Cannabis News

"The federal government needs to once and for all put an end to these senseless raids and prosecutions of medical marijuana patients, doctors, and suppliers who are in complete compliance with their own state's laws concerning the drug," Hinchey told News Channel 34 in a statement. Read More... Marijuana May Ease Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Posted by CN Staff on May 14, 2012 at 12:22:46 PT By Amy Norton, New York Source: Reuters Reuters -- People with multiple sclerosis have long said that smoking marijuana helps ease their painful muscle cramping. And a new clinical trial suggests they are not just blowing smoke. The study, published Monday, found that for 30 MS patients with muscle "spasticity," a few days of marijuana smoking brought some relief. But the big caveat, researchers say, is that it's not clear that the downsides of pot smoking are worth it. Read More... Smoking Medical Marijuana May Decrease MS Symptoms Posted by on May 14, 2012 at 12:12:17 PT By The Huffington Post Source: Huffington Post USA -- Smoking medical marijuana could help relieve some symptoms of multiple sclerosis, a small new study suggests. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, found that people with MS who smoked cannabis had decreased pain and muscle tightness, called spasticity. However, the researchers warned that smoking the cannabis also led to problems with focus and attention.

The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, included 30 people -- 63 percent of them women -- with an average age of 50. More than half the participants needed aids for walking, and 20 percent of them were in wheelchairs. Some of the study participants were randomly assigned to have the cannabis, while others received a placebo. Read More... Mothers and Marijuana in Colorado Posted by on May 13, 2012 at 06:00:48 PT By Kirtley Ceballos, Guest Commentary Source: Denver Post Colorado -- With the birth of my first child 10 months ago, this is a very special Mother's Day for me. It is a time for me to pause and think about the mother I want to be to my little boy as he continues to grow. I plan to take some quiet time to imagine both the joys and challenges that lie ahead.

Looking down the road, I know, like every other parent, that one of the greatest challenges my husband and I will face is the possibility of teen drug, tobacco and alcohol use. Fortunately, as a parent, I have more than a decade before that really becomes an issue. But as a Colorado citizen, I have the opportunity this year to address the subject on a societal level. Read More... MMJ Raids To Continue After House Defeats Bill Posted by on May 10, 2012 at 18:15:28 PT By Lucia Graves Source: Huffington Post Washington, D.C. -- A bipartisan measure that would have eliminated funding for federal raids on medical marijuana dispensaries in states where they're legal failed Wednesday in the House of Representatives. The legislation, introduced by Reps. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.), and Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), was part of the appropriations bill to fund the Department of Justice for fiscal 2013. It failed 262-163.

The bill came as the administration of President Barack Obama has unleashed an interagency crackdown on the cannabis industry, with raids on pot dispensaries, many in California operating in full compliance with state law. Read More... Aspiring D.C. Pot Dealers Challenge Rejections Posted by on May 09, 2012 at 19:13:26 PT By Annys Shin Source: Washington Post Washington, D.C. -- Johnnie Scott Rice has held a lot of titles in her life: director of constituent services, advisory neighborhood commissioner, D.C. Council candidate. But there is one title she covets that has eluded her: District pot dealer.

Rice, 71, is part of the Green House, a self-proclaimed “group of old ladies,” that the city recently turned down for a license to sell medical marijuana. Three other rejected applicants, including a Bethesda eye doctor and a competitive bass fisherman, have gone to court in the past week to contest the city’s decision, said Ted O. Gest, spokesman for the D.C. Office of Attorney General. Read More... A Well-Crafted Medical Marijuana Law Posted by on May 09, 2012 at 04:54:07 PT Editorial Source: The Day Connecticut -- For years, advocates for the legalization of medical marijuana - many of them individuals suffering from various health problems - have appeared before legislative committees. Their stories were the same - only the use of marijuana provided relief from their debilitating conditions without the unbearable side effects of prescribed drugs.

It is good to see a majority of lawmakers have listened to them, approving a bill that will make Connecticut the 17th state to legalize marijuana as a palliative for the chronically ill. Unlike his predecessor, Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who vetoed a medical marijuana bill in 2007, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy plans to sign the measure into law. Read More... Council Calls on State To Rethink Policies on MJ Posted by CN Staff on May 08, 2012 at 08:51:52 PT By The Associated Press Source: Associated Press Charlottesville, Va. -- The Charlottesville City Council says it's time for the state to rethink its policies on marijuana possession.

The council adopted a resolution Monday night calling on the state to revisit sentencing guidelines for simple marijuana possession. It also proposes eliminating rules that suppose intent to distribute marijuana without evidence and asks the General Assembly and the governor to "give due consideration" to bills that would decriminalize, legalize or regulate marijuana like alcohol. Read More... Medical Marijuana Bill On Track To Become Law Posted by on May 05, 2012 at 19:25:27 PT By Daniela Altimari, The Hartford Courant Source: Hartford Courant Hartford -- Connecticut is poised to become the 17th state to permit the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes following a 21-13 vote in the Senate early Saturday after nearly 10 hours of often-passionate debate.

Sixteen other states and the District of Columbia have passed laws allowing for medical marijuana. But advocates say the Connecticut proposal places some of the tightest restrictions in the nation on the cultivation and use of the drug in an effort to avoid problems that have cropped up elsewhere. Read More... Connecticut Legislature Gives Final OK To MMJ Bill Posted by CN Staff on May 05, 2012 at 04:46:55 PT By The Associated Press Source: Associated Press Hartford -- A The Connecticut Senate granted final approval early Saturday to a bill that would allow the use of medical marijuana and includes strict regulations for the cultivation and distribution in an attempt to avoid problems other states have run into when legalizing the plant for medical use.

The measure passed the state's Senate 21-to-13 after nearly 10 hours of debate. It now goes to Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who said in a statement that he plans to sign the bill into law, as he believes it would "avoid the problems encountered in some other states." The legislation has already been passed by the House of Representatives. Read More... Bills To Protect MMJ Users, Curb Abuses Passes Posted by on May 04, 2012 at 04:37:01 PT By Bill Laitner, Detroit Free Press Staff Writer Source: Detroit Free Press Lansing -- Giving medical-marijuana users some things they asked for but also some they opposed, the state House passed a series of bills Thursday to modify Michigan's medical marijuana law. The changes include rules for doctor-patient relationships and law enforcement access to the state's patient registry.

The four bills were adopted on broad, bipartisan votes, clearing the three-fourths-majority hurdle needed to amend a voter-enacted law. Similar majorities will be needed for approval in the state Senate before the changes become law, "but I do think we've sent a package they can adopt," said state Rep. John Walsh, R-Livonia, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Read More... Nancy Pelosi: MMJ Busts By Feds Of Strong Concern Posted by on May 03, 2012 at 11:02:30 PT By Lucia Graves Source: Huffington Post California -- U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Wednesday released a statement pushing back against the Obama administration's interference with medical marijuana laws in California and beyond. Her statement comes after medical marijuana advocates delivered a petition earlier that day calling on Pelosi to defend patients from ramped up federal enforcement measures.

"I have strong concerns about the recent actions by the federal government that threaten the safe access of medicinal marijuana to alleviate the suffering of patients in California," said Pelosi, "and undermine a policy that has been in place under which the federal government did not pursue individuals whose actions complied with state laws providing for medicinal marijuana." Read More... Nancy Pelosi Objects To Obama's MMJ Crackdown Posted by CN Staff on May 03, 2012 at 10:44:03 PT By David Downs Source: East Bay Express California -- Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi saw the writing on the wall and came out in defense of medical cannabis patients and dispensaries under assault by the federal government this week. San Francisco dispensaries served her a petition with thousands of signatures May 2. Subsequently, Speaker Pelosi released the May 2 statement saying:

“Access to medicinal marijuana for individuals who are ill or enduring difficult and painful therapies is both a medical and a states’ rights issue. Sixteen states, including our home state of California, and the District of Columbia have adopted medicinal marijuana laws – most by a vote of the people. Read More... MMJ Policies in Colorado Nursing Homes are Cloudy Posted by on May 02, 2012 at 05:29:27 PT By Ryan Parker, The Denver Post Source: Denver Post Colorado -- Medical-marijuana policy in long-term-care facilities across Colorado is hazy at best.

From state law and patients' rights to federal law and liabilities, regulations on how marijuana may be used by nursing-home residents who suffer from eight specific medical conditions — set out in a 2000 state constitutional amendment legalizing the use of medical pot — run the gamut. Read More... Barney Frank Criticizes Administration On MMJ Raid Posted by on April 30, 2012 at 10:47:37 PT By Luke Johnson Source: Huffington Post Washington, D.C. -- Retiring Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) sharply criticized the Obama administration's recent raids of medical marijuana dispensaries in states where its use is legal.

"I think it's bad politics and bad policy," he told The Hill in an interview Friday. "I'm very disappointed. I think it's a grave mistake." He added that he had brought the criticism to the president. Read More... Kimmel Addresses MJ Legalization At WH Dinner Posted by on April 29, 2012 at 05:22:42 PT By Paige Lavender Source: Huffington Post Washington, D.C. -- While delivering his remarks at the 2012 White House Correspondents' Dinner, comedian Jimmy Kimmel addressed the issue of marijuana legalization.

"What is with the marijuana crackdown? Seriously, what is the concern? We will deplete the nation's Funyun supply?" Kimmel said. "Pot smokers vote too. Sometimes a week after the election, but they vote." Kimmel then posed a challenge to the crowd, which was made up of celebrities like Kim Kardashian and George Clooney. Read More... Initiative To Regulate Marijuana Stirs Discussion Posted by on April 27, 2012 at 05:56:05 PT By Jonathan Martin, Seattle Times Staff Reporter Source: Seattle Times Seattle -- If there's one thing that brings people together, it's this: Marijuana regulation is a mess.

But the granular details about how to fix it divided a panel of law-enforcement and public-health experts convened Thursday night to debate Initiative 502, a landmark proposal to regulate and tax marijuana like liquor that is on the November ballot. John McKay, who filed the initiative after witnessing the "complete failure" of marijuana prohibition as the U.S. Attorney in Seattle for six years, said legalization was a "simple solution." Read More... US Attorney Issues Warning on Medical Pot Centers Posted by CN Staff on April 26, 2012 at 19:27:44 PT By David Klepper, Associated Press Source: Associated Press Providence, R.I. -- Rhode Island's top federal prosecutor has cautioned property owners intending to lease space to medical marijuana dispensaries that they could face forfeiture proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha sent the warning letters this week, according to his spokesman Jim Martin. Neronha had previously warned that the dispensaries, their landlords or investors could face civil or criminal sanctions, including the seizure of assets or property. Read More... Conn. House Passes Medical Marijuana Bill Posted by CN Staff on April 26, 2012 at 04:20:52 PT By Shannon Young, Associated Press Source: Associated Press Hartford, Conn. -- The Connecticut House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to legalize the medical use of marijuana, despite concerns raised by some lawmakers that those who manufacture and distribute the drug under the new state program could risk federal prosecution. The bill passed 96-51 following about seven hours of debate. It now moves to the Senate for further action. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has said he supports the concept. Read More... Obama Explains Increasing MMJ Crackdowns Posted by on April 25, 2012 at 07:39:13 PT From Rolling Stone Source: Huffington Post Washington, D.C. -- Amid an increased crackdown on medical marijuana producers across the nation, including a recent high-profile raid on a California training school, President Barack Obama faced questions in a new interview with Rolling Stone about the seeming disconnect between his 2008 campaign rhetoric and his administration's actions since he took office.

"I'm not going to be using Justice Department resources to try to circumvent state laws [on medical marijuana]," Obama promised in 2008, according to an earlier Rolling Stone report. But Attorney General Eric Holder announced in 2010 that federal authorities would continue to prosecute individuals for marijuana possession, despite its legalized status in some states. Read More... Medical Marijuana Bill Clears a Hurdle Posted by on April 24, 2012 at 15:44:48 PT By Ken Dixon, Staff Writer Source: Connecticut Post Hartford -- Legislation to allow marijuana to be grown and used in Connecticut for medical purposes cleared its third hurdle on Tuesday, when the General Assembly's Public Health Committee approved it 19-6. The next stop for the bill is the House of Representatives, as the May 9 adjournment date draws closer. The bill had previously been reviewed and approved in the legislative Judiciary Committee, then last week in the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee. Read More... Rethinking The War on Drugs Posted by on April 23, 2012 at 05:01:33 PT By Mark Kleiman, Jonathan Caulkins & Angela Hawken Source: Wall Street Journal USA -- Current drug policies do much more damage than they need to and much less good than they might, argues UCLA Prof. of Public Policy Mark Kleiman. He talks with WSJ's Gary Rosen about what's wrong with the war on drugs and what could be done to reduce the harm of heavy drug use.

"For every complex problem," H.L. Mencken wrote, "there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong." That is especially true of drug abuse and addiction. Indeed, the problem is so complex that it has produced not just one clear, simple, wrong solution but two: the "drug war" (prohibition plus massive, undifferentiated enforcement) and proposals for wholesale drug legalization. Read More... 3 Arrests, 1 Ticket So Far in Boulder 4/20 Protest Posted by on April 20, 2012 at 17:52:50 PT By John Ingold, The Denver Post Source: Denver Post Boulder -- University of Colorado police have so far arrested three people — apparently students — and ticketed another in a crackdown on the annual pro-marijuana gathering known as 4/20.

The arrests came around 1:30 p.m. today, when a trio of people crossed the police tape surrounding the university's Norlin Quad and sat down in the grass. Witnesses said the three made statements in support of marijuana legalization and against the university's efforts to stop 4/20 gatherings on campus. Read More... Colorado University Tries To Snuff Out 4/20 Rally Posted by CN Staff on April 20, 2012 at 17:34:12 PT By Rema Rahman, Associated Press Source: Associated Press Denver -- The pungent smell of pot that blankets a popular quadrangle at the University of Colorado-Boulder every April 20 is being replaced by the stench of fish-based fertilizer Friday as administrators try to stamp out one of the nation's largest annual campus celebrations of marijuana.

After more than 10,000 people -- students and non-students -- attended last year's marijuana rally on Norlin Quadrangle, university officials decided this year to apply the stinky fertilizer to the quad to deter pot-smokers. They're also closing the campus Friday to all unauthorized visitors and offering a free campus concert by Haitian-born hip-hop star Wyclef Jean timed to coincide with the traditional 4:20 p.m. pot gathering. Read More... The Marijuana Exception Posted by on April 20, 2012 at 16:55:11 PT By Beau Kilmer Source: Wall Street Journal USA -- Discussions about legalizing marijuana should start with a few basic truths.

One is that legalization would save the law-enforcement and social costs of arresting hundreds of thousands of adults each year. (Most proposals would keep marijuana illegal for those under 21.) Another is that pot's underground economy—estimated at $15 billion to $30 billion annually—would be largely wiped out if marijuana were legalized throughout the country. Finally, it is clear that legalization would greatly decrease price and, therefore, increase the number of both recreational and heavy marijuana users. Read More... Medical Marijuana Bill Clears Conn. Committee Posted by CN Staff on April 20, 2012 at 10:58:45 PT By The Associated Press Source: Associated Press Hartford, Conn. -- Legislation that would allow Connecticut adults to legally use marijuana for medical purposes continued Friday to move its way through the legislature, easily clearing a key committee.

The General Assembly's Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee on Friday passed the proposal 36-14. It now moves to the House of Representatives for further action. Read More... Colorado Lights Up Pot Debate Posted by CN Staff on April 20, 2012 at 10:10:32 PT By Alex Dobuzinskis Source: Reuters Colorado -- At a Denver dispensary for medical marijuana, state inspector Mark Brown makes his usual checks, verifying that employees wear name-tag licenses and the video surveillance system works. The store is a laid-back place with a popcorn machine, a "Reefer Madness" movie poster and plenty of pot, sold both mixed into candy and as buds.

Brown mingles with the staff, among them a tattooed man rolling joints in a side room. Fellow inspector Paul Schmidt, formerly an undercover agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration, checks on the facility's marijuana-growing operation. Read More... Austin To Unveil Monument To Willie Nelson on 4/20 Posted by CN Staff on April 20, 2012 at 04:45:31 PT By The Associated Press Source: Associated Press Austin, Texas -- Country music legend Willie Nelson was expected to help unveil an 8-foot statue of himself in downtown Austin on Friday, which happens to be a national day of protest for the legalization of marijuana.

The privately funded monument near the new Moody Theater shows Nelson in a relaxed, standing pose and holding his guitar to the side, as if in conversation. Philadelphia sculptor Clete Shields said the leaning pose and heroic scale are intended to show Nelson’s openness and whimsical side while honoring his tremendous influence on music and the city. Read More... Marijuana Rally in Trouble at Colorado University Posted by CN Staff on April 20, 2012 at 04:24:39 PT By Rema Rahman, The Associated Press Source: Associated Press Denver -- The pungent smell of pot that blankets a popular quadrangle at the University of Colorado-Boulder every April 20 is being replaced by the stench of fish-based fertilizer Friday as administrators try to stamp out one of the nation's largest annual campus celebrations of marijuana.

After more than 10,000 people — students and non-students — attended last year's marijuana rally on Norlin Quadrangle, university officials decided this year to apply the stinky fertilizer to the quad to deter pot-smokers. They're also closing the campus Friday to all unauthorized visitors and offering a free campus concert by Haitian-born hip-hop star Wyclef Jean timed to coincide with the traditional 4:20 p.m. pot gathering. Read More...

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Highlights
CommonSense for Drug Policy Drug Policy Forum of Wisconsin WarOnSomeDrugs Drug Policy Alliance Drug Reform Coordination Network Maximizing Harm Cures Not Wars Marijuana The Forbidden Medicine Patients Out of Time

Older News
4/20 Pot Celebrations Abound in Denver Richard Lee's Exclusive Interview After Raid Christie: Dispensary Boss Should Stop Complaining New U.S. Drug Strategy Targets Addiction New Jersey Clears Planting of Pot Seeds Marijuana Permit Is Set in New Jersey State's Proposal To Legalize Pot Gets Big Push MMJ Remains Frustratingly Out of Reach Obama Says Legalization Is Not the Answer on Drugs Smokeless in Seattle How The Drug War Hurts Everyone Pot Groups See Obama 2012 Flip-Flop On MMJ MMJ Would Create Huge Headache, Coakley Says In MMJ Age, How High Is Too High To Drive? Rethinking America's Drug-Control Strategy Medical Marijuana Pits States Versus Feds Oregon Has Fewer Big Medical Pot Grows Cuomo Kills Buzz Over Medical Pot Pot’s High on Agenda Medical-Pot Debate Rises in Albany Will The D.C. Council Regulate MMJ To Death? Pot Raid Rattles Top Cannabis Crusader Hazy Marijuana Laws Panelists Debate State of Medical Marijuana in RI Rally Protests Federal Raid on Pot Trade School Gov. Brewer Signs Measure To Ban MMJ On Campuses Medical Marijuana Delay Hurts Patients Across N.J. Agents in Oakland Raid Leader of MMJ Movement Lawmakers In 5 States Tell Feds To Back Off Federal Agents Raid Medical Marijuana University Examining Marijuana Arrests D.C. Picks Six Companies To Grow Medical Marijuana WeGrow Medical Marijuana Store Sets Up Shop In DC Police Chiefs Against Medical Marijuana Marijuana Case Goes to Michigan Supreme Court RI Lawmakers To Take Up Marijuana Dispensary Rules Medical Marijuana Bill To Reach NH Senate Tennessee MMJ Bill Clears First House Hurdle Michigan Medical Marijuana Law Challenged Few CA Pot Patients Partake of Voluntary Registry Attorney Tells More Colorado MMJ Centers To Close Gov. Christie's Pot Program Delay is Sabotage Conn. Committee Passes Medical Marijuana Bill MJ Like Chemicals Inhibit HIV in Late-State AIDS New Limits Put on D.C. Medical Marijuana New Wrinkle in Pot Debate: Stoned Driving Medical Marijuana Prognosis Looks Good Legalizing Marijuana Will Profit The Nation Two More Marijuana Initiatives Filed Boulder DA Asks Feds to Back Off on Dispensaries MMJ Group Displays Message on Billboards Effort To Put MJ Measure on Ballot is in Disarray Pat Robertson Backs Legal Marijuana Patients Urge Approval of Medical Marijuana O'Malley Opposes Medical Marijuana Bills in Md. O'Malley Would Veto Medical Marijuana Bill Marijuana Reform Heats Up in Washington State Pat Robertson Says Marijuana Use Should be Legal Pat Robertson: Marijuana Should Be Legalized MMJ Use: This Might Be The Year for Connecticut Medical Marijuana Laws Make a Farce of Medicine Medical Marijuana Site Issue Weighed MJ Legalization: Obama Opposition Too Selective Gov. Martinez OKs Bill Creating MMJ Fund Nevada's Distribution Law Unconstitutional CA Dispensaries Can’t Be Banned but Must Grow Lawmakers Propose First Vendor Designation RI Gov. Chafee Strike Deal To Allow Dispensaries Suit Over Medical Marijuana Crackdown Thrown Out US Attorney Warns Calif. Farmers Against Pot Grows House Committee To Host Hearings on MMJ Bills Pot Legalization Headed To Colorado Ballots Marijuana Sales Delayed Marijuana Plant Zip Ties Becomes Casualty Mass. Should Legalize Medical Marijuana MMJ Numbers Drop as Uncertainty Surrounds Industry Obama's War on Pot Legislators To Review Distribution of Marijuana Marijuana Industry’s Cry for Banking Services The Liberalizing of State Marijuana Laws Continues Struggling Cities Turn To a Crop for Cash MMJ Bills Introduced In Maryland House Initiative To Legalize Marijuana Will Go To Voters South Jersey Marijuana Farm Set for Fall Debut Ohio Billionaire Bankrolling Mass. MMJ Question Legal Recreational Marijuana: Not So Far Out Ballot Measure Would Put State in Charge of MMJ Colorado Deals Setback To Recreational Pot Effort Va. Proposal To Study MJ Sales Fails 42 Wash. Lawmakers Ask DEA To Reclassify Marijuana

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Resources
NIDA - Common Drugs of Abuse lists commonly abused psychotropics. U.S. National Library of Medicine is an execellent resource for medical information. For recreational use of psychotropics one will find Hyperreal informative. Drug Sense, Marijuana Policy Project, Drug Reform Coordination Network, and NORML are among the many organizations seeking to reform cannabis laws.

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