduling marijuana.

Other scientists agree. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently called for rescheduling. Even U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has acknowledged marijuana can be helpful in treating certain conditions.

Alex Kreit, a professor at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, said learning more about pot will be difficult without rescheduling.

“It makes it very hard for researchers to get access,” Kreit said. “There are a whole host of hurdles that schedule one drugs come with, as far as research, that schedule two, three and so forth simply don’t have.”

 “It’s completely incongruous that it’s sitting in schedule one with other useless, dangerous drugs.”

The post Every Study Shows Cannabis Works As Medicine For Patients appeared first on CANNAiQ.

US OR: Column: Puff, Puff, Publish: Cannabis In The News

Portland Mercury, 10 Dec 2015 – This column increased in size by 50 percent a few weeks ago, and yet there is still barely enough space for all the canna-news. Light one up and let’s jump right in. PUFF, PUFF, PUBLISH-Portland made national news this week when our branch of the USPS put out a memo to area newspaper publishers. In it, they reminded our modern-day William Randolph Hearsts that it is still illegal “to place an ad in any publication with the purpose of seeking or offering illegally to receive, buy, or distribute a Schedule I controlled substance.” It went on to say, “If an advertisement advocates the purchase of clinical marijuana through a Medical Marijuana Dispensary, it does not comply” with federal law.

Study Suggests Cannabis Will Replace Adderall & Ritalin For ADD/ADHD Treatment

Adderall and Ritalin are DEA Schedule II substances. This means, they have a “high potential for abuse,” can “lead to severe psychological or physical dependence” and are considered “dangerous” “When we look at upperclassmen, the number really begins to jump,” says Alan DeSantis, professor of communications at the University of Kentucky who has conducted research […]

7 Tips to Juicing Fresh Cannabis in a Healthy Diet

Cannabis is one of the most beautiful plants on Earth with few others  matching its versatile medicinal uses. Many scientific publications have shown the cannabinoids from juices and extracts are very effective against diseases such as cancer, epilepsy & seizures, asthma, migraines, MS, IBS, Alzheimer’s and many other diseases. Some believe that raw cannabis should be treated as a dietary staple. […]

Study Suggests Cannabis Will Replace Adderall & Ritalin For ADD/ADHD Treatment

Adderall and Ritalin are DEA Schedule II substances. This means, they have a “high potential for abuse,” can “lead to severe psychological or physical dependence” and are considered “dangerous”

“When we look at upperclassmen, the number really begins to jump,” says Alan DeSantis, professor of communications at the University of Kentucky who has conducted research on  use in college. “The more time you stay on campus, the more likely you are to use.”

Two-thirds of college students are offered Adderall and other prescription stimulants by their senior year, and about half of that group (or 31 percent overall) are just saying yes, according to a 2012 study published in the Journal of American College Health.

Medicinal cannabis is proving to be just as or more effective than common ADD/ADHD prescriptions without the risks and unpleasant side effects.

The with ADHD who had limited success with conventional treatments for the disorder (Adderall and Ritalin). All 30 reported “improved concentration and sleep” and “reduced impulsivity” after using medicinal cannabis, according to the case report.

Moreover, 22 out of the 30 patients decided to forgo their previously prescribed medications once the study was over and continue using medicinal marijuana to manage their symptoms.

Albeit with a very small sample group, this study provides some of the first clinical data on the potential of marijuana in treating ADHD, which, as we know, is characterized by difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and forgetfulness.

Dr. David Bearman, a so-called figurehead of cannabis research, a.k.a. a “cannabinoidologist,” explains the effects of marijuana in treating ADHD symptoms as having to do with the brain’s dopamine levels.

“Cannabis appears to treat ADD and ADHD by increasing the availability of dopamine,” Bearman explains (via Leafly). “This then has the same effect but is a different mechanism of action than stimulants like Ritalin and dexedrine amphetamine, which act by binding to the dopamine and interfering with the metabolic breakdown of dopamine.”

Cannabis  (more specifically, the cannabinoids)  possibly corrects dopamine shortages in the brains of people with ADHD. As of now, two states in the United States—California and Colorado—allow the prescription of medical marijuana to treat ADHD, but if more studies prove out the results in this one, don’t be surprised if more states follow suit.

The post Study Suggests Cannabis Will Replace Adderall & Ritalin For ADD/ADHD Treatment appeared first on CANNAiQ.

7 Tips to Juicing Fresh Cannabis in a Healthy Diet

Cannabis is one of the most beautiful plants on Earth with few others  matching its versatile medicinal uses. Many scientific publications have shown the cannabinoids from juices and extracts are very effective against diseases such as cancer, epilepsy & seizures, asthma, migraines, MS, IBS, Alzheimer’s and many other diseases. Some believe that raw cannabis should be treated as a dietary staple.

The body is able to tolerate larger dosages of cannabinoids when cannabis is consumed in the raw form. This is because when you smoke cannabis, the THC actually acts as a CB1 receptor agonist and your body can only absorb about 10 mg at a time

CBD works on receptors, and as it turns out, we have cannabinoids in our bodies, endogenous cannabinoids, that turn out to be very effective at regulating immune functions, nerve functions, and bone functions. The endogenous cannabinoid system acts as a modulator in fine-tuning a lot of these systems, and if something is deranged
biochemically in a person’s body, it may well be that a cannabinoid system can bring things back into balance.

Now we know all this is very exciting, but do not go throwing your dispensary buds in the juicer thinking your about to make a magic healing potion. Here are 7 tips on juicing raw cannabis:

  • When it comes to juicing, as with any vegetable, the fresher the better.
  • Cannabis that has been dried and prepared for smoking is NOT suitable for juicing.
  • Juice 15 leaves, and 2 large (2 to 4 inches long) raw buds per day.
  • Raw buds are flowers harvested when the THC glands are clear rather than amber.
  • It is recommended that you mix in another vegetable juice to cut the bitterness of the raw cannabis.
  • A popular choice is carrot juice – a ratio of 1 part cannabis juice to 10 parts carrot juice.
  • Split the drink into 3 parts and drink with each meal, or store for up to 3 days in a tightly sealed container

    • When juicing raw plant material, no psychoactive THC is consumed because the molecule simply is not present in the plant. Thus, patients who juice experience no euphoria.

    The post 7 Tips to Juicing Fresh Cannabis in a Healthy Diet appeared first on CANNAiQ.

    Cannabis Might Be the Cure to Drug Addiction

    Las Vegas – A new study suggests that cannabinoids may play a crucial role in helping with stimulant addiction. “A growing number of studies support a critical role of the ECBS and its modulation by synthetic or natural cannabinoids in various neurobiological and behavioral aspects of stimulants addiction. Thus, cannabinoids modulate brain reward systems closely […]

    Cannabis Might Be the Cure to Drug Addiction

    Las Vegas – A new study suggests that cannabinoids may play a crucial role in helping with stimulant addiction.

    “A growing number of studies support a critical role of the ECBS and its modulation by synthetic or natural cannabinoids in various neurobiological and behavioral aspects of stimulants addiction.

    Thus, cannabinoids modulate brain reward systems closely involved in stimulants addiction, and provide further evidence that the cannabinoid system could be explored as a potential drug discovery target for treating addiction across different classes of stimulants.” – US Natural Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health [1]

    In a study published by the ‘National Institute of Health,’ researchers discovered cannabinoids affect the brain’s reward system, which includes the components of an individual’s brain responsible for determining their behavior and the amount of pleasure they feel in response to a substance, in a manner similar to that of stimulants.

    Evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECBS) produces neurological processes similar to ones present in the brains of individuals suffering from stimulant addictions. Researchers at ‘The Psychiatry Research Unit at
    Centre Hospitalier de Montreal’ in Canada claim this discovery opens the door for further exploration regarding the possibility of the cannabinoid system as a “potential drug discovery target for treating addiction across different classes of stimulants

    It is no secret that methamphetamine addiction only continues to dramatically increase with each passing year, especially in the United States.

    Although a wealth of diverse research focused on stimulant addiction has been executed over the past few decades, a pharmacological therapy that is able to successfully treat primary symptoms of stimulant addiction withdrawal such as anxiety and cravings, or one that aids in reducing the risk of relapse, has yet to be clearly identified.

    Several pharmacological agents have been tested to no avail including antidepressants, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. However, all hope remains far from lost as evidence continues to surface proving that the endocannabinoid system (ECBS) plays a major role in cognitive and physiological activities related to ones present during stimulant addiction.

    Such activities include the “reward” feeling stemming from stimulant abuse, responsiveness to stress and drug induced synaptic plasticity, which relates to the power of brain synapses to strengthen or weaken with time as a result of activity increase or decrease.

    Read More at Collective Evolution

    The post Cannabis Might Be the Cure to Drug Addiction appeared first on CANNAiQ.

    Georgia Governor Nathan Deal Should Look At Medical Cannabis Facts

    I received the following press release from the Georgia C.A.R.E. Project (donate here): Last week Georgia Governor Nathan Deal fired a warning shot across the bow of the medical cannabis ship, a warning shot to law makers that he may veto any legislation allowing for in-state cultivation of cannabis for medical use. This week the

    Portland NORML Legislative Committee Meets Dec. 7 At NW Cannabis Club At 8pm

    By Jennifer Alexander The Portland NORML Legislative Committee will meet December 7th at 8pm at the NW Cannabis Club located at 1195 SE Powell. The Committee will discuss Legislative strategy that will benefit consumers at this meeting, especially the most vulnerable consumers – therapeutic cannabis consumers, with Leland Berger as Chair. The OMMP Rules Advisory

    Arrested Hawaii Medical Marijuana Collective Owner Launches Fundraising Campaign

    Big Island man Mike Ruggles launched a crowdfunding campaign this week to help pay for legal fees after being arrested for opening Hawaii’s first medical marijuana collective. Ruggles says this is an opportunity to help set legal precedence to establish medical marijuana collectives in Hawaii. “The collective was the first way for sick people to […]

    US CA: Column: How To Buy A Cannabis Dispensary In SF

    SF Weekly, 03 Dec 2015 – A curtain made from milk jugs cut into various patterns and shapes hangs in the locked doorway of 70 Second Street, a drab, three-story white brick building a few steps from Market Street in downtown San Francisco. Behind this middle-school-worthy art project is one of San Francisco’s most lucrative business opportunities, advertised by a handwritten sign hanging in a nearby window. “AVAILABLE BUILDING,” it reads, “WITH MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY.” Commercial real estate in San Francisco is currently fetching $703 a square foot, according to LoopNet, which would peg this 7,600-square-foot building’s value at a little under $5.4 million. But the asking price for this opportunity is rumored to be $15 million or higher.

    Medical Marijuana Rally In Cranberry, Pennsylvania

    The Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Society (PAMCS), along with many concerned state residents, including those suffering from diseases which could be treated with medical cannabis and their families, will be rallying at the Regional Learning Alliance and Conference Center, in Cranberry Township, 16066 on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 2 to 4 pm. More than two weeks

    PGT Episode #277-You know it when you see It.

    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 Gaylord Planning Commission has recommended that the Gaylord City Council adopt the language- permitting additional medical marijuana activity in the city and allowing for zoning […]

    High NY Presents: An Evening with Steve DeAngelo

    Invitation to the Media: Come hear one of the most influential leaders in the national legal Cannabis industry, address New York’s largest Cannabis Community. An inspired and undisputed national leader, Steve DeAngelo has been a cannabis activist, advocate, entrepreneur, and educator for almost four decades. DeAngelo co-founded the national dispensary model Harborside Health Centers, the

    Cannabis increases the noise in your brain

    Several studies have demonstrated that the primary active constituent of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, induces transient psychosis-like effects in healthy subjects similar to those observed in schizophrenia. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are not clear. A new study shows that this active ingredient increases random neural activity, termed neural noise, in the brains of healthy human […]

    Cannabis increases the noise in your brain

    Several studies have demonstrated that the primary active constituent of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, induces transient psychosis-like effects in healthy subjects similar to those observed in schizophrenia. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are not clear. A new study shows that this active ingredient increases random neural activity, termed neural noise, in the brains of healthy human subjects. The findings suggest that increased neural noise may play a role in the psychosis-like effects of cannabis.

    Study: Marijuana Improves Outcomes In Opioid-Dependent Subjects Undergoing Treatment

    By Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director Cannabis use is associated with improved outcomes in opioid-dependent subjects undergoing outpatient treatment, according to data published online ahead of print in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Researchers at Columbia University assessed the use of cannabinoids versus placebo in opioid-dependent subjects undergoing in-patient detoxification and outpatient treatment with

    The New Missouri Medical Marijuana Video Is Fantastic

    I just got done watching a new medical marijuana ad from the Show-Me Cannabis campaign. It’s very well done. One of the most effective things that I have seen when it comes to changing minds about marijuana is putting a face to prohibition. It’s much easier to not like something or oppose something when you

    Seed To Sale: Oregon Cannabis Business Seminar

    Beginning in 2016, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission will be requiring cannabis cultivators, processors, distributors and dispensary owners to apply for licenses, and the Oregon Health Authority will have a similar process. The City of Portland has also created a separate license for cannabis businesses, and other districts maydo the same. With multiple licenses to

    Support The Parents 4 Pot POW And Cannabis Community Holiday Drive

    One thing that I love about the cannabis community is that there are so many thoughtful, compassionate members of the community. Tis the season for giving, and we shouldn’t forget those from the cannabis movement that are locked up and/or are in great need. Below is information for a holiday drive, please consider participating: It

    US MI: Make The Right Choice: Support MIlegalize

    Seattle Weekly, 25 Nov 2015 – HIGHER GROUND We’re heading into the final rounds of the petition drives to legalize recreational marijuana here in Michigan. The MILegalize petition drive is expected to round things up by the end of December. The competing petition circulated by the Michigan Cannabis Coalition (MCC) is expected to finish up in January.

    US AZ: A Call To Action

    Tucson Weekly, 26 Nov 2015 – Now’s the time to get involved in the cannabis social movement Many social movements have been taking hold in our nation recently. For example, same-sex marriage has moved from social acceptance to being fully legal. Cannabis law reform is a hot topic in politics and the media, as well as more and more states jumping onboard. Times are good, and there is much fulfilling work to be done on these and other humanitarian fronts. However, I am making a public call to action, asking for your participation in these movements. It isn’t hard, there are events happening all the time.

    US CO: Column: Cannabis Club Reopens After Renovations, City

    Colorado Springs Independent, 25 Nov 2015 – West-side weed The west side’s newest cannabis club, Canna Canyon (1507 W. Colorado Ave.), is open. Owner and CEO Aaron Stone has a strong background in the weed business, having worked on both the medical and recreational sides. The former JP Wellness owner ended a year-long stint as operator of The Lazy Lion in August to create his own club, aiming for what he describes as the pure club experience – something less like a nightclub and more like an Elks lodge or brewers union.

    US CO: Column: Mainstream Cannabis Comes To Colorado

    Boulder Weekly, 26 Nov 2015 – Celebrities Bring Big Money and Big Names to a Capped Marijuana Industry On Nov. 9, Colorado’s weed scene gained its capstone endorsement – Snoop Dogg launched his very own line of marijuana products including flower, chocolate bars, shatter, wax, drops and other candies.

    US MI: Column: Make the Right Choice: Support MILegalize

    Metro Times, 25 Nov 2015 – We’re heading into the final rounds of the petition drives to legalize recreational marijuana here in Michigan. The MILegalize petition drive is expected to round things up by the end of December. The competing petition circulated by the Michigan Cannabis Coalition (MCC) is expected to finish up in January. In case you were wondering, the MILegalize petition is clearly the one you should support and the law you should vote for when the time comes.

    The Cannabis Industry Gives Thanks 2015

    I was recently asked, along with other members of the cannabis community, what I was most thankful for from 2015. That was a very easy answer for me to provide. Below is an infographic that was made with the answers, including mine. Feel free to put what you are most thankful for in the comments

    Oregon Cannabis Industry Social With Senator Floyd Prozanski

    Join New Economy Consulting for a happy hour fundraiser for State Senator Floyd Prozanski on Thursday the 10th of December from 5:30 until 7pm at Laurelwood Public House & Brewery! Floyd has been one of the industries greatest allies in fighting for patients rights and advocating for reasonable rules and regulations for well over a

    Seattle: Fundraising Raffle For Current And Former Cannabis Prisoners

    This is a raffle for commissary funds for Jimmy Romans and also the George Martorano/Jeff Mizanskey Travel to Hempfest 2016 Fund. Tickets are priced at $10.00 each. Drawing to be held 04/21/2016 @ 4:20 PM at Hempfest Central and you need not be present to win. The TWO winners must claim their prizes no later

    ‘Historic’ Turnout For Deschutes Cannabis Businesses At County Planning Commission

    Nearly 75 Deschutes County business owners and allies wearing green ribbons filled the room at the Deschutes County Planning Commission meeting last night. The group delivered a petition signed by more than 200 local business owners, farmers and residents urging the Planning Commission to support licensed cannabis farming and other businesses in unincorporated Deschutes County.

    US CA: 3,500 Signatures on Yuba County Pot Dispensary Petitions

    Appeal-Democrat, 24 Nov 2015 – Supporters of allowing medical marijuana dispensaries in Yuba County have filed petitions containing more than 3,500 signatures in their effort to force a countywide vote on the issue. County election officials confirmed that the Safe Patient Access to Regulated Cannabis group submitted initiative petitions on Friday afternoon. They were filed nearly three months ahead of a Feb. 13 deadline.