Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Hawaii: Cannabis Sacrament Minister Still Rotting In Jail | Marijuana.com

Hawaii: Cannabis Sacrament Minister Still Rotting In Jail | Marijuana.com

HONOLULU, HI – As more Americans demand legalization of cannabis, thousands of prisoners are still locked up on non-violent marijuana charges, including Reverend Roger Christie, incarcerated in Hawaii.

Since July 8, 2010 Rev. Christie has been behind bars without bail awaiting trial on charges of marijuana possession and trafficking, despite being a Christian minister with a state sanctioned license as a ”Cannabis Sacrament Minister.” Rev. Christie’s case is unique because his use of cannabis was for religious purposes, which he believes should be protected under the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Because cannabis has an ancient history of ritual usage in many religions and cultures including Christianity, Christie has decided not to accept a plea agreement from prosecutors, and is challenging the case in court. His perspective is couched in a religious context of medicinal cannabis as a tool in healing the sick which to deny anyone is counter to morality. Rev. Christie also connects cannabis sacrament to the ancient anointings and burnt offerings referenced in the bible.

This Christmas is Rev. Christie’s third incarceration at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center. Despite seven attempts at bail, U.S. District Court Judge Leslie Kobayashi has denied Christie’s request to be released to his home in Hilo or to a halfway house in Kalihi.

Tommy Otake, Rev. Christie’s attorney, said his client was at first disappointed by the ruling, but then decided to remain positive and take the most recent bail denial as a “blessing.” Rev. Christie is committed to the Christian faith and to religious freedom for all. He is continuing to minister while in prison and is using his time as an opportunity to help other inmates.

Otake says, “Rev. Christie is a peaceful man who should be granted release to prepare for trial. Reverend Christie looks forward to the day he will regain his religious freedom through due process.”

Rev. Christie is currently awaiting trial scheduled for March 12, 2013.

The Hill's Congress Blog: Voters Say No To Marijuana Prohibition | Marijuana.com

The Hill's Congress Blog: Voters Say No To Marijuana Prohibition | Marijuana.com
Like alcohol prohibition before it, the criminalization of pot is a failed federal policy that delegates the burden of enforcement to the state and local police. How did America’s ‘Nobel Experiment’ with alcohol prohibition come to an end?

Voters in Colorado and Washington made history on Election Day. For the first time ever, a majority of voters decided at the ballot box to abolish cannabis prohibition.

In Colorado, 55 percent of voters – four percent more than favored President Barack Obama – decided in favor of Amendment 64, a constitutional amendment that allows for the legal possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and/or the cultivation of up to six cannabis plants in private by those persons age 21 and over. In Washington, 55 percent of voters similarly decided in favor of Initiative 502, which removes criminal penalties regarding the adult possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for personal use (as well as the possession of up to 16 ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form, and 72 ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form.) Washington’s new law takes effect on December 6. Colorado’s measure becomes law in early January. (Additional provisions seeking to enact state-licensed regulations governing the potential sale and taxation of cannabis do not begin taking effect until early 2014.)


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

U.N.'s Narcotics Control Board Pleads With Fed’s: Void Pot Legalization Vote | Marijuana.com

U.N.'s Narcotics Control Board Pleads With Fed’s: Void Pot Legalization Vote 

Raymond Yans – unfortunately, is the man in charge of the United Nations “War on drugs” (why are they involved…oh yea “War”). Apparently Mr. Yans seems a little perturbed that his job might potentially be in jeopardy. As such he has told the US federal government and anyone else that might listen, the feds should stand up and fight against Colorado and Washington’s effort, to do away with the federal prohibition against marijuana and those who may possess small amounts of pot for adult consumption.

Mr Yans job fearing rhetoric – and out of date contention, that the common sense approach to marijuana regulation put forth by Washington and Colorado’s voter’s somehow sends ”a wrong message to the rest of the nation and it sends a wrong message abroad.” Is absurd at best, and a boldfaced lie at worst.

Obviously Mr. Yans’ proclamation that Washington and Oregon should return to a failed and moronic policy was greeted with varying degrees of anger, frustration and straight up hostility…

“tell that UN moron to go fuck himself,” one stoner offered) at a recent American cannabis community meeting.


Friday, November 16, 2012

Fire Up Arizona: State Approves 1st Medical Marijuana Collective | Marijuana.com

Fire Up Arizona: State Approves 1st Medical Marijuana Collective | Marijuana.com

Good things come to those who work hard… and wait. This just in from Arizona. Arizona’s health services department director just returned from a field inspection for a dispensary applicant in Glendale AZ. The AHSD reports that they discovered no major deficiencies in their operational structure, as such they awarded the marijuana dispensary an “approval to operate” notification late yesterday afternoon, November 15, 2012. This Glendale Arizona approval for a marijuana dispensary represents a quantum leap forward for Arizona as this represents the first license issued in the State


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Hey Judge... Can I Smoke One Last Joint? | Marijuana.com

Hey Judge... Can I Smoke One Last Joint? | Marijuana.com

While I perfectly concur with Damien Mitchell’s sentiment (wanting to get high), he may want to reconsider where he chooses to express that sentiment so honestly. Mr. Mitchell a Westwood, Ohio, resident found himself making life-changing decisions from the knowledgebase of any overly confident 19-year-old, standing in front of the Common Pleas Court at the Hamilton County Courthouse… explaining to the judge that her leniency was useless, as he had no intention of giving up smoking weed.

Marijuana Reform Along The Eastern Seaboard: Some States Take Longer To Germinate | Marijuana.com

Marijuana Reform Along The Eastern Seaboard: Some States Take Longer To Germinate 

New Jersey: ”When the now disgraced Gov. Jon Corzine signed the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act into law on January 18, 2010. As initially passed, the law was scheduled to take effect in July 2010. However, lawmakers in June amended the legislation at the behest of Republican Gov. Chris Christie to delay the enactment of the law until October 1, 2010. The law mandates the state to promulgate rules governing the distribution of medical cannabis to state-authorized patients. These rules shall address the creation of up to six state-licensed “alternative treatment centers.” Patients diagnosed with the following illnesses are afforded legal protection under this act: cancer, glaucoma, seizure and/or spasticity disorders (including epilepsy), Lou Gehrig’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease), any terminal illness if a doctor has determined the patient will die within a year. Other conditions are subject to approval by the state Department of Health. Patients authorized to use marijuana under this act will not be permitted to cultivate their own cannabis, and are limited to the possession of two ounces of marijuana per month.”

Maine: At this pivotal time in America's history, when lawmakers motivated by lobbyists and money in several states are hunting for new ways to restrict or suspend their voter approved medical marijuana programs, Maine’s pro-constituent politicians are expanding its patient’s protections and access under the law.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts helps America turn 18. Okay that was just for headline sake – but they were the 18th state in the US to allow marijuana for medicinal purposes. With an impressive 63% approval, Massachusetts became the 18th state to permit their doctors to recommend marijuana for medicinal use. Within the Massachusetts statute patients will be allowed to possess up to a 60 day supply of pot for their medicinal purposes. Good to hear.

New Hampshire: Twice Medical marijuana bills have sent up to the New Hampshire governor for his signature, first in 2009 , and most recently in 2012, and both times they were sent back vetoed then eventually shelved. With the pot hating Gov. of New Hampshire John Lynch getting ready to hang up his hat and call it a day, his political replacement is a long time medical marijuana supporter Maggie Hassan. Apparently she stands ready to jump at the opportunity to finally green light this bill and puff, puff, pass it into law with a governor’s “John Hancock” in 2013.




Thursday, November 8, 2012

Uruguay On Board With Selling Pot To Citizens | Marijuana.com

Uruguay On Board With Selling Pot To Citizens | Marijuana.com

In a logical attempt to stomp out organized criminal activity in the country of Uruguay, they have sought to do away with one of their more lucrative incomes, the sales of illegal marijuana. Instead, they have stepped into the role that was once occupied by the street level drug dealer – having legalized the public sales of up to 20 joints of Uruguay’s best smoke every month ( which for the sake of political correctness they are calling ‘cigarettes’).

As it now stands Uruguay’s citizens will be able to stroll down to their local state run pot market and purchase up to 40 grams… or approximately 1.4 ounces of chronic bud per month. Depending on how thick you roll your joints, thats approximately 20 normal sized dubbies worth (not bad). The kicker here is that the sale will be regulated by the state with the state legal weed being sold at a yet to be determined market price.


Mexican Government Warns U.S.| Drug Cartel Might Be Upset Over Loss of Weed Income | Marijuana.com


Mexican Government Warns U.S.| Drug Cartel Might Be Upset Over Loss of Weed Income | Marijuana.com

As the potential full-scale legalization effort for the use of recreational marijuana in the U.S. is now two states deep, and the great states of Colorado and Washington voiced their opposition to marijuana prohibition. Mexico is feeling backed into a corner, and being forced to “reevaluate its costly battle to make a dent in the large quantity of marijuana smuggling that currently makes its way across the border,” noted Luis Videgaray the primary go to guy for Mexico’s transition team for their new president-elect Enrique Pena Nieto’s.

“Obviously we can’t handle a product that is illegal in Mexico; why we should try and stop its transfer to the United States? When in the U.S., at least in Colorado and Washington, it has a different status,” Videgaray went on to reflect. “I believe this compels us to re-think the relationship, particularly in regards to security … For us this is an unfortunate and unforeseen element.” source


Mr. Videgaray just barely pulled up short of making a full-scale threat, of outright walking away from their Mexican enforcement efforts, keeping Mexican grown pot from crossing the border and into United States market (yuck). Unfortunately for both sides – these ill-timed comments came less than a month before President-elect Pena Nieto is to make his long anticipated journey to the White House. Just days before taking office, Mexico’s President-elect appeared to like the new political position they find themselves in, as they are now the ones applying pressure on the Obama administration to strictly enforce their federal law, which continues to prohibit the recreational use of pot.


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Medical Marijuana - Money - And Big Pharma | Marijuana.com

Medical Marijuana - Money - And Big Pharma | Marijuana.com

Example – currently the United States rights for the sole distribution of Sativex was recently sold for $270 million to a Japanese pharmaceutical company


In the United States, as we all know, a relatively small minority of Americans have managed to seize control of the vast wealth that is America, while the remainder of us poor, soulless fools struggle to survive in a vicious, dog eat dog world. It is with this knowledge that the underground marijuana economy, whether for recreational purposes or medical have continued to be one of the few ways for those underprivileged, underfunded have-nots – that have been left behind economically – can create an income, and give ourselves a fighting chance at supporting our families.

As marijuana advocates toil in the political killing fields of American politics, working tirelessly to try and legalize this demonized plant, thereby providing regulation to this otherwise shady aspect of America’s underground commerce; and driving the final nail in the coffin of marijuana prohibition, once and for all putting an end to the arrests and imprisonment of otherwise innocent law-abiding citizens simply for choosing to ‘fire up’ one of God’s curative plants. While at the same time (incorrectly) assuming that, at the end of marijuana prohibition, the marijuana community would still be permitted to cultivate and distribute their goods.


Monday, November 5, 2012

Mendocino County Sheriff Busted For Growing 500 Marijuana Plants On Fathers Property | Marijuana.com

Mendocino County Sheriff Busted For Growing 500 Marijuana Plants On Fathers Property | Marijuana.com

As this case gets weirder, darker, and more confusing one can’t help but wonder if the federal government has intentionally targeted Capt. Johnson for being one of Mendocino counties major pot growing proponents…


Some stories take a long time to tell… this however will not be one. Life in the Emerald triangle can be a little confusing for law enforcement. At least for the Capt. of the Mendocino County Sheriffs Department, Randy Johnson. It seems the Capt. Johnson is currently under investigation by his own Sheriff’s Department, this after a small army of federal agents swarmed down on Capt. Johnson’s property discovering more than 500 fully mature marijuana plants. The property in question is apparently owned by Capt. Johnson’s elderly father – Johnny Johnson – it was there on October 11, that the DEA, IRS and FBI all descended, with betrayal on their mind and malice in their heart. This recent discovery of Mendocino's own Sheriff’s Department involved in the cultivation of California’s most valuable weed was just one of many investigations involving Mendocino County officials, marijuana cultivation and the extended members in their families.


Sunday, November 4, 2012

BudTrimmer.com -- Marijuana Trimming Game From WeedMaps | Marijuana.com

BudTrimmer.com -- Marijuana Trimming Game From WeedMaps | Marijuana.com

Bud Trimmer is a kushy action game where you trim delicious, leafy bud for Ka$h!

Bud Trimmer is a kushy action game filled with sparkly, crunchy and satisfying nugs of everyone's favorite plant -- cannabis sativa! Become the ultimate Bud Trimmer by cutting through leafy dense buds of God's Gift, OG Kush and more! Compete with your friends to earn the most amount of Ka$h to obtain fun and powerful in-game unlocks.

Swipe your finger across the screen to delectably slash and trim leafy nugs like a true Bud Trimmer champion. But, be careful of Spider-Mite Infested Bud - those little suckers are nasty and will put an early end to an afternoon trimming bud.


Friday, November 2, 2012

Doctors speak out FOR Medical Marijuana in Arkansas. | Marijuana.com

Doctors speak out FOR Medical Marijuana in Arkansas. | Marijuana.com

Enlightened times with the new medical marijuana supporters… It looks like Arkansas is taking a step into the 21st century, after sitting around for years and watching all of the other medical marijuana states reap the benefits of legalizing medical marijuana for state sanctioned patients,` they stand a very good chance of passing a voter approved initiative. The recent effort by “Arkansans for compassionate care” handed over to the Arkansas Secretary of State another 73,000 signatures… and many within the Arkansas for compassionate care group calculate that this should be more than enough signatures to qualify their initiative for the November elections.