Marijuana can improve Vision, says Study

November 20, 2015

A new study has revealed that recreational marijuana can improve the vision of children in the womb. Children exposed to marijuana were 50% better at the global motion task than children who were not, according to the study conducted by scientists at the University of Auckland. Global motion task is about detecting movement of signal dots against the background noise of other dots.

The study was conducted on 145 four-and-half year old kids who were exposed to various forms of methamphetamine, alcohol, nicotine and marijuana before birth and 25 unexposed children. It was found that when mothers took alcohol, their children's motion perception was impaired, but when they consumed both marijuana and alcohol, there was no effect. That came as a big surprise to the scientists.

"Prenatal exposure to methamphetamine had no influence on vision", the study confirmed. While 81.3% of the children were exposed to multiple drugs, 15% had no drug exposure. The study was published on Nature: Scientific Reports.

The children studied by the scientists, comprised of 52 percent European, 36.5 percent Maori, and 11 percent from other ethnicities. The range of drugs they were exposed to was - nicotine 75.2 percent, alcohol 56.4 percent, methamphetamine 44.2 percent and marijuana 40 percent.

Participants from the IDEAL study (2014) were recruited into two groups and data collected from the mothers. Meconium samples were collected from their babies soon after birth for a drug metabolite analysis.

Pittsburgh City may decriminalize Marijuana

November 17, 2015

If a new legislation, which is set to be introduced today in City Council, is passed, Pittsburgh City will decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana within the city limits. The legislation is based on a law enacted in Philadelphia in October 2014. It seeks to amend the Pittsburgh City Code to impose a fine of up to $100 on possession of a small amount of marijuana (under 30 grams), or smoking a small amount of marijuana in a public space.

The bill is being introduced by Councilman Daniel Lavelle, of District 6, which includes Downtown, Uptown, the Northside, Oakland, The Hill District and Perry Hilltop. Currently, the marijuana possession or smoking (even a small amount), warrants prosecution under criminal law and destroys the life and career of many people. The activists have been working hard to decriminalize marijuana with a minor penalty at least within the city, if not outside.

It is believed that the new bill would help many youths, who use marijuana and end up landing in a revolving criminal justice system. They can heave a sigh of relief, as they won't face the harsh consequences of minor marijuana offenses. "The bill will help break the damning lifelong consequences of unemployment, lack of education and being caught in a revolving criminal justice system, all due to a minor marijuana offense," said the press release by City Councilman Daniel Lavell.

Similar legislation in Philadelphia drastically cut marijuana possession arrests," said Patrick Nightingale, a local criminal defense lawyer and executive director of the Pittsburgh chapter of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. He argued that it gave police the option of writing a ticket but still retaining the power to file misdemeanor charges if situation warrants so.

AMA warns against Marijuana Use during Pregnancy, Breastfeeding

November 17, 2015

The American Medical Association (AMA) has agreed that use of marijuana during pregnancy and breastfeeding, may pose risk to the women as well as their babies. The AMA sought a clear message in this regard to be written on medical and recreational products as well as on the stores where they are being sold.

The decision to spread the message, was taken based on studies that suggested that marijuana use may be linked with low birth weight, premature birth and behavior problems in young children. While the critics of this decision claim that the evidences are not strong enough to reach a conclusion, others agree that more research is required, but cautioning about its use does make sense.

The AMA's new policy says that some studies have linked marijuana use in pregnancy with childhood attention problems and children's mental growth. It quoted a study, which found THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana in the milk of women who use it while breastfeeding.

As there are similar warnings for alcohol and tobacco for pregnant women, AMA does not see any wrong in issuing the guidelines for the use of marijuana. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, had proposed the warnings at an AMA policy-making meeting in Atlanta, which was accepted without much debate. Some women use marijuana during or after pregnancy to remove nausea, chronic pain or depression. But, there are alternatives without any risk factor.

The AMA policy seeks local and state measures to implement the warnings, as marijuana remains illegal under federal law and it won't have to do much there. Medical marijuana is legal in 23 states and Washington, D.C.' while recreational use of marijuana is legal in Washington D.C., Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

Canadian PM initiates Marijuana Legalization Process

November 16, 2015

In a major development, new Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has asked the lawmakers to start the marijuana legalization process without any further delay. Trudeau has written a letter to the Canadian Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Jody Wilson-Raybould, listing top priorities for the administration. And, marijuana legalization is one of them.

Justin Trudeau's poll promises included marijuana legalization among its key priorities. So, he wants to leave no stones unturned to achieve his goal. Trudeau’s letter seeks the creation of a federal-provincial-territorial process that will lead to the legalization and regulation of marijuana.

The Canadian PM spoke about the mandate in his letter, saying Canadians sent a clear message in this election, hoping for a real change. "As we offered a new, ambitious plan for a strong and growing middle class, we must come true to our words," he said. He asks his Attorney General to work hard to deliver on those promised to Canadians.

"As Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, your overarching goal will be to ensure our legislation meets the highest standards of equity, fairness and respect for the rule of law. I expect you to ensure that our initiatives respect the Constitution of Canada, court decisions, and are in keeping with our proudest legal traditions," Trudeau said.

He also asked his Minister to work towards fulfilling their policy goals with the least interference with the rights and privacy of Canadians.

Medical Marijuana to be allowed in New Jersey Schools

November 16, 2015

Students with developmental disabilities in New Jersey schools will now be allowed to take their doses of medical marijuana with proper prescriptions and aid. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie recently signed a new law allowing medical marijuana use in schools - first of its kind in the U.S.

The new law seeks to help students with life-threatening conditions, including epileptic seizures, which require dosages of edible marijuana. The law was formulated after the parents of 16-year-old Genny Barbour, sought legal remedies so that their daughter is allowed to receive her midday dosage of cannabis oil from a nurse at the Larc School in Bellmawr in New Jersey.

Larc School Director Susan Weiner welcomed the decision and expressed confidence that it would help the young kids and their families. Roger Barbour, Genny's father, too expressed joy and happiness over the news. Officials at The Larc School had initially refused to allow the cannabis oil in the school because of legal concerns.

The new makes sure that parents and students register and get ID cards under New Jersey's medical marijuana program by paying $200 fee. Registered parents and students (patients) will have to provide their ID cards to the school, which would maintain a record of all those need medical marijuana. Either parents can administer the medication to their children themselves or take the help of nurses.

Marijuana sales down in Colorado in September 2015

November 12, 2015

After growth in sales for four consecutive months from May till August 2015, the monthly recreational sales in Colorado in September, have witnessed a decline, as per the new data released by the state's Department of Revenue. The slump was attributed to fewer purchases during the off-season month. Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver also claimed that the pot tax holiday on September 16 also could have played a role.

Revenues from recreational marijuana sales in Colorado dropped to $56.4 million, while medical marijuana sales declined to $38.2 million in September. The dip in sales was around $3 million each in both cases, if we compare the sales revenue in August 2015 where they totaled $100 million for the first time.

However, for the fourth consecutive month, the recreational marijuana sales in Colorado topped $50 million. The state reportedly lost $3.6 million in revenue during the one-day pot tax holiday on September 16. As per the statistics, nearly $700 million of medical and recreational marijuana was sold in Colorado in 2014. However, the nine-month sales record between January to September in 2015, has already passed last year's combined revenue. More than $730 million of marijuana have been sold in Colorado between January and September.

The increasing marijuana sales has another positive aspect. Taxes collected from this, are being utilized in various development projects in the state. There are three types of state taxes on recreational marijuana - 2.9% sales tax, 10% special marijuana sales tax and 15% excise tax on wholesale marijuana transfers. In September 2015, Colorado earned $9.7 million in recreational taxes and $2 million in medical taxes. In 2015, the state has earned more than $98.3 million in taxes and fees.

Military Veterans call for legalization of Medical Marijuana

November 12, 2015

The military veterans in the United States have joined hands to give a call for legalization of medical marijuana. They gathered at a parade in Texas on Wednesday, seeking right to treat their war wounds (physical and psychological) with medical marijuana. It can be noted that marijuana remains illegal under federal law and is allowed in Texas with strict riders.

The protest march was organized on the Veterans Day. Only a day before, the U.S. Senate had approved a measure allowing federal Veterans Affairs doctors to prescribe medical marijuana in the 23 states and the District of Columbia that have legalized it.

Texas currently allows the use of a non-psychoactive marijuana oil product for the treatment of severe seizures. The veterans, however, want that to be expanded. Texas has the second most populous state after California in terms of military veteran population. It has 1.7 million veterans. The Vets believe that legalization could help them to recover from serious ailments such as long-term pain and psychological disorders.

Several former service personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, had joined the Veteran's Day parade in Austin on Wednesday. They announced the launch of 'Operation Trapped', a campaign to raise awareness of their hope for legalization of medical marijuana in both edible and smoke forms.

The veterans are associated with the Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy (TRMP). They feel trapped by pharmaceutical drugs and want access to medical marijuana instead of addictive painkillers and psychotropic medication. A Texas medical marijuana bill introduced this year failed in the House Public Health Committee. However, veterans are still hopeful that their initiative would receive tremendous support in the coming days.

Bernie Sanders introduces Bill to legalize Recreational Marijuana

November 06, 2015

Bernie Sanders, an independent Senator running for the Democratic Presidential nomination, has gone a step further to introduce a Senate bill that would legalize recreational marijuana use on a federal level. This is the first-ever Senate legislation, which seeks an end to marijuana prohibition in the United States.

The legislation seeks to remove marijuana from the Drug Enforcement Administration's list of "most dangerous drugs" and from the Controlled Substances Act, which regulate certain drugs in the United States. Sanders had hinted last week that he would work hard to end the federal ban on marijuana. He openly batted for decriminalization of marijuana, saying lives of many people were destroyed because they had criminal records owing to marijuana use.

'Drug Reform' has been one of the key objectives of Bernie Sanders in this Presidential poll although he is yet to receive a positive nod from the primaries. Republican Presidential hopeful Donald Trump has also come out in support of marijuana. According to the statistics, 88% of the total arrested made in the U.S.A. between 2001 and 2010, were attributed to marijuana possession. And, Black Americans always bore the brunt.

While Sanders has openly endorsed use of marijuana, his competitor Hillary Clinton remains vague on this issue. Hillary clarified that she would prefer to wait and see how all states respond to the call before taking action on a federal level. Out of 50 states in the U.S.A, only 23 and District of Columbia, have so far legalized medical marijuana. Some of them such as Colorado, Alaska and Oregon have allowed the use of recreational pot.

Ruling boosts Medical Marijuana prospects in Mexico

November 06, 2015

As the Mexican Supreme Court has delivered a landmark judgment, challenging the nation's stringent substance abuse laws, which would pave way for legalization of medical marijuana in the country. The court's criminal chamber ruled that individuals should have the right to grow and distribute marijuana for their personal use. Without striking down the existing laws, the ruling opens scope for further negotiation and dialogue that would help legalize medical marijuana in Mexico.

The Supreme Court voted 4 to 1 to rule that members of a cannabis club are allowed to grow marijuana for their personal use. The club members - Josefina Ricarño, Armando Santacruz, José Pablo Girault and Juan Francisco Torres Landa Ruffo, had applied for a license from Mexico's drug regulatory office, but were denied. The SC ruled that they would be allowed to grow, transport and use marijuana for recreational purposes.

It remains a fact that drug trafficking remains massive in Mexico and flow of drugs to the United States continues unabated. Mexico, which has one of the most conservative drug laws in Latin America, has always been critical of Washington's strategy in the drug war. A change in its drug policy, may help Mexico to fight the crime in an effective way.

In Latin America, Uruguay had legalized marijuana in 2013, while Bolivia allows traditional use of coca, the plant used to make cocaine. The Supreme Court of Brazil has recently debated the decriminalization of marijuana. Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos too supports this move despite the fact that he remains a close ally of the United States. Many in Latin America have sought a change in marijuana policy.

Marijuana use is no longer seen as a crime in the United States with several states legalizing medical marijuana and some of them allowing the recreational use too. Although it still remains prohibited under federal law, things may change sooner or later with the Presidential polls aspirants coming out in support of the pot. Many in Mexico too believe that legalizing marijuana will significantly reduce drug violence and weaken the gangs indulged in criminal activities.

Democrat Bernie Sanders seeks to end Marijuana Prohibition

October 31, 2015

Democrat aspirant Bernie Sanders, who is having a tough time against Hillary Clinton, has come out in support of marijuana use to woo the voters. The Vermont Senator has vowed to end marijuana prohibition by the federal government, if he is elected President. While talking to college students at George Mason University on Wednesday, Sanders shared a proposal to achieve his goal.

The proposal won't legalize marijuana, but would remove the drug from the federal government's list of most dangerous drugs. Sanders said Pot is not as dangerous as heroin as being projected now. "It's unfair to list marijuana under Schedule 1 drugs, which have LSD, heroin and bath salts. Pot cannot be called most dangerous, as it is being widely used for medical purpose unlike the other drugs," he said.

“In my view, the time is long overdue for us to remove the federal prohibition on marijuana. The states should have the right to regulate marijuana the same way that state and local laws now govern the sale of alcohol and tobacco," said Sanders. This is the first time a Presidential aspirant has openly given a call to end federal ban on marijuana.

Another Democratic Presidential hopeful Martin O'Malley too supports the arguments that marijuana should be moved from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 where it would share the same status as crack cocaine and crystal meth. Even if marijuana is moved to Schedule 2 list, it won't be treated in the same way that states do in case of other substances such as alcohol and cigarettes.

If Bernie Sander's plan is accepted and enacted in the United States, citizens of all those states where marijuana is legal, won't have to fear federal prosecution.

Uruguay to produce 6-10 tons of Marijuana in a Year

October 31, 2015

Uruguay, which was the first country in the world to legalize marijuana, has decided to produce 6-10 tons of marijuana in a year for local use. The pot would be distributed through pharmacies and sold to registered users at $1.40 per gram. It was revealed by National Drug Board chief Milton Romani in an interview to AFP.

The officials have been instructed to choose companies to distribute the weed. They also have been asked to fine-tune the software for registration and pharmacy sales. Uruguay had approved a law to allow licenses to firms and individuals to grow and harvest marijuana, but to be sold to registered users through pharmacies only.

Under the law, citizens and residents of Uruguay can buy up to 40 grams (1.4 ounces) of weed in a month from the pharmacies. They can also grow it at home or join cannabis clubs. Already, two companies were chosen in early October to grow and harvest marijuana. According to the government estimates, around 160,000 Uruguayans frequently or occasionally consume marijuana.

The law legalizing marijuana, was introduced by former Uruguay President Jose Mujica (2010-2015). It was just an experiment, but later it was accepted and hailed by all. It should be noted that foreign visitors won't be allowed to use legal puffs in Uruguay. Only registered local users can access marijuana.

Donald Trump softens stand on Marijuana Legalization

October 31, 2015

After facing the heat in some primaries during the Presidential Polls campaign, Republican aspirant Donald Trump has softened his stand on the issue of legalization of marijuana and clarified that states should be allowed to legalize marijuana if they chose to do so. Trump also assured his support to use of medical marijuana, saying the rights of patients cannot be taken away.

During the CPAC Conference in June 2015, Trump had backed use of medical marijuana, but firmly opposed legalization of pot. He was critical of Colorado's legalization and said, it was a bad move. He went to the extent of saying that Colorado was facing a lot of problems after he allowed the recreational use of pot.

However, while speaking a political rally at a casino outside Reno in Nevada, Trump toned down his aggression. "Marijuana and its legalization remain a state issue. It can vary state-by-state," he said. It is believed that Trump's change in stand was due to the pro-marijuana approach adopted by Democrat aspirant Bernie Sanders, who had vowed to remove marijuana from the federal government's list of most dangerous outlawed drugs.

Trump has a history of taking different stands on drugs. In April 1990, he had asked the United States to legalize drugs and use the money collected to educate the public on the dangers of drug use. "Legalize the drugs, make profit, and then spread the awareness to win the war on drugs," was his motto.

Although several U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana as well as recreational marijuana, the drug still remains banned under federal law.

Maine Groups join hands to legalize Marijuana

October 27, 2015

Two groups that fought separately for a common cause - to legalize marijuana in Maine, have finally joined hands to step up the efforts to ensure a smooth run in the ballot initiative to be held in 2016. The road is not easy for them, but they are hopeful of a positive outcome.

The groups, 'Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol' and 'Legalize Maine' are moving forward with one campaign now. Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, which has the backing of Marijuana Policy Project at the national level, will stop collecting signatures in support of the ballot initiative it filed in March 2015 and work for a similar initiative by Legalize Maine.

Both groups claim to have 40,000 signatures each. They will need a total of 61,121 by January 2016 to get on the 2016 ballot. David Boyer, Campaign Manager at Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol considers marijuana safer than alcohol and less addictive and toxic. While these groups are working hard to legalize marijuana, there are others such as Smart Approaches to Marijuana, SAM are completely opposed to the move and vowed not to let this happen.

A single approach in favor of marijuana initiative was the need of the hour, as pro-marijuana activists feared that voters could be faced with confusing choice in 2016 and vote down all measures.

Illinois approves Medical Marijuana for 8 Health Conditions

October 08, 2015

An Advisory Board in Illinois, has voted to add eight health conditions to the list of diseases or illness that can be treated by medical marijuana. The eight health conditions included chronic pain syndrome, autism, osteoarthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder, intractable pain, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain due to trauma and chronic post-operative pain.

The latest development came as a major relief for autism patients, as Illinois would be the first state to approve medical marijuana for this illness. Children must get written certification from two doctors in Illinois to use marijuana. The adults need just one doctor's written consent. In case of children, the parents and family members will have second opinion to get 100% confirmation before they administer marijuana to their kids.

Currently, 18 out of 23 states that have legalized medical marijuana, have chronic pain in the approved list. However, Illinois had not approved it. A recent review on 79 studies, had found marijuana effective to treat chronic pain, prompting Illinois to add this to its list of approved illness.

The Illinois law already lists 39 conditions and diseases that qualify for the use of medical marijuana with a doctor's signature. They include cancer, glaucoma, HIV and hepatitis C. Under the Illinois medical law, the recommendations made by the Advisory Board, need approval of Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav Shah.

Marijuana increases Risk of Fatal Crashes, claims Report

September 30, 2015

A new report out from the Governors Highway Safety Association, claims that driving while on marijuana, increases the risk of fatal crashes. The report, also found that although the United States has made significant progress by reducing drunken driving, it is yet to come up with proper awareness campaigns to reduce the use of drugs, mainly marijuana, which pose a big threat to the addicted drivers as well as to other people.

The report, which is based on a research, claims that of all drivers who died in crashes and tested for drugs in 2013, 40% tested positive. At least one-third of those drug users, tested positive for marijuana. According to the report, 32,719 people were killed in vehicle crashes in 2013.

In total, 23 states and the District of Columbia allow medical marijuana, while four states – Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska, along with the District of Columbia – have legalized the recreational use of pot. Federal Scientists believe that marijuana does impair drivers, but they are not unanimous when it comes to studying the exact levels and the difference between alcohol and marijuana impairments.

While the relationship between alcohol and driving impairment, has been established beyond doubt, there is no clear observations on drug impairment. The data is vague and self-contradictory. In some states, every driver involved in a fatal crash is tested for drugs. But, in many other states, only 10% of such drivers are tested. That leads to confusion when it comes to statistics.