By Russ Belville; National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
(Courthouse News Service) – Two North Dakota farmers failed to convince the 8th Circuit that cannabis grown for industrial hemp is not technically marijuana and should not be regulated under federal law.
The court in St. Louis upheld dismissal of the farmers’ lawsuit seeking a declaration that the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) does not apply to industrial-use cannabis.
The appeals court pointed out that the Act defines marijuana to include all cannabis plants, regardless of the THC concentration.
“The CSA likewise makes no distinction between cannabis grown for drug use and that grown for industrial use,” Judge Pasco Bowman wrote.
The three-judge panel rejected the notion that industrial hemp is not marijuana under the Act, or that Congress has no authority to regulate their state-sanctioned cultivation of cannabis.
Judge Bowman said Congress had a “rational basis” for regulating the cultivation of all cannabis plants in order to effectively regulate marijuana.
The “rational basis” here is that North Dakota farmers can’t grow tall, reedy hemp plants that could never ever get anyone high, because that will confuse the law enforcement officials who are working to eradicate short bushy cannabis plants that are grown to get people high. Somehow, in Australia, Canada, and China to name a few countries, police who are tasked with eradicating illegal cannabis in those countries that have legal hemp have no difficulty whatsoever distinguishing the two crops, but American police are just baffled by basic agriculture.
Silly as it sounds, that’s the court’s argument. We’d never be able to “effectively regulate marijuana” if farmers were growing hemp. Not that we’re actually “effectively regulating marijuana” now. Prohibition of marijuana is the absence of regulation — no regulations on who can buy it, who can sell it, where it can be sold, what age you must be to purchase it, where it can be used, what THC potency is allowed, whether the crop can be grown with certain pesticides and fertilizers, and what penalties should be leveled for failure to follow the regulations. Yes, there are laws against marijuana that makes all of those actions a crime, but by definition you can only regulate something that is legal.
Prohibition doesn’t make those actions go away, it just makes them crimes. Therefore, those actions are occurring in an unregulated manner. So how is it, again, that growing an industrial hemp plant is preventing the government from regulating something that prohibition made unregulated?
Source: Opposing Views
If you know of an event that you feel should be listed on our calendar, please send details to info@mjdispensaries.com ~Thank You
Thursday, December 31, 2009
NEWS: Gilroy City Council discusses Marijuana Dispensary Options
By Susanne Brunner
GILROY, Calif. - The City Council came out Wednesday to address and correct legal problems after a judge said they violated federal law on November 16 in regards to a closed meeting about MediLeaf.
In order to fix the violation, Council had to address what was being discussed behind closed doors last month in a public meeting. As the Mayor and acting City Attorney tried to explain what was brought up during that meeting, questions arose about wjat was discussed in the closed meeting.
Many were concerned that the cost for city to pursue the case was never brought up. "They're not explaining coherently why they are going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to stop the access to medicine to sick people," says Medileaf's Eric Madigen.
After a long debate, council voted 6 to 1 to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in the city, but Medileaf says regardless, the dispensary will remain open.
"I didn't expect anything but that, that's nothing new," says Mayor Al Penheiro
Along with the vote to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in the city, council decided to discuss legal costs in the next meeting.
Source: KIONRightNow.com
GILROY, Calif. - The City Council came out Wednesday to address and correct legal problems after a judge said they violated federal law on November 16 in regards to a closed meeting about MediLeaf.
In order to fix the violation, Council had to address what was being discussed behind closed doors last month in a public meeting. As the Mayor and acting City Attorney tried to explain what was brought up during that meeting, questions arose about wjat was discussed in the closed meeting.
Many were concerned that the cost for city to pursue the case was never brought up. "They're not explaining coherently why they are going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to stop the access to medicine to sick people," says Medileaf's Eric Madigen.
After a long debate, council voted 6 to 1 to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in the city, but Medileaf says regardless, the dispensary will remain open.
"I didn't expect anything but that, that's nothing new," says Mayor Al Penheiro
Along with the vote to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in the city, council decided to discuss legal costs in the next meeting.
Source: KIONRightNow.com
NEWS: Colorado judge rules that medical marijuana users in state have right to buy pot
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — Medical marijuana patients have a constitutional right to buy pot, not just use it, according to ruling Wednesday by a judge.
Arapahoe County District Court Judge Christopher Cross sided with the CannaMart dispensary, which sued the city of Centennial after it was shut down in October.
Cross granted the dispensary's request for an injunction, which will prevent the city from keeping the dispensary closed while CannaMart challenges the city's argument that it can ban pot shops because they violated federal drug laws.
Colorado in 2000 passed a constitutional amendment allowing medical marijuana, which is now allowed in 14 states. Recent decisions by state health authorities, along with a signal this year from the U.S. attorney general that federal prosecutors won't interfere with state pot rules, have led to an explosion of commercial marijuana stores across Colorado.
In the oral ruling, the judge had sharp words for cities that say federal drug laws allow them to keep out any dispensaries. Cross said the city violated the rights of three medical marijuana patients who joined the lawsuit.
"These are people who have a right to medical marijuana, the right to the caregiver of their choice. That has been taken away from them," Cross said.
CannaMart's owner, Stan Zislis, said after the decision that he wasn't sure if he would reopen the shop in Centennial. Zislis has opened a new CannaMart in the nearby suburb of Littleton.
The judge's decision left unresolved a zoning dispute between Centennial and CannaMart, which had about 600 clients at the time it was closed. The city also has passed a moratorium on new dispensaries, so CannaMart cannot move and reopen elsewhere in Centennial.
Lauren Davis, a lawyer for CannaMart, said the judge's words "should be a warning to towns across this state" that are considering whether to ban dispensaries. Another town south of Denver, Castle Rock, has also cited federal drug laws in forcing a dispensary there to stop selling marijuana.
"They are violating the rights of sick patients and caregivers," Davis said.
One of the patients who sued, Eric Mosher, said CannaMart's closure made it difficult for him to obtain medical marijuana recommended for a debilitating nerve ailment.
"It's hard enough to be in the situation I'm in," Mosher said after the ruling.
Centennial's lawyer, Robert Widner, said it was too soon to say how city officials would proceed.
The judge scheduled further legal discussion in the case for next year. He concluded by saying that cities wanting to get rid of all dispensaries could find themselves violating constitutional rights.
Even though federal laws ban the sale of marijuana, Cross said, "The voters have spoken. It is not a criminal act in the state of Colorado."
Source: Associated Press
Arapahoe County District Court Judge Christopher Cross sided with the CannaMart dispensary, which sued the city of Centennial after it was shut down in October.
Cross granted the dispensary's request for an injunction, which will prevent the city from keeping the dispensary closed while CannaMart challenges the city's argument that it can ban pot shops because they violated federal drug laws.
Colorado in 2000 passed a constitutional amendment allowing medical marijuana, which is now allowed in 14 states. Recent decisions by state health authorities, along with a signal this year from the U.S. attorney general that federal prosecutors won't interfere with state pot rules, have led to an explosion of commercial marijuana stores across Colorado.
In the oral ruling, the judge had sharp words for cities that say federal drug laws allow them to keep out any dispensaries. Cross said the city violated the rights of three medical marijuana patients who joined the lawsuit.
"These are people who have a right to medical marijuana, the right to the caregiver of their choice. That has been taken away from them," Cross said.
CannaMart's owner, Stan Zislis, said after the decision that he wasn't sure if he would reopen the shop in Centennial. Zislis has opened a new CannaMart in the nearby suburb of Littleton.
The judge's decision left unresolved a zoning dispute between Centennial and CannaMart, which had about 600 clients at the time it was closed. The city also has passed a moratorium on new dispensaries, so CannaMart cannot move and reopen elsewhere in Centennial.
Lauren Davis, a lawyer for CannaMart, said the judge's words "should be a warning to towns across this state" that are considering whether to ban dispensaries. Another town south of Denver, Castle Rock, has also cited federal drug laws in forcing a dispensary there to stop selling marijuana.
"They are violating the rights of sick patients and caregivers," Davis said.
One of the patients who sued, Eric Mosher, said CannaMart's closure made it difficult for him to obtain medical marijuana recommended for a debilitating nerve ailment.
"It's hard enough to be in the situation I'm in," Mosher said after the ruling.
Centennial's lawyer, Robert Widner, said it was too soon to say how city officials would proceed.
The judge scheduled further legal discussion in the case for next year. He concluded by saying that cities wanting to get rid of all dispensaries could find themselves violating constitutional rights.
Even though federal laws ban the sale of marijuana, Cross said, "The voters have spoken. It is not a criminal act in the state of Colorado."
Source: Associated Press
MEDICAL MARIJUANA: DOES SAN DIEGO HAVE A SHERIFF ARPAIO?
MEDICAL MARIJUANA: DOES SAN DIEGO HAVE A SHERIFF ARPAIO?
By Walter Davis
Eugene Davidovich is a Navy veteran. His service connected health issues resulted in his doctor authorizing medical marijuana. Now, he faces four felony charges and the possibility of a long jail sentence.
According to Americans for Safe Access San Diego, the local District Attorney is aggressively pursuing users of Medical Marijuana in San Diego. Aggressive arrest tactics are reportedly in place despite state laws that make medical marijuana use legal and the recent federal guidelines that indicate federal authorities will not be pursuing charges against medical marijuana users in states where such use is legal.
Marijuana is effective for conditions including glaucoma, cancer, aids, migraine headaches, and people suffering pain from extensive burns. Victims of the recent fires in the county have been authorized by doctors to use medical marijuana.
According to the Drug Policy Alliance and Esquire.com, every 17 seconds someone is arrested on a drug violation and every 38 seconds someone is arrested for a cannabis violation in this country. Felony charges result in a life time of punishment for previously convicted people. They have challenges getting employment even after they stop using and are frequently left with no choice but to return to crime. They are punished over and over again and often cannot qualify for public assistance.
Insurance companies often do not cover addiction treatment; prevention programs are scarce. American tax payers get an annual bill for more than 52 billion dollars, for the war against drugs. With schools closing, Americans lacking health care and San Diego needing fire protection equipment, is this a logical use of resources? Further, the flow of drugs is not being stemmed. 15,000 people lose their lives each year in the current drug war. The number of lives being claimed in Chicago and New Orleans alone exceeds the number of lives lost in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan annually.
President Nixon classified marijuana a schedule 1 drug in the 1970’s. In 1986, President Reagan set the minimum sentencing guidelines. This revoked discretion among local judges forcing them to hand down long prison sentences to drug offenders. Prisoners get drugs in prison easily and treatment is not a viable option; this appears to be a barbaric method of managing this problem with no sign of abatement.
There has been an 80% increase in the prison population since 1986. The average sentence in prison is 56.8 months. The average sentence for violent crimes is 63 months. The average sentence for drug offenses is 76 months.
In the 1960’s Bull Conner ignored federal authorities who ordered him to cease targeting African Americans. Sheriff Arpaio is targeting Latinos in Arizona despite federal guidelines opposed to his actions. Voter’s wishes, civil and human rights are being violated in 2009 in San Diego for political gain. Should valuable tax dollars and police services be expended to go after medical marijuana users consuming legally?
Walter Davis is head of the San Diego Community Coalition, authors a syndicated newspaper column and assists nonprofit and community groups develop media campaigns, including public access television programming.The opinions expressed in this column reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine.
Source: East County Magazine
Visit Eugene Davidovich at his website: www.eugenedavidovich.com
STOP OPERATION GREEN RX DUMANIS - Bonnie Dumanis and her fierce fight against medical marijuana in San Diego continues to raid legitimate patients and abuse her power as the District Attorney for her own political gain.
By Walter Davis
Eugene Davidovich is a Navy veteran. His service connected health issues resulted in his doctor authorizing medical marijuana. Now, he faces four felony charges and the possibility of a long jail sentence.
According to Americans for Safe Access San Diego, the local District Attorney is aggressively pursuing users of Medical Marijuana in San Diego. Aggressive arrest tactics are reportedly in place despite state laws that make medical marijuana use legal and the recent federal guidelines that indicate federal authorities will not be pursuing charges against medical marijuana users in states where such use is legal.
Marijuana is effective for conditions including glaucoma, cancer, aids, migraine headaches, and people suffering pain from extensive burns. Victims of the recent fires in the county have been authorized by doctors to use medical marijuana.
According to the Drug Policy Alliance and Esquire.com, every 17 seconds someone is arrested on a drug violation and every 38 seconds someone is arrested for a cannabis violation in this country. Felony charges result in a life time of punishment for previously convicted people. They have challenges getting employment even after they stop using and are frequently left with no choice but to return to crime. They are punished over and over again and often cannot qualify for public assistance.
Insurance companies often do not cover addiction treatment; prevention programs are scarce. American tax payers get an annual bill for more than 52 billion dollars, for the war against drugs. With schools closing, Americans lacking health care and San Diego needing fire protection equipment, is this a logical use of resources? Further, the flow of drugs is not being stemmed. 15,000 people lose their lives each year in the current drug war. The number of lives being claimed in Chicago and New Orleans alone exceeds the number of lives lost in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan annually.
President Nixon classified marijuana a schedule 1 drug in the 1970’s. In 1986, President Reagan set the minimum sentencing guidelines. This revoked discretion among local judges forcing them to hand down long prison sentences to drug offenders. Prisoners get drugs in prison easily and treatment is not a viable option; this appears to be a barbaric method of managing this problem with no sign of abatement.
There has been an 80% increase in the prison population since 1986. The average sentence in prison is 56.8 months. The average sentence for violent crimes is 63 months. The average sentence for drug offenses is 76 months.
In the 1960’s Bull Conner ignored federal authorities who ordered him to cease targeting African Americans. Sheriff Arpaio is targeting Latinos in Arizona despite federal guidelines opposed to his actions. Voter’s wishes, civil and human rights are being violated in 2009 in San Diego for political gain. Should valuable tax dollars and police services be expended to go after medical marijuana users consuming legally?
Walter Davis is head of the San Diego Community Coalition, authors a syndicated newspaper column and assists nonprofit and community groups develop media campaigns, including public access television programming.The opinions expressed in this column reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine.
Source: East County Magazine
Visit Eugene Davidovich at his website: www.eugenedavidovich.com
STOP OPERATION GREEN RX DUMANIS - Bonnie Dumanis and her fierce fight against medical marijuana in San Diego continues to raid legitimate patients and abuse her power as the District Attorney for her own political gain.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
NEW DISPENSARY: Positive Vibrations Collective in Long Beach, CA
Positive Vibrations Collective
2137 Pacific Ave [map]
Long Beach, CA 90806
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-12am, Sun 10am-8pm
Phone: 562-507-0985
Web: positivevibrationcollective.com
2137 Pacific Ave [map]
Long Beach, CA 90806
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-12am, Sun 10am-8pm
Phone: 562-507-0985
Web: positivevibrationcollective.com
President Obama: Free the Medical Marijuana Researchers!
The War on Drugs continues, four decades after President Richard Nixon commenced hostilities. President Barack Obama--the third president in a row to have used illicit substances in his youth--is no drug warrior. However, he seems unlikely to challenge the disastrous new prohibition.
The president has, however, ended the federal campaign against medical marijuana, ordering administration officials to respect state laws legalizing the drug for medicinal purposes. This policy will grow increasingly important as more states allow use of med-pot (for instance, in November Maine voters legalized medical marijuana dispensaries). Congress should approve legislation introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), codifying administration policy into law.
Read the rest »
Source: The Huffington Post
The president has, however, ended the federal campaign against medical marijuana, ordering administration officials to respect state laws legalizing the drug for medicinal purposes. This policy will grow increasingly important as more states allow use of med-pot (for instance, in November Maine voters legalized medical marijuana dispensaries). Congress should approve legislation introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), codifying administration policy into law.
Read the rest »
Source: The Huffington Post
IN THE NEWS: Medical Pot No Excuse for Troubled Teen
A medical marijuana card is no excuse for a kid in trouble with the law to smoke pot.
That's the idea behind a ruling in San Francisco, where a state appeals court on Monday upheld a judge's order to ban a teenager from smoking marijuana, even though he had a medical cannabis card to use the drug for migraine headaches.
Daryl Moret was 19 when he was arrested for carrying a loaded handgun that police found had been stolen the year before. He could have been jailed for up to three years but he pleaded no contest in exchange for probation. The lighter sentence came with a catch -- Moret had to agree to put down the pipe and clean up his act.
The boy had potential, Superior Court Judge Peter Foor believed, and said at Moret's 2008 sentencing hearing that "smoking dope isn't going to help any of this," the Chronicle reported.
Moret appealed the ruling, saying it violated his rights as a medical marijuana patient under Prop 215. In the ruling in San Francisco on Monday, the court said the ruling stands because the defendant could choose to reject the conditions of the sentence and accept the the alternative -- jail time.
Source: NBC (Bay Area)
That's the idea behind a ruling in San Francisco, where a state appeals court on Monday upheld a judge's order to ban a teenager from smoking marijuana, even though he had a medical cannabis card to use the drug for migraine headaches.
Daryl Moret was 19 when he was arrested for carrying a loaded handgun that police found had been stolen the year before. He could have been jailed for up to three years but he pleaded no contest in exchange for probation. The lighter sentence came with a catch -- Moret had to agree to put down the pipe and clean up his act.
The boy had potential, Superior Court Judge Peter Foor believed, and said at Moret's 2008 sentencing hearing that "smoking dope isn't going to help any of this," the Chronicle reported.
Moret appealed the ruling, saying it violated his rights as a medical marijuana patient under Prop 215. In the ruling in San Francisco on Monday, the court said the ruling stands because the defendant could choose to reject the conditions of the sentence and accept the the alternative -- jail time.
Source: NBC (Bay Area)
IN THE NEWS: 14-Year-Old Cancer Patient Receives Permission for Medical Cannabis
A 14-year-old being treated in the oncology unit of Rambam Medical Center in Haifa has received permission to receive medical-cannabis, better known as marijuana.
The young girl is experiencing severe pain from the chemotherapy treatments, a depressed appetite, and other unpleasant side effects of the treatment. Her difficult condition compelled her medical team to recommend the cannabis treatment, which has been approved. She began the treatment on Friday, which will G-d willing improve her condition significantly regarding the difficult unwanted side effects of the chemo.
Source: Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel
The young girl is experiencing severe pain from the chemotherapy treatments, a depressed appetite, and other unpleasant side effects of the treatment. Her difficult condition compelled her medical team to recommend the cannabis treatment, which has been approved. She began the treatment on Friday, which will G-d willing improve her condition significantly regarding the difficult unwanted side effects of the chemo.
Source: Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel
IN THE NEWS: 2009 Top 10 Wisconsin medical cannabis stories
Madison, Wisconsin: 2009 was a historic year for Wisconsin medical cannabis advocates. For the first time in decades, after a change in Assembly leadership, medical cannabis legislation gained the backing of key state lawmakers in both chambers. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison), a sponsor of mmj bills dating back to the late 1990s, was joined by his colleague, Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee), in sponsoring AB554/SB368, the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act. The bill also gained 13 Assembly and 2 Senate cosponsors.
Below are Madison NORML Examiner's "2009 Top 10 Wisconsin medical cannabis stories":
#10) Thursday, Feb 26, 2009: US Attorney General Eric Holder: Ending Medical Cannabis Raids now US Policy. This event did not happen in Wisconsin, but it was one of many pieces of the puzzle that came together in 2009 to make the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act a viable bill.
#9) Sunday, June 7, 2009: State Capitol "Candlelight" Vigil for victims of Medical Marijuana Prohibition. On a Sunday evening in late Spring, nearly 50 patients and supporters including Jacki Rickert gather for a "candlelight" vigil to hear speeches from Jacki, Mary Powers, Gary Storck and others. Singer-songwriter Rick Harris' performance of his song, "Legal Medicine Blues," inspired by Jacki Rickert, topped off a moving night of activism and rememberance.
Read the rest »
Source: Examiner
Below are Madison NORML Examiner's "2009 Top 10 Wisconsin medical cannabis stories":
#10) Thursday, Feb 26, 2009: US Attorney General Eric Holder: Ending Medical Cannabis Raids now US Policy. This event did not happen in Wisconsin, but it was one of many pieces of the puzzle that came together in 2009 to make the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act a viable bill.
#9) Sunday, June 7, 2009: State Capitol "Candlelight" Vigil for victims of Medical Marijuana Prohibition. On a Sunday evening in late Spring, nearly 50 patients and supporters including Jacki Rickert gather for a "candlelight" vigil to hear speeches from Jacki, Mary Powers, Gary Storck and others. Singer-songwriter Rick Harris' performance of his song, "Legal Medicine Blues," inspired by Jacki Rickert, topped off a moving night of activism and rememberance.
Read the rest »
Source: Examiner
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Smoke It Up, Marijuana May Soon Be Legal In Four U.S. States
Boston (SmartAboutHealth) - The push to make marijuana legal continues as four U.S. states are currently pursuing the legalization of marijuana.
The hope from these states is that marijuana will become fully regulated, as well as completely legal.
The four states pushing to legalize marijuana include Massachusetts, California, New Hampshire, and the state of Washington.
There are four bills currently being tossed around, one for each state, with the end result being regulation and legalization of marijuana.
According to federal law, marijuana is an illegal substance, but that could be coming to an end if this trend continues.
More and more states in the U.S. are throwing around the idea of trying to make marijuana legal, or at least regulating it for use in small amounts and in medical cases.
We will know much more in regards to how this process is going once January legislative sessions begin.
Source: Smart About Health
The hope from these states is that marijuana will become fully regulated, as well as completely legal.
The four states pushing to legalize marijuana include Massachusetts, California, New Hampshire, and the state of Washington.
There are four bills currently being tossed around, one for each state, with the end result being regulation and legalization of marijuana.
According to federal law, marijuana is an illegal substance, but that could be coming to an end if this trend continues.
More and more states in the U.S. are throwing around the idea of trying to make marijuana legal, or at least regulating it for use in small amounts and in medical cases.
We will know much more in regards to how this process is going once January legislative sessions begin.
Source: Smart About Health
IN THE NEWS: Pot-Stuffed Teddy Bear Found at California Toy Store
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities say they confiscated a teddy bear at a Southern California toy store that was stuffed with marijuana.
The owner of Toy Town said Monday that he got the package last week, opened it up and found a 2-foot-tall blue teddy bear that felt ''hard and crinkly.'' The bear turned out to be stuffed with three large, vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana.
Owner Joshua Vecchione says he called Orange County sheriff's officials.
The package was addressed to someone in Colorado and mailed from Thousand Oaks with the toy store, in Ladera Ranch, as the return address.
The owner of Toy Town said Monday that he got the package last week, opened it up and found a 2-foot-tall blue teddy bear that felt ''hard and crinkly.'' The bear turned out to be stuffed with three large, vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana.
Owner Joshua Vecchione says he called Orange County sheriff's officials.
The package was addressed to someone in Colorado and mailed from Thousand Oaks with the toy store, in Ladera Ranch, as the return address.
IN THE NEWS: Kava 'anti-energy' drink takes root in the Southland
There's no pot in Mary Jane's Relaxing Soda, but the maker is riding on the drug's cachet to sell the beverage, one of several purportedly calming drinks made from plants long used as folk remedies.
In Los Angeles, where medical marijuana dispensaries outnumber Starbucks and McDonald's restaurants combined, a mood-altering beverage with a cannabis-oriented marketing campaign is gaining traction. Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Source: Los Angeles Times
Monday, December 28, 2009
IN THE NEWS: B.C. man gets licence for record number of marijuana plants
A B.C. resident has received a Health Canada licence to possess 60 grams of marijuana for daily medical use, allowing him to legally grow as many as 292 marijuana plants.
The licence provides for possibly the largest quantity ever to be legalized in Canada, say lawyers in Vancouver and Toronto who have been involved in high profile marijuana-related court cases.
Read full story »
Source: The Globe and Mail
The licence provides for possibly the largest quantity ever to be legalized in Canada, say lawyers in Vancouver and Toronto who have been involved in high profile marijuana-related court cases.
Read full story »
Source: The Globe and Mail
NEW VIDEO: THC Kills Glioma Cancer Cells - Medical Miracles from Europe
Before speaking to the 5th Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics in Pacific Grove, CA, Deputy Director of NORML Paul Armentano talks about new science on Cannabis (marijuana) and the Endo-Cannabinoid system being done in Europe, while American cancer patients, many with tragic cases of Glioma brain tumors, seek any news of an alternative therapy.
Paul references the work of Dr. Manuel Guzman, Madrid, who has seen THC kill brain cancer cells while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed, demonstating the neuroprotectant properties of Cannabinoids.
Paul references the work of Dr. Manuel Guzman, Madrid, who has seen THC kill brain cancer cells while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed, demonstating the neuroprotectant properties of Cannabinoids.
IN THE NEWS: Cannabis Hope for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
ScienceDaily — Chemicals found in cannabis could prove an effective treatment for the inflammatory bowel diseases Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease, say scientists.
Laboratory tests have shown that two compounds found in the cannabis plant -- the cannabinoids THC and cannabidiol -- interact with the body's system that controls gut function.
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which affect about one in every 250 people in Northern Europe, are caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The researchers believe that a genetic susceptibility coupled with other triggers, such as diet, stress or bacterial imbalance, leads to a defective immune response.
Dr Karen Wright, Peel Trust Lecturer in Biomedicine at Lancaster University, presented her soon-to-be published work at The British Pharmacological Society's Winter Meeting in London.
She said: "The lining of the intestines provides a barrier against the contents of the gut but in people with Crohn's Disease this barrier leaks and bacteria can escape into the intestinal tissue leading to an inappropriate immune response.
"If we could find a way to restore barrier integrity in patients we may be able to curb the inflammatory immune response that causes these chronic conditions."
Dr Wright, working with colleagues at the School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health in Derby, has shown that cells that react to cannabinoid compounds play an important role in normal gut function as well as the immune system's inflammatory response.
"The body produces its own cannabinoid molecules, called endocannabinoids, which we have shown increase the permeability of the epithelium during inflammation, implying that overproduction may be detrimental," said Dr Wright.
"However, we were able to reverse this process using plant-derived cannabinoids, which appeared to allow the epithelial cells to form tighter bonds with each other and restore the membrane barrier."
The research was carried out using cell cultures in a dish but, interestingly, when the team attempted to mimic the conditions of the gut by reducing the amount of oxygen in the cells' environment, much lower concentrations of cannabinoid were needed to produce the same effect.
Dr Wright added: "What is also encouraging is that while THC has psychoactive properties and is responsible for the 'high' people experience when using cannabis, cannabidiol, which has also proved effective in restoring membrane integrity, does not possess such properties."
Source: ScienceDaily.com
Laboratory tests have shown that two compounds found in the cannabis plant -- the cannabinoids THC and cannabidiol -- interact with the body's system that controls gut function.
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which affect about one in every 250 people in Northern Europe, are caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The researchers believe that a genetic susceptibility coupled with other triggers, such as diet, stress or bacterial imbalance, leads to a defective immune response.
Dr Karen Wright, Peel Trust Lecturer in Biomedicine at Lancaster University, presented her soon-to-be published work at The British Pharmacological Society's Winter Meeting in London.
She said: "The lining of the intestines provides a barrier against the contents of the gut but in people with Crohn's Disease this barrier leaks and bacteria can escape into the intestinal tissue leading to an inappropriate immune response.
"If we could find a way to restore barrier integrity in patients we may be able to curb the inflammatory immune response that causes these chronic conditions."
Dr Wright, working with colleagues at the School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health in Derby, has shown that cells that react to cannabinoid compounds play an important role in normal gut function as well as the immune system's inflammatory response.
"The body produces its own cannabinoid molecules, called endocannabinoids, which we have shown increase the permeability of the epithelium during inflammation, implying that overproduction may be detrimental," said Dr Wright.
"However, we were able to reverse this process using plant-derived cannabinoids, which appeared to allow the epithelial cells to form tighter bonds with each other and restore the membrane barrier."
The research was carried out using cell cultures in a dish but, interestingly, when the team attempted to mimic the conditions of the gut by reducing the amount of oxygen in the cells' environment, much lower concentrations of cannabinoid were needed to produce the same effect.
Dr Wright added: "What is also encouraging is that while THC has psychoactive properties and is responsible for the 'high' people experience when using cannabis, cannabidiol, which has also proved effective in restoring membrane integrity, does not possess such properties."
Source: ScienceDaily.com
Sunday, December 27, 2009
NEW COLLECTIVE in Wilmington, CA - Kush Korner II
Kush Korner II
813 Cristobal Ave
Wilmington, CA 90744
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am to 10pm (OPEN 7 days a week)
Phone: (310) 830-0653
Friday, December 25, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Grandma gave 3-year-old grandson marijuana cookie
DENVER (AP) — A Denver grandmother who recently took her own life was under investigation for giving her 3-year-old grandson a marijuana cookie.
Family members say 44-year-old Erin Marcove gave the toddler at least one peanut butter cookie made with cannabis butter on Dec. 4. The next day, she had trouble rousing the boy and called an ambulance.
A week later, relatives told KMGH-TV the grandmother took her own life. Marcove was an advocate for medical marijuana and had used the drug for chronic back pain most of her life.
Police seized a jar of cannabis butter at her home, and a police report showed the little boy had the drug in his system when he was taken to the hospital. The toddler has fully recovered.
Information from: KMGH-TV, http://www.thedenverchannel.com
Family members say 44-year-old Erin Marcove gave the toddler at least one peanut butter cookie made with cannabis butter on Dec. 4. The next day, she had trouble rousing the boy and called an ambulance.
A week later, relatives told KMGH-TV the grandmother took her own life. Marcove was an advocate for medical marijuana and had used the drug for chronic back pain most of her life.
Police seized a jar of cannabis butter at her home, and a police report showed the little boy had the drug in his system when he was taken to the hospital. The toddler has fully recovered.
Information from: KMGH-TV, http://www.thedenverchannel.com
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Police served warrants at 15 locations, 17 arrested on suspicion of illegal sales of pot
LONG BEACH - Police said Tuesday that search warrants were served at 15 locations in and outside of Long Beach last week in connection with an investigation into the illegal sale of marijuana at local dispensaries.
While specifics of the search warrants were still being kept under wraps, the Long Beach Police Department confirmed Tuesday that 15 search warrants were served and that 17 people were arrested during last week's operation.
Both the LBPD and the office of Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley confirmed last week they were working together on an investigation into illegal sales of marijuana at various medical marijuana dispensaries.
Sgt. Dina Zapalski, a Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman, said the department was not going to release the names of those arrested because charges have not yet been filed with the DA's office.
Because the people arrested are out of custody, authorities have time to finish their investigation and expect to bring charges sometime in the New Year, the sergeant said.
"There's a lot of information they're going over and there's still a large amount of evidence the detectives are sifting through," Zapalski said Tuesday.
The sergeant confirmed that warrants were served at 15 locations throughout Southern California.
Among those arrested, all of whom are either owners or employees of marijuana dispensaries, were nine Long Beach residents, four Garden Grove residents, two people from Anaheim, one person from Westminster and one Perris resident, she said.
Three marijuana dispensaries were searched last week. Two are located in Long Beach and one is in Garden Grove. All three are believed to be connected, the sergeant said.
Long Beach police Cmdr. Laura Farinella said last Thursday that the police department's Narcotics Division was working with other officers on the force and the district attorney's office to serve warrants at several locations that had generated numerous complaints from neighbors about illegal, over-the-counter sales of pot.
Chris Glew, an attorney representing a cooperative located on Fourth Street at Elm Avenue, said he has yet to see any documentation from authorities who served warrants at his clients' business and home, but he insisted the dispensary has always operated within the state's Compassionate Use laws.
Glew said last week that the district attorney and the police department "appear to be operating under the theory that everything is illegal, they seem to interpret any collective or dispensary is operating against the voter's initiative."
The initiative outlined by Prop. 215 - the compassionate use act that legalized marijuana for California patients suffering from debilitating conditions and disorders - was passed by voters in 1996.
Patients seek permission to use marijuana from doctors under both Prop. 215 and a follow-up 2003 law, which clarified the original proposition and ordered counties to issue identification cards to patients.
Arguments over how to distribute the drug, however, have simmered on national, state and local levels ever since the 1996 passage of Prop. 215.
Source: Contra Costa Times
While specifics of the search warrants were still being kept under wraps, the Long Beach Police Department confirmed Tuesday that 15 search warrants were served and that 17 people were arrested during last week's operation.
Both the LBPD and the office of Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley confirmed last week they were working together on an investigation into illegal sales of marijuana at various medical marijuana dispensaries.
Sgt. Dina Zapalski, a Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman, said the department was not going to release the names of those arrested because charges have not yet been filed with the DA's office.
Because the people arrested are out of custody, authorities have time to finish their investigation and expect to bring charges sometime in the New Year, the sergeant said.
"There's a lot of information they're going over and there's still a large amount of evidence the detectives are sifting through," Zapalski said Tuesday.
The sergeant confirmed that warrants were served at 15 locations throughout Southern California.
Among those arrested, all of whom are either owners or employees of marijuana dispensaries, were nine Long Beach residents, four Garden Grove residents, two people from Anaheim, one person from Westminster and one Perris resident, she said.
Three marijuana dispensaries were searched last week. Two are located in Long Beach and one is in Garden Grove. All three are believed to be connected, the sergeant said.
Long Beach police Cmdr. Laura Farinella said last Thursday that the police department's Narcotics Division was working with other officers on the force and the district attorney's office to serve warrants at several locations that had generated numerous complaints from neighbors about illegal, over-the-counter sales of pot.
Chris Glew, an attorney representing a cooperative located on Fourth Street at Elm Avenue, said he has yet to see any documentation from authorities who served warrants at his clients' business and home, but he insisted the dispensary has always operated within the state's Compassionate Use laws.
Glew said last week that the district attorney and the police department "appear to be operating under the theory that everything is illegal, they seem to interpret any collective or dispensary is operating against the voter's initiative."
The initiative outlined by Prop. 215 - the compassionate use act that legalized marijuana for California patients suffering from debilitating conditions and disorders - was passed by voters in 1996.
Patients seek permission to use marijuana from doctors under both Prop. 215 and a follow-up 2003 law, which clarified the original proposition and ordered counties to issue identification cards to patients.
Arguments over how to distribute the drug, however, have simmered on national, state and local levels ever since the 1996 passage of Prop. 215.
Source: Contra Costa Times
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Does marijuana make sweet taste sweeter?
No, we're not endorsing use of the weed, just noting an interesting piece of science published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia and Kyushu University in Japan.
The active ingredients in cannabis "act directly on taste receptors on the tongue to enhance sweet taste," according to a release from Monell -- at least that's what happens in mice. One of the authors, Dr. Robert Margolskee of Monell, noted that this phenom may be related to the famed "munchies" marijuana users report. (I'd send you to the research paper but it's not accessible online.)
Talking of marijuana and food, this from an Associated Press article: "Gourmet chefs are taking the art of cooking with marijuana to a higher level. In Denver, a new medical-marijuana shop called Ganja Gourmet serves cannabis-infused specialties such as pizza, hummus and lasagna. Across town in the Mile-High City, a Caribbean restaurant plans to offer classes on how to make multi-course meals with pot in every dish." You have to present a medical card to get served those items at Ganja Gourmet, apparently.
On L.A.'s ongoing medical marijuana dispensary debate, meanwhile, the LA Times' Tim Rutten had this to say on the topic in a Wednesday column:
"There are about 120 Starbucks coffee outlets within the Los Angeles city limits. According to the most reliable estimates, there are somewhere between 900 and 1,000 medical marijuana dispensaries. Mull over the implications of that comparison and you're on the way to understanding why the City Council seems enmeshed in an endless wrangle over how to regulate the number and sites of the nonprofit cooperatives allowed by local ordinance to distribute cannabis to individuals with doctors' prescriptions." His take, in part: The medical necessity is "really rather limited," and "we'd be best regulating the facilities like bars and liquor stores." (But read the whole column here.)
The City Council still hasn't decided how close the dispensaries can be to schools and residential areas and will be taking the matter up again on Jan. 13.
--Rosie Mestel
Source: Los Angeles Times
The active ingredients in cannabis "act directly on taste receptors on the tongue to enhance sweet taste," according to a release from Monell -- at least that's what happens in mice. One of the authors, Dr. Robert Margolskee of Monell, noted that this phenom may be related to the famed "munchies" marijuana users report. (I'd send you to the research paper but it's not accessible online.)
Talking of marijuana and food, this from an Associated Press article: "Gourmet chefs are taking the art of cooking with marijuana to a higher level. In Denver, a new medical-marijuana shop called Ganja Gourmet serves cannabis-infused specialties such as pizza, hummus and lasagna. Across town in the Mile-High City, a Caribbean restaurant plans to offer classes on how to make multi-course meals with pot in every dish." You have to present a medical card to get served those items at Ganja Gourmet, apparently.
On L.A.'s ongoing medical marijuana dispensary debate, meanwhile, the LA Times' Tim Rutten had this to say on the topic in a Wednesday column:
"There are about 120 Starbucks coffee outlets within the Los Angeles city limits. According to the most reliable estimates, there are somewhere between 900 and 1,000 medical marijuana dispensaries. Mull over the implications of that comparison and you're on the way to understanding why the City Council seems enmeshed in an endless wrangle over how to regulate the number and sites of the nonprofit cooperatives allowed by local ordinance to distribute cannabis to individuals with doctors' prescriptions." His take, in part: The medical necessity is "really rather limited," and "we'd be best regulating the facilities like bars and liquor stores." (But read the whole column here.)
The City Council still hasn't decided how close the dispensaries can be to schools and residential areas and will be taking the matter up again on Jan. 13.
--Rosie Mestel
Source: Los Angeles Times
Monday, December 21, 2009
IN THE NEWS: He's flying to Cannabis Planet!
Brad Lane stands behind a cameraman in the kitchen of a Long Beach home, directing a cooking segment for the TV series that came to him in a flash of inspiration – Make money! Change the world!
The ingredients for this bit are carefully arranged on a granite countertop that could double as a studio kitchen for Martha Stewart or Rachael Ray.
There's just one very big difference: On this menu, the big ingredient is marijuana.
"Remember, this is a medicated dish," says chef Mike Delao. "I medicated this dish with an agave nectar that was infused with cannabis oil from my local collective."
Read full story »
Source: Orange County Register
The ingredients for this bit are carefully arranged on a granite countertop that could double as a studio kitchen for Martha Stewart or Rachael Ray.
There's just one very big difference: On this menu, the big ingredient is marijuana.
"Remember, this is a medicated dish," says chef Mike Delao. "I medicated this dish with an agave nectar that was infused with cannabis oil from my local collective."
Read full story »
Source: Orange County Register
IN THE NEWS: LBPD, DA saying little about search warrants at pot dispensaries
LONG BEACH - Police and prosecutors remained tight-lipped Friday about a series of search warrants served at local marijuana dispensaries Thursday.
The office of Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley confirmed Friday it is working with the Long Beach Police Department on an investigation into illegal sales of marijuana at various medical marijuana dispensaries, said spokeswoman Jane Robison.
"Because of the ongoing status of the investigation we can't say anything else at this time," Robison said Friday.
Long Beach police Cmdr. Laura Farinella confirmed for the Press-Telegram on Thursday that the police department's Narcotics Division was working with other officers on the force and the district attorney's office to serve warrants at several locations that had generated numerous complaints from neighbors about illegal, over-the-counter sales of pot.
Police and the prosecutor's office declined Thursday and Friday to identify the locations that were served in what authorities called an "enforcement" operation.
Officials said more information may be made public in the coming week.
Chris Glew, an attorney representing a cooperative located on Fourth Street at Elm Avenue, said he has yet to see any documentation from authorities who served warrants at his clients' business and home, but he insisted the dispensary has always operated within the state's Compassionate Use laws.
Glew, a criminal defense attorney who specializes in medical marijuana cases, said authorities couldn't have gotten it more wrong when they focused on the Downtown cooperative.
"These guys are the Mother Theresa of collectives," Glew said Friday, noting that the cooperative has pooled its resources to not only provide medical marijuana for its indigent members at reduced costs or free, the group has also helped install handicap-accessible ramps and related items in the homes of a number of its more infirm and elderly members.
He and other owners of local clubs - all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity - said officers served warrants not only at the dispensaries but at the homes of the cooperatives' owners and employees.
"They must have used at least 100 cops and for what? To hassle people who are compliant with a law that police or the DA don't like," said the owner of one local medical marijuana dispensary.
Glew made similar points, noting that the district attorney and the police department "appear to be operating under the theory that everything is illegal, they seem to interpret any collective or dispensary is operating against the voter's initiative."
The initiative outlined by Prop. 215 - the compassionate use act that legalized marijuana for California patients suffering from debilitating conditions and disorders - was passed by voters in 1996.
Patients seek permission to use marijuana from doctors under both Prop. 215 and a follow-up 2003 law, which clarified the original proposition and ordered counties to issue identification cards to patients.
Arguments over how to distribute the drug, however, have simmered on national, state and local levels ever since the 1996 vote.
"All this boils down to a pissing match between the city and Cooley," Glew added, referring to the district attorney's warning last month to Los Angeles city officials as they were discussing a marijuana ordinance for dispensaries in their city.
Cooley said in November that over-the-counter sales of cannabis are not allowed by either of the laws pertaining to medical marijuana.
In previous court cases, Glew said, the district attorney's prosecutors have made it clear to him that the district attorney's position is most of the people using medical marijuana are young and don't appear sick or injured in any way.
Glew, however, strongly cautioned against people relying on how someone looks to determine if they are a patient.
"There are plenty of people suffering with MS or HIV and you wouldn't know it to look at them," he said.
As for the charge about complaints regarding local dispensaries, Glew and other dispensary supporters said Thursday was the first time anyone had heard about complaints.
"I'd like to see some kind of record of the calls or letters or whatever they received," said a manager of one of the cooperatives.
Glew countered that if authorities are really concerned about people abusing the prescription identification system they should focus on physicians wrongly issuing the ID cards rather than the cooperatives, who serve all patients.
Glew, who recently won a case for one of the co-owners of the Downtown Long Beach cooperative who was charged in Riverside, added he is confident his clients in Long Beach will be vindicated as well.
"I work with a lot of cooperatives and this place is probably one of the most heavily checked, they verify all the patient's statements and they are in compliance 100 percent," he said. "To even insinuate (illegal over-the-counter sales were being made) is preposterous."
Source: Press-Telegram
The office of Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley confirmed Friday it is working with the Long Beach Police Department on an investigation into illegal sales of marijuana at various medical marijuana dispensaries, said spokeswoman Jane Robison.
"Because of the ongoing status of the investigation we can't say anything else at this time," Robison said Friday.
Long Beach police Cmdr. Laura Farinella confirmed for the Press-Telegram on Thursday that the police department's Narcotics Division was working with other officers on the force and the district attorney's office to serve warrants at several locations that had generated numerous complaints from neighbors about illegal, over-the-counter sales of pot.
Police and the prosecutor's office declined Thursday and Friday to identify the locations that were served in what authorities called an "enforcement" operation.
Officials said more information may be made public in the coming week.
Chris Glew, an attorney representing a cooperative located on Fourth Street at Elm Avenue, said he has yet to see any documentation from authorities who served warrants at his clients' business and home, but he insisted the dispensary has always operated within the state's Compassionate Use laws.
Glew, a criminal defense attorney who specializes in medical marijuana cases, said authorities couldn't have gotten it more wrong when they focused on the Downtown cooperative.
"These guys are the Mother Theresa of collectives," Glew said Friday, noting that the cooperative has pooled its resources to not only provide medical marijuana for its indigent members at reduced costs or free, the group has also helped install handicap-accessible ramps and related items in the homes of a number of its more infirm and elderly members.
He and other owners of local clubs - all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity - said officers served warrants not only at the dispensaries but at the homes of the cooperatives' owners and employees.
"They must have used at least 100 cops and for what? To hassle people who are compliant with a law that police or the DA don't like," said the owner of one local medical marijuana dispensary.
Glew made similar points, noting that the district attorney and the police department "appear to be operating under the theory that everything is illegal, they seem to interpret any collective or dispensary is operating against the voter's initiative."
The initiative outlined by Prop. 215 - the compassionate use act that legalized marijuana for California patients suffering from debilitating conditions and disorders - was passed by voters in 1996.
Patients seek permission to use marijuana from doctors under both Prop. 215 and a follow-up 2003 law, which clarified the original proposition and ordered counties to issue identification cards to patients.
Arguments over how to distribute the drug, however, have simmered on national, state and local levels ever since the 1996 vote.
"All this boils down to a pissing match between the city and Cooley," Glew added, referring to the district attorney's warning last month to Los Angeles city officials as they were discussing a marijuana ordinance for dispensaries in their city.
Cooley said in November that over-the-counter sales of cannabis are not allowed by either of the laws pertaining to medical marijuana.
In previous court cases, Glew said, the district attorney's prosecutors have made it clear to him that the district attorney's position is most of the people using medical marijuana are young and don't appear sick or injured in any way.
Glew, however, strongly cautioned against people relying on how someone looks to determine if they are a patient.
"There are plenty of people suffering with MS or HIV and you wouldn't know it to look at them," he said.
As for the charge about complaints regarding local dispensaries, Glew and other dispensary supporters said Thursday was the first time anyone had heard about complaints.
"I'd like to see some kind of record of the calls or letters or whatever they received," said a manager of one of the cooperatives.
Glew countered that if authorities are really concerned about people abusing the prescription identification system they should focus on physicians wrongly issuing the ID cards rather than the cooperatives, who serve all patients.
Glew, who recently won a case for one of the co-owners of the Downtown Long Beach cooperative who was charged in Riverside, added he is confident his clients in Long Beach will be vindicated as well.
"I work with a lot of cooperatives and this place is probably one of the most heavily checked, they verify all the patient's statements and they are in compliance 100 percent," he said. "To even insinuate (illegal over-the-counter sales were being made) is preposterous."
Source: Press-Telegram
Friday, December 18, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Long Beach Police Search Local Cannabis Dispensaries
LONG BEACH - Police served a series of search warrants Thursday at several marijuana dispensaries for illegal sales of drugs.
The raids, carried with the help of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, began Thursday morning and were expected to take the better part of the day, said Long Beach police Cmdr. Laura Farinella.
Farinella declined to identify all the locations citing the ongoing enforcement, but confirmed that one of the locations was a dispensary located at Fourth Street and Elm Avenue.
The commander said the enforcement operation was put together after authorities received "numerous complaints from the community about illegal over-the-counter sales" of marijuana.
District Attorney Steve Cooley took a tough stand on the issue earlier this fall when the Los Angeles City Council began discussing how it might regulate marijuana clinics in its boundaries.
"Any proposed ordinance allowing for the sale of marijuana is in direct conflict with California's Compassionate Use Act and Medical Marijuana Program," the press release stated.
"The City Council has no authority to amend state law or Prop. 215. Such authority is solely possessed by California voters."
When voters passed Prop. 215, the district attorney's office noted, they voted to provide marijuana for those in medical need only.
While the press release was issued primarily as a result of action being discussed by the Los Angeles
City Council, the office's interpretation of the law applies to all cities within the office's jurisdiction, a district attorney staffer said Tuesday.
Source: Press Telegram
The raids, carried with the help of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, began Thursday morning and were expected to take the better part of the day, said Long Beach police Cmdr. Laura Farinella.
Farinella declined to identify all the locations citing the ongoing enforcement, but confirmed that one of the locations was a dispensary located at Fourth Street and Elm Avenue.
The commander said the enforcement operation was put together after authorities received "numerous complaints from the community about illegal over-the-counter sales" of marijuana.
District Attorney Steve Cooley took a tough stand on the issue earlier this fall when the Los Angeles City Council began discussing how it might regulate marijuana clinics in its boundaries.
"Any proposed ordinance allowing for the sale of marijuana is in direct conflict with California's Compassionate Use Act and Medical Marijuana Program," the press release stated.
"The City Council has no authority to amend state law or Prop. 215. Such authority is solely possessed by California voters."
When voters passed Prop. 215, the district attorney's office noted, they voted to provide marijuana for those in medical need only.
While the press release was issued primarily as a result of action being discussed by the Los Angeles
City Council, the office's interpretation of the law applies to all cities within the office's jurisdiction, a district attorney staffer said Tuesday.
Source: Press Telegram
Thursday, December 17, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Medical Marijuana Debate Gets Emotional
NOTE: Video clips from the LA Council Meeting are available on YouTube at the following address: http://www.youtube.com/user/drherbalst
--
Los Angeles (myFOXla.com) - The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday debated giving its members discretion in deciding how far medical marijuana dispensaries should be located from homes in their respective districts.
A vote was postponed, however, until Jan. 13, when the council is scheduled to hold a special session devoted to a medical marijuana ordinance.
Councilwoman Jan Perry suggested letting council members choose whether dispensaries should be 500 or 1,000 feet away from homes in their districts.
She introduced the motion after Senior City Planner Alan Bell said dispensaries would be banned from most neighborhoods under her original proposal -- adopted by the council last week -- to keep dispensaries 1,000 feet away from residences, schools, public parks and libraries, religious institutions, licensed child care facilities, youth centers, hospitals, medical facilities, rehab centers and other dispensaries.
The motion amended a provision that required that dispensaries not be located next to or across the street from homes, and to stay at least 1,000 feet away from other dispensaries and 500 feet away from so-called "sensitive uses" like schools.
Displaying maps of various districts, Bell said keeping dispensaries 1,000 feet away from homes, sensitive-use sites and other dispensaries would "basically zone out most areas of the city as locations for medical marijuana collectives."
"If the city were to adopt a 500-foot standard, most medical marijuana collectives would have to locate in industrial areas," Bell said.
It would also force the relocation of all but five of the 137 existing dispensaries that the city is prepared to allow under the proposed ordinance, he added.
Bell instead suggested a 500-foot buffer from sensitive uses and 200 feet from residences, which would result in all of the city's 35 planning areas having some commercial or industrial acreage available as a potential dispensary site.
"The council's policy is to try to make sure there are commercial sites available and not to shunt them all into industrial zones," Bell said.
But Councilman Greig Smith was adamant about keeping a 1,000-foot buffer from homes, saying the crime rate is high around dispensaries.
"I will not stand before the voters of my district and say to them with a straight face that I allowed (dispensaries) to go in," he said, prompting loud boos from medical marijuana advocates.
Councilman Richard Alarcon supported keeping dispensaries 1,000 feet from sensitive uses and 500 feet from residential buildings. Councilman Bill Rosendahl suggested a 100-foot buffer zone from homes.
The city has been trying to regulate dispensaries for four years. Officials estimate several hundred illegal dispensaries are operating across Los Angeles.
Source: myFoxLA.com
--
NOTE: Video clips from the LA Council Meeting are available on YouTube at the following address: http://www.youtube.com/user/drherbalst
--
Los Angeles (myFOXla.com) - The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday debated giving its members discretion in deciding how far medical marijuana dispensaries should be located from homes in their respective districts.
A vote was postponed, however, until Jan. 13, when the council is scheduled to hold a special session devoted to a medical marijuana ordinance.
Councilwoman Jan Perry suggested letting council members choose whether dispensaries should be 500 or 1,000 feet away from homes in their districts.
She introduced the motion after Senior City Planner Alan Bell said dispensaries would be banned from most neighborhoods under her original proposal -- adopted by the council last week -- to keep dispensaries 1,000 feet away from residences, schools, public parks and libraries, religious institutions, licensed child care facilities, youth centers, hospitals, medical facilities, rehab centers and other dispensaries.
The motion amended a provision that required that dispensaries not be located next to or across the street from homes, and to stay at least 1,000 feet away from other dispensaries and 500 feet away from so-called "sensitive uses" like schools.
Displaying maps of various districts, Bell said keeping dispensaries 1,000 feet away from homes, sensitive-use sites and other dispensaries would "basically zone out most areas of the city as locations for medical marijuana collectives."
"If the city were to adopt a 500-foot standard, most medical marijuana collectives would have to locate in industrial areas," Bell said.
It would also force the relocation of all but five of the 137 existing dispensaries that the city is prepared to allow under the proposed ordinance, he added.
Bell instead suggested a 500-foot buffer from sensitive uses and 200 feet from residences, which would result in all of the city's 35 planning areas having some commercial or industrial acreage available as a potential dispensary site.
"The council's policy is to try to make sure there are commercial sites available and not to shunt them all into industrial zones," Bell said.
But Councilman Greig Smith was adamant about keeping a 1,000-foot buffer from homes, saying the crime rate is high around dispensaries.
"I will not stand before the voters of my district and say to them with a straight face that I allowed (dispensaries) to go in," he said, prompting loud boos from medical marijuana advocates.
Councilman Richard Alarcon supported keeping dispensaries 1,000 feet from sensitive uses and 500 feet from residential buildings. Councilman Bill Rosendahl suggested a 100-foot buffer zone from homes.
The city has been trying to regulate dispensaries for four years. Officials estimate several hundred illegal dispensaries are operating across Los Angeles.
Source: myFoxLA.com
--
NOTE: Video clips from the LA Council Meeting are available on YouTube at the following address: http://www.youtube.com/user/drherbalst
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
LA City Council & LA-ASA Meeting reminder
Hello, LA-ASA members and friends. This is just a quick reminder about two events this week.
The LA City Council will debate regulations for collectives and cooperatives again on Wednesday morning, December 16. It is unclear whether or not the City Council will vote on the draft ordinance Wednesday, but there will be a chance to talk with Councilmembers about improvements in the ordinance. Visit http://safeaccessnow.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=4461 to get all the details.
YouTube Video Clips of various speakers will be made available after the meeting.
Then on Saturday, December 19, there will be a very special LA-ASA meeting with ASA founder and Executive Director Steph Sherer in West Hollywood. This will be a great chance to meet Steph and get the latest information about the local, state, and national campaign for safe access. Get all the details (including the new address) online at http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/December
Thank you for your ongoing participation and support for ASA!
__________________
Don Duncan
California Director
Americans for Safe Access
http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
Are you an ASA member? http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/Join
The LA City Council will debate regulations for collectives and cooperatives again on Wednesday morning, December 16. It is unclear whether or not the City Council will vote on the draft ordinance Wednesday, but there will be a chance to talk with Councilmembers about improvements in the ordinance. Visit http://safeaccessnow.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=4461 to get all the details.
YouTube Video Clips of various speakers will be made available after the meeting.
Then on Saturday, December 19, there will be a very special LA-ASA meeting with ASA founder and Executive Director Steph Sherer in West Hollywood. This will be a great chance to meet Steph and get the latest information about the local, state, and national campaign for safe access. Get all the details (including the new address) online at http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/December
Thank you for your ongoing participation and support for ASA!
__________________
Don Duncan
California Director
Americans for Safe Access
http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
Are you an ASA member? http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/Join
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Lincoln Heights Dispensaries, Collectives and Co-ops
Cloud 9 Collaborative
2310 Pasadena Ave #105 [map]
Lincoln Heights, CA 90031
Phone: (323) 223-8870
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am to 8pm, Fri-Sat 10am to 10pm, Sun 11am to 5pm
Covers the following zip code(s) in Lincoln Heights, California: 90031
2310 Pasadena Ave #105 [map]
Lincoln Heights, CA 90031
Phone: (323) 223-8870
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am to 8pm, Fri-Sat 10am to 10pm, Sun 11am to 5pm
Covers the following zip code(s) in Lincoln Heights, California: 90031
IN THE NEWS: Cannabis won't treat Hepatitis C
On Friday, panelists from the Department of Health’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee approved four new conditions for DOH Secretary Alfredo Vigil to consider adding to the program.
Jose Pacheco, a medical cannabis card holder, attended the meeting to petition for cluster-type headaches and migraines to be eligible for treatment with medical cannabis.
Read full story »
Source: New Mexico Daily Lobo
Jose Pacheco, a medical cannabis card holder, attended the meeting to petition for cluster-type headaches and migraines to be eligible for treatment with medical cannabis.
Read full story »
Source: New Mexico Daily Lobo
Monday, December 14, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Trouble Ahead for Medical Marijuana in California
California and Los Angeles have been pioneer sites for the expansion of the legal right to use marijuana. But local officials may now be at the forefront of curtailing some of that exuberance. If the Los Angeles city council has its way, the plethora of largely unregulated medical-marijuana facilities that have become a neighborhood blight in parts of the city may finally be brought under control. L.A. officials and medical-marijuana advocates estimate there may be as many as 1,000 such dispensaries. But in a preliminary vote on Tuesday, Dec. 8, the council indicated its intention to cap the number at just 70.
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) on the postponement of vote on medical marijuana ordinance in Los Angeles.
Hello, LA-ASA and Friends! Thanks to everyone who spoke up again in defense of sensible regulations for medical cannabis in Los Angeles. I am happy to report the City Council delayed vote on the draft ordinance, so that they could reconsider onerous new restrictions on where patients’ association can be located.
You can see the LA Times report on today’s meeting at:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/la-city-council-delays-vote-on-marijuana-ordinance.html
Read more about the grassroots push to improve the regulations at:
http://aboutmedicalmarijuana.com/2009/12/10/la-city-council-rethinks-buffer-zones/
Get ready for another trip to City Hall next Wednesday, December 19, when the City Council meets to discuss the ordinance. They could vote to adopt it that day.
---
Mark you calendars...
WHAT: Special LA-ASA Meeting with Executive Director Steph Sherer
WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 2009
http://www.AmericansForsafeAccess.org/December
WHAT: Community Forum on Medical Cannabis
WHEN: Saturday, January 16, 2009
http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/LAForum
__________________
Don Duncan
California Director
Americans for Safe Access
http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
Are you an ASA member? http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/Join
You can see the LA Times report on today’s meeting at:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/la-city-council-delays-vote-on-marijuana-ordinance.html
Read more about the grassroots push to improve the regulations at:
http://aboutmedicalmarijuana.com/2009/12/10/la-city-council-rethinks-buffer-zones/
Get ready for another trip to City Hall next Wednesday, December 19, when the City Council meets to discuss the ordinance. They could vote to adopt it that day.
---
Mark you calendars...
WHAT: Special LA-ASA Meeting with Executive Director Steph Sherer
WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 2009
http://www.AmericansForsafeAccess.org/December
WHAT: Community Forum on Medical Cannabis
WHEN: Saturday, January 16, 2009
http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/LAForum
__________________
Don Duncan
California Director
Americans for Safe Access
http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
Are you an ASA member? http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/Join
IN THE NEWS: L.A. council puts off vote on medical marijuana dispensaries
The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday shunted a vote on its much-delayed medical marijuana ordinance most likely into next year, worried that the draft proposal could eliminate most dispensaries and lead to just a few "big-box" pot stores in isolated industrial areas.
Read full story »
Source: Time.com
Read full story »
Source: Time.com
IN THE NEWS: Ganja Gourmet becomes first marijuana restaurant to open
DENVER - A new restaurant on Broadway in downtown Denver claims it is the first of its kind... anywhere. Ganja Gourmet serves food items laced with marijuana. And not just brownies. This place has all kinds of different dishes made with pot sprinkled in.
When voters legalized medical marijuana in Colorado in 2000, it's not certain if this is exactly what they had in mind.
Ganja Gourmet claims to be the first of it's kind, serving up more than just brownies. Dishes include lasagna, gourmet pizza, jambalaya, paella, even chocolate mousse and cheesecakes.
And it's legal.
Read full story »
Source: Fox 31 - KDVR
When voters legalized medical marijuana in Colorado in 2000, it's not certain if this is exactly what they had in mind.
Ganja Gourmet claims to be the first of it's kind, serving up more than just brownies. Dishes include lasagna, gourmet pizza, jambalaya, paella, even chocolate mousse and cheesecakes.
And it's legal.
Read full story »
Source: Fox 31 - KDVR
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
URGENT: All available LA activists should be at the LA City Council tomorrow -- Wednesday -- at 10:00 am - 200 N. Spring St., Room 340.
In a seven hour session, on Tuesday, the full council reviewed all the current amendments to the proposed regulations for medical marijuana dispenaries. Everything was going very well --
Then at literally the last minute, two councilmembers from the south side complained about proposed zoning that called for dispensary locations to be at least 500 feet from any residential area. They wanted to change that to 1000 feet -- which in Los Angeles makes locating anywhere other than a steel mill or railroad yard almost impossible.
Councilmen Bill Rosendahl said if this measure was included it would mean almost every dispenary in the city would be shut down. The business districts in Los Angeles are scattered throughout residential areas -- often separated from houses by a single street. He said there was not a single dispenary in his District that could remain open under that rule.
Councilman Koretz said the amendment would destroy all the work that we've done on this issue over the last 5 years. He said the regulations would not function and would throw the whole business back into the black market.
Councilman Garcetti agreed.
Then for reasons yet to be determined, everyone else suddenly deserted us. The 1000 foot rule was adopted by the majority and it's now officially in the proposed final regulations.
THE PROPOSAL WILL BE VOTED ON TODAY!
We must defeat this amendment. If you're in town, whatever else you're doing, forget it. Come to City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Room 340 at 10:00 am. If we fill the Council Chambers like we did two weeks ago we may have an impact. Nothing impresses skittish politicians like a full house.
This one counts. Please be there!
Mike Gray
Common Sense for Drug Policy
Then at literally the last minute, two councilmembers from the south side complained about proposed zoning that called for dispensary locations to be at least 500 feet from any residential area. They wanted to change that to 1000 feet -- which in Los Angeles makes locating anywhere other than a steel mill or railroad yard almost impossible.
Councilmen Bill Rosendahl said if this measure was included it would mean almost every dispenary in the city would be shut down. The business districts in Los Angeles are scattered throughout residential areas -- often separated from houses by a single street. He said there was not a single dispenary in his District that could remain open under that rule.
Councilman Koretz said the amendment would destroy all the work that we've done on this issue over the last 5 years. He said the regulations would not function and would throw the whole business back into the black market.
Councilman Garcetti agreed.
Then for reasons yet to be determined, everyone else suddenly deserted us. The 1000 foot rule was adopted by the majority and it's now officially in the proposed final regulations.
THE PROPOSAL WILL BE VOTED ON TODAY!
We must defeat this amendment. If you're in town, whatever else you're doing, forget it. Come to City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Room 340 at 10:00 am. If we fill the Council Chambers like we did two weeks ago we may have an impact. Nothing impresses skittish politicians like a full house.
This one counts. Please be there!
Mike Gray
Common Sense for Drug Policy
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Los Angeles City Council to review details of medical marijuana ordinance
DON'T FORGET Today, December 8, 2009, the Los Angeles City Council Meeting Starts at 10:00am! Please show your support by attending if possible. Room 340, City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles 90012 (entrance on Main St side of the building) [map]
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles City Council will revisit a proposed medical marijuana ordinance that could shutter many of the dispensaries that have cropped up.
Council members last month hammered out some guidelines for the ordinance that included capping the number of dispensaries between 70 and 200. They plan to review the ordinance again on Tuesday.
The council also opted to allow cash reimbursement at those clinics. Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley has said he will go after pot dispensaries involved in over-the-counter sales.
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles City Council will revisit a proposed medical marijuana ordinance that could shutter many of the dispensaries that have cropped up.
Council members last month hammered out some guidelines for the ordinance that included capping the number of dispensaries between 70 and 200. They plan to review the ordinance again on Tuesday.
The council also opted to allow cash reimbursement at those clinics. Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley has said he will go after pot dispensaries involved in over-the-counter sales.
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Sunday, December 6, 2009
REMINDER: Another Trip to LA City Hall Tuesday December 8 at 10am
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is calling on medical cannabis patients and advocates to come back to Los Angeles City Hall on Tuesday, December 8, when the City Council takes up debate again on a controversial draft ordinance regulating patients’ collectives. This may be the last debate before they vote.
What: Los Angeles City Council Meeting
When: Tuesday December 8, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Where: Room 340, City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles 90012 (entrance on Main St side of the building) [map]
Arrive early to complete a public speakers card. There are numerous paid parking lots around City Hall, or you can get public transit information at http://www.mta.net/riding_metro/default.htm
Councilmembers need to hear from you in advance about some important changes in the ordinance. Please take time to call the City Council before attending the meeting on Tuesday. Get talking points and other information here - http://www.safeaccessnow.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=4405
Don Duncan
California Director
Americans for Safe Access
http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
What: Los Angeles City Council Meeting
When: Tuesday December 8, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Where: Room 340, City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles 90012 (entrance on Main St side of the building) [map]
Arrive early to complete a public speakers card. There are numerous paid parking lots around City Hall, or you can get public transit information at http://www.mta.net/riding_metro/default.htm
Councilmembers need to hear from you in advance about some important changes in the ordinance. Please take time to call the City Council before attending the meeting on Tuesday. Get talking points and other information here - http://www.safeaccessnow.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=4405
Don Duncan
California Director
Americans for Safe Access
http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
IN THE NEWS: Cannabis could help combat substance abuse
In the fight against substance abuse, smoking marijuana might be an effective weapon, according to a University of California Berkeley researcher.
In a study of over 350 cannabis users at Berkeley Patient's Group, a cannabis dispensary, 40 percent said they used the drug to control their drinking. Sixty-six percent also admitted to using cannabis as a replacement for prescription drugs, and 26 percent said they used it as a substitute for other, more potent and illegal drugs.
Read full story »
Source: The Independent
In a study of over 350 cannabis users at Berkeley Patient's Group, a cannabis dispensary, 40 percent said they used the drug to control their drinking. Sixty-six percent also admitted to using cannabis as a replacement for prescription drugs, and 26 percent said they used it as a substitute for other, more potent and illegal drugs.
Read full story »
Source: The Independent
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Cannabis extracts may ease symptoms of multiple sclerosis
If you've been following the medical marijuana debate, you may be interested in a new review of studies on the effects of cannabis extracts on the spasticity (involuntary muscle contractions) experienced by people with multiple sclerosis.
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
NEW VIDEO: Long Beach Medical Marijuana Draft Ordinance, Councilman Dee Andrews
November 10, 2009 Long Beach City Council meeting regarding proposed draft ordinance on medical marijuana collectives. Long Beach Councilman, Dee Andrews of the 4th District, shares his thoughts on the proposed draft ordinance.
TODAY! WEDNESDAY December 2, 2009 - Los Angeles City Council Meeting Regarding Medical Marijuana Collectives
On December 2nd, 2009 starting at 10:00am, the Los Angeles City Council will hold their meeting, where one of the items on the agenda is the proposed draft ordinance on medical marijuana collectives in Los Angeles. Below are the details of the item before the council.
UPDATE: The meeting has started. However ITEM NO. (8) was postponed for another council session on December 8, 2009. Final public speaker on now.
ITEM NO. (8) - Motion Required
08-0923 CONTINUING CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY and PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES’ REPORT, PROPOSED AMENDING MOTIONS, ORDINANCES and NEW PROPOSED ORDINANCE(S) TO BE SUBMITTED FIRST CONSIDERATION relative to amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to establish regulations regarding medical marijuana collectives. (Pursuant to Council action of November 24, 2009)
To view the meeting LIVE on the internet please visit the following page: Los Angeles City Council Meetings Broadcasts
Source: Los Angeles City Council Agenda for December 2nd, 2009
UPDATE: The meeting has started. However ITEM NO. (8) was postponed for another council session on December 8, 2009. Final public speaker on now.
ITEM NO. (8) - Motion Required
08-0923 CONTINUING CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY and PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES’ REPORT, PROPOSED AMENDING MOTIONS, ORDINANCES and NEW PROPOSED ORDINANCE(S) TO BE SUBMITTED FIRST CONSIDERATION relative to amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to establish regulations regarding medical marijuana collectives. (Pursuant to Council action of November 24, 2009)
To view the meeting LIVE on the internet please visit the following page: Los Angeles City Council Meetings Broadcasts
Source: Los Angeles City Council Agenda for December 2nd, 2009
Venice Dispensaries, Collectives and Co-ops
Green Path Collective
8707 Venice Blvd. [map]
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 8pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 6pm
Phone: (424) 298-8580
Web: http://www.greenpathcollective.com/
Venice Alternative Healing Collective
421 Rose Ave. [map]
Venice, CA 90291
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 8pm, Sun 12pm to 7pm
Phone: (310) 450-2707
Venice Collective
12581 Venice Blvd. 2nd Floor Ste 201 [map]
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 10pm, Sun 11am to 8pm
Phone: (310) 437-0308
Covers the following zip codes in Venice, California: 90291, 90292, 90293, 90294, 90295, 90296
8707 Venice Blvd. [map]
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 8pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 6pm
Phone: (424) 298-8580
Web: http://www.greenpathcollective.com/
Venice Alternative Healing Collective
421 Rose Ave. [map]
Venice, CA 90291
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 8pm, Sun 12pm to 7pm
Phone: (310) 450-2707
Venice Collective
12581 Venice Blvd. 2nd Floor Ste 201 [map]
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 10pm, Sun 11am to 8pm
Phone: (310) 437-0308
Covers the following zip codes in Venice, California: 90291, 90292, 90293, 90294, 90295, 90296
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
IN THE NEWS - The Jury is Out; Medical marijuana seller didn't profit
SAN DIEGO, Calif. A San Diego jury has acquitted a medical marijuana collective manager of possessing and selling the drug for profit.
Jovan Jackson cried when he heard the not guilty verdicts read in San Diego Superior Court Tuesday.
The 31-year-old was convicted of possession of Ecstasy and Xanax.
Jackson's case was the first to go to trial following a series of raids that shut down 14 medical marijuana stores in San Diego. The raids resulted in 31 arrests.
Jurors who spoke to reporters say the laws on medical marijuana sales from collectives were vague, prompting them to find the defendant innocent.
Prosecutors argued that the case against Jackson wasn't about medical marijuana, but about making money.
Source: The Associated Press
Jovan Jackson cried when he heard the not guilty verdicts read in San Diego Superior Court Tuesday.
The 31-year-old was convicted of possession of Ecstasy and Xanax.
Jackson's case was the first to go to trial following a series of raids that shut down 14 medical marijuana stores in San Diego. The raids resulted in 31 arrests.
Jurors who spoke to reporters say the laws on medical marijuana sales from collectives were vague, prompting them to find the defendant innocent.
Prosecutors argued that the case against Jackson wasn't about medical marijuana, but about making money.
Source: The Associated Press
NEW VIDEO: Long Beach Medical Marijuana Draft Ordinance, City Prosecutor Thomas M Reeves
November 10, 2009 Long Beach City Council meeting regarding proposed draft ordinance on medical marijuana collectives. Long Beach City Prosecutor, Thomas M. Reeves, shares his thoughts on the proposed document.
Monday, November 30, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Skunk 'poses bigger psychosis risk than cannabis'
People who smoke potent skunk are more at risk of psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia than those who simply use cannabis, scientists suspect.
According to new research, regular users double their risk of psychosis but heavy skunk users increase theirs seven-fold.
Read full story »
Source: BBC News
According to new research, regular users double their risk of psychosis but heavy skunk users increase theirs seven-fold.
Read full story »
Source: BBC News
Saturday, November 28, 2009
NEWS: Should Medical Marijuana Be Used to Treat Autism
There are some people who believe autism can be treated with medical marijuana. In fact recently there was a story in the news about a mother doing just that. But there are a number of issues in doing so and the need for more research.
Read full story »
Source: Digital Journal
Read full story »
Source: Digital Journal
IN THE NEWS Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa jumps on medical marijuana crackdown bandwagon
You can add the name of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to the list of Los Angeles area officials seeking to crack down on L.A.'s medical marijuana network. On Tuesday, Villaraigosa said that he wants to drastically reduce the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles, from the current estimated number of at least 800 down to 200 or less.
Read full story »
Read full story »
IN THE NEWS Villaraigosa urges limit on medical marijuana dispensaries
The Los Angeles mayor declines to say what the cap should be, but says it should be a level that can be adequately monitored by city officials and the Police Department.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa urged the City Council on Wednesday to adopt a medical marijuana ordinance that would put a limit on the number of dispensaries.
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa urged the City Council on Wednesday to adopt a medical marijuana ordinance that would put a limit on the number of dispensaries.
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Councilman Ed Reyes Comments at the Los Angeles Council Meeting on Medical Marijuana Ordinance
A clip of Ed Reyes discussing behaviors of collectives and how the city will approach those collectives in violation of any ordinance that is passed. Also discussed are the privacy concerns of patients and collectives.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
NEW! Sylmar Dispensaries, Collectives and Co-ops
Green Moon
12737 Glenoaks Blvd. Suite 15 [map]
Sylmar, CA 91342
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am to 8pm, Sunday 10am to 7pm
Phone: 818-367-1397
Covers the following zip codes in Sylmar, California: 91342, 91392
12737 Glenoaks Blvd. Suite 15 [map]
Sylmar, CA 91342
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am to 8pm, Sunday 10am to 7pm
Phone: 818-367-1397
Covers the following zip codes in Sylmar, California: 91342, 91392
IN THE NEWS: L.A. council says pot shops could accept cash
Members also signal that they may cap dispensaries to between 70 and 200. The council plows through 50 proposed changes to its medical marijuana ordinance.
Dispensaries in Los Angeles could continue to accept cash for medical marijuana under a provision approved by the City Council on Tuesday, after it adopted language carefully crafted to maneuver past the city attorney's adamant position that state law bars the sale of the drug.
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Dispensaries in Los Angeles could continue to accept cash for medical marijuana under a provision approved by the City Council on Tuesday, after it adopted language carefully crafted to maneuver past the city attorney's adamant position that state law bars the sale of the drug.
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Medical Marijuana - The Bigger Picture
On November 10 the City Council took up the question of medical marijuana once again. Like so many other communities in California, Long Beach has necessarily been struggling with the minutiae of this challenge… trying to balance the medical needs of legitimate patients as defined by Prop 215 – as well as other legislation and case law – with the legitimate concerns of the rest of the community while trying to remain within the confines of other relevant laws concerning marijuana cultivation, possession, transfer and use.
Read full story »
WATCH VIDEOS: Individual video clips of members of the public addressing the Long Beach City Council at the meeting on November 10, 2009.
Source: LBPOST.com
Read full story »
WATCH VIDEOS: Individual video clips of members of the public addressing the Long Beach City Council at the meeting on November 10, 2009.
Source: LBPOST.com
LA City Council set to consider new rules for pot shops
The Los Angeles City Council Tuesday is expected to vote on a new ordinance regulating medical marijuana dispensaries.
Medical marijuana activists are closely following the LA City Council’s deliberations. (related videos)
“I am encouraged to see what direction the City Councils going right now," said Don Duncan, California Director of Americans for Safe Access.
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Medical marijuana activists are closely following the LA City Council’s deliberations. (related videos)
“I am encouraged to see what direction the City Councils going right now," said Don Duncan, California Director of Americans for Safe Access.
Read full story »
Source: Los Angeles Times
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
'Get it Legal': Cheech and Chong debate 'buzzkill' Ann Coulter on legalizing marijuana
"That's what 'Up in Smoke' was all about!' says Chong. Geraldo suggests that they want to get the issue onto the front burner, so to speak. Chong says he would like to have marijuana changed from Schedule 1 to Schedule II- available only by prescription. Coulter says there are already problems with alcohol, namely alcoholics, and this would be like letting a genie out of a bottle.
Read Full Article
Source: Examiner.com
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
NEWS: District attorney issues sharp rebuke of L.A. medical pot proposal
Steve Cooley insists dispensaries that sell marijuana are violating state law and will be prosecuted. Of the City Council's effort to pass an ordinance, he says: 'Quite frankly we're ignoring them.'
[read more]
[read more]
Mark Adams, Medical marijuana collective ordinance discussions in Long Beach on November 10, 2009
Mark Adams, medical marijuana collective owner and director of the Long Beach Chapter of the Medical Cannabis Association, speaks to the Long Beach City Council regarding proposed draft ordinance for medical marijuana collectives/dispensaries.
Mark Adams' collective website: http://www.herbalsolutionsca.com
TWITTER UPDATE: Specials from collectives in Long Beach, California
If you are following us on twitter (@dispensaries) and live in or near the Long Beach area then this may be for you. Over the next few days we are going to be transitioning all patient specials and announcements for Long Beach collectives ONLY to an account that will be dedicated strictly to that. The account for Long Beach collective's specials and announcements will be @lbcollectives.
We are doing this in an effort to enhance our communications and promote a positive web experience for all. There is no reason why someone in New York should have to receive Tweets about specials in Southern California. Hence our decision to dedicate a Twitter account strictly for that purpose.
Be sure to add @lbcollectives to your list of people you follow in order to continue to receive information regarding collectives and specials in the city of Long Beach.
We hope this change is a positive one for everyone! Comments are ALWAYS welcome with an open heart, spirit and mind.
We are doing this in an effort to enhance our communications and promote a positive web experience for all. There is no reason why someone in New York should have to receive Tweets about specials in Southern California. Hence our decision to dedicate a Twitter account strictly for that purpose.
Be sure to add @lbcollectives to your list of people you follow in order to continue to receive information regarding collectives and specials in the city of Long Beach.
We hope this change is a positive one for everyone! Comments are ALWAYS welcome with an open heart, spirit and mind.
Friday, November 13, 2009
ASA needs your help to stop Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich ban dispensaries
ASA needs your help to stop Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich from pushing an ordinance through the City Council that could effectively ban medical cannabis collectives in the city. On Monday, October 16, the Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee and Public Safety Committee will consider this badly flawed draft ordinance. Can you take a moment to call the committee members before that meeting and tell them to reject the City Attorney’s ordinance?
A simple phone call can make a big difference! Just call the committee members and say, “I am a medical cannabis supporter calling to ask the Councilmember to reject the draft medical cannabis ordinance prepared by City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.” [more info]
................
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
A simple phone call can make a big difference! Just call the committee members and say, “I am a medical cannabis supporter calling to ask the Councilmember to reject the draft medical cannabis ordinance prepared by City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.” [more info]
................
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
IN THE NEWS: Agents seize 1,300 pounds of marijuana at CA home used by Mexican drug cartel
LOS ANGELES—Authorities say San Bernardino County narcotics agents have seized 1,300 pounds of marijuana and arrested four men during a raid at an Ontario home.
The four suspects were booked at the West Valley Detention Center and face drug charges.
During Wednesday's raid, agents discovered about 1,200 pounds of marijuana inside two vehicles that were parked at the home and another 100 pounds inside the home.
Investigators say the home was used by a Mexican drug cartel and that the marijuana was grown in Mexico and was to be distributed across the U.S.
———
Source: The Los Angeles Times
The four suspects were booked at the West Valley Detention Center and face drug charges.
During Wednesday's raid, agents discovered about 1,200 pounds of marijuana inside two vehicles that were parked at the home and another 100 pounds inside the home.
Investigators say the home was used by a Mexican drug cartel and that the marijuana was grown in Mexico and was to be distributed across the U.S.
———
Source: The Los Angeles Times
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Long Beach City Council Meeting - TODAY at 5:00PM!
November 10, 2009: The City Council of Long Beach (California) will hold a meeting today November 10, 2009 at 5:00pm where one of the subjects on the agenda involves hearings on the following:
10. 09-1203 Recommendation to receive public input and discuss draft ordinance regarding medical marijuana.
If you can attend in person, then by all means do so and get involved in your community! The voices of patients need to be heard, but we all need to work together on this and in a respectable fashion.
If you can't make it to the meeting in person, the City of Long Beach has setup a "Live" broadcast of the meeting which can be accessed by going to this page: City of Long Beach, CA - City Council On Line.
Agenda for November 10, 2009
10. 09-1203 Recommendation to receive public input and discuss draft ordinance regarding medical marijuana.
If you can attend in person, then by all means do so and get involved in your community! The voices of patients need to be heard, but we all need to work together on this and in a respectable fashion.
If you can't make it to the meeting in person, the City of Long Beach has setup a "Live" broadcast of the meeting which can be accessed by going to this page: City of Long Beach, CA - City Council On Line.
Agenda for November 10, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
NEWS: Medical marijuana debate increases
California's Compassionate Use Act passed in 1996 allowed patients holding a valid doctor's recommendation to possess and cultivate marijuana for personal medical use. Those in favor of the act touted medical marijuana's benefit in patients with AIDS, chronic pain and cancer, The Sacramento Bee reported. [read more]
Source: UPI.com
NEWS: Patients flock to California doctors practicing pot medicine
In Mississippi, where Dr. David Allen worked as a heart surgeon, authorities seized his home and ranch this year after finding $800 worth of marijuana and $1,000 in hashish. A grand jury is to consider a cultivation charge that could net him 30 years in prison under Mississippi's drug laws.
In Sacramento, where he now lives, Allen is a legal, licensed member of a community of physicians that enables hundreds of thousands of Californians to lawfully consume or grow marijuana for personal use. [read more]
Source: The Sacramento Bee
In Sacramento, where he now lives, Allen is a legal, licensed member of a community of physicians that enables hundreds of thousands of Californians to lawfully consume or grow marijuana for personal use. [read more]
Source: The Sacramento Bee
Saturday, November 7, 2009
LB City Council to consider ordinance to regulate marijuana dispensaries
On Tuesday, November 10, 2009 the Long Beach City Council will consider an ordinance drafted by City Attorney Robert Shannon to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. Last Tuesday, November 3, the council received a recommendation from the council’s Economic Development and Finance Committee on what the city can do to regulate the distribution of marijuana that is used for medicinal purposes [read more]
Source: Signal Tribune
Source: Signal Tribune
Friday, November 6, 2009
NEW COLLECTIVE: Mid-County Patients Association
Mid-County Patients Association
3164 E. La Palma Ave. Suite P [map]
Anaheim, CA 92806
Phone: (714) 630-MCPA (6272)
Come down and support the movement! We offer Child Care while you shop, Compassionate Access Program, 12 different strain, edibles, tinctures and much more! $50 cap on all strains! Free 1/8 when you get an ounce!
3164 E. La Palma Ave. Suite P [map]
Anaheim, CA 92806
Phone: (714) 630-MCPA (6272)
Come down and support the movement! We offer Child Care while you shop, Compassionate Access Program, 12 different strain, edibles, tinctures and much more! $50 cap on all strains! Free 1/8 when you get an ounce!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tax Cannabis 2010 Initiative Meeting TONIGHT NOVEMBER 5th, 2009 in Venice Beach, CA
VENICE BEACH, CA - There is an important Venice Town Hall Meeting tomorrow night, which will be discussing the Tax Cannabis 2010 Initiative.
This event is planned to start at 6:30 pm on Nov 5, 2009 at
Westminster Elementary School Auditorium
1010 Abbott Kinney Blvd. [map]
Venice, CA 90291
Francis Dellavecchia, the head of our Los Angeles efforts, will be representing our cause and we would love your support!
Let's have a strong presence and a strong voice!!! As always, please call or email me with any questions.
Thanks and hope to see you there!
Rochelle Harvey
951-660-1315
This event is planned to start at 6:30 pm on Nov 5, 2009 at
Westminster Elementary School Auditorium
1010 Abbott Kinney Blvd. [map]
Venice, CA 90291
Francis Dellavecchia, the head of our Los Angeles efforts, will be representing our cause and we would love your support!
Let's have a strong presence and a strong voice!!! As always, please call or email me with any questions.
Thanks and hope to see you there!
Rochelle Harvey
951-660-1315
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
So-called patients are hijacking medical marijuana
After 25 years of lower back pain, Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez finally decided to take obvious step No. 1: get a physician’s recommendation for medical marijuana. Last week he took obvious step No. 2: write a column about it in the Times.
Lopez got his recommendation from a physician who advertised “superior professionalism” yet never laid a hand on Lopez. He identified himself as a gynecologist who knows nothing about back pain. He nevertheless charged $150 for no good and valuable service except certifying in writing that “Steve Lopez was evaluated in my office for a medical condition, which in my professional opinion, may benefit from the use of medical marijuana.”
What more do you need to know? The unscrupulous have hijacked the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, California’s medical marijuana law [read more]
Source: San Diego News Network
Lopez got his recommendation from a physician who advertised “superior professionalism” yet never laid a hand on Lopez. He identified himself as a gynecologist who knows nothing about back pain. He nevertheless charged $150 for no good and valuable service except certifying in writing that “Steve Lopez was evaluated in my office for a medical condition, which in my professional opinion, may benefit from the use of medical marijuana.”
What more do you need to know? The unscrupulous have hijacked the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, California’s medical marijuana law [read more]
Source: San Diego News Network
NEWS: Marijuana seizures quadruple in L.A. County
Los Angeles County, which has seen a whirlwind expansion in medical marijuana dispensaries this year, has notched another marijuana milestone. The county has moved to No. 5 for the amount seized in the state's annual eradication campaign, with 340,187 pot plants uprooted -- more than a fourfold increase [more]
Source: Los Angeles Times
Source: Los Angeles Times
Sticky Kush from Green Earth Center
STRAIN: Sticky Kush (Indica)
LOCATION: Green Earth Center; Long Beach, CA
NOTES: This pleasant strain started off as a mild-medium body high that slooooooowly crept up to my head. After I took a couple puffs (tasted slight hint of cinnamon), I took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled and closed my eyes. Just let my body relax.
The Sticky Kush is great for aches and pains. My whole body was aching beforehand from stress and running myself 14-16 hours a day running 2 companies. It gently took that pain away and I was able to rest and relax with minimal tension.
Available at the Green Earth Center in Long Beach, California [$20,$60,$110,$200,$375]
LOCATION: Green Earth Center; Long Beach, CA
NOTES: This pleasant strain started off as a mild-medium body high that slooooooowly crept up to my head. After I took a couple puffs (tasted slight hint of cinnamon), I took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled and closed my eyes. Just let my body relax.
The Sticky Kush is great for aches and pains. My whole body was aching beforehand from stress and running myself 14-16 hours a day running 2 companies. It gently took that pain away and I was able to rest and relax with minimal tension.
Available at the Green Earth Center in Long Beach, California [$20,$60,$110,$200,$375]
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
NEWS: Drug czar to Iowa officials: Look at problems with medical pot in California
DES MOINES — The White House’s drug czar said Monday that Iowa officials should look at the problems California has seen after allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes as they consider the idea here.
Gil Kerlikowske, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, specifically cited problems regulating the clinics in the Los Angeles area that dispense medical marijuana [more]
Source: Globe Gazette
Gil Kerlikowske, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, specifically cited problems regulating the clinics in the Los Angeles area that dispense medical marijuana [more]
Source: Globe Gazette
Monday, November 2, 2009
Marijuana Task Force Update: Keeping collectives at a safe distance
Last Friday, the city of San Diego Medical Marijuana Task Force held its second-to-last meeting for the calendar year. The meeting focused on what the permitting process should be for dispensaries and how far collectives and cooperatives should be kept away from schools and each other. [read more]
Source: San Diego Newsroom
Source: San Diego Newsroom
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