Two medical marijuana bills that would regulate medical marijuana in different ways in California were approved Tuesday by an Assembly panel, although lawmakers said more work needs to be done to address concerns and settle on one scheme.
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee approved AB 34 by Democratic Assemblymen Rob Bonta of Alameda and Reginald Jones-Sawyer of Los Angeles, which would have pot dispensaries regulated by the state Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, while growers would be overseen by the state Department of Food and Agriculture.
That measure was opposed by the League of California Cities and the California Police Chiefs Assn. because it gives the state primary responsibility for regulating and enforcing rules on the industry. The medical marijuana bill was opposed by Republican members who said they sympathized with the concerns of cities and law enforcement.
The cities and police chiefs support a separate bill approved by the committee, AB 266, by Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova), under which the state Department of Consumer Affairs would issue initial licenses to sellers and growers, while the authority to grant final, operational licenses would reside with cities and counties, which would also have the power to shut down businesses that violate the rules.
Democratic Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, the committee’s chairwoman, said sending the bills on is the beginning of a months-long process of working out one regulatory scheme and she suggested a task force be formed to find common ground.
“It’s about time that we did something up here in the state Capitol,” Bonilla said, calling the upcoming legislative process a “a very massive undertaking.” Bonilla said she had some concerns that if multiple agencies regulate medical cannibas, they may not coordinate or communicate with one another.
Worried that cannabis isn’t coming to a state near you? Fear you’ve been left out? Don’t fear, because it turns out countrywide cannabis support is in full swing. Keep reading to learn how cannabis is growing with promise.
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In an acknowledgement that the “Just Say No’ message is no longer relevant, the Colorado Department of Transportation has a new strategy to ensure safe and responsible marijuana use.
Starting with the 4/20 festival, law enforcement officers gave out snacks instead of tickets to revelers. The snacks included messages incurring cannabis users to munch, not drive, after indulging.
The agency also set up free arcade games at dispensaries that offered more tips on safely consuming cannabis.
While police around the country are being slammed for being excessive, it’s great to see at least one law enforcement agency finding innovative ways to protect the public and serve their community.
Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy held a public forum at UCLA last night. A supporter of lifting the prohibition on cannabis, Newsom did say he had some concerns. “I don’t want to see big tobacco become big marijuana. I don’t want walk down the streets or walk to the playground with my kids and smell it.” he said.
The panel is looking at a number of issues that come with legalizing marijuana. They are studying how to regulate growers, how to ensure public safety and how to deal with individuals caught driving while impaired.
4/20 Kid Cannabis Sequel in the Works
Last year’s Kid Cannabis, the dark comedy about an Idaho teen that builds a marijuana empire, is getting a sequel. John Stockwell is in talks to return as writer and director of the film. The film will focus on Topher’s exploits and begins production in 2016. It will be released April 20, 2017.
Leonhart’s Exit Opens the Door for Change a DEA
News that Drug Enforcement Administration chief, Michele Leonhart is preparing to resign was met by jubilation by many in the cannabis community. As a veteran of the ‘drug war’, Leonhard refused to acknowledge that marijuana has any medical benefits. This opinion put her squarely at odds with her boss President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder.
Couple that with a long list of scandals and it’s easy to see why it’s her time to go.
As the country moves toward lifting the prohibition on cannabis, it’s important to find someone that has his or her finger on the pulse of today’s America. It’s our hope that the new DEA chief will understand the importance of studying cannabis, will allow states to execute their marijuana laws without intrusion and to finally reclassify cannabis.
Currently marijuana is considered a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. A Schedule I listing means that the substance has “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Heroin, LSD and ecstasy are also classified as Schedule I.
Reclassifying cannabis would allow more studies on its benefits to be conducted and would recognize that there already is a healthy amount of evidence showing the healing power of cannabis.
Embattled Drug Enforcement Administration chief and marijuana foe, Michele Leonhart is expected to step down soon. Leonhart moved up the ranks in the DEA to the top spot in 2007.
She has been a vocal opponent of lifting the ban on marijuana. Speaking with a group of law enforcement professionals, she reiterated her disagreement with President Obama’s stance that marijuana is no more dangerous than alcohol.
While testifying House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, Leonhard refused to even acknowledge that marijuana was less harmful than crack, methamphetamines or heroin. Questioned by Colorado Rep. Jared Polis, she refused to budge, “I believe all illegal drugs are bad.”
Polis was unimpressed, “You should know this as the chief administrator for the Drug Enforcement Agency. I’m asking a very straightforward question: Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?”
The head of the DEA refused to answer. Instead she repeated the blanket statement that seems to be her mantra, “All illegal drugs are bad.”
A report last month revealed that during her tenure DEA agents had dozens of sex parties with prostitutes in Colombia. It’s unclear whether the parties were funded by drug cartels or the American taxpayers. Agents that admitted to participating were suspended for 1 -10 days.
Earlier this month, members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee released a statement saying they had lost confidence in her ability to lead the agency.
Kansas Cannabis Advocate Loses Custody After…
Medicinal marijuana proponent Shona Banda has lost temporary custody of her 11 year old son. Her nightmare began when her son spoke up during a drug education class. Banda’s son did not remain silent when some anti marijuana comments were made. Due to his remarks, police detained her son and raided the family home.
Law enforcement found cannabis, paraphernalia and lab equipment used to extract cannabis oil. Banda is is a vocal advocate of medicinal marijuana. She tells her story of using cannabis oil to help deal with Crohn’s Disease in her book, ”Live Free or Die: Reclaim your Life . . . Reclaim your Country!”
The Wichita district attorney is mulling over possible charges including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment. A gofundme page has been set up for her legal expenses.
Comedian/Cannabis Activist Roseanne Barr Is Going Blind
Speaking with The Daily Beast, the former presidential candidate and comedic icons revealed that she is losing her sight due to macular degeneration and glaucoma. She uses marijuana to help with the pressure in her eyes. She also advocates cannabis to free one’s mind, “It’s expansive. It opens your mind.” We couldn’t agree more.
Former Disney Channel star Demi Lovato made some news yesterday by wishing Former Disney Channel star Joe Jonas a happy 4/20 on Instagram. Apparently, she and former Disney Channel star Miley Cyrus introduced him to marijuana.
We’re not sure if the Disney clubhouse was the happiest place on earth, but it was definitely the chillest.
Today, the Washington Post took a hard look at the theory that Marijuana is ‘gateway drug’ leading to use of harder substances. Although that theory was first introduced in 1937, it has yet to be verified by any legitimate research. If anything, increased access to marijuana seems to lower rates of opiate overdoses.
New Jersey Governor and possible presidential candidate Chris Christie made headlines last week when he asserted that legalizing pot would open a Pandora’s box of drug use across the country. He may have been hoping to energize his base in light of slipping poll numbers, but the opposite seems to be occurring.
Reason, a Libertarian magazine, calls Christie out on his unrealistic assertion that the federal government could stop state-licensed marijuana business. With California likely joining the list of states repealing marijuana prohibition, it would be almost impossible to put the genie back in the bottle.
A Pew poll conducted last month shows that a majority of Americans (59%) believe the Federal Government should not interfere with states that allow marijuana sales. Even more disconcerting for the Republican governor, 54% of Republicans also believe the Fed should have a hands off approach when it comes to legal cannabis. Stay tuned to see if Christie ‘evolves’ on the issue as most of the country has done.
In a CNN documentary Weed 3: The Marijuana Revolution that aired last night, Dr. Sanjay Gupta spoke with President Barack Obama about medicinal and recreational marijuana.
Obama elaborated on his support for medicinal cannabis:
“I’m on record as saying that not only do I think carefully prescribed medical use of marijuana may in fact be appropriate and we should follow the science as opposed to ideology on this issue, but I’m also on record as saying that the more we treat some of these issues related to drug abuse from a public health model and not just from an incarceration model, the better off we’re going to be.”
He also read the (pot) tea leaves and sees more states legalizing marijuana is an inevitability.
It’s 4/20. Chances are you’ll be needing a pizza. You just started thinking about pizza. The chance you’ll be needing a pizza just increased nearly 10 fold.
Well, you’re in luck.
Knew this post was missing something, a cat video. Anyways…
Nugg lets you order medical marijuana from top dispensaries near you, as long as you have a doctor’s recommendation for cannabis.
And we’re throwing in a free medium pizza with every order on 4/20.
SThis pizza, it’s just, it just won’t let me eat him.
That means you can get cannabis and pizza delivered at the same time, with just one order. Yep, Monday just got a little bit better.
April 20th is finally here. Wedged between the Cherry Blossom Festival and Arbor Day, 4/20 is the day that a growing number of Americans celebrate a different kind of plant – cannabis. Now that medicinal marijuana is legal in almost half of the country, more people are talking up its benefits. Every day, new people are beginning to understand that this small but mighty flower can help with a wide range of ailments including anxiety, insomnia and pain.
For many new users, discovering marijuana brings a lot of relief. For some, it also brings a new anxiety — how do you tell your family and friends that you’re feeling, sleeping and looking better thanks to the very plant that was supposed to lead you into reefer madness? You know those claims are bullshit, but they might not. Do you tell them or keep it to yourself?
Being candid about your marijuana use is not a bad thing. Coming out of the cannabis closet can be quite liberating, but before you hang a pot leaf air freshener in your car or get that 420 neck tattoo, here are some things to consider.
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With some people, it’s easy to know how they’ll react. Your gossipy cousin will probably make your medicinal epiphany THE topic of conversation at your next family gathering, and you know your ultra-conservative father-in-law will have plenty to chime in with. Others may surprise you. Nothing will blow your mind like having your grandmother tell you she uses a marijuana salve to help with her arthritis. People don’t always wear their feelings about pot on their sleeves, so be ready for a variety of reactions.
The Good
With a groundswell of support for medical marijuana, you’ll likely be met by other marijuana enthusiasts. According to 2014 Pew Survey, about half of Americans have tried pot. Even more encouraging is the Public Policy Institute of California poll finding that a majority of Californians favors legalizing pot for recreational use.
The Bad
Others may still have reservations. And understandably so. The government’s misguided drug policies hammered untruths about marijuana into the public psyche for decades. A little information may go a long way in educating those closest to you. For some the road to enlightenment may be a bit longer.
The Indifferent
Some folks just won’t care.As long as your marijuana usage doesn’t define you or inhibit your relationship, most people won’t give it a second thought. According to the Pew research, about 69% of Americans feel alcohol is more harmful than marijuana. As with alcohol, if you use marijuana in responsibly, most people won’t care.
How Will You Come Out?
Tweeting pictures of your new Game of Thrones bong might seem like a great idea when you’re medicated, but remember your social media footprint is more far reaching and will last much longer than your high.
If there’s chance that your (current and future) employers might see images of your soon to be legendary bong full of tasty nuggs as an impairment, maybe you should reconsider posting those epic pictures. Even though medicinal marijuana is legal in California, our employment laws are still woefully behind the times. Be smart. You don’t want to lose your job. Especially if you still have 10 payments on that fresh Westeros water pipe.
*Falling* out of the cannabis closet.
Educate; Don’t Proselytize
Sure you get a sweet bonus for referring someone to the Nugg app, but no one likes a hard sell. Nothing irritates people more than being lectured on something they don’t understand. Remember how your dad would not stop talking about his new juicer? Your enthusiasm is understandable. But unless your mother is also a patient, she may not feel the need to know about your quest to find a new vape pen. Feel your family out. Drop some nuggets of truth out there. If they have questions, educate them. Organizations like NORML have a wealth of information to help illuminate your friends and family about cannabis.
Respect the Plant, Respect the Movement & Respect Yourself
Like it or not when you let others know of your cannabis use, you become the face of medical marijuana. As an instant ambassador of a growing movement, recognize that some of your actions may (fairly or not) be attributed to your cannabis use. Small stuff like sleeping in, skipping a family function or getting into a minor fender bender may be seen in a different light by the misinformed.
Changing their minds about “potheads” may not seem like it falls into your purview. However, if you’re the only cannabis user they know, the responsibility may fall on your shoulders. If you don’t want to be seen as a stereotypical pothead, don’t be one (tweet this quote). Respect your obligations. Respect your new medicine. Use it as recommended. Don’t overdo it. And now that you have a dependable delivery service in your arsenal, there’s no need to drive. Driving or operating heavy machinery while impaired is never a good idea.
It’s Up to You
Coming out of the closet is a deeply personal decision. As we’ve seen with gay rights, the more people that are open about their authentic selves, the more expeditious the change. That being said, if you don’t think coming out of the pot closet is right for you, don’t feel pressured to do so. With services like Nugg, discretion is paramount. Your medicine and supplies will be delivered to your doorstep in a safe, efficient and private manner.
If you want to be part of the change without coming out, there are plenty of ways to do so.
Organizations like NORML can always use donations and volunteers. They’ve been advocating for saner drug policies since 1970. Thanks to their and others’ hard work, it’s easy to imagine a time in the near future when coming out as a cannabis user won’t be an issue. Until then, spark up and be well. Happy 4-20!
As medicinal marijuana becomes more widely accepted, a new group of patients is beginning to feel the benefits. Marijuana treats for dogs and cats are seen as a natural way to help pets deal with a litany of ailments.
Like their human counterparts, animals deal with illnesses including animal versions of cancer, HIV and arthritis. For many, medicinal marijuana is a more natural and cost effective method to help treat their pet’s medical woes.
Companies like Auntie Dolores and Canna Companion have launched edibles, “medical marijuana for pets,” made with animals in mind. The largely unregulated marketplace looks to be a huge growth area in the coming years.
Pet owners should take some precautions if they choose to share their own edibles with their furry. Dogs and chocolate do not mix. Dosing out the correct amount of medicine is also important. Cannabis toxicity is a rare but potentially fatal problem in dogs.
Florida’s Marco Rubio has announced that he is seeking the GOP nomination for President of the United States.
Spurred by his desire to help move the country into “another American century,” Rubio presented himself as the greatest agent for change. That change may not extend to drug policy, though. During his tenure, the Republican Senator has offered only tepid support to legalizing non-euphoric cannabis. When was asked about his own use of marijuana, Rubio has refused to answer the question.
Speaking to Fusion’s Mariana Atencio last year, he said “If I tell you that I haven’t, you won’t believe me. And if I tell you that I did, then kids will look up to me and say, ‘well, I can smoke marijuana because look how he made it.’”
At a press conference this morning, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer claims his office has closed more than 500 illegal medical marijuana dispensaries.
It’s been said that Los Angeles was once home to over 1,100 such dispensaries.
Feuer’s insists that medicinal cannabis should be available, but companies that are not complying with Proposition D should be shut down.
Proposition D, a measure passed by voters in 2013, restricts operating hours and locations of dispensaries. It also increased taxation on marijuana revenue.
According to ABC 7 News, there are currently about 120 pot shops that meet the city’s guidelines, but we know the number to be more around 135.
