Vaporizer Blog
1st Marijuana Resort of USA to be opened in South Dakota
September 30, 2015
According to The Guardian quoting the tribal president, Anthony Reider, "This is the first of its kind in America and it could generate up to $2 million a month profit". The first marijuana cigarettes are expected to be on sale at a New Year’s Eve party on 31 December. The legalization of marijuana on Santee Sioux, was confirmed in June 2015 following the approval of the policy by the Department of Justice, which allowed the tribes to grow and sell marijuana.
Although many tribes are still hesitant to take up marijuana, but the profit potential has caught the attention of many others, who are ready to enter this business or already taken steps to take advantage of the economic opportunities.
Marijuana Resort is a new concept in the United States. Even states such as Colorado and Washington, where marijuana is legal, never tried this. In these states, consumption of marijuana in public places, remains prohibited, except for a few private marijuana clubs in Colorado.
As many tribes in the United States depend on Casinos for their financial well being, the Santee Sioux tribe does not see anything wrong in trying out marijuana resort to fulfill their needs. They are hopeful of extracting more money from this new initiative, which may
fulfill many of their requirements and infrastructure development.
Marijuana-related Businesses banned in Coburg till 2017
September 15, 2015
There is no possibility that marijuana would be back in stores until 2017. Councilor Sharyl Abbaspour, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said that there are many young, retired, businessmen and civilians who have no problem with having a medical marijuana dispensary in the town. However, the City Council took the decision after a dispensary applicant Charree Richey filed an appeal against the Coburg City Council’s previous rejection of her application.
At least 50.8 percent of Coburg voters had favored the 2014 ballot measure legalizing recreational marijuana. The voting showed that people do prefer recreational marijuana, while medical marijuana remains a necessity. The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Liquor Control Commission will be notified of the changes in law so that they don't issue more licenses in Coburg.
UFC Welterweight Nick Diaz gets 5-year Ban for Marijuana Offense
September 15, 2015
The NSAC fined Diaz $165,000 apart from the suspension. Nick Diaz hit back, saying he would challenge the suspension. He condemned the officials at NSAC in strong words and vowed to fight back. He asked them to stay away from this. Lucas Middlebrook, Diaz's lead attorney, termed the ban as "completely arbitrary and capricious decision".
"This was a kangaroo court, and you heard the commission: Their decision wasn't based on fact. It wasn't based on evidence," he added. He alleged that the Commissioners who pronounced the verdict, banned Diaz just because he failed to respect him.
Diaz fights out of Stockton, California. He was tested positive for marijuana metabolites following a decision loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 183 on January 31. While Diaz passed two drug tests on fight night but failed a third. The failed test, which was administered between the two clean tests, was analyzed by Quest Diagnostics.
Diaz's attorneys argued that Quest results were "scientifically unreliable". They termed the SMRTL results, which were obtained using WADA's higher standard of protocols, as "authentic". Quest results showed Diaz's marijuana metabolites level at nearly five times the permissible limit. However, the SMRTL tests showed they were well below that permissible threshold.
Oregon to ban Out of State Medical Marijuana Patients
August 31, 2015
There are many states that recognize out of state medical marijuana cards, but Oregon allows people to become a patient in the state. However, the new law, which was passed this year by the Legislature, would put an end to this practice. In addition, from July 1, 2016, new medical marijuana growers will have to prove that they have lived in Oregon for two years.
The latest Oregon Health Authority Data reveals that about 71,000 people have been registered as patients. And, out of them, 1,900 have addresses outside Oregon. Most of the out of the state medical marijuana patients come from California, Idaho and Washington.
It can be noted that Oregon now allows recreational marijuana and the sale would begin from October 1, 2015. The early sales will involve only flower, plants and seeds. So, there is still little joy for the out of the state travelers, as they can avail recreational marijuana. However, they won't be able to use medical marijuana from 2016.
Marijuana does not affect Brain Volume: JAMA Psychiatry Study
August 28, 2015
While a lot has been said about the use and side-effects of marijuana in the past, public health experts always raised concerns about potential link between substance use and structural changes in the brain. However, a new study seeks to allay all fears and apprehensions while comparing the brains of marijuana users and non-users to their siblings.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, shows how the researchers studied a large group of siblings in the age group of 22-35. Out of 483 people studied, 262 were found using marijuana even just once. The researchers then split the men and women into three groups - siblings who both had never used marijuana, siblings who both reported using marijuana, and pairs where one had used marijuana and the other did not.
As per the established belief, the differences in brain volume would be visible in pairs with one user and one non-user. But, both exposed and unexposed siblings were found to have the same volume. “We found no evidence for the causal influence of cannabis exposure on amygdala volume,” the authors concluded.
The study did not find any evidence to suggest that brain volume had any effect on whether or not a person uses marijuana. As there have been conflicting reports on the same subject, further research is required in this field to determine whether marijuana really has any effects on brain volume or not.
Pic Credit: www.geneticsandsociety.org
Ohio Voters to get a chance to legalize Marijuana
August 24, 2015
ResponsibleOhio Executive Director Ian James is upbeat about the prospects of Ohio legalizing marijuana. "It's not about drug business, rather it's about providing medication to sick Ohions, bringing money back to our communities and establishing a new industry with economic development opportunities", he said.
Supporters of Marijuana Legalization Amendment predict a massive marijuana industry in Ohio once the legislation is approved. It could generate as much as $2 billion a year by 2020 and $500 million taxes per annum, they believe. There are many opponents to this legislation too. They have raised serious questions and sought to draw attention to the restrictions on where and how many wholesale growing farms may operate, as envisaged in the Ohio Constitution.
If both amendments moved by the pro-marijuana activists are enacted, the issue will go to court because of the stiff opposition from several quarters. However, people, who are supporting marijuana, are not perturbed. The most recent poll from Quinnipiac University, conducted in July 2015, found that 52 percent of Ohioans support the legislation, while 44 percent oppose it. Can this be a game changer? Let's wait and watch!
Nebraska may have Marijuana Political Party Soon
August 24, 2015
The advocates of medical marijuana argue that it would help their children with cerebral palsy with the epilepsy. Many people in York and other parts of Nebraska are in favor of medical marijuana, but it won't be an easy ride for them to get a legislation approved. It will be a long process for sure.
The pro-marijuana people have started a campaign, requesting people to sign their petition to launch the 'Marijuana Party of Nebraska'. Mark Elworth Jr. who organized the petition back in April 2015, admitted that medical marijuana would not be passed through the legislature. "But, I want 5,500 signatures to create my own party so that we can present our views on appropriate platform", he said.
Elworth has claimed to have garnered over 3,000 signatures so far. "I just don't want to legalize weed. My goal is to make the state better, Young people should not go out of the state. The money, which is going out, should stay here. And, our patients must get enough facilities and scope to stay back here and get proper treatment. Everyone has a right to healthy life and nobody should suffer. That's our goal." he added.
At the same time, there are many people, who are opposed to Elworth's campaign, saying Nebraska does not need medical marijuana. They believe that Elworth and many others do not know anything about marijuana business and its side effects.
Montana may become 1st State to lose Medical Marijuana
August 16, 2015
While 23 states in the U.S. have legalized medical marijuana and 4 others and District of Columbia have allowed recreational marijuana, Montana is going backwards and may lose medical pot soon, it is believed. The medical marijuana industry in Montana has been a decline. The slump began in 2011 following some key legislation and the situation is going from bad to worse.
The medical marijuana business in Montana boomed after it was legalized in 2004. At one stage, the state had 30,000 patients and 4,900 marijuana providers. It was a huge for a state with just a million people. However, when pot shops were set up near schools, churches and other key installations, anti-marijuana activists started opposing it and got the backing of common people too.
The major problem began in March 2011, when the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration conducted raids across the state after an 18-month investigation into the allegations of links between medical marijuana and drug trafficking. In addition, there were charges of other federal crimes too. Many shops were closed during the crackdown and their owners/operators were charged under federal drug laws.
A massive campaign to repeal medical marijuana began in April 2011, which still continues and received a big momentum. Then Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, a Democratic, vetoed a repeal bill in April 2011. In May 2011, a bill known as "repeal in disguise" was signed. Although it was weakened by a state judge, it put a brake on the growth of medical marijuana industry in Montana. The legislation barred the providers from charging a cent beyond recouping license application fee.
As a result, the number of patients declined from 30,000 to less than 9,000 in June 2012 and the number of providers went down to less than 400. It was a massive fall. And, the medical marijuana industry in Montana never recovered from that shock. The state Supreme Court asked the judge to reconsider his ruling, but he made it permanent in January 2015. As the law is the subject of a Supreme Court decision in October 2015, it may seal the fate of Montana's medical marijuana industry forever. If we believe the indications, the SC decision may not give any reprieve to the industry.
India & Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
July 31, 2015
India has a long history of opium and cannabis use, especially in medicinal, spiritual, religious and social contexts. The earliest mention of cannabis has been found in The Vedas, or sacred Hindu texts, written thousands of years ago. The Vedas call cannabis a source of happiness, joy-giver, liberator that was compassionately given to humans to help us attain delight and lose fear.
During the Middle Ages, soldiers often took cannabis before entering battle while other professional used to consume it for different reasons such to celebrate different occasions or get relief from pain, anxieties etc. Cannabis was widely accepted in most part of the country before and after its independence from the colonial rule. Serving opium has been an age-old tradition in many parts of the country that marks respect for guests.
No matter for rich or poor, men or women of certain sects after certain age, the practice of consuming opium, liquor, bhang etc during festivals or other social and cultural gatherings was not seen as socially deviant behavior. However, this social propriety turned into legal impropriety with the enactment of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 1985 by the Government of India, in order to comply with international agreements.
The NDPS Act prohibits cultivation, production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, store, transport, import, export, use and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, except for medical and scientific reasons, under license or permit by the government agencies. The Act extends to the whole of India and also applies to all Indian citizens outside the country and to all persons on ships and aircraft registered in India.
Under the NDPS Act, penalties to offenders depend on the quantity of the drug found, with the scale of punishment varying from a maximum of 6 months for ‘small quantity’ to 20 years of imprisonment for a first offence involving ‘commercial quantity’ and also a monetary fine ranging from hundred to two hundred thousand in Indian rupees. The Act has also several provisions of severe punishment for serious offenders.
However, the NDPS Act was criticized from different quarters due to the law providing the same punishment for all drugs, which meant that dealers shifted their focus to harder drugs, where profits are far higher. The critics also suggest that some of the softer drugs should be legalized, as this might reduce the level of heroin addiction.
Oregon to begin selling Recreational Marijuana in October 2015
July 29, 2015
Oregon had approved marijuana legalization during the 2014 Election. The possession, consumption, and cultivation provisions recreational pot became effective on July 1, 2015. And, now, people would be able to purchase it from October 1. The system has worked faster than expected in the state, which had given a huge mandate to legalize recreational marijuana.
Kristen Grainger, Kate Brown's spokeswoman, termed the development as a "smart solution to a short-term logistical problem. "Oregon’s new recreational marijuana law went into effect in July 2015, but Oregonians couldn’t lawfully buy it anywhere for another year or more. If marijuana is legal to use, it shouldn’t be illegal to buy", she said while talking to a media house.
The bill allows adults 21 years of age and above to purchase up to 7 grams of dried flower marijuana, as well as up to four seeds or non-flowering cannabis plants. However, it is prohibited to purchase Marijuana topicals, edibles etc. Sales of those items will be permitted only after the recreational marijuana stores open in 2016.
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission will establish a regulatory framework and issue licenses to retailers at a later stage. It can noted that only Colorado, Oregon, Alaska, Washington and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana in the U.S. till date.
CDC confirms Potential Danger from Marijuana Edibles
July 28, 2015
The story involving Levy Thamba Pongi (19), a Wyoming Exchange student from the Republic of Congo, has raised several questions for sure. Levy, who was on a visit to Colorado in March 2014, ate a marijuana cookie given by a friend. He knew that there were 6 servings contained in the single cookie. Although he was instructed to eat one serving, which contained 10 mg, he went on to finish the entire cookie and later jumped to death.
The autopsy conducted on Levy Thamba Pongi, had found 7.2 nanograms of active THC per milliliter of blood in his body. In Colorado, individuals are not allowed to drive if their blood contains 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood.
The CDC sought to prove that marijuana edibles have delayed effects (1-2 hours) as against the smoking (5-10 minutes). “This case illustrates a potential danger associated with recreational edible marijuana use,” the CDC said. It also revealed that food, drink and pills infused with THC — the high-inducing compound in marijuana — account for roughly 45 percent of licensed pot sales.
It can be recalled that Colorado had legalized the recreational marijuana in 2014. Supporters of marijuana, find no big surprise in the findings of CDC, saying marijuana should be used within the permissible limits only, or else it would lead to a life risk. They believe that it's known to everyone and anybody who uses pot beyond the permissible limits, is in fact, putting his/her life in danger.
Florida Supreme Court to get 100,000 Medical Marijuana Petitions
July 23, 2015
In November 2014, 58 percent of Florida voters supported Amendment 2, which sought to make medical marijuana legal in the state. However, it could not be passed after failing to reach the 60 percent threshold. Ben Pollara, Campaign Manager of 'United For Care', has expressed confidence that the signatures would be the first step in putting a medical marijuana amendment on the 2016 ballot.
Since a lot more people will vote in the Presidential polls in 2016, the group expects that their medical marijuana move will get overwhelming support from the masses. The proposed amendment would require the doctors to certify that their patients are suffering from a debilitating illness. The state would then issue ID cards. Patients won't be able to grow pot at their homes, but would get access to treatment centers, which would be licensed to grow and sell medical marijuana.
If the Supreme Court approves the language on the basis of 100,000 signatures sent by the 'United For Care', the group would have to send 60,000 more signatures to the Florida Division of Elections by February 1, 2016. Once submitted and verified, the amendment would move back to the Supreme Court, which would determine the constitutionality of the amendment.
About 44% of Americans have tried Marijuana, reveals Opinion Poll
July 23, 2015
According to a poll conducted by Gallup.com, about 44% of Americans have revealed that they have tried marijuana, even though it remains illegal under federal law and only four states have allowed recreational marijuana so far.
The research-based consulting company, which is best known for its opinion polls, confirmed that this is the highest percentage of people admitting to the use of marijuana ever since they started polls on the same question in 1969 when only 4% people had admitted to using the pot.
Interestingly, about 11% of the American citizens also revealed that they smoke cannabis even today. The information was released Wednesday. It was collected during the period of July 8-12 via telephonic interviews. In total, 1,009 adults were selected at random. The poll showed that Americans have become more liberal on the issue of legalization of marijuana.
According to the poll, men are more likely than women to use of have used marijuana."Men (13%) are more than twice as likely as women (6%) to say they use marijuana. Nearly half of men have at least tried it, compared with 35% of women."
The religious people prefer to stay away from this soft drug, while secular people are inclined towards it. Currently, Colorado, Alaska, Washington and Oregon have allowed the use of recreational marijuana along with the District of Columbia, which is awaiting Congress' nod.
Seattle City to close down Uncontrolled Medical Marijuana Business
July 14, 2015
Seattle will allow City Hall to revoke city business licenses for pot shops that don’t have a state license. A new city license will be issued for state-licensed pot businesses by July 2016. All medical marijuana businesses that opened post 2013, can continue till the new law takes effect. the move is aimed at stall the uncontrolled growth of the pot industry in Seattle.
City Attorney Pete Holmes revealed that some of the new business owners haven’t obtained basic city business licenses and some sell to non-patients, which is a clear violation of law. Only less than a week ago, there was massive crackdown on 15 dispensaries in some counties. All those dispensaries were found to be unregulated medical marijuana shops.
Seattle City was initially allocated 21 retail store licenses by Washington state. By July next, the city may get an additional of 20-30 retail licenses.
Oregon Airport allows Marijuana on in-state Flights with Riders
July 14, 2015
People can have up to 8 ounces in their homes and grow up to four plants out of public view. Oregon residents also can carry up to an ounce outside their homes, although it's illegal to smoke it in public. The Airport officials have been asked to notify the Portland Police if they find any marijuana on passengers. If they are not underage and carry the pot within permissible limits and are traveling within the state, they would be allowed to go.
People carrying marijuana, are advised to reach the airport prior to the scheduled time, as they will have to go through the Transportation Security Administration checkpoints where things may get delayed because of the verification process. While passengers traveling outside the state, would be asked to dispose of the pot to continue with their travel plan, travelers found with more than the permissible limits, would be subject to state and federal penalties.
Oregon, Alaska and District of Columbia joined Colorado and Washington state in 2014 to legalize recreational marijuana. However, the rules and regulations vary at various airports. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington allows travelers to carry legal amount of pot, but Denver International Airport has a strict policy banning possession and public display of marijuana.
