Judge Revives Referendum Proposal to Legalize Marijuana in Maine

April 11, 2016

In an attempt to allow Maine residents to participate in a referendum for legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, a Superior Court judge on Friday overruled a state official’s rejection of thousands of signatures that needed to get the initiative on the ballot.

Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy ruled that Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap had committed an error of law by applying a vague, subjective and/or unduly burdensome interpretation of the law to invalidate the signatures.

The ruling came a month after the Secretary of State’s Office disqualified almost half of the 99,229 voter signatures collected by marijuana activists on the conclusion that the notary’s signature didn’t match a signature that the state had kept on file, leaving the initiative without enough certified supporters to land a spot on the ballot.

However, Murphy has found that requiring a notary’s signature to appear identically on every petition signed is unreasonable and abridges the constitutional right to initiative. The judge also pointed out that the state presented no evidence correlating the variability of a notary’s signature with incidences of fraud in administering the circulator’s oath.

The Secretary of State’s Office was asked to respond the ruling in three days. It could also appeal to the Maine Supreme Court, conduct a further review of the signatures or simply validate those that were in dispute.

If the signatures are approved, Dunlap would then be required to forward the proposed law to the Legislature. The Lawmakers would be able to either enact it or send it on to the voters for the November ballot.

The referendum would allow adults 21 and older to legally possess marijuana, while levying a 10 percent tax on recreational sales. However, the use of Marijuana in public would remain illegal.

Voters in four U.S. states and the District of Columbia have legalized the use recreational marijuana in similar ballot initiatives.

DEA to take decision on reclassifying Marijuana by July

April 09, 2016

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Thursday revealed that it would consider re-classifying marijuana from Schedule 1 controlled substances, on the same level as heroin, during the first half of 2016.

The DEA considers Schedule 1 drugs as “no medical use and a high potential for abuse,” as well as “potentially severe psychological or physical dependence.”

Marijuana is currently listed under the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule 1 drug, and classified as one of the most dangerous and strictly regulated drugs in the United States.

In 2015, Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, along with seven other senators, had asked for more information on marijuana’s scheduling and about limits on medical marijuana research. While responding, the agency said, “DEA understands the widespread interest in the prompt resolution of these petitions and hopes to release its determination in the first half of 2016.”

"The agencies' commitments to making a scheduling decision by mid-year and to providing transparency about the current supply of marijuana for research are significant steps in the right direction," said Elizabeth in a statement.

The Food and Drug Administration has also concluded a review of the safety of marijuana and its recommendation has been sent to the DEA.

The supporters for legalizing marijuana have long argued that the drug should be rescheduled, considering marijuana’s relative safety when compared to a drug like heroin, which caused around 11,000 overdose deaths in 2014, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Although the medical marijuana is federally prohibited, it is already legalized in 23 states and Washington DC to treat a variety of health problems, ranging from cancer to chronic pain.

Anti-drug Senators criticized for biased Marijuana hearing

April 07, 2016

The hearing on marijuana legalization in senate on Tuesday was biased and dishonest, focusing mostly on debunked claims that marijuana use leads to substances like heroin and cocaine, drug policy groups said.  Only anti-pot activists and those opposed to legalization were invited to testify.

Drug Policy Alliance deputy director Michael Collins said, “An honest evaluation of marijuana legalization would include the undeniable benefits of legalization, like the massive drop in marijuana arrests, the billions in taxes, and the transition from an underground market to a regulated one.”

Republican Chuck Grassley and Democratic Dianne Feinstein, two senior most senators, held a hearing of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control titled --“Is the Department of Justice Adequately Protecting the Public from the Impact of State Recreational Marijuana Legalization?”

The hearing was held to determine whether the Justice Department is neglecting its duty to enforce federal marijuana laws.

Grassley and Feinstein, two anti-drug crusaders of Senate, cited a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that criticized Department of justice for inadequately monitoring the effects of state marijuana policies.

The senators pointed out that the enforcement guidelines were contained in a memo allowing for the first state-regulated recreational pot markets in Colorado and Washington, despite marijuana possession remaining a federal crime. There are eight enforcement triggers in the guidelines that could prompt federal intervention, including the distribution of marijuana to minors, negative health consequences or the smuggling of marijuana across state lines.

The four witnesses who testified at the hearing showed little diversity in their viewpoints: GAO’s director for Homeland Security and Justice Jennifer Grover, California prosecutor Benjamin B. Wagner, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and Denver-based pediatrician Kathryn Wells, who sits on the board of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a group opposed to legalization.

In the Tuesday hearing, no one spoke in favor of reforming marijuana laws. Pro-legalization groups chided Grassley for not holding hearings on Senate legislation that would legalize marijuana for medical use and re-schedule the substance as a less dangerous drug.

Milford Planning and Zoning Board approves Marijuana Dispensary

April 06, 2016

The Milford Planning and Zoning Board on Tuesday night approved a site permit for a medical marijuana dispensary at 255 West River Street, whilst the debate continued on local zoning laws guidelines for medical marijuana amenities more restrictive.

Arrow Alternative Care II, which also runs a medical marijuana dispensary in Hartford, won site plan approval after some members of the PZB tried to derail the approval on technicalities.

With the approval, Angelo DeFazio, the owner of the proposed dispensary can apply and obtain a zoning permit to "fit-out" the interior of the building and eventually open the dispensary.

DeFazio, who also owns Arrow Pharmacy, stated after the vote that he looks forward to “bringing care” to people who are sick, some with debilitating illnesses.

However, some concerned residents of proposed site, who have launched a strong campaign against the facility, vowed to continue their fight against marijuana businesses and said they would push for stronger regulations in the future. They were primarily worried about potential crime, violence and traffic problems in their locality.

Neighbors put up a fierce fight to the plans. Lawn signs scattered the residential area. But even though the vacant building sits just feet from their neighborhood, it is zoned for commercial use. So the medical marijuana facility is permitted under existing regulations.

Notably, there are 11 approved conditions for which marijuana may be prescribed, including HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, cancer, glaucoma and Crohn’s disease. Six other conditions are in the regulatory approval process.

Whoopi Goldberg launches Medical-Marijuana Products for Women

April 02, 2016

The famous American actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg on Wednesday announced that she is rolling out a range of medical marijuana products specially designed for women to ease period pain. The marijuana-infused products include a balm, tincture, sipping chocolate and bath soak.

The 60-year-old Hollywood star Whoopi has partnered with Maya Elisabeth, the owner of the female-run medical-marijuana cannabis company Om Edibles in northern California, for her new venture. The marijuana infused products of their company, Maya & Whoopi, are ideal for women who don’t want to smoke or get high to relieve pain, the actress says.

"For me, I feel like if you don’t want to get high, this is a product specifically just to get rid of discomfort. Smoking a joint is fine, but most people can’t smoke a joint and go to work”, said the Ghost star Whoopi.

The actress has been very vocal and clear in the past about her support for legalizing marijuana completely.

CDC asks Doctors to stop testing Patients for Marijuana

March 28, 2016

In an attempt to discourage the prescription of opiods painkillers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urged doctors across the U.S. to stop routine testing of patients for marijuana use. The costly tests have dubious health benefits, high potential legal ramifications for the patient, and could actually increase overdose deaths.

 Last week, the CDC released an updated set of guidelines for prescribing opioids to patients suffering from chronic pain. 

“Clinicians should not test for substances for which results would not affect patient management or for which implications for patient management are unclear,” the CDC said. “For example, experts noted that there might be uncertainty about the clinical implications of a positive urine drug test for tetrahydrocannabinols (THC).”

“Clinicians should not dismiss patients from care based on a urine drug test result because this could constitute patient abandonment and could have adverse consequences for patient safety, potentially including the patient obtaining opioids from alternative sources and the clinician missing opportunities to facilitate treatment for substance use disorder,” the CDC guidelines says.

Notably, medical marijuana has been shown to safely and effectively manage pain in many patients. A research study however points out that states, where medical marijuana has been legalized, have experienced opioid overdose rates decline by nearly 25 percent.

Deschutes County looks forward to new Marijuana Regulations in May

March 28, 2016

Deschutes County commissioners say they expect to make a final decision on marijuana regulations in May. A 13-member marijuana advisory committee has been reviewing potential rules for regulating pot in unincorporated areas.

The advisory committee consists of marijuana industry representatives, rural residents, a Bend attorney and the chairman of the Deschutes County Planning Commission. It was formed in February after the County Commission decided to exercise an “opt-out” option in December.

Commissioner Tony DeBone said there was pressure to come up with rules at the end of last year. He was also mindful of the statewide changes made by the Legislature during a short session this year.

Notably, County commissioners chose to ban marijuana businesses in December by “opting out” of accepting state licenses for retail shops, wholesalers, producers and processors.

As many as eighteen counties, mostly in the eastern part of the state, have chosen to ban marijuana businesses.

There will be a public hearing on the first week of May in order consider the rule proposals and whether to continue the opt-out.

Louisiana House takes first step to allow Medical Marijuana sales

March 26, 2016

A Louisiana House Committee has recently approved a Bill which would create a license for business owners to sell medical marijuana products.

The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the House Bill 446 that shows a step towards selling medical marijuana by implementing a $5,000 fee to apply for a license, as well as a $150 store operation fee.

The $5,000 would be used to pay for inspections, background checks, and to prepare paperwork. The new law would limit the number of marijuana stores to 10, which would be spread around the state.

Democratic Rep. H. Bernard LeBas, a pharmacist from Ville Platte said, “We are hoping that the drug manufacturers can get rid of the part of the drug to get people high and make medicines that treat ailments, such as glaucoma.”

Louisiana has already allowed the use of medical marijuana with a doctor’s prescription since the 1990s, although the sale of cannabis remained illegal. Now, a bill moving through the legislature could soon change that restriction.

Regular Marijuana use brings financial & social problems in Middle Age

March 26, 2016

People who smoke marijuana regularly suffer more work, social and economic problems at midlife than those who use pot only occasionally or not at all, a new research finds. The research study was published in the journal ‘Clinical Psychological Science’ on March 23.

Researchers followed nearly 1,000 young people at the age group of 18 to 38 and discovered that those who smoked marijuana four or more days of the week over several years experienced downward social mobility.  They ended up with lower-paying, less skilled and less prestigious jobs than the ones their parents held. On the other hand, those who were not regular smokers ended up with jobs that required more skill, paid better, and were more prestigious than their parents’ occupation.

“Our study found that regular cannabis users experienced downward social mobility and more financial problems such as troubles with debt and cash flow than those who did not report such persistent use," said Magdalena Cerda at the University of California, Davis Health System, who led the study team.

In addition to more financial difficulties, people dependent on marijuana also experienced more problems with antisocial behavior, such as stealing and repeated lying, and relationship troubles such as domestic violence and abuse.

"Our research does not support arguments for or against cannabis legalization," said Cerda, "But it does show that cannabis was not safe for the long-term users tracked in our study."

The research team studied people from Dunedin, New Zealand, who have been volunteering in a lifelong study since they were born in 1972 and 1973. More than 950 of the original 1,037 volunteers filled out questionnaires on marijuana use.

Supreme Court declines to hear against Colorado over Marijuana Law

March 23, 2016

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a lawsuit filed by the states of Nebraska and Oklahoma against their neighbor Colorado over a law that allows the recreational use of marijuana.

The complainant neighboring states had argued that marijuana grown and processed in Colorado was being smuggled across their borders, creating law and order situations and other health problems in their countries. The two states also claimed their criminal justice systems were being put under stress because of Colorado's marijuana law. But the states could not back up their allegations with data.

However, the court turned the case away in an unsigned opinion. Two justices, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, issued a dissent, writing that Nebraska and Oklahoma deserved to have their case heard because they “have alleged significant harms to their sovereign interests caused by another State.”

The decision is a victory for Colorado, the federal government and marijuana advocates, all of whom had urged the court to not take up the case.

“At the end of the day, if officials in Nebraska and Oklahoma are upset about how much time and resources their police are spending on marijuana cases ... they should join Colorado in replacing prohibition with legalization,” Tom Angell, a spokesperson for Marijuana Majority, an organization that supports the legalization of marijuana in the states, said in a statement.

Colorado’s marijuana law was approved as a ballot initiative by the voters in 2012.

Marijuana Farm pays $100,000 for Water Pollution

March 21, 2016

The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board reached an agreement on Friday with a Shasta County property owner Brent Alan Vanderkam who allegedly discharged waste from a marijuana grow operation into ground water near Millville. Vanderkam has agreed to pay a penalty of $100,000 to the state for alleged water pollution.

The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board said, Vanderkam was held responsible after he was "unwilling to identify" the person leasing his land.

“The failure of Mr. Vanderkam or his lessee to obtain the necessary permits prior to developing the property for marijuana cultivation resulted in significant impacts to water quality,” said Clint Snyder, assistant executive officer for the Central Valley Water Board.

The Board's Prosecution Team said they believed Vanderkam's lessee developed the property to support a large scale marijuana growing operation.

Vanderkam is also subject to a Cleanup and Abatement Order issued on March 25, 2015, to remediate ongoing problems within the property. This requires obtaining all necessary permits; prepare a restoration, mitigation, and monitoring plan; and conduct long-term monitoring. His consultant estimates it will cost $95,000 to comply with the order, in addition to the $100,000 penalty.

Pennsylvania House approves Medical Marijuana Bill

March 18, 2016

In a major development, a bill legalizing medical marijuana was approved on Wednesday by the Pennsylvania House in a 149-43 vote. If the bill enacted into law, medical marijuana would be given patients suffering from various diseases and ailments.

Supporters said it would help relieve the suffering of sick people. "Today we have the opportunity of offering hope to the parents of these children, to the patients, offering the hope of letting them, along with their doctors, decide how to best treat the conditions they're dealing with on a daily basis," said Republican Jim Cox.

Medical marijuana is used to treat seizures, nausea from cancer chemotherapy and other chronic illnesses, as well as alleviate muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis and chronic pain.

The opponents in the House, however, said the bill would unleash addiction and unknown medical ramifications for people its supporters were seeking to help. They also observed that the law would create additional problems, like open the door for people who are not ill to obtain access to the substance.

Currently, marijuana is legal for medical purposes in 23 states as well as the District of Columbia.

75 to 80 percent of NBA players use marijuana, says Jay Williams

March 18, 2016

In a shocking revelation, former NBA player and current basketball analyst for ESPN Jay Williams has said in an interview that 75 to 80 percent of athletes use marijuana in the NBA (National Basketball Association). He thinks the NBA needs to get with the times when it comes to marijuana and allow players to use it without punishment.

“It’s easy for doctors to prescribe you Oxycontin and look I was addicted to it for five plus years so I know,” Williams told FOXBusiness.com. “But when you say marijuana you get a reaction, ahhh, it’s a gateway drug.”

While 23 states in the U.S. have legalized medicinal marijuana, the drug is still prohibited by the NBA. The league's anti-drug agreement states that players are subject to four random drug screenings per season, without prior notice.

According to the NBA rules, if a player tests positive for marijuana and is convicted of the violation, he will be required to enter the Marijuana Program. A second offense will result in a $25,000 fine and the third will be a five-game suspension.

Williams points out that the effects of narcotic pain killers are much more dangerous than marijuana, however, cannabis still has a negative stigma attached to it.

"I know so many athletes that play on Percocet. Have you ever taken Percocet by the way? It makes you way more groggy than rubbing cannabis oil into your skin," said Williams. "It's demonized in society too. Oh, he's a pot head. No, I actually just use cannabis oil because it helps with inflammation and takes away some anxiety”.

Williams believes the sports world and society at large get over old attitudes toward the drug. He also thinks marijuana is much safer than the narcotic painkillers that many athletes are prescribed.

Marijuana Use Disorder in US has doubled in a Decade: Study

March 18, 2016

A new study published in the ‘American Journal of Psychiatry’ found the number of Americans who reported using marijuana more than doubled between 2002 and 2013. The research also showed that 2.5 per cent of adults--nearly 6 million people --experienced marijuana use disorder in 2012-13, while 6.3 per cent had met the diagnostic criteria for the disorder at some point in their lives.

The collaborative study was carried out by scientists at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health.

The study also found that marijuana use disorder is often associated with other substance use disorders, behavioral problems, and disability, and goes largely untreated.

The data were collected in the 2012-2013 wave of NIAAA's National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), the largest ever conducted on the co-occurrence of alcohol use, drug use, and related psychiatric conditions. For this study, over 36,000 U.S. adults were interviewed about alcohol, drug, and related psychiatric conditions.

The data showed that marijuana use disorder is about twice as common among men than women, that younger age groups are much more likely to experience the disorder than people age 45 and over, and that those at the lowest income levels were at the highest risk.

“An increasing number of American adults do not perceive marijuana use as harmful,” said study lead author Deborah Hasin, professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “While some can use marijuana without harm, other users do experience negative consequences, which can include mental and physical problems, and impaired functioning. This paper helps provide information on some of those risks.”

As the severity of marijuana use disorder increased, so did associated disability levels and frequency of marijuana use, researchers said. Severity of the disorder is rated as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number of symptoms, they noted.

The researchers found that only about 7 per cent of people with past-year marijuana use disorder receive any marijuana-specific treatment, and only about 14 per cent of people with lifetime marijuana use disorder receive treatment.

Vermont set to legalize Recreational Marijuana

March 16, 2016

The Vermont House of Representatives is all set to take up the recreational marijuana bill passed by the state Senate in February, which would allow the adults over 21 to buy and smoke the drug starting from 2018. If the House passes the bill, Vermont will be the first state in the U.S. to legalize recreational marijuana through legislative action rather than voter initiative.

The recreational marijuana bill of the state would ban users from growing plants at home. It would also prohibit selling of products with marijuana extracts. In addition, the new law would impose a 25 per cent tax on marijuana sales that would fund drug education programs and drug law enforcement.

Kimberly Cheney, Vermont’s attorney general from 1973 to 1975, is among the proposed measure’s supporters. “Instead of continuing this failed policy, we should regulate marijuana in a controlled environment to limit underage access and ensure consumer safety for adults,” Cheney wrote in a recent article. “We have the power to decide who benefits from an industry that is clearly not going to disappear.”

Recreational marijuana is already legal in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and the District of Columbia, all of which passed legalization through voter ballot initiatives. However, voters in four more states including neighboring Massachusetts are to vote on marijuana legalization in November.

Notably, the marijuana drug remains illegal under federal law.