Marijuana Industry may hit $ 44 billion in U.S. Economy by 2020

March 16, 2016

A report by ‘Marijuana Business Daily’ (MBD) on Monday predicts that marijuana industry in the U.S. could hit between $24 and $44 billion a year by 2020. The economic impact includes not only sales of marijuana, but also other associate factors of marijuana that come into the economy such as grow-lights, pipes etc.

"We've been expecting rapid growth in the marijuana industry for a while now, and that's exactly what's playing out," says MBD Managing Editor Chris Walsh. "The main drivers of the growth in recreational sales are Colorado, Washington and Oregon. And also, interestingly, even the mature medical marijuana markets are growing very quickly, like Arizona, New Mexico, and states that have had medical programs for years now. And then you have new medical marijuana states like Illinois, Nevada and Massachusetts." In other words, there's marijuana momentum almost everywhere.

MBD’s prediction for the 2016 economic impact of marijuana was between $14 and $17 billion. If existing economic and legal trends continue at the current rates, the industry will skyrocket to $24-$44 billion by 2020; retail sales in 2020 will comprise $6.1-$11 billion of that total. The growth of retail sales is estimated to jump by 17-26 percent compared to 2015 sales.

Notably, marijuana is legal for medical or recreational and medical use in 23 states and the District of Columbia.

Protests held in Gaylord against raids on Marijuana Dispensaries

March 14, 2016

The supporters of medical marijuana from across the state gathered in Gaylord on Sunday to protest against the recent raids on various medical marijuana dispensaries in Otsego County by the law enforcement agencies.

A press release of the protesters indicated that "the businesses were operating within the spirit of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, and that the medical marijuana patients of Otsego county are being harassed.”

The Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement (S.A.N.E.) on Thursday raided as many as ten marijuana dispensaries in Otsego County that led to arrest of two persons.

The law enforcement personnel seized more than 150 jars and numerous bags of marijuana, along with numerous edibles in the form of chocolates, cookies, fudge and others. In addition, marijuana infused drinks, waxes, extracts and oils were also confiscated.

Besides, 143 marijuana plants were found and seized, as well as prescription opiates, prescription drugs, more than $17,000 in cash and two vehicles.

Investigators said the marijuana businesses were believed to have been providing medical marijuana to people who were not registered patients.

However, the organizers of the protest appealed the government to stop the raids and to protect the people from the harm they say they cause.

Over 200 Marijuana Plants seized in Twentynine Palms

March 12, 2016

In a major raid, more than 200 marijuana plants and 60 pounds of recently harvested marijuana were seized from an illegal outdoor cultivation operation in Twentynine Palms on Thursday. At least two suspects were arrested in this regard and charged for cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sales.

The members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's marijuana enforcement team served a search warrant at the residence, located at 6667 Sage Avenue, which led to the discovery of the marijuana plants and the recently harvested marijuana.

“The large amount of marijuana found and other evidence seized at the location suggests the suspects had no intention of abiding by California’s medical marijuana laws or the local municipal code prohibiting growing marijuana,” the sheriff’s news release states.

Investigators said the marijuana cultivation was illegal and did not comply with either California's medical marijuana laws or the city of Twentynine Palms' municipal code.

The suspects are scheduled to appear before a judge on Monday.

Ontario bans Vaping and Medical Marijuana use in Smoking-prohibited Area

March 12, 2016

In a major policy U-turn, Ontario is all set to ban e-cigarette and medical marijuana users from smoking or vaporizing and selling anywhere regular cigarettes are prohibited such as in all enclosed public places, workplaces, and many outdoor areas.

“We have made a determination that smoking whatever it is — whether it’s vaping, whether it’s medical marijuana, whether it’s cigarettes — that there should be restrictions on that,” Premier Kathleen Wynne said Thursday. “And so the rules will apply to marijuana, to medical marijuana, to vaping as they do to cigarettes.”

The new rules come months after the Liberal government retraced the regulations on electronic cigarette after an exemption for medical marijuana users came in to notice. The original exemptions included restaurants, offices, movie theaters, stadiums, and even children’s playgrounds.

The e-cigarette rules were supposed to come into effect on January 1st. However, the government put the rules on hold and went back to the drawing board after the public learned of the medical marijuana exemption and that it meant users could vaporize in restaurants, at work or on playgrounds.

The government says these new regulations will be posted for consultation and they will continue to get feedback from experts.

Virginia passes legislation on Medical Marijuana Oil

March 11, 2016

In a major development, the lawmakers of Virginia on Wednesday passed a legislation, allowing to produce and dispense certain medical marijuana oil for treatment of epilepsy. The Bill was unanimously passed in the Senate.

The new Bill on marijuana would facilitate to grow plants and produce cannabidiol oil for registered epilepsy patients.

However, the Bill would be confined to people with intractable epilepsy for therapeutic marijuana treatment. Marijuana use is still otherwise illegal at a state and federal level.

Senator Dave Marsden sponsored the Bill that expands on last year's legislation allowing marijuana oils to be used to treat epileptic seizures without intoxicating a patient.

The legislation will need to be approved again next year by the General Assembly before it becomes a law.

Massachusetts’ Leading Politicians oppose Marijuana Legalization

March 09, 2016

Massachusetts voters are likely to vote on a ballot in November for legalizing marijuana in terms of its use, possession, cultivation, taxation etc. Supporters of legalizing marijuana have also collected enough signatures to move the proposal to the poll, if lawmakers opt against debating and voting on it.

However, some of leading politicians of Massachusetts are opposing the proposal to legalize the marijuana in the state.

Governor Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Mayor Martin J. Walsh of Boston wrote a letter with strong words in The Boston Globe opposing Marijuana legalization. They argue that young people are more likely to use marijuana when it is legal. In their view, it could easier for children to access the drug which can impact brain development.

The politicians also observed that the legalization of marijuana would create difficulties for law enforcement officers in determining someone is too high to drive. They also pointed out that cannabis legalization may also add risks for adults and could result in costly increases in medical expenses

“Here in Massachusetts, we face the possibility that any new revenue would be vastly insufficient to cover the cost of ambulance rides, emergency room visits, and treatment,” Baker, Walsh, and Healey write. “And these are just the hard costs; they don’t include the suffering of the injured and their families.”

Massachusetts decriminalized the drug in 2008 and legalized it in 2012 for medicinal purposes, but has not allowed residents to use it for recreation purpose. The state Legislature could pursue those goals itself ahead of a vote on the issue in the November election.

Volusia eases punishment on Marijuana Possession

March 05, 2016

Volusia County of the U.S. state of Florida on Thursday eases the amount of punishment on possession of small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The County Council brought a new ordinance with a unanimous 7-0 vote that empowers the law officers the discretion to issue county code violations citations to persons possessing 20 grams of the drug or less. Instead of being arrested and put behind the bars, the violators would face a county court fine of $100.

The new law on marijuana will effect from April 1. The ordinance would apply only to possession of marijuana, while it still will be illegal to drive a vehicle under the influence of marijuana.

However, the new law will be exercised only to people caught with marijuana on the beach and in unincorporated county areas. Cities will be allowed to adopt the same law.

County Council member Josh Wagner, 38, first raised the issue to decriminalize marijuana, rather than legalizing it. He said, “The only thing we learned from the war on drugs is that it didn't work. All it did was filling the jails."

Wagner, the former Volusia prosecutor, also said, “Volusia law officers still would have the right to arrest people or give them a notice to appear in court if they become belligerent or otherwise difficult. But if they cooperate, a $100 civil citation is really the punishment that fits the crime. It's enough to get people not to be stupid and totally disregard the law."

Volusia County Chair Jason Davis said he has seen a case where a "lad much younger than I" had two joints in his pocket, was followed by police, who then proceeded to ransack his house and charge him with a felony. "His life was ruined over something the size of a cigarette," Davis added.

The new ordinance is certainly expected to save Volusia County money and help young people to have a decent life, even if they make a mistake.

Others states decriminalized marijuana include the states of Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. Miami-Dade and Palm Beach are among the Florida counties to decriminalize marijuana.

Australia set to legalize cultivation of Medical Marijuana

February 10, 2016

The Australian lawmakers have committed to legalize the growing of medical marijuana in their state, which is known for zero tolerance and harsh penalties against illegal drugs. Australian Health Minister Susan Ley introduced the proposed amendments relating to the Narcotics Drugs Act 1967. She is hopeful that the bill would be passed by both houses by this weekend.

The government as well as the opposition have pledged their support to the new legislation, paving the way for smooth passage of the bill. In 2013, a government survey had showed that at least 69% of the respondents in Australia supported the legalization of marijuana for medical purpose.

Medical marijuana has long been considered as a powerful pain-relief treatment for those suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, Dravet Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma and Parkinson's disease.

At least four Australian states - Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia explored the legalization options of medical marijuana last year. Under the Australian Federal law, no illicit drugs, including marijuana can be imported into the country. However, as medical marijuana plays a key role in treating several serious ailments, efforts are being made to legalize the medical use of pot.

Mormon Church opposes Utah Medical Marijuana Bill

February 09, 2016

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the consequences of the marijuana initiative, make them worried. The Church does not object to another medical marijuana bill that would allow access to a marijuana-infused oil, as that would serve the purpose of people diagnosed with cancer, HIV and other conditions.

Both medical marijuana bills have already been approved by the committee. They are expected to be debated before the full Utah Senate within a week or so. The main marijuana proposal aims at allowing tens of thousands of residents in Utah with chronic or debilitating conditions get access to edible pot products. But, smoking pot would remain banned. It can be noted that the same proposal was defeated last year by just one vote.

The other medical marijuana, which is backed by the Church, would allow patients diagnosed with cancer, HIV etc. to use a marijuana-infused oil, as mentioned above. The The cannabidiol oil is made from a strain of the cannabis plant that's low in THC. It helps in fighting seizures.

If approved, the medical marijuana initiative would set up strict controls on licensing and tracking of those who get the approval to produce and dispense the cannabidiol oil. Doctors treating the patients that need medical marijuana, would be registered with the state and undergo a training process. There would be separate medical cannabidiol cards for the patients.

Gwinnett seizes 500 pounds of Marijuana, valued at $1.2 Million

February 04, 2016

The Gwinnett Metro Task Force busted a major marijuana racket and seized 500 pounds of pot, valued at $1.2 million. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon. A truck carried all 500 pounds of marijuana. The investigators acted swiftly on a tip-off about a suspicious vehicle driving in the Lawrenceville area. They spotted the U-Haul truck near the intersection of Ga. Highway 316 and Cedars Road and raided it.

The investigators searched the vehicle and found 427 packages of marijuana, totaling 504 pounds.

Driver of the truck, 46-year-old Mark Anthony Spaziano, along with the passenger, 48-year-old John Anthony Edney, were arrested. They have been charged with trafficking marijuana. They were put in the Gwinnett County Jail.

The Gwinnett Metro Task Force includes deputies from the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Duluth and Suwanee Police Departments. It was formed in 2012 to investigate drug and vice complaints within the city limits of Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Duluth and Suwanee.

Facebook shuts down Marijuana Business Pages in New Jersey

February 04, 2016

Social networking site Facebook has shut down three of five business pages owned by New Jersey's medical marijuana dispensaries. The move is aimed at banning promotion of drugs, but advocates term it as an attempt to prevent the patients from getting accurate information and offers.

Three pages that were shut down by Facebook this week, are Compassionate Sciences in Bellmawr, Garden State in Woodbridge, and Breakwater Treatment and Wellness in Cranbury. It can be noted that Facebook's advertising policy bans promotion of selling drugs as well as tobacco and guns. Medical marijuana too comes under drugs category, as it's still banned under federal law.

Even though the dispensaries have been legally operating in New Jersey since 2011, Facebook does not acknowledge it. Even in 2015, Facebook had shut down the page for the Harborside Health Center, a dispensary in Oakland, California. But, later it was reinstated.

According to The Associated Press, Facebook spokeswoman Arielle Aryah confirmed in an email that the pages were removed for violating the Community Standards prescribed by Facebook. Over 5,500 patients have registered for medical marijuana in New Jersey with the participation of over 300 doctors in the program. Removal of these pages, could affect them to some extent, as it was always easier to retrieve information from a large online forum like Facebook.

Meanwhile, the medical dispensaries whose pages were removed from Facebook, sought to downplay the development, saying it was Facebook's prerogative to retain or remove the pages and that they were just doing their job. They believe that they would find other ways to serve the patients if Facebook continues with its policy and does not reinstate their pages.

Sacramento City Council allows indoor Medical Marijuana Cultivation

February 03, 2016

The Sacramento City Council voted to promulgate an ordinance, which would allow cultivation of medical marijuana by clinics inside the buildings. As per the ordinance, the buildings should be up to 22,000 square feet, which is the size of four and a half NBA basketball courts.

The buildings must be located in agriculture or commercial zones and they cannot be near a park or school. The marijuana industry in Sacramento City, has welcomed the decision. The ordinance ensured that Sacramento becomes the largest city in California to approve medical marijuana cultivation on such a larger scale.

The city would earn 4% tax from the cultivators, which would amount to $1 million revenue per year. Potential marijuana growers need to apply for a permit through the city. The council will decide on the number of permits to be issued. It's yet to be decided.

Meanwhile, Sacramento City leaders have added a 45-day moratorium to the ordinance so that all pending issues are sorted out. According to reports, Southeast Sacramento district is expected to see 80 percent of the total cultivation. It would become a medical marijuana cultivation hub in future.

D.C. to study possible licensing of Marijuana Clubs

February 03, 2016

The District of Columbia (D.C.) had legalized recreational marijuana in February 2015. The law allows adults to possess small amount of marijuana and grow and consume it at home. However, it had to ban the sale of marijuana. Despite this, public smoking of pot has become very common in the region.

There were many Councilmembers, who opposed restricting recreational marijuana consumption to homes. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Cathy Lanier have pushed for the permanent ban, but they faced stiff opposition from proponents, who argued that clubs would play a key role in the implementation of 2014 ballot initiative, which legalized pot in Washington.

Besides the District of Columbia, the states of Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska have legalized recreational marijuana. However, it still banned under federal law.

U.S. Customs seizes fake carrots stuffed with Marijuana

January 14, 2016

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection have detected marijuana worth $500k stuffed inside fake carrots on the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge connecting the Mexican-US border. There were enough packages to fill two pick up truck beds. The incident occurred on January 10. The USCBP agents first searched the vehicle by using non-intrusive imaging technology. Later, they took the help of sniffer dogs.

The officials found more than on ton of marijuana wrapped in orange tape, which gave a look of carrots at the first sight. In total, 2,817 carrot-shaped packages were recovered from the pick up trucks.

The drug smugglers have devised new ways to smuggle huge quantity of cannabis across the US-Mexico border. And, the latest development proved that they have been able to demonstrate their creativity in the illegal drug trade.

The case is now being investigated by agents from Homeland Security Investigations.

Ohio forms 14-member Task Force on Medical Marijuana

January 14, 2016

The House Republicans in Ohio, have announced a 14-member Task Force that would work on the issue of medical marijuana and submit a report to the Ohio House later this year. State Rep. J. Kirk Schuring, R-Canton, will serve as chairman. Attorney Chris Stock and businessman Jimmy Gould, who have been making huge efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Ohio, are also part of the team.

The Task Force includes Doctors, Lawmakers, Businessmen, Cops and Advocates. State Rep. Steve Huffman, R-Troy, who is part of the panel, is also a medical Doctor. Although Huffman had opposed Issue 3 medical marijuana initiative in November, he is ready to support it now if it's tightly controlled.

The goal of the task force would be to garner opinion and suggestions from the members on both sides and hold discussions with medical experts, community advocacy groups and law enforcement officials.

In November 2015, Ohioans voted 65-35 percent against Issue 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would have legalized medical and recreational marijuana. However, public opinion polls show that majority of people are in favor of medical marijuana although they are opposed to recreational use of pot. That compelled the lawmakers in Ohio to take a fresh look at the issue.

Although 23 U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana and 17 have allowed limited use of low THC and high cannabidiol products, pot still remains prohibited under the federal law.