Cannabis Medical Solutions Announces Distribution Agreement for New “Cashless ATM’s” and POS Banking Terminals for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in 15 States
GlobeNewswire ”Press Releases ”
LOS ANGELES , Oct. 20, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Cannabis Medical Solutions Inc. (http://www.cannabismedsolutions.com/) (OTCBB:CMSI), a leading company specializing in merchant payment solutions and products for the medical marijuana industry, today announced that the Company has signed an exclusive agreement to provide specialized “cashless ATM’s” and POS banking solutions for medical marijuana dispensaries operating legally within 15 states. The cutting edge “cashless ATM” devices are smaller than a standard cash register and operate on a ticketing system rather than dispensing cash, much like those systems within the casino gaming industry.
The CMSI cashless ATM product will be placed in participating licensed medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the country. Patients will use the company’s pin debit card system on the cashless ATM, requiring the read of the debit or credit card, along with a pin number for added security. Instead of receiving cash for purchases as in a standard ATM transaction,the patient will receive a ticket for the desired amount of cash designated on the pin pad. The patient will then take the receipt to the counter and use the ticket as funds to complete the purchase of medicine or products.Merchants will receive funds within 48 hours from the patient’s card through the CMSI merchant clearing and banking alliance network.
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Showing posts with label Marijuana Legalization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marijuana Legalization. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Medical Marijuana, Inc. (PINK:MJNA) Stock Pops Up On Industry News
Medical Marijuana, Inc. (PINK:MJNA, MJNA message board) is gaining some ground, as well as many other marijuana related companies, in the light of upcoming voting on the California's Proposition 19, which suggests legalizing the recreational use of the substance.
The voting will take place on November 2 and there are many movements supporting the cause. The recently published letter from an array of prominent law professors, which expressed their support on the matter, is currently the most outstanding news driving all the marijuana related stocks.
CLICK TITLE TO SEE FULL STORY...
The voting will take place on November 2 and there are many movements supporting the cause. The recently published letter from an array of prominent law professors, which expressed their support on the matter, is currently the most outstanding news driving all the marijuana related stocks.
CLICK TITLE TO SEE FULL STORY...
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Humboldt County afraid of being uprooted from pot perch
A statewide initiative in November would allow cities to regulate pot possession and cultivation. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) has proposed a broader legalization. Neither is certain to pass.
Yet as medical marijuana has spread and city and state budgets are being slashed, legalized marijuana is becoming more possible than ever. That has some people here thinking twice.
Wholesale prices have dropped in the last five years -- from $4,000 a pound to below $3,000 for the best cannabis -- as medical-marijuana dispensaries have attracted a slew of new growers statewide, Humboldt growers say.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY....
Yet as medical marijuana has spread and city and state budgets are being slashed, legalized marijuana is becoming more possible than ever. That has some people here thinking twice.
Wholesale prices have dropped in the last five years -- from $4,000 a pound to below $3,000 for the best cannabis -- as medical-marijuana dispensaries have attracted a slew of new growers statewide, Humboldt growers say.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY....
MD Senate Debates Legalizing Medical Marijuana
Annapolis, MD — Legislation to permit marijuana use by people with severe chronic pain sparked heated Senate debate Thursday between a two-time cancer survivor who supports the bill and a physician who fears doctors would “over-prescribe” the illegal drug.
Sen. David R. Brinkley, who survived Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1989 and melanoma in 1995, said marijuana provides the best and safest relief for people living with constant pain. But Sen. Andrew P. Harris, an anesthesiologist, expressed deep concern that the legislation could be abused by treating physicians or lead unethical doctors to exploit the law by starting a side business of growing marijuana for medicinal use.
The Senate is scheduled to continue its consideration of the measure Friday morning.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY....
Sen. David R. Brinkley, who survived Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1989 and melanoma in 1995, said marijuana provides the best and safest relief for people living with constant pain. But Sen. Andrew P. Harris, an anesthesiologist, expressed deep concern that the legislation could be abused by treating physicians or lead unethical doctors to exploit the law by starting a side business of growing marijuana for medicinal use.
The Senate is scheduled to continue its consideration of the measure Friday morning.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY....
Friday, April 9, 2010
Medical Marijuana Is Already Legal in Illinois
Medical Marijuana Is Already Legal in Illinois
And it has been for three decades. But it'll take the passage of another law to make it available to patients.
Marijuana can be used for medicinal purposes under the laws of 14 U.S. states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. New Jersey's measure became law January 18.
Here's a little known fact: technically it's legal in Illinois too—and has been for 32 years.
In 1978 the Illinois legislature passed a Cannabis Control Act to try to bring common sense to the state's drug laws. Though the drug causes "physical, psychological and sociological damage," the act asserted, it nevertheless "occupies the unusual position of being widely used and pervasive" in Illinois, and so it was time to establish a "reasonable penalty system" that focused on "commercial traffickers and large-scale purveyors." Even then cannabis was being championed for its medical benefits, so in the name of "research," the act gave the Illinois Department of Human Services permission to "authorize" licensed physicians to use it to treat "glaucoma, the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy in cancer patients or such other procedure certified to be medically necessary."
But there were two catches. The first was that Human Services was merely allowed to give doctors this authority—not required to. The second was that it could act only "with the written approval of the Department of State Police."
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY.....
And it has been for three decades. But it'll take the passage of another law to make it available to patients.
Marijuana can be used for medicinal purposes under the laws of 14 U.S. states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. New Jersey's measure became law January 18.
Here's a little known fact: technically it's legal in Illinois too—and has been for 32 years.
In 1978 the Illinois legislature passed a Cannabis Control Act to try to bring common sense to the state's drug laws. Though the drug causes "physical, psychological and sociological damage," the act asserted, it nevertheless "occupies the unusual position of being widely used and pervasive" in Illinois, and so it was time to establish a "reasonable penalty system" that focused on "commercial traffickers and large-scale purveyors." Even then cannabis was being championed for its medical benefits, so in the name of "research," the act gave the Illinois Department of Human Services permission to "authorize" licensed physicians to use it to treat "glaucoma, the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy in cancer patients or such other procedure certified to be medically necessary."
But there were two catches. The first was that Human Services was merely allowed to give doctors this authority—not required to. The second was that it could act only "with the written approval of the Department of State Police."
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY.....
Medical Marijuana: Maine Legislature Approves Dispensaries
A bill to set up a medical marijuana dispensary and distribution system in Maine passed both houses of the legislature this week and is expected to be signed by the governor. The measure passed the House 126-17 Monday and the Senate 32-3 later the same day.
Maine enacted a medical marijuana law in 1998, but it failed to provide a way for patients to legally obtain their medicine. Once this measure, SP 0719, is enacted, patients will be able to go to dispensaries or grow their own.
Last November, Maine voters approved a referendum directing the legislature to set up a dispensary system. Now it has. The measure envisions up to eight dispensaries and creates a process to set fees for patients, caregivers, and dispensaries.
"Today, Maine becomes the latest state in the country to set up a legal distribution system for medical marijuana, and is now a leader in providing patients with a legal and dignified way to obtain their medicine," said Jill Harris, managing director of public policy at the Drug Policy Alliance, which supported the referendum and the legislation. "The legislature has followed the will of the voters in Maine who overwhelmingly voted for such a system last November."
Maine now joins New Mexico and New Jersey as states with state-authorized dispensary systems. California and Colorado also have dispensary systems, but those are more loosely regulated. An initiative trying to make the November ballot in Oregon would bring a dispensary system there if passed.
Maine enacted a medical marijuana law in 1998, but it failed to provide a way for patients to legally obtain their medicine. Once this measure, SP 0719, is enacted, patients will be able to go to dispensaries or grow their own.
Last November, Maine voters approved a referendum directing the legislature to set up a dispensary system. Now it has. The measure envisions up to eight dispensaries and creates a process to set fees for patients, caregivers, and dispensaries.
"Today, Maine becomes the latest state in the country to set up a legal distribution system for medical marijuana, and is now a leader in providing patients with a legal and dignified way to obtain their medicine," said Jill Harris, managing director of public policy at the Drug Policy Alliance, which supported the referendum and the legislation. "The legislature has followed the will of the voters in Maine who overwhelmingly voted for such a system last November."
Maine now joins New Mexico and New Jersey as states with state-authorized dispensary systems. California and Colorado also have dispensary systems, but those are more loosely regulated. An initiative trying to make the November ballot in Oregon would bring a dispensary system there if passed.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Road To Marijuana Legalization
By Donna Tam, The Times-Standard
Source: Times-Standard
California — Humboldt County’s foray into open communication about its pot-based economy put a statewide spotlight on the county, and community organizers a little bit closer to a legitimate — and functioning — marijuana industry.”Every place I’ve gone people have wanted to talk about it, people have been aware of it,” 3rd District Supervisor Mark Lovelace said Friday.
Lovelace said he has been to meetings in Fresno and Sacramento since Tuesday’s meeting, and from the interest voiced by people he’s met he thinks there may be similar discussions happening all over the state.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY......
Source: Times-Standard
California — Humboldt County’s foray into open communication about its pot-based economy put a statewide spotlight on the county, and community organizers a little bit closer to a legitimate — and functioning — marijuana industry.”Every place I’ve gone people have wanted to talk about it, people have been aware of it,” 3rd District Supervisor Mark Lovelace said Friday.
Lovelace said he has been to meetings in Fresno and Sacramento since Tuesday’s meeting, and from the interest voiced by people he’s met he thinks there may be similar discussions happening all over the state.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY......
Growing Medical Marijuana
California’s Underground Economy
( Author’s note: In 1982, I won a California State Fair Media Award for agricultural reporting on the marijuana crops in El Dorado, Placer and Nevada counties. Even before then, as a writer and sometime drug abuse counselor, I’ve had occasion to cover both legalization – and enforcement – efforts ranging from debates in the State Legislature to a raid on an illegal Mexican plantation just outside of Colfax last year.
My assignment from The Union was to share my knowledge of how local medical marijuana growers walk the line – and cross the line – in complying with the law.
With the exception of Cindy Griffith, manager of CannaMedix, every conversation I had with my sources was strictly off-the-record – at my own insistence. This is not an investigative report. It’s just an observation, from my limited perspective but long time experience, with the alternative communities of Nevada and Placer counties. )
Petit Sirah, Af Gui, Merlot, OG Kush, Sauvignon Blanc, OT Pineapple, Burgundy, Purple Urkle, Grey Riesling, NorCal, Zinfandel, Blueberry .. listening to wine makers and medical marijuana ( MMJ ) growers talk about their boutique delicacies is often simply a matter of switching vocabularies.
They both speak with knowledge and passion, brag about their organic blends, closely guard their trade secrets, decry low-grade commercial product, have their own political organizations and lobbyists, worry about market prices, and love to sample and critique each other’s premium brands.
When you get down to it, vintners and pot growers do have a lot in common. They are, after all, both farmers and drug dealers. ( Alcohol is a drug – get over it. )
Of course, there are major differences – mostly involving the legality of what they grow and sell.
Nevertheless, MMJ growers are engaged in a quasi-legal agricultural industry that appears to be inevitably on track to become as legal, taxed and regulated as the wine industry in the coming years.
On March 24, the California Secretary of State certified a November ballot initiative that will ask voters whether marijuana should be legalized and regulated for adult recreational use.
Additionally, in February, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano ( D-San Francisco ) introduced AB 390 – the Marijuana Control, Regulation and Education Act – a law that would accomplish essentially the same thing.
m
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY...
( Author’s note: In 1982, I won a California State Fair Media Award for agricultural reporting on the marijuana crops in El Dorado, Placer and Nevada counties. Even before then, as a writer and sometime drug abuse counselor, I’ve had occasion to cover both legalization – and enforcement – efforts ranging from debates in the State Legislature to a raid on an illegal Mexican plantation just outside of Colfax last year.
My assignment from The Union was to share my knowledge of how local medical marijuana growers walk the line – and cross the line – in complying with the law.
With the exception of Cindy Griffith, manager of CannaMedix, every conversation I had with my sources was strictly off-the-record – at my own insistence. This is not an investigative report. It’s just an observation, from my limited perspective but long time experience, with the alternative communities of Nevada and Placer counties. )
Petit Sirah, Af Gui, Merlot, OG Kush, Sauvignon Blanc, OT Pineapple, Burgundy, Purple Urkle, Grey Riesling, NorCal, Zinfandel, Blueberry .. listening to wine makers and medical marijuana ( MMJ ) growers talk about their boutique delicacies is often simply a matter of switching vocabularies.
They both speak with knowledge and passion, brag about their organic blends, closely guard their trade secrets, decry low-grade commercial product, have their own political organizations and lobbyists, worry about market prices, and love to sample and critique each other’s premium brands.
When you get down to it, vintners and pot growers do have a lot in common. They are, after all, both farmers and drug dealers. ( Alcohol is a drug – get over it. )
Of course, there are major differences – mostly involving the legality of what they grow and sell.
Nevertheless, MMJ growers are engaged in a quasi-legal agricultural industry that appears to be inevitably on track to become as legal, taxed and regulated as the wine industry in the coming years.
On March 24, the California Secretary of State certified a November ballot initiative that will ask voters whether marijuana should be legalized and regulated for adult recreational use.
Additionally, in February, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano ( D-San Francisco ) introduced AB 390 – the Marijuana Control, Regulation and Education Act – a law that would accomplish essentially the same thing.
m
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY...
Medical Marijuana Goes the Way of Prohibition
Seems like the End of Prohibition of Marijuana is coming closer to reality. With California setting the exammple of forward thinking to include it on the ballot, I am sure that more states may follow. It does offer a huge revenue potential for states. The following is an excerpt from an article published on the State Column site: (CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY)....
Like prohibition of the 1920s, it looks as if medical marijuana may become a footnote of the past.
States are ramping up efforts to legalize the drug in an effort to balance budgets and regulate the narcotic. Last week, California became the first state to approve signatures supporting a measure for the November ballot. Unlike in years past, the approved measure will seek to legalize the drug outright and allow users to carry up an ounce. Advocates argue the measure would raise $1.4 billion and save precious law enforcement and prison resources.
And the movement is not confined to California. A number of states including New Hampshire and Washington are considering measures meant to increase access to the drug. The state of Colorado is pushing forward a measure meant to make medical marijuana dispensaries registration more accessible. And in the District of Columbia, elected officials are trying to learn from what they consider cautionary tales from other jurisdictions as they attempt to craft a program that strikes a delicate balance.
(CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY)....
Like prohibition of the 1920s, it looks as if medical marijuana may become a footnote of the past.
States are ramping up efforts to legalize the drug in an effort to balance budgets and regulate the narcotic. Last week, California became the first state to approve signatures supporting a measure for the November ballot. Unlike in years past, the approved measure will seek to legalize the drug outright and allow users to carry up an ounce. Advocates argue the measure would raise $1.4 billion and save precious law enforcement and prison resources.
And the movement is not confined to California. A number of states including New Hampshire and Washington are considering measures meant to increase access to the drug. The state of Colorado is pushing forward a measure meant to make medical marijuana dispensaries registration more accessible. And in the District of Columbia, elected officials are trying to learn from what they consider cautionary tales from other jurisdictions as they attempt to craft a program that strikes a delicate balance.
(CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY)....
Sacramento Seminar Tells How to Go Legal with Medical Marijusana Business
Published in the Sacramento Bee
After he was laid off as a supervisor for a fiber optics company, John Stenner started growing his own marijuana two years ago because he couldn't afford to buy medical pot he uses for pain.
Now proud of his home-grown "Grape Ape" and "Blue Dream" pot strains, he turned out Saturday at a unique seminar on how to get into the legal cannabis business.
He showed up at the Medical Cannabis Sacramento Seminar for three hours of classes on marijuana laws, pot dispensary operations, taxation rules and some tips on how to make nice with the police.
The crowd that filled a small classroom for the $125 seminar included people who grow for themselves and want to become medical cultivators. Others looked to pot as an opportunity for relief from the down economy.
The forum, sponsored by a medical marijuana advocacy group, Crusaders for Patients Rights, drew the likes of Eric Weber, an El Dorado County tomato, cucumber and peach farmer who hopes to turn to a new cash crop.
And there was Don Puglisi, an ex-San Diego County real estate broker who moved to Shingle Springs after the mortgage crisis because "the recession took my business away from me."
Lanette Davis, whose family operates Canna Care medical cannabis dispensary, and lawyer David K. Brock reviewed marijuana case law and guidelines from the state attorney general's office.
They answered questions from Stenner, 42, of Sacramento on how to get a seller's permit – and pay sales tax – and on the rules for transporting weed to the market.
Brock said anyone growing or transporting pot should carry documentation on medical users they serve. And Davis cautioned: "Use common sense. I personally wouldn't have 70 pounds of marijuana in my truck driving down the street. I just wouldn't."
She told a man inquiring about a business license to open a dispensary in Sacramento about the city's moratorium against new pot shops. The city, with 39 registered dispensaries, is considering capping the number at 12 and imposing strict requirements on their operations.
Davis advised would-be medical pot entrepreneurs to follow the law. She suggested that those opening marijuana businesses invite their friendly neighborhood narcotics officers to visit.
"If you're doing everything right and you're proud of it, bring them over," she said.
Stenner, who said he bought books on growing pot, combed the Internet and ultimately learned "by trial and error," said he'll look elsewhere if he can't open a dispensary in Sacramento or in the county.
He said losing his job "forced me to look at another way" to make a living. Having learned to grow his own pot, he said, "I need to make a legal business out of it."
Weber, who treats himself with marijuana for knee surgeries and broken discs from all-terrain vehicle and surfing mishaps, began growing for himself and three others.
He wants to provide pot to dispensaries – or sell it on the open market if California votes in November to legalize marijuana for adults over 21.
"People are going to need good cannabis," he said.
FOR FULL STORY CLICK ON TITLE.......
After he was laid off as a supervisor for a fiber optics company, John Stenner started growing his own marijuana two years ago because he couldn't afford to buy medical pot he uses for pain.
Now proud of his home-grown "Grape Ape" and "Blue Dream" pot strains, he turned out Saturday at a unique seminar on how to get into the legal cannabis business.
He showed up at the Medical Cannabis Sacramento Seminar for three hours of classes on marijuana laws, pot dispensary operations, taxation rules and some tips on how to make nice with the police.
The crowd that filled a small classroom for the $125 seminar included people who grow for themselves and want to become medical cultivators. Others looked to pot as an opportunity for relief from the down economy.
The forum, sponsored by a medical marijuana advocacy group, Crusaders for Patients Rights, drew the likes of Eric Weber, an El Dorado County tomato, cucumber and peach farmer who hopes to turn to a new cash crop.
And there was Don Puglisi, an ex-San Diego County real estate broker who moved to Shingle Springs after the mortgage crisis because "the recession took my business away from me."
Lanette Davis, whose family operates Canna Care medical cannabis dispensary, and lawyer David K. Brock reviewed marijuana case law and guidelines from the state attorney general's office.
They answered questions from Stenner, 42, of Sacramento on how to get a seller's permit – and pay sales tax – and on the rules for transporting weed to the market.
Brock said anyone growing or transporting pot should carry documentation on medical users they serve. And Davis cautioned: "Use common sense. I personally wouldn't have 70 pounds of marijuana in my truck driving down the street. I just wouldn't."
She told a man inquiring about a business license to open a dispensary in Sacramento about the city's moratorium against new pot shops. The city, with 39 registered dispensaries, is considering capping the number at 12 and imposing strict requirements on their operations.
Davis advised would-be medical pot entrepreneurs to follow the law. She suggested that those opening marijuana businesses invite their friendly neighborhood narcotics officers to visit.
"If you're doing everything right and you're proud of it, bring them over," she said.
Stenner, who said he bought books on growing pot, combed the Internet and ultimately learned "by trial and error," said he'll look elsewhere if he can't open a dispensary in Sacramento or in the county.
He said losing his job "forced me to look at another way" to make a living. Having learned to grow his own pot, he said, "I need to make a legal business out of it."
Weber, who treats himself with marijuana for knee surgeries and broken discs from all-terrain vehicle and surfing mishaps, began growing for himself and three others.
He wants to provide pot to dispensaries – or sell it on the open market if California votes in November to legalize marijuana for adults over 21.
"People are going to need good cannabis," he said.
FOR FULL STORY CLICK ON TITLE.......
Saturday, March 27, 2010
D.C. looks to state programs for answers on medical marijuana
Law Makers are searching for answers as to how to best regulate the growing medical marijuana industry. It is no longer a tabu subject matter, as we can see from this front page article in the Washington Post.
By Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post Staff Writer
Los Angeles imposed strict limits on medical marijuana shops this year after hundreds of them popped up with little government oversight. Colorado is still wrestling with how to ensure legitimate doctor-patient relationships after the number of people applying to use medical marijuana surged dramatically in a six-month period.
And in the District, elected officials are trying to learn from what they consider cautionary tales from other jurisdictions as they try to create a program that strikes a delicate balance: allowing safe access to the drug for those who need it, while avoiding the kind of abuse by recreational users that would attract a backlash from Congress.
More than a decade has passed since District voters approved a ballot initiative to legalize marijuana for medical treatment. But it was not until December, with Democrats controlling Congress and the White House, that city lawmakers considered converting voter intent into reality. It helped that the Obama administration had urged federal prosecutors last fall not to interfere with local medical-marijuana laws.
Catania's bill, backed by most of his council colleagues, proposes five retail-style dispensaries throughout the city and prevents the shops from locating near schools or youth centers. If the measure is approved, District residents with a doctor's recommendation could legally purchase the drug as early as the fall. However, District officials must decide whether five is the right number of dispensaries for a city of 600,000 residents, where the seeds would be planted, what requirements to set for doctors who recommend medical marijuana, and which conditions would qualify for the treatment beyond illnesses such as AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis.
CLICK IN TITLE FOR FULL STORY.....
By Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post Staff Writer
Los Angeles imposed strict limits on medical marijuana shops this year after hundreds of them popped up with little government oversight. Colorado is still wrestling with how to ensure legitimate doctor-patient relationships after the number of people applying to use medical marijuana surged dramatically in a six-month period.
And in the District, elected officials are trying to learn from what they consider cautionary tales from other jurisdictions as they try to create a program that strikes a delicate balance: allowing safe access to the drug for those who need it, while avoiding the kind of abuse by recreational users that would attract a backlash from Congress.
More than a decade has passed since District voters approved a ballot initiative to legalize marijuana for medical treatment. But it was not until December, with Democrats controlling Congress and the White House, that city lawmakers considered converting voter intent into reality. It helped that the Obama administration had urged federal prosecutors last fall not to interfere with local medical-marijuana laws.
Catania's bill, backed by most of his council colleagues, proposes five retail-style dispensaries throughout the city and prevents the shops from locating near schools or youth centers. If the measure is approved, District residents with a doctor's recommendation could legally purchase the drug as early as the fall. However, District officials must decide whether five is the right number of dispensaries for a city of 600,000 residents, where the seeds would be planted, what requirements to set for doctors who recommend medical marijuana, and which conditions would qualify for the treatment beyond illnesses such as AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis.
CLICK IN TITLE FOR FULL STORY.....
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
99-plant medical pot limit given initial approval; final vote in April
A 99-plant maximum for permitted marijuana growers is the new limit after the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted 3-2 to adopt a set of changes to its ordinance governing medical marijuana cultivation, codified as Chapter 9.31 of the county code.
...........
Matthew Cohen of Northstone Organics Cooperative, Inc. said he was "ecstatic" about the new regulations 9.31 imposes. Northstone grows marijuana for 250 patients in nine Bay Area counties, all of it tested by Steep Hill Labs of Oakland for quality.
"This is an incredibly progressive step forward for Mendocino County," Cohen said. "Before long we're going to have tested, certified organic, regulated product for medical cannabis patients."
Steep Hill Labs tests for mold, bacteria and pesticide residues, and representatives said the organization applied to be a third-party investigator under the new 9.31 provisions.
Under the new ordinance, collectives or patients applying for the 99-plant permit can hire a third-party investigator instead of having the Sheriff's Office investigate the grow site for compliance.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY
...........
Matthew Cohen of Northstone Organics Cooperative, Inc. said he was "ecstatic" about the new regulations 9.31 imposes. Northstone grows marijuana for 250 patients in nine Bay Area counties, all of it tested by Steep Hill Labs of Oakland for quality.
"This is an incredibly progressive step forward for Mendocino County," Cohen said. "Before long we're going to have tested, certified organic, regulated product for medical cannabis patients."
Steep Hill Labs tests for mold, bacteria and pesticide residues, and representatives said the organization applied to be a third-party investigator under the new 9.31 provisions.
Under the new ordinance, collectives or patients applying for the 99-plant permit can hire a third-party investigator instead of having the Sheriff's Office investigate the grow site for compliance.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY
BACKERS OF POT INITIATIVE TARGET BENEFITS OF TAX REVENUE
California
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Facing an uphill battle, proponents of a ballot measure to legalize marijuana are mapping out a campaign stressing the millions of dollars in tax revenue that pot could provide.
The initiative, sponsored by Oakland marijuana magnate Richard Lee, would legitimize the sale of marijuana and allow pot shops to open their doors in cities that permit it. Local authorities could also decide how to tax and regulate marijuana sales, although it's unclear if federal officials would tolerate such a bold and unprecedented move.
Despite lawmakers' reluctance, political consultants working on the initiative claim a marijuana tax could contribute more than $1 billion toward reducing California's $20 billion budget deficit. Opponents call that a pipe dream.
Last February, US Attorney General Eric Holder said the Justice Department would no longer raid medical marijuana dispensaries that comply with state law.
However, his office has not indicated if it would tolerate marijuana for people without a medical need.
The 2010 campaign is better funded and organized than previous attempts to decriminalize marijuana. Lee, founder of an Oakland medical marijuana dispensary and Oaksterdam University, a marijuana trade school, spent $1 million to gather 680,000 signatures calling for the initiative to be placed on the November ballot.
The Secretary of State's office is now checking to see whether at least 433,971 of those signatures - the minimum required for placement - are valid.
"This is not a whim," Dan Newman, a consultant with SCN Strategies, said. "The initiative is carefully crafted, well-funded, and professionally run. There will be TV ads, mail, sky writing - whatever it takes to communicate with voters - and a very active and engaged new media component."
FOR FULL STORY CLICK ON TITLE......
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Facing an uphill battle, proponents of a ballot measure to legalize marijuana are mapping out a campaign stressing the millions of dollars in tax revenue that pot could provide.
The initiative, sponsored by Oakland marijuana magnate Richard Lee, would legitimize the sale of marijuana and allow pot shops to open their doors in cities that permit it. Local authorities could also decide how to tax and regulate marijuana sales, although it's unclear if federal officials would tolerate such a bold and unprecedented move.
Despite lawmakers' reluctance, political consultants working on the initiative claim a marijuana tax could contribute more than $1 billion toward reducing California's $20 billion budget deficit. Opponents call that a pipe dream.
Last February, US Attorney General Eric Holder said the Justice Department would no longer raid medical marijuana dispensaries that comply with state law.
However, his office has not indicated if it would tolerate marijuana for people without a medical need.
The 2010 campaign is better funded and organized than previous attempts to decriminalize marijuana. Lee, founder of an Oakland medical marijuana dispensary and Oaksterdam University, a marijuana trade school, spent $1 million to gather 680,000 signatures calling for the initiative to be placed on the November ballot.
The Secretary of State's office is now checking to see whether at least 433,971 of those signatures - the minimum required for placement - are valid.
"This is not a whim," Dan Newman, a consultant with SCN Strategies, said. "The initiative is carefully crafted, well-funded, and professionally run. There will be TV ads, mail, sky writing - whatever it takes to communicate with voters - and a very active and engaged new media component."
FOR FULL STORY CLICK ON TITLE......
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A Private Screening of "How Weed Won The West" at Medical Marijuana Inc's San Diego Symposium
A Private Screening of "How Weed Won The West" -- directed by Kevin Booth the film maker who also produced "American Drug War" will be shown Saturday at 8:00 pm, followed by a SOCIAL NETWORKING EVENT Saturday night from 9:00 to 11:30 PM. To purchase your tickets online go to: http://www.medicalmarijuanaeducationalexpo.com. Tweet us at: http://www.twitter.com/medmarijuanainc
Medical Marijuana Inc (PINKSHEETS: MJNA) is proud to announce the latest of its National Educational Symposium Series at the San Diego Convention Center on March 27, 2010. Featured prominent industry experts include Medical Marijuana Inc Chairman and CEO, Bruce Perlowin, longtime industry expert Don Wirkshafter, registered nurse and manager of THCF in Riverside, California, Lanny Swerdlow, and Americans For Safe Access' Dan Ruderalis who will comment on recent events in San Diego and other areas. Attendees will have the opportunity to Interact with The Executive Officers of MJNA, who will be present and available for consultation.
Medical Marijuana Inc (PINKSHEETS: MJNA) is proud to announce the latest of its National Educational Symposium Series at the San Diego Convention Center on March 27, 2010. Featured prominent industry experts include Medical Marijuana Inc Chairman and CEO, Bruce Perlowin, longtime industry expert Don Wirkshafter, registered nurse and manager of THCF in Riverside, California, Lanny Swerdlow, and Americans For Safe Access' Dan Ruderalis who will comment on recent events in San Diego and other areas. Attendees will have the opportunity to Interact with The Executive Officers of MJNA, who will be present and available for consultation.
BREAKING NEWS: Washington Medical Marijuana Expansion Bill Sent to Governor
House and Senate lawmakers today voted in favor of a final version of Senate Bill 5798, which expands the state’s nearly twelve-year-old medical marijuana law.
The measure now goes to the Governor’s desk for final approval.
If signed into law, SB 5798 will allow additional health care professionals including naturopaths, physician’s assistants, osteopathic physicians, osteopathic physicians assistants, and advanced registered nurse practitioners to legally recommend marijuana therapy to their patients. Under present law, only licensed physicians may legally recommend medicinal cannabis. You can read the entire bill here.
Washington state would be the first state to codify these recommendation rights into law.
According to press reports, Gov. Chris Gregoire has not yet expressed an opinion on the bill.
You may urge the Governor to support this measure by entering your zip code below.
Thank you for supporting NORML’s marijuana law reform efforts in Washington.
The measure now goes to the Governor’s desk for final approval.
If signed into law, SB 5798 will allow additional health care professionals including naturopaths, physician’s assistants, osteopathic physicians, osteopathic physicians assistants, and advanced registered nurse practitioners to legally recommend marijuana therapy to their patients. Under present law, only licensed physicians may legally recommend medicinal cannabis. You can read the entire bill here.
Washington state would be the first state to codify these recommendation rights into law.
According to press reports, Gov. Chris Gregoire has not yet expressed an opinion on the bill.
You may urge the Governor to support this measure by entering your zip code below.
Thank you for supporting NORML’s marijuana law reform efforts in Washington.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Hawaii Senate overwhelmingly passes three bills to improve marijuana laws
HONOLULU, HAWAII — Yesterday, the Hawaii Senate passed by overwhelming, veto-proof margins three measures that will greatly improve marijuana laws in the state:
· SB 2213 passed 20-4, with one excused. This bill would allow counties to license medical marijuana dispensaries.
· SB 2141 passed 24-1. This bill would increase the ratio of plants, ounces and caregivers allowed for each medical marijuana patient.
· SB 2450 passed 22-3. This bill would remove criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and replace them with a civil fine of up to $300 for a first offense and $500 for a subsequent offense.
The bills now go to the state House.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY
· SB 2213 passed 20-4, with one excused. This bill would allow counties to license medical marijuana dispensaries.
· SB 2141 passed 24-1. This bill would increase the ratio of plants, ounces and caregivers allowed for each medical marijuana patient.
· SB 2450 passed 22-3. This bill would remove criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and replace them with a civil fine of up to $300 for a first offense and $500 for a subsequent offense.
The bills now go to the state House.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY
Advocates: Government Interference Bad, Competition Good
Lawmakers Look To Limit Growers Of Medical Marijuana
AUGUSTA, Maine --
A number of sticking points remain as lawmakers try to define the state's new medical marijuana law.
Members of the Health and Human Services Committee are considering limiting the number of marijuana growers in the state.
Advocates for medical marijuana said government interference is bad and the more competition, the better.
FOR FULL STORY CLICK ON TITLE
AUGUSTA, Maine --
A number of sticking points remain as lawmakers try to define the state's new medical marijuana law.
Members of the Health and Human Services Committee are considering limiting the number of marijuana growers in the state.
Advocates for medical marijuana said government interference is bad and the more competition, the better.
FOR FULL STORY CLICK ON TITLE
Kansas Lawmakers Consider Medical Marijuana
Topeka (WIBW) - A Kansas House committee is weighing the controversial issue of medical marijuana.
The Health and Human Services committee held an informational meeting on the topic Wednesday.
It was spurred by a proposal from Rep. Gail Finney to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. The Wichita Democrat's bill would allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana to patients with serious illnesses.
Several people spoked to the committee, many carrying pictures of family members. They told lawmakers how marijuana may have helped ease the pains of their loved ones, especially compared with more traditional methods.
The Medical Marijuana Project says 14 states, including Colorado and New Mexico have passed similar laws.
The Health and Human Services committee held an informational meeting on the topic Wednesday.
It was spurred by a proposal from Rep. Gail Finney to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. The Wichita Democrat's bill would allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana to patients with serious illnesses.
Several people spoked to the committee, many carrying pictures of family members. They told lawmakers how marijuana may have helped ease the pains of their loved ones, especially compared with more traditional methods.
The Medical Marijuana Project says 14 states, including Colorado and New Mexico have passed similar laws.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Committee passes marijuana legalization bill, but bill dies
By Steven Harmon
Contra Costa Times
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers took a historic first step toward legalizing marijuana when an Assembly committee approved legislation that would put the drug on the open market as a regulated and taxed product.
Almost simultaneous with the passage, however, the bill died — for now. With a Jan. 22 deadline nearing for approving legislation from last year and no agreement to take it up in the Health Committee, where it must go before it reaches the Assembly floor, the author of the bill, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, has vowed to reintroduce it.
“This is a significant vote because it legitimizes the quest for debate, legitimizes the quest for discussion,” Ammiano said. “This is far from over. Not only did we get it out of public safety, but members are now willing to say, yes, this is worthy of discussion.”
Advocates hailed the narrow passage of the bill, AB390 — it was approved by the Assembly Public Safety Committee on a 4-3 vote — as a major breakthrough that will lead to a national legalization movement.
“This is the formal beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition in the United States,” said Stephen Gutwillig, director of the Drug Policy Alliance Network.
CLICK TITLE FOR FULL STORY
Contra Costa Times
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers took a historic first step toward legalizing marijuana when an Assembly committee approved legislation that would put the drug on the open market as a regulated and taxed product.
Almost simultaneous with the passage, however, the bill died — for now. With a Jan. 22 deadline nearing for approving legislation from last year and no agreement to take it up in the Health Committee, where it must go before it reaches the Assembly floor, the author of the bill, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, has vowed to reintroduce it.
“This is a significant vote because it legitimizes the quest for debate, legitimizes the quest for discussion,” Ammiano said. “This is far from over. Not only did we get it out of public safety, but members are now willing to say, yes, this is worthy of discussion.”
Advocates hailed the narrow passage of the bill, AB390 — it was approved by the Assembly Public Safety Committee on a 4-3 vote — as a major breakthrough that will lead to a national legalization movement.
“This is the formal beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition in the United States,” said Stephen Gutwillig, director of the Drug Policy Alliance Network.
CLICK TITLE FOR FULL STORY
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Medical Marijuana May Become Legal in D.C.
Washington, D.C. — A D.C. councilmember introduced a bill last Tuesday that would open five medical marijuana dispensaries in the District.
Councilmember David Catania, I-At Large, introduced the bill, which would implement a 1998 D.C. initiative that called for legalizing medical marijuana. The bill, Initiative 59, was approved by 69 percent of voters, but was prevented from being passed by restrictions from the predominantly Republican Congress, the Washington Post reported.
The proposed dispensaries would be able to distribute approximately one month’s supply of marijuana to chronically ill patients. None of the marijuana distributed would be cost-free, but low-income families would be given a discount.
Susan Mottet, committee counsel for Catania, said the bill requires that dispensaries would be allowed to grow or possess only enough marijuana to provide registered or projected new patients with an adequate medical supply.
Councilmember David Catania, I-At Large, introduced the bill, which would implement a 1998 D.C. initiative that called for legalizing medical marijuana. The bill, Initiative 59, was approved by 69 percent of voters, but was prevented from being passed by restrictions from the predominantly Republican Congress, the Washington Post reported.
The proposed dispensaries would be able to distribute approximately one month’s supply of marijuana to chronically ill patients. None of the marijuana distributed would be cost-free, but low-income families would be given a discount.
Susan Mottet, committee counsel for Catania, said the bill requires that dispensaries would be allowed to grow or possess only enough marijuana to provide registered or projected new patients with an adequate medical supply.
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