CBP officers seize marijuana hidden in bookcase Aug 12, 2010
Santillan was charged with Cannabis Trafficking, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver (over 5,000 grams) and Possession of Cannabis (over 5,000 grams). The marijuana had an estimated street value of $49,000. (FOX19.com, OH)
Medical Marjuana Trends Spur Review Aug 11, 2010
They are scared because they think I might me a cop," said Aron Gonsalves, owner of Green Hands of Aloha.The trend to move toward regulated dispensaries is something that some say Hawaii needs to begin talking about.10 years ago Hawaii was the first state to legislatively make medical marijuana legal. But those laws have not been updated since.If a person is prescribed medical cannabis, how does one start growing a plant, or how does one get seeds? That is not addressed in any law,said Sen.... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Man Loses Management Job Over Pot Prescription Aug 10, 2010
"My understanding is with a medical prescription for cannabis, I was entitled to use it," said Moore ... Employers point out the "prescriptions" are legally only a recommendation but others call cannabis a necessary medicine. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Thousands flocked to Bay Area for cannabis convention... Aug 10, 2010
Cannabis Cupcake, Anyone ... com/news/local-beat/Cannabis-Cup-Cake-Anyone-100223214 ... Cannabis Cupcake, Anyone. (The Drudge Report)
Too poor to buy pot? Not in D.C. (if it's medical, that is) Aug 7, 2010
"I think that ethic of taking care of people who can't take care of themselves has been part of the medical cannabis movement from the beginning," said Steve DeAngelo, the executive director of Harborside Health Center in Oakland, which until recently had a program that gave out free weekly "care packages" to about 600 patients on unemployment or pensions. For Washington residents, qualifying for a reduced rate may also be tied to the federal poverty level. (USA Today -- News)
Large Risk Schizophrenia Marker Revealed Aug 7, 2010
22, 2009) Last year the UK government reclassified cannabis from a class C to a class B drug, partly out of concerns that cannabis, especially the more potent varieties, may increase the risk of schizophrenia. (July 10, 2008) A protein found in immune cells may be a reliable marker for schizophrenia risk, report researchers in a new proteomics study. (Science Daily)
DC Medical Marijuana Law To Include Discounts For Poor Aug 7, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Stores selling medical marijuana in Washington won't be able to advertise their wares with giant cannabis leaves, and the packages they dispense will have to contain a health warning. Those are just two of more than 300 regulations published Friday implementing a new medical marijuana law in the city. (W-USA News, DC)
Tthe nation fumes at money up in smoke Aug 7, 2010
Not having been to Byron since a surfing trip circa 1963, I had vaguely assumed this would be a laid-back, beachy affair, wreathed in cannabis fumes. Not so. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Colo. takes steps to rein in its medical marijuana industry Aug 5, 2010
As the numbers grew, dispensaries offered ever-more cannabis strains, marijuana-infused products, and delivery services. When alarmed lawmakers decided they wanted to curb the burgeoning industry, all eyes turned to Cook. (Boston Globe)
Marijuana may not Cause Cancer, Acc... Aug 5, 2010
Salazar et al. (2009) would agree with this evidence, as their research cites animal studies which have shown an inhibition of tumor growth as a result of cannabis administration ... Study finds no link between cannabis use and lung, head, or neck cancer. (Suite101.com)
San Jose becomes latest California city to vote on marijuana tax... Aug 5, 2010
com/news/local-beat/San-Jose-Cannabis-Tax-Heading-to-Voters-99936409 ... San Jose Cannabis Tax Heading to Voters ... voters will get a chance in November decide whether to impose a tax of up to 10 percent on medical cannabis businesses in the city. (The Drudge Report)
Marinol carries more risk than marijuana Aug 5, 2010
Research shows that while a motorist high on cannabis is impaired, the danger is no more imminent than a driver with four hours of sleep. By her logic, the cause of these problems is the main active ingredient THC. She brings up Marinol as a reason to not legalize marijuana, because its made from cannabis and treats the same ailments medical marijuana has been proven to treat. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Shapiro eyes ban on K2, similar products Aug 5, 2010
The most commonly known of these compounds, JWH-018, is believed to be several times stronger than normal cannabis. None of the compounds found in such products are currently regulated by state or federal drug laws. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Preventing harm from enhancement drugs Aug 4, 2010
Substances, such as alcohol, opiates and cannabis, have been used by humans for millenniums ... Two examples are given of substances that may be altered to prevent serious harm, one for alcohol and one for cannabis ... In the case of cannabis, there is strong indication that the reduction of content Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol and increase of cannabidiol could reduce the risk of psychoses and possibly addiction associated with cannabis use. (BioMed Central)
The fantasy of a vast upper middle class Aug 4, 2010
Critics think an Oakland ordinance could foment the "Wal-Marting" of cannabis. By LISA LEFF, Associated Press. (Salon)
Experts warn synthetic grass potent _ and legal Aug 4, 2010
The synthetic cannabinoids found in herbal incense are reported to be four to five times more potent than THC, the psychoactive substance in cannabis. "Technically, it's incense," Edmondson said. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Drug users nabbed outside court Aug 3, 2010
Drug detection dogs were called in on Tuesday morning, with three of the 11 people searched outside Taree Local Court allegedly possessing cannabis. Northern Region Commander Carlene York said officers had spent the last six months gathering intelligence about a large number of people using drugs outside the court, particularly on hearing days. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Medical marijuana: Helpful or harmful? Aug 3, 2010
Richard Steeb wrote on Aug 2, 2010 8:22 AM:" "A drug, not a medicine"? That sounds rather ignorant from the start. What is Fentanyl?Cannabis is an Herb, not a drug. Marinol is a drug.Hope this helps... " ... marijuana is not medicine". He is contradicting in his statements. Obviously, he does not approve of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program and by asking for dialogue on the subject, he is actually violating ethics and statute by engaging in political debate on a subject already approved by... (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Cruise-line tobacco police Jul 31, 2010
The only people who suffer from all of this regulation on smoking (or drinking, or the prohibition of cannabis and other illicit drugs) are consumers (AKA addicts) ... (For the record, tobacco and alcohol companies also fund the Above the Influence anti-cannabis ads). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Richmond OKs 3 pot clubs, puts 5% tax on ballot Jul 30, 2010
Money is the main reason so many cities, counties and states are suddenly adopting cannabis regulations and taxes, he said. "The debate used to be about providing marijuana to those who need it for medical purposes," he said. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
No Safe Level: First Study to Show Teenage Binge Drinkers Harm Abilities in Later Life Jul 30, 2010
These findings were observed after screening out teenagers who used other substances (such as ecstasy, cannabis and tobacco), those who had used alcohol within the last 48 hours, and after observing no between-group differences on age, anxiety and depression. Dr Tom Heffernan led the study. (Science Daily)
These Buds Are for You Jul 28, 2010
Proposition 19, a California ballot initiative that would legalize cultivation and possession of cannabis for personal use while authorizing local governments to allow commercial production and sale, would move marijuana into a legal, regulated market, transforming criminals into consumers ... These new users also would receive a big consumer benefit, enjoying a wide variety of cannabis products that are worth as much to them as they are willing to pay -- on the order of $1 billion a year. (Townhall.com)
Legalize pot, former San Jose police chief says Jul 27, 2010
People should not be fooled by cannabis opponents' appeal to prejudices and emotions when they argue. -- Regulating cannabis ... Experience and research show that the United States has among the world's harshest marijuana laws, yet our consumption rate leads the world and is twice that of the Netherlands, where cannabis sales to adults have been allowed for decades. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Agen suspend missing Caucau Jul 27, 2010
He was top try-scorer in 2005 and 2006 but has also suffered a series of injuries and tested positive for cannabis. AFP. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Migraine: A One-Sided Headache Jul 27, 2010
More natural avenues for migraine treatment include a combination of feverfew and ginger (although this is scientifically untested) or even cannabis. Some migraines have been known to also respond positively to caffeine. (Suite101.com)
Mundine to fight Waters for third title Jul 27, 2010
He was top try-scorer in 2005 and 2006 but has also suffered a series of injuries and tested positive for cannabis. The newly promoted Agen will play the 2010-11 season in the Top 14. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
The Link Between Marijuana and Schizophrenia Jul 22, 2010
Cannabis can cause short-term psychotic experiences, such as hallucinations and paranoia, even in healthy people, but researchers have also long noted a link between marijuana use and the chronic psychotic disorder, schizophrenia ... Conversely, data suggest that those who smoke cannabis are twice as likely to develop schizophrenia as nonsmokers ... And other research has found that ongoing cannabis use increases hospitalizations for psychotic symptoms in schizophrenic patients and decreases... (Time.com)
you cannot own the idea of dope Jul 21, 2010
"It looked like a positive step to me. We don't have many steps by the federal government legitimizing medical cannabis," said Steve DeAngelo, executive director of the Harborside Health Center medical marijuana dispensary in Oakland, Calif ... In June, Scott Van Rixel, a New Mexico chocolatier, applied for a trademark for "Bhang, the original cannabis chocolate," which he plans to sell this month in med-pot clubs in California and Colorado. (Harper's Magazine)
Oakland votes to permit large pot farms Jul 21, 2010
Proponents of the measure also touted the possibility of Oakland becoming the nation's cannabis capital, especially if California voters approve the legalization of recreational marijuana in November. "Do you want to be the "Silicon Valley of Cannabis. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Third anti-government police shooting in a year? Jul 20, 2010
They took it and are being real quiet about it," Cross said. An FBI spokeswoman declined to comment, referring Salon to the Oakland Police Department, which did not return a call. Justin Elliott is a Salon reporter. Reach him by email at jelliott@salon.com and follow him on Twitter @ElliottJustin Share: Sunday, Jul 18, 2010 12:29 ET Critics think an Oakland ordinance could foment the "Wal-Marting" of cannabis By LISA LEFF, Associated Press California's medical marijuana growers see a new threat... (Salon)
Conditions That are Helped by Medic... Jul 20, 2010
Conditions That are Helped by Medical Marijuana. Conditions That are Helped by Medical Marijuana. (Suite101.com)
Peer Drug Use May Increase a Genetically Susceptible Individual's Tendency to Use Drugs Jul 20, 2010
The links they found showed that genetic vulnerability to regular use of alcohol, cigarettes and cannabis is exacerbated by exposure to friends who use alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. It is well known that adolescents often select peers who engage in behaviors similar to their own. (Science Daily)
Large pot farms on verge of approval in Oakland Jul 20, 2010
Although the farms could initially sell only to medical cannabis dispensaries, council members supporting the measure believe the measure would position the city to reap dividends if state voters pass a November initiative to legalize recreational use of marijuana ... Instead, they're at the grassroots of this still nascent economy: bud pickers for dispensaries, small-time growers and connoisseurs of cannabis ... "What they're doing is eviscerating a whole cottage industry here in Oakland," said... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Synthetic Marijuana Gives Users Legal High Jul 19, 2010
Scroll Left Scroll Right. Face The Nation 1 of 9. (CBS News -- US)
Bourke Road bikeway bust Jul 19, 2010
A political group representing cannabis users has been stubbed out after failing to register in time as an official party ... AAP reports that HEMP's president,Michael Balderstone, says his organisation will still try to get cannabis law reform on the agenda during this election. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Allen PD warns of legal drugs Jul 19, 2010
Which of these columnists or bloggers is your favorite. Bill Baumbach, Collin County Observer. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Dope party too late for election Jul 17, 2010
A political party claiming to represent cannabis users says it has been "stubbed out" before the federal election campaign even began after failing to register in time ... "A million or so cannabis users will be unable to vote to decriminalise themselves now," HEMP President Michael Balderstone said, tongue firmly in cheek ... "Such is their absolute panic at having to confront the very real issue of cannabis law reform.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Berkeley to vote on marijuana tax... Jul 15, 2010
While the city s marijuana clubs generally support the measure, they think the tax on medical cannabis is too high ... "If you were to look at this, medicinal cannabis is supposed to be a true medicine. It really shouldn t be taxed.". (The Drudge Report)
Group shuts down cannabis caravans Jul 11, 2010
- A Montana advocacy group is shutting down its traveling medical marijuana clinics amid criticism that the so-called cannabis caravans have added thousands of people to the state registry without conducting thorough patient screenings. The Montana Caregviers Network has hosted the one-day clinics in hotels and conference centers across Montana for more than a year. (AZCentral -- News)
Homicide and Suicide Rates Among Mentally Ill on the Decline, UK Study Finds Jul 11, 2010
"We examined reported history of drug and alcohol misuse of perpetrators and found there was a significant increase in the number of homicides by people with psychosis who also had a history of drug and, to a lesser extent, alcohol misuse," said Professor Appleby, citing cannabis, cocaine and crack cocaine, and amphetamines as the drugs most often used. "On the basis of our data, the likeliest explanation for the rise in homicide by people with psychosis up to 2005 is the use of drugs or alcohol... (Science Daily)
State looks to allow medical marijuana Jul 11, 2010
Because marijuana is classified by federal statute as a Schedule I drug -- along with heroin and cocaine -- researchers are prohibited from providing it to study participants , although compounds extracted from cannabis can be used in clinical trials. Marinol, a synthetic version of pot's active ingredient, THC, is available by prescription for relieving nausea, and Sativex, which contains THC and other cannabinoids, is undergoing FDA scrutiny. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Marijuana Derivative Could Be Useful for Pain Treatment Jul 11, 2010
ScienceDaily (July 10, 2010) A new compound similar to the active component of marijuana (cannabis) might provide effective pain relief without the mental and physical side effects of cannabis, according to a study in the July issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) ... The synthetic cannabinoid (cannabis-related) compound, called MDA19, seems to avoid side effects by acting mainly on one specific subtype of the cannabinoid... (Science Daily)
Study: Marijuana Prices to Crater If Legalized Jul 10, 2010
The study by the nonpartisan RAND Drug Policy Research Center forecasts some interesting scenarios if California in November becomes the second state, after Alaska, to legalize pot for recreational use by adults and the first to tax commercial cannabis sales ... The researchers said legalization could bring substantially more revenue if California sees an influx of "marijuana tourism" similar to Amsterdam, where pot is legally sold at coffee shops, and if out-of-state dealers purchase California... (CBS News -- Politics)
Dona Ana County Medical Marijuana Producer Approved Jul 10, 2010
SANTA FE, N.M. -- The New Mexico Department of Health announced Friday that it is licensing six additional nonprofit producers for its Medical Cannabis program ... To be approved for the medical cannabis program, patients must have a physician certify that they have one of the 16 qualifying conditions. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Progressive Paradise Jul 10, 2010
while the cannabis content and possible allergens like peanuts must be printed on wrappers. Peanuts dangerous, pot not. (Investors Business Daily)
Eliot OKs ordinance to control medical marijuana dispensaries Jul 8, 2010
I'm glad it passed," said resident Doug Craig."I believe that those in York County with chronic, severe, life-altering, life-threatening diseases deserve access to quality cannabis," said 19-year-old Sam Parady, recently home from college. "Those in pain have a right to choose their remedies. "The state of Maine passed legislation last November that gives control to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to regulate medical marijuana production and distribution in Maine.The state law... (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Legalizing marijuana in California would lower the price of the drug and increase use, study finds Jul 8, 2010
In November, California voters will consider a ballot measure titled the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 that would make it legal for those aged 21 and older to cultivate marijuana on a 5-foot-by-5-foot plot, and possess, process, share or transport up to one ounce of marijuana. In addition, the initiative would authorize cities or counties to allow, regulate and tax the commercial cultivation and sales of marijuana. (EurekAlert!)
Early Pot Smoking, Depression May Be Linked Jul 8, 2010
"Early cannabis (marijuana) use may have important consequences for later mental health," de Graaf said. "We know now -- also from other studies -- that cannabis use is not without negative consequences.". (MEDLINEplus)
San Francisco releases regulations for pot brownies... Jul 8, 2010
If voters pass Proposition 19, the Tax Cannabis Act that would effectively decriminalize the recreational use of the drug, you can expect similar regulations to apply to entrepreneurs looking to bake goods that will get you baked. In fact, it's probably only a matter of time before you'll be able to get full nutritional information labeled-goods -- so that you can count your calories both before and after the munchies kick in. (The Drudge Report)
Read today's letters to the editor: Use of marijuana Jul 3, 2010
Of all the negative consequences of prohibition, none is as tragic as the denial of medicinal cannabis to the tens of thousands of patients who could benefit from its therapeutic use ... The big difference is that abortion has no additional benefits (for lack of a better term), while legalized cannabis would provide many uses beyond just medical or casual use ... In fact, Henry Ford designed the original Model T to run on fuel derived from cannabis grown on his own property. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Medical marijuana Jul 1, 2010
DALY CITY, CA - APRIL 18: Leaves of a mature marijuana plant are seenin a display at The International Cannabis and Hemp Expo April 18, 2010 at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California ... ASPEN, CO - APRIL 18: An array of marijuana samples are seen on a table at the Cannabis Crown 2010 expo in Aspen, Colorado. (MSNBC -- Health)
Selma borrows money to meet expenses Jun 30, 2010
215 Patient wrote on Jun 18, 2010 10:53 AM:" Just let me open my Medical Cannabis Collective and i will self impose and higher tax on my self. Just to prove everyone wrong and save the city of Selma with the wings of medical cannabis ". Last week article wrote on Jun 21, 2010 2:15 PM:" last week article stated that City of Selma would have a $350,000 surplus, and they are going to borrow? ". (Selma Enterprise, CA)
Medical marijuana too dangerous, costly Jun 30, 2010
Contrary to the allure of a potential huge new source of tax revenue from the legal sale of cannabis, legalizing medical marijuana will shift the burden of monitoring its safe manufacture and distribution to the state Health Department. The federal Food and Drug Administration will not participate in testing and monitoring the safety of an illegal drug. (Albany Times Union)
Reefer madness Jun 30, 2010
The latest Illicit Drug Data Report from the Australian Crime Commission shows two-thirds of all drugs arrests in the financial year of 2008-09 have been for cannabis-related offences. Yes, all around Australia, despite the scare campaigns governments and police run on substances such as heroin, and methamphetamines, it is cannabis, a naturally growing product, which results in the most police attention ... The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics has collated information that demonstrates that... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Legal Cannabis Institute Offers Classes About Pot Jun 27, 2010
"We get a lot of people trying to start new businesses [and with] the economy down, people are looking for opportunitiesentrepreneurial opportunities," said Nicole Scott of the Legal Cannabis Institute ... Scott's institute offers 11 classes from growing techniques to cooking and preparing edible cannabis treats to the science of cannabis ... Three law classes are also taught by legal cannabis attorneys such as Kimberly Simms, who said she was here to set a more professional standard for the... (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Award-Winning Reporter Speaks of Journalism in Africa Jun 26, 2010
What I uncovered were serious human rights abuses - stealing food belonging to patients, taking cocaine, heroin and cannabis by patients, which is being sold to them by staff - so many other human rights abuse stories. What's the common thread in what needs to be done. (allAfrica.com)
Robbers kill 2 marijuana dispensary workers in LA... Jun 26, 2010
The perpetrators would not have been singing in the church choir or helping little old ladies cross the street except for the temptation put in their way by those who sell medical cannabis ... Look up the stats alcohol kills more than cannabis, yet it is strongly encouraged ... I have never heard of a death linked directly to cannabis. (The Drudge Report)
India highest consumer of heroin in South Asia: UN Jun 24, 2010
The report also noted that there was a rise in cannabis use in the region over the past year but the two most populated countries in Asia - China and India - did not have estimates of cannabis users among the general population. A survey carried out in India in 2001 estimated a monthly prevalence rate of cannabis use at 3 per cent of the male population (aged between 12-60) ... However, the lack of information on cannabis use among females prevents an accurate estimate of the prevalence rate... (India Times, India)
California medical marijuana clubs hold contest for best pot... Jun 24, 2010
com/news/politics/Marijuana-Dispensaries-Celebrate-Cannabis-Win-96924969 ... Marijuana Dispensaries Celebrate Cannabis Award ... So much so that one of the "hot" places to be this past weekend was the first ever High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. (The Drudge Report)
8 percent of Afghans are drug addicts Jun 23, 2010
Cannabis, being three times cheaper to cultivate than opium, also is a popular crop. But among Afghans, opium use seems to be the most prevalent; about 60 percent of interviewed drug users reported using opium during their lifetime. (CNN -- International)
Academic claims drug use in sport will never be stopped Jun 23, 2010
Statistics from US college athletes indicate that between 40 and 70 per cent binge drink, 24-30 per cent use cannabis and 10-20 per cent use other illicit drugs. Stewart said the main reason for this is the vested interest elite athletes have to perform at the highest level. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
More Afghans addicted to drugs Jun 22, 2010
It said about a million Afghan- 8% of the population - now abuse drugs including opiates, cannabis, and tranquilisers. Last year the UN said corruption, lawlessness and uncontrolled borders result in only 2% of Afghan opiates being seized locally. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Afghan helicopter crash kills 1 American and 3 Australians Jun 22, 2010
It is in the eyes of its own citizens, dependent on a daily dose of opium and heroin above all but also cannabis, painkillers, and tranquilizers, said Antonio Maria Costa, executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Some Afghan addicts say they started using drugs to blunt the agonies of the grinding war. (Boston Globe)
Afghan poppy blight a small hit Jun 22, 2010
Earlier this year, the UNODC released a long-awaited Afghan cannabis survey that confirmed suspicions that Afghanistan is now the world's number one producer of two illicit narcotics: opiates and cannabis resin, known better as hashish. Gross misunderstanding of the narcotics problem plaguing Afghanistan has festered for almost nine years under the international community's watch. (Asia Times Online)
Homeopathy to Help Treat Alcoholism... Jun 20, 2010
Hyoscyamus and Cannabis Indica for Alcoholism Symptoms ... Cannabis indica is a homeopathic medicine that works well for those with acute alcoholism. (Suite101.com)
