Synthetic Marijuana is NOT the Real Deal

The inaccessibility to cannabis has led to synthetic marijuana. These man-made drugs try to mimic THC. Synthetic marijuana is also known K2, Spice or Synthetic cannabinoids. This new recreational drug is increasingly becoming a public health problem for its side effects and unpredictable nature.

Demand for the high that marijuana gives has led to a demand for synthetic marijuana. Cannabis can be inaccessible due to the price and regulation of the medicine. Synthetic marijuana can be made far cheaper than growing the cannabis plant. The product is disguised as “herbal incense” or “potpourri” with labels that read “Not for Human Consumption” to evade regulation by the FDA.

Synthetic marijuana has harmful side effects. It can cause anxiety, elevated blood pressure, agitation, vomiting, racing heart, hallucinations, tremors, seizures, and suicidal thoughts. It is usually sprayed on plants to make it look like marijuana. Though it binds to the CB1 receptor like cannabis, it can be 100 or more times more potent leading to a dangerous outcome. An example is like drinking a glass of water vs. drinking 10 gallons. A glass is healthy, where as too much can be deadly.(Source)

In 2010 there were 11,000 emergency room visits due to synthetic marijuana.(Source) Two years later the ER visits jumped to 17,000 and continue rising exponentially. Marijuana in the natural form has caused no deaths.(Source) Synthetic marijuana has caused heart attacks, suicide and aggressive behavior.(Source) The legalization for marijuana in it's natural form can give a safe alternative to dangerous synthetic designer drugs.

Source:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/synthetic-drugs-k2-spice-bath-salts

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2014/08/28/6-reasons-synthetic-marijuana-spice-k2-is-so-toxic-to-the-brain/

http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/SR-1378/SR-1378.pdf

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2011/11/18/what-is-synthetic-pot-and-whys-it-causing-heart-attacks-in-teenagers/#.VTPIRpODCM8

Why the New York Times Editorial Board Agrees to Stop the Prohibition of Marijuana

NY Times Editors Endorse Legalizing Marijuana

The NY Times wrote an opinion piece on why marijuana should be legalized. The culture of America is leading to be in favor of cannabis. Solid reasons for why the editorial board of the NY Times are in favor are the following:

1. Alcohol and tobacco's health effects, impact to society and law and order are no different than the concerns of Marijuana.
2. Legalizing at a Federal level allows for citizens to not be vulnerable to policy shifts when there is a new president.
3. There were 658,000 arrests for marijuana in 2012. The arrests show a racist tendency for incarceration. The costs of litigation and ruining careers of the incarcerated would be alleviated.
4. Health and addiction seems to be not a concern like it is with alcohol and tobacco for adults.

The editors did acknowledge the reports that marijuana can effect the development of adolescent brains. Just like alcohol and tobacco they saw a reason to prohibit sales to people under the age of 21.

The 6 part series had 15,000 comments published within 2 weeks which 12,658 were in favor of marijuana legalization. The comments ranged from being in favor because of having a right to choose what you put into your body to seeing the perils of how the criminal cost of it is ruining our society. Health care workers also commented on how they do not see the same adverse effects in the ER for marijuana like they do for alcohol.

Source:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/high-time-marijuana-legalization.html?smid=fb-share&_r=2&smid=tw-share

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/06/opinion/high-time-times-readers-online-make-their-own-cases-for-legalizing-marijuana.html

Federal Government Could End Marijuana Prohibition

On Friday February 20^th, 2015 two separate bills were introduced in Congress to end federal prohibition on marijuana. Currently the federal government can supersede the local laws leaving the states vulnerable when approving marijuana for sale. The passive nature of the federal government has allowed states to legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use. This hands-off approach may change with a new president.

Democratic representative from Colorado Jared Polis introduced the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act. Rep. Polis calls for marijuana to be removed from the Controlled Substances Act. This would allow the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to regulate marijuana similar to alcohol.

On the same day house Democrat from Oregon Earl Blumenauer introduced the Marijuana Tax Revenue Act. This act would introduce a tax on marijuana sales similar to the Marihuana Tax of 1937. This tax was repealed in 1970. The new bill may impose more prosecution for possession.

Representative Polis bill is a positive direction for marijuana for many reasons. Removing the Drug Enforcement Agency from regulating allows the states laws to be fully legal and protected. Legalizing marijuana allows patients and the people that work in the industry to not fear prosecution. Removing marijuana from the label of a controlled substance will allow more research to be conducted. This will allow for safer medicine, a better understanding on how marijuana works in the body and new avenues for health care.

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/20/marijuana-legalization-congress_n_6722686.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marihuana_Tax_Act_of_1937

Jamaica set to Decriminalize Marijuana

Jamaican flag

This Friday the Senate in the Country of Jamaica debated the legalization of marijuana. There couldn't be a more fitting day for the debate then the birthday of marijuana advocate Bob Marley. The Jamaican cabinet approved a bill in January 2015 that is now in need of approval with the senate.

With this ruling the 100 year prohibition of marijuana in Jamaica could soon be broken. The Rastafarian religion rooted in Jamaica uses the herb for religious purposes. They regard smoking marijuana as a sacrament. The bill would allow for a licensing authority to be established. This would grant permits for marijuana cultivation, distribution, research and medicinal use.

The legalization of marijuana in Jamaica would effect the community as well as the drug trade in the Caribbean. Prohibition has failed to reduce the drug prevalence in Central America. A different approach to these laws may reduce the criminal aspect in marijuana distribution.

Source:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-30926714

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2015/02/06/jamaican-senate-resumes-debate-on-decriminalizing-marijuana/

Pediatricians Urge the Government to Accept Cannabis Medication

In 2015 pediatricians started out with positive pressure to reclassify marijuana. The American Academy of Pediatrics urged the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency for more research into the benefits of cannabis medication. They also called for compassion for their patients to use marijuana.

Doctors and parents have seen beneficial uses of cannabis for children. Cannabis rich in the cannabinoid CBD has shown to reduce epileptic seizures in children with dravet syndrome. Some cases have shown that CBD has also reduced brain tumors in children. Cannabis use has also shown to help with autism in verbal communication and reducing self injury.(Source)

Currently the government has taken steps to legitimize it as a beneficial drug. The government holds a patent for the beneficial use of cannabis. Prescribed cannabis medication like Dronabinol and Sativex are out on the mainstream market for treatment in nausea, neuropathic pain, spasticity and overactive bladder. The U.S. Governement owns a marijuana farm at the University of Mississippi for research.

The AAP wants to specifically change the way cannabis is classified as a schedule 1 drug. This current classification restricts marijuana from research and use as a medication to the public.

Source:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-270B-1364?utm_content=bufferdcc0e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

https://faceofcannabis.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/calvin/

A Theory on Addiction

America's handling of the drug abuse problem has not been a success. In June 1971, President Nixon declared a “War on Drugs” saying that drug abuse was “Public Enemy No. 1”. The political figures continued this war with Nancy Reagan running a campaign of “Just Say No”. Four decades after the start of the War on Drugs Americans have paid more than 1 trillion dollars in arrests and imprisonment for this war. In 2010 more than 50% of all federal prisoners were arrested for drug crimes.(Source)

War on Drug has Increased Prison Population

In Johann Hari new book 'Chasing The Scream - The First And Last Days of the War on Drugs' he shows a different cure to societies addiction problem. He states that addiction comes from being lonely, isolated or depressed with their environment. Instead of looking at it as an addiction problem, Johann Hari says it is more like a bonding problem. He states that when animals are in a positive environment, the addiction tendencies fall to the wayside.(Source)

This concept by Johann Hari's is demonstrated in a study with mice and two water bottles. The mice in the study were given an option to drink from a water bottle containing water or water laced with heroin or cocaine. The mice were in small cages and in isolation. The water with drugs were always chosen. Another study is well known as Bruce Alexander's “Rat Park”. The mice were put in the cage with other mice, food, more space and exercise equipment. With a better environment to live in, the mice chose the water that did not have drugs.(Source)

Johann Hari's theory is justified in a living example of history. The American soldiers that went to Vietnam were found to have a large heroin addiction problem. Forty percent of soldiers had tried heroin and 20 percent were addicted. The government was setting up for a large rehabilitation program to deal with the soldiers coming home after the war. Surprisingly ninety-five percent of the soldiers that were addicted stopped on their own when they returned home. This confirms the correlation between a positive environment and a decrease in addictive behavior.(Source)

Hari shows and example of a government showing postive results with reducing addiction. Portugal has shown proof of social to bonding reducing addiction for the last fifteen years. With one of the worst drug problems in Europe, Portugal decriminalized all drugs. The money they saved on drug related arrests and imprisonment was used for reconnecting people. They used the money for subsidized jobs, housing and clinics to socially deal with their problems in a comforting way. With this new approach Portugal's injection drug use is down by 50 percent. America with it's drug addiction failings can benefit from decriminalizing drugs and improving social society.(Source)

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/08/drug-war-mass-incarceration_n_3034310.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/the-real-cause-of-addicti_b_6506936.html

http://www.parl.gc.ca/content/sen/committee/371/ille/presentation/alexender-e.htm

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1521-0391.2010.00046.x/abstract

http://bjc.oxfordjournals.org/content/50/6/999.abstract

Ruling Allows Concentrates to be Legal in California

Marijuana Concentrates

For over a year, Californians were unclear on whether concentrates were legal. For medical marijuana users, a court ruling made patients feel on edge. Patients throughout the state, and of our patient at Outco, will be glad to know that the ruling was overturned just a short time ago, and it is now clear that concentrates can be used as a legal delivery mechanism.

In 2013, Sean Patrick Mulcrevy was charged with unlawful possession of concentrated cannabis. The ruling issued by El Dorado Superior Court Judge James R. Wagoner determined that Mulcrevy had committed a misdemeanor, noting that he violated his probation from failure “to obey all laws.” On December 22, 2014, the three-justice panel of the 3^rd District Court of Appeal reversed the ruling. They made an important statement that marijuana concentrates are protected under the 1996 Medical Marijuana Law of California.

In 1996 California Proposition 215 stated:

“all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L.,whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin.”

The justices M. Kathleen Butz, Vance W. Rays and Cole Blease based their ruling on the interpretation of that proposition.

Source:

http://www.thedailychronic.net/2014/39558/concentrates-proteced-under-medical-marijuana-law-california-court-rules/

Guidelines for Medical Marijuana Use in California

Cannabis remains illegal at a federal level in the United States. Each state has different rules on how medical marijuana is administered. California has approved marijuana for medical use and the laws are different from other states with the same approval.

Possession of marijuana in California was a felony prior to to prop 215 passing.(California Safety Code Section 11357) Proposition 215 allowed use of marijuana for medical reasons in 1996. Possession remained a felony without doctor recommendation. On November 17^th, 2014 the passage of Proposition 47 made possession not a felony.(Source) Prop 47 made possession of marijuana without a medical ID card a misdemeanor.(Source)

On November 5^th, 1996 California passed ballot Proposition 215 with a 56% voter approval. The law was also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. Medical marijuana can be recommended by a physician for:

“cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.”

The law also deems it illegal to punish physicians for recommending marijuana for medical use. Medical marijuana ID holders are allowed to cultivate cannabis. Caregivers were also included to cultivate and access medical marijuana.(Source)

Six years later guidelines were made for possession with Senate Bill 420. Qualifying patients and caregivers were allowed to possess up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana and\or six mature or 12 immature cannabis plants. Provisions were also made with the bill to possess a larger amount with recommendation by a physician. Further allowances were given for local municipalities to make ordinances to permit larger quantities of medicinal marijuana.

Senate Bill 420 also gave provisions for collectives and dispensaries stating:

“Qualified patients, persons with valid identification cards, and the designated primary caregivers of qualified patients ... who associate within the state of California in order collectively or cooperatively to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes, shall not solely on the basis of that fact be subject to state criminal sanctions.”(Source)

On January 21, 2010 the California Supreme Court declared the possession limits in Senate Bill 420 unconstitutional. The reasoning was that proposition 215 could only be amended by the voters. In May 22, 2008 the Kelly Case in the Second District Court of appeals made this ruling. Personal possession limit went back to “the amount needed for patient's personal use” stated in Prop 215.(Source)

On August 25, 2008 California Attorney General Jerry Brown issued non-binding guidelines for enforcement with medical marijuana. The guidelines put forth in this document states:

• Cooperatives and collectives should operate as non-profit organizations, verify and maintain qualified patients records, collect sales tax and not sell outside the state.
• Not be used 1000 feet of a school, recreation center, or youth center
• Marijuana does not need to be accommodated at the workplace and employers can terminate an employee who tests positive for marijuana use.(Source)

Source:

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881#California

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/sourcefiles/california-proposition-215.pdf

http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/en/propositions/47/

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.additional-resource.php?resourceID=1735

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/sourcefiles/Brown_Guidelines_Aug08.pdf

Marijuana Treatment for Veterans

PTSD and the Military

   San Diego has one of the largest military veteran populations in the United States with a total of 265,000 veterans .(Source)    OUTCO  dispenses medical marijuana to the community of San Diego, and many of our patients are veterans suffering from a variety of medical conditions. Conditions experienced by military personnel include: traumatic brain injury,  chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression and  PTSD.
 
      Medical marijuana has been shown through studies to support patients with all of these conditions.   Veterans with a medical marijuana prescription report that cannabis has fewer side effects to their treatment than other prescribed medicine.(Source) This is an excellent option for veterans. Unfortunately, the US military has a zero tolerance for marijuana use for active military, which has existed since the Reagan administration.(Source)

       Psychiatry.org has reported the need for better treatment than what is currently available to military veterans, stating :

• In 2012 there were more military suicides than death from combat
• Military suicides are at their highest rate in the last 10 years
• 8-20% of military doing tours in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from a traumatic brain injury
• Traumatic brain injuries increase suicidal thoughts
• 20% of all suicides in the United States are from military veterans
• 300,000 veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been diagnosed with PTSD
(Source)

Veterans and PTSD
       Increase in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has recently been in the forefront of news about veterans.   PTSD results in suicide making discussion for treatments a hot topic. Studies have shown that on average 11-20% of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom veterans, 10% of Desert Storm veterans and 30% of Vietnam veterans suffer from PTSD.(Source)

Veterans and Suicide
     Statistics have shown a 20% increase in veteran suicide since 2007. Experts believe this is due to the increase in the use of the prescription drug Lorazepam.   This drug has been prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and insomnia with a dangerous side-effect of feelings of suicide.   Other veterans self-medicate with alcohol and prescribed medications that can lead to suicidal thoughts.(Source) Traumatic brain injury, which has been prevalent in the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, often results in an increase of these thoughts of suicide.(Source)

Research that Show the Benefit of Cannabis for Veterans
     Research has concluded that cannabis can treat many of the conditions from which these veterans suffer.   Use of marijuana increases a cannabinoid named 2-AG.   This in turn helps to reduce swelling and toxic chemicals released during a brain injury.(Source) In 2010, a Canadian study found that smoking 3 puffs of marijuana a day relieves pain and insomnia.(Source) In 1986, it was found that cannabis affects the benzoiazepine receptors of the brain thus reducing anxiety.(Source) Research conducted at McGill University showed low doses of THC helped to relieve depression.(Source) These conditions are closely related to  PTSD  thus offering relief with marijuana in the way it effects the  CB1 and CB2 receptors of the brain.(Source)



Source:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/how-common-is-ptsd.asp
http://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-how-medical-marijuana-saves-the-lives-of-many-war-veterans--n67?utm_content=buffer68a3d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
http://www.vancnorthcounty.org/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950205/
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/6/marijuana-presents-dilemma-for-military-as-more-st/?page=all
http://psychiatry.org/mentalhealth
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/traumatic-brain-injury-may-increase-suicide-risk-for-military-personnel/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/000632238690003X
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071023183937.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117202

Zero Tolerance for Marijuana in the Military

Veterans Equal Access Act Released Dec 3, 2014

   The U.S. Military holds a zero tolerance for marijuana use. Federal laws govern the military on cannabis use. New policies and studies from the federal government show promise of a policy shift to allowing medical-marijuana for military veterans.

   Marijuana possession is a crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Military personnel can be penalized with a court martial. The zero tolerance also includes military families on base. Possession can result in eviction of housing or loss of job on the base.(Source)

   There are 23 states that have legalized medical-marijuana. Military personnel in these states still have to adhere by the federal and UCMJ laws. Seventy-five percent of the soldiers were drug tested at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington in 2013. Of the 30,836 soldiers tested, 250 tested positive. This is down from 2012 which had 315 testing positive. At Fort Carson in Colorado they tested all 26,000 soldiers having 254 test positive for marijuana in 2013.

   “The results of our continued drug testing demonstrate the commitment soldiers have to the Army profession, regardless of a state’s legalization of marijuana,” Army Spokesman Lt. Col. Benjamin Garrett commented on the zero tolerance for marijuana. “With 98 percent of the Army population testing negative for illicit drugs, soldiers demonstrate their ability to take responsibility for themselves, reinforcing the fact that our drug testing program is working.” (Source)

Signs of Change for the Zero Tolerance

   The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2010 stated that veterans may use medical-marijuana in states where it is legal. Under federal law it remained illegal for VA doctors to recommend cannabis as treatment. Veterans wanting medical-marijuana would need to obtain the prescription from a civilian doctor. This statement allowed veterans to not fear losing benefits if they used marijuana.(Source)

   The U.S. Government in March 2014 approved to study for marijuana treatment for veterans with PTSD. The study will have 50 veterans with PTSD use different amounts of marijuana in a vapor or smoked form. This study may show a shift in federal policy with regards to marijuana and the use in the military.(Source)

   On December 3^rd, 2014 the Veterans Equal Access Act was released. It would allow VA doctors to prescribe medical marijuana for veterans.(Source) This comes at a crucial time for veterans when many suffer from PTSD and other conditions. Currently Arizona, Connecticut, Maine and New Mexico recognize cannabis as a treatment for PTSD.(Source) The VA working at a federal level may help open the doors for many other states to qualify PTSD as a condition that medical-marijuana can treat.

Source:

http://hemp.org/news/node/4293

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/6/marijuana-presents-dilemma-for-military-as-more-st/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-approves-marijuana-study-for-treating-ptsd-in-veterans/

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/military/story/2012-06-05/military-veterans-medical-marijuana/55395138/1

http://www.leafly.com/knowledge-center/medical-resources/qualifying-conditions-for-medical-marijuana-by-state

http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/new-bill-would-allow-the-va-to-recommend-medical-marijuana/article_6ce3f13f-28d7-5084-8ebf-7c9d70a74fa9.html

Cannabis use Lowers Alcohol Consumption

With the recent legalization of marijuana as a recreation use, alcohol consumption has gone down. This result was first theorized and studied in the late 1960's and 70's. DUI arrests, driving fatalities under alcohol influence, and drug overdose has gone down in Colorado and Washington where recreational marijuana use has become legal.

In 1968, Alfred R. Lindesmith, a sociologist talked about how pot smokers have an aversion to alcohol, much like how Hindus in India regard alcohol as taboo, while incorporating ganja as part of their ritual. John Kaplan from Stanford University in 1970 wrote, Marijuana, the New Prohibition states that a large percentage of marijuana users cut down alcohol use after starting use of marijuana. Richard Blum's data in the book showed that 54% of weekly marijuana users reduced alcohol use, while 89% of daily users reduced their consumption. (Source)

An online study in Australia surveyed 1,994 people broken up into groups of marijuana users, alcohol users and stimulant drugs such as ecstasy. The research purpose was to find if use of other drugs encourages people to drink more alcohol. With the three groups, ecstacy and alcohol users binged with excessive alcohol use, while marijuana users did not. (Source)

A study published in the Journal of Law and Economics showed that there is a 8-11% drop in traffic fatalities associated with legalizing medical marijuana. The findings were the same amount in alcohol related accidents which concluded that legalizing marijuana resulted in less drinking. (Source) This study has been put into practice in Colorado where as the miles driven goes up yearly, driving fatalities as legalization of marijuana takes effect has gone down by 9 percent. The study went on to report that after the legalization beer sales were down in the state by 5 percent. (Source) In Washington state, drunk driving arrests went down 11% after legalizing marijuana. (Source)

With a reduction of alcohol usage, one can infer that alcohol intoxication leading to overdose death will go down, but studies aren't out yet. Studies do show a reduction in opioid drug overdose deaths with the legalization of marijuana. (Source) The DEA has been pressured to remove marijuana as a schedule 1 drug, which would allow for more research regarding cannabis use and it's effects on society.(Source)

Source:

http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/studies/cu/cu58.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24975774

http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.1086/668812?uid=2&uid=4&sid=21103919484243

http://www.iza.org/en/webcontent/publications/papers/viewAbstract?dp_id=6112

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2014/04/03/more-pot-safer-roads-marijuana-legalization-could-bring-unexpected-benefits/

http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1898878

Legalizing Marijuana Reduces Crime

The use of marijuana has shown a two fold effect on the rate of crime. The first being the act of legalizing allows drug possession charges to go down dramatically. The other showing that the effect of the drug shows less tendency to commit violent crimes.

Colorado is almost one year into legalization of recreational use of marijuana. Millions of dollars have been saved by removing criminal penalties to possession of marijuana. Arrests for the possession of marijuana before legalization were upwards of 10,000 arrests a year.(Source) Colorado Center on Law & Policy projects a reduction in $12 million a year on criminal costs by legalizing marijuana. (Source) With the state tax excised on sales and other factors for legalization it is proposed to save upwards of $60 million for the state of Colorado. (Source)

A Study done in 2010 researched the crime rates after legalization of marijuana. They found that drug and property theft went up, while violent crime went down. Rates for aggravated assault, robbery and homicide show a large reduction in areas that legalize medical marijuana.(Source) In 2010 a study was conducted to see if marijuana users were repeat criminal offenders. The bulk of crime with the population was related to illegal possession and distribution of marijuana, not with any other crimes. By legalizing marijuana these crimes would cease to exist. (Source)

Dispensaries are a common target for theft and crime, in where they dispense large amounts of cannabis and manage sales in cash. Dispensaries because of the threat of theft implement security guards and camera surveillance which in turn has shown to reduce crime in the immediate vicinity of the dispensaries. (Source) The presence of dispensaries has not shown any increase in property theft or violent crime in the community. (Source)

Source:

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0092816

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3683594/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950879/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19839964

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3364319/

http://cclponline.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/amendment_64_analysis_final.pdf

http://marijuana-arrests.com/210,000-Marijuana-Arrests-In-Colorado.html

Cannabis Has a Good Reputation by Many

Reports are showing up that make it clear that medical marijuana has a good reputation. And the results of the elections in the United States reflect this, but also the research studies. The 2014 Gallop poll shows that more people are in favor of legalizing marijuana in the country. (Source)

A study was done in California in 2012 of the medical use of marijuana and it's benefits. About 5% of the adult population stated that they had used marijuana and 92% believed that it helped to treat medical conditions. Placebo's generally show a 30% of benefits, so the fact that it was overwhelmingly positive results shows a need and a benefit for medical marijuana in the community. Gender, education, age, ethnic and region showed consistent findings and the prevalence across all demographics. (Source)

A Survey was conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine in which 1,446 doctors form 72 countries and 56 states and provinces in North America commented on whether they would recommend medical marijuana for treatment. Seventy – Six percent of the voters approved marijuana for medical use in North America, 78% in Europe and Latin America. (Source)

In 2014 WebMD did a survey of 1,544 doctors the issue of legalizing medical marijuana for benefits to patients. The Doctors were from 12 specialties from 48 states that found 69% agreed that cannabis can help with treatment for medical conditions. (Source)

A Fox News Poll showed in 2013 that 85% of the votes were in favor nationwide for medical marijuana. 1,010 of the voters agreed that medical marijuana prescribed by a physician should be legal, which is more than 3 out of every 4 americans. (Source)

An NBC News/ Wall Street Journal Poll results showed that most americans believed that alcohol, sugar and tobacco are more unhealthy than consuming marijuana. Tobacco was the highest preceived threat to health of 49% followed by alcohol at 24%, sugar at 15% and lastly marijuana at only 8%. (Source)

Source:

http://www.gallup.com/poll/179195/majority-continues-support-pot-legalization.aspx

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25255903

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMclde1305159

http://www.webmd.com/news/breaking-news/marijuana-on-main-street/20140225/webmd-marijuana-survey-web

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/WSJNBCpoll03052014.pdf

Mr. Nice Cannabis Strain, the Origin of the Name

Mr. Nice is a Cannabis Strain that OUTCO currently has in stock, an Indica that is a cross between a G13 and Hash Plant well known for it's potency. Patients describe it as heavy and strong with a mellow effect. People that use it recommend it to help with pain. G13 was taken off the market in the 80's but Sensei Seeds has brought it back as a cross naming it Mr. Nice. The name Mr. Nice comes from an autobiography of an infamous marijuana smuggler, Howard Marks. (Source)

The original G13 Strain came about when urban legend has it that a worker stole a cutting that was at a government research facility in Mississippi. Sensei Seeds paired it with the Hash Plant to enhance it's qualities and released it with the name Mr. Nice in 1999. These two heavyweights together many hail as the ultimate Indica hybrid.(Source) and (Source)

The colorful story of Mr. Nice, Howard Marks began in Oxford University when he sold Cannabis to his college friends. He came in contact with some bigger smugglers that sought after him to join them for his ability to be under the radar with the police and not having a criminal record. He was able to help them launder the money with his clean record.

A Gun Smuggler for the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was hired with his group to help smuggle cannabis into Ireland, which lead to the UK's Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) to contact him about helping their organization with drug producing countries and his connection with the IRA. He continued to broaden his smuggling by exporting to the United States to the Brotherhood of Eternal Love (a smuggling group of cannabis in Orange County). After the Little John Affair where another double agent with the MI6 and IRA was discovered, Howard Marks ceased his relationship with the MI6.

Howard Mark's writes about his career as a smuggler, where he had 43 aliases, one as Mr. Nice, a stolen passport from a convicted murderer Donald Nice:

"Between 1975 and 1978, twenty-four loads totaling 55,000 pounds of marijuana and hashish had been successfully imported through John F. Kennedy Airport, New York. They had involved the Mafia, the Yakuza, the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, the Thai army, the Palestine Liberation Organization, the Pakistani Armed Forces, Nepalese monks, and other individuals from all walks of life. The total profit made by all concerned was $48,000,000. They'd had a good run."

In 1988 Howard Marks along with his wife were arrested tipped off by many of his partners being arrested and giving tips. In 1990 Howard Marks was sentenced to 25 years and $50,000, and was released after 7 years for good behavior.

Howard Marks currently does book readings and is an activist for the legalization of marijuana. He published an Autobiography Mr. Nice in 1996 and has written other books along with appearing in movies and television shows. In 2010 the movie Mr. Nice was released which was a biography of Howard Mark's life.(Source)

Source:

http://www.leafly.com/indica/mr-nice

http://sensiseeds.com/en/cannabis-seeds/sensi-seeds/mr-nice-g13-x-hash-plant

http://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/mr-nice-g13-x-hash-plant/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Marks

Coffee Shops in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Coffee Shop Permit Sticker Sign

Terminology for accessing marijuana can be confusing. For instance, “volunteers” are people hired at a dispensary. “Donations” are payments for marijuana. “Coffee Shops” in Amsterdam are establishments that sell marijuana and allow you consume it, also having food... and drinks like coffee, but it's not the focal point.

Coffee Shops were set up in the 1970's in the Netherlands only allowing soft drugs. They have run in a legally gray area with the way they are supplied, and the licenses are non-transferable, once one closes, another cannot take it's place. Coffeeshop Union Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten (BCD) along with each city councils allow the coffee shops. A green and white sticker that says Coffee Shop is displayed in the window. Their are close to 200 Coffee Houses in Amsterdam.

The Netherlands have set up regulations on the coffee shops which include the following:

• October 2011, THC content cannot be higher than 15%
• 2012 Tourists cannot enter Cannabis Cafe's with the exception of the city of Amsterdam
• No selling of alcohol
• No selling to anyone under the age of 18
• No selling hard drugs
• No advertising
• No sale larger than 5 grams
• No public disturbances
• Food with Cannabis clearly labeled
• Cannabis must be non-contaminated.
• Soon to be enacted – no coffee shops close to schools.

With the no advertising law, the cannabis menu is usually hidden from view. Outside signals are usually an Ethiopian flag or red, green and yellow rasta colors. Coffee shops that do not adhere to the laws could be forced to close for 3-six months, or if violations are too many, closed for good.

In 2008 a law was made banning the smoking of tobacco unless in a separate room. Many Europeans enjoy to mix tobacco with cannabis, and therefore many coffee shops have separate rooms for the smoking of tobacco to accommodate the law.

The drug policy of the Netherlands has a policy that does not completely make the coffee shop operation completely legal. The cannabis suppliers cannot grow or import for sale. In January 2006 legislation was introduced to have controlled growing. In 2008, Wiettop (Weed Summit) was formed by 33 Dutch Mayors to regulate coffee shops. Through this it was established to not let foreigners into coffee shops outside Amsterdam. Other policies however on their agenda a licensing cannabis cultivation and regulating the suppliers have not resulted in legislation.

Coffee Shops Outside of the Netherlands

Canada does not allow marijuana for recreation use. The city of Vancouver a few coffee shops, mostly all on the block of 300 West Hastings Street. Toronto has a few bring your own coffee shops that do not sell and don't allow tobacco and alcohol. In the United States, NORML has opened a coffee shop in Portland Oregon only for it's members authorized under The Oregon Medical Cannabis Program. Cannabis is not for sale, but given out free for use at the coffee shop.(Source)(Source)

In Colorado the Clean Indoor Act makes a Cannabis Cafe very difficult to open. Club Ned opened in the small town Nederland. The owners had to be inventive to work with the legislation to make it legal. They acquire funds through membership dues and have to employ a small number of people, allowing for bring your own cannabis to fully comply.(Source)

Source

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_coffee_shop

http://marijuana.com/news/2014/03/colorados-first-legal-cannabis-cafe-to-open-in-nederland-colorado/

http://www.amsterdam.info/coffeeshops/

Legalizing Medical Marijuana in San Diego Helps Tax Revenue

A projection of sales tax revenue from legalizing marijuana in California is over half a billion annually. San Diego County did not have a legally licensed way to purchase medical marijuana until July 1^st, 2014 when Outliers Collective (OUTCO) opened for business in El Cajon. Legal licensing allows patients to receive safe and tested medicine adhering to zoning laws and permits with tax collection to give back to the community.

Californians benefit from state and local funds for the success of their community. Seventy percent of tax revenue goes back to local use. 50% goes to education, 30% going to health and human services and 10% going to law enforcement and corrections.

Since 1980 has increased 1400% or four times the increased rate of other spending by the state government.(Source) One important addition to legalization of marijuana would include a savings in millions of dollars by a reduction in law enforcement for possession crimes. (Source) California stands to also save millions on reduced drug enforcement for small drug possession crimes with a yes vote on Proposition 47 that will be voted on November 4, 2014.(Source) Crime rates of theft have reduced by 5% in Colorado since the inception of legalization of recreational marijuana.(Source) Legally licensed dispensaries increase visibility of the establishment and reduces hidden shops that can lead to crime and unsafe conditions.

Legalizing marijuana sales offers numerous jobs to the community. Since Colorado's recreational marijuana legalization, 10,000 jobs were added and they enjoy the lowest unemployment rate since the beginning of the recession, 6%.(Source) Marijuana employees payroll tax deductions will bring in an additional revenue to the state. Additional contracted people will be hired like architects, construction and many other industries will benefit from the added growth and building needed for this growing industry.

Source:

http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/economics/how-much-money-states-make-marijuana-legalization/

http://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_47,_Reduced_Penalties_for_Some_Crimes_Initiative_%282014%29

http://www.cbp.org/pdfs/2011/110728_Where_Do_State_Tax_Dollars_Go_pb.pdf

http://www.businessinsider.com/r-pot-shops-buzz-crime-eases-as-colorado-law-marks-6-months-2014-03

http://www.hightimes.com/read/colorado-legal-pot-sales-creates-thousands-new-jobs

Steve McWilliams and the Access to Medical Marijuana in San Diego

On November 5^th, 1996 Proposition 215 was passed that made it legal to use marijuana for medical use. San Diego and San Bernardino Counties refused to uphold this law until they were forced to in 2009. The Supreme Court of California on May 19^th in 2009 refused to prosecute medical marijuana users in San Diego and San Bernardino Counties. It took 7 years after Prop 215 to establish rules and regulations for medical marijuana use with California Senate Bill 420.(Source)

In 1997 Steve McWilliams who himself suffered with pain from multiple car crashes helped establish San Diego Cannabis Caregivers Club (SDCCC) in Ocean Beach, part of greater San Diego. They grew marijuana on the premisis as well as Valley Center giving access to marijuana to patients. In January 1998 Steve McWilliams was arrested for possesion but was released because of lack of information. Steve was transporting a plant to another patient when he got stopped at the border checkpoint, searched and was arrested.(Source) Steve McWilliams stated to the police that Proposition 215 was unclear to how to possess it for medicinal use. (Source) (Source)

On October 11, 2002 was arrested by the DEA for growing 6 marijuana plants, and he pled guilty to growing 25 plants. Charges were combined with a federal raid in 1999 on Shelter from the Storm Cannabis Collective that he helped organize where he was facing a minimum of a 5 year minimum prison sentence.(Source) This led to a plea deal and prison sentence for 6 months on April 28, 2003, which he was released on bail and ordered to not use marijuana. (Source) On July 11, 2005 Steve McWilliams committed Suicide on his 51^st birthday. His suicide note stated:

"This was my last chance to help the medical marijuana movement and others that I care about," he further wrote "That's what so much of this has been about -- my right to use a medicine that worked for me." Steve McWilliams also mentioned displeasure with the opioid medication he was forced to use after the judge made the ruling that he could not use marijuana.

McWilliams was an advocate for medical marijuana and was a constantly attending the San Diego City Council Meetings. Council Member Toni Atkins said after McWilliams suicide, “a tenacious and relentless force to be reckoned with” and “public comment at out City Council meetings will never be the same without his smiling face and cannabis leis.”(Source)

Outliers Collective (OUTCO.COM), the only legally licensed medical marijuana dispensary in San Diego, is one more step in the access to medical marijuana that Steve McWilliams desired for him and his community.

Source:

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/marijuana-pot-legal-timeline-san-diego-california-medical-prop-215-206301351.html

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle-old/395/mcwilliams.shtml

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle-old/396/steveremembered.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_215_%281996%29

http://ogdeliveries.org/marijuana-defendant-not-guilty-building-a-bridge-for-cannabis-rights/

http://www.marijuanalibrary.org/981008.html

http://www.unitedstatesvmarijuana.com/court-cases/unitedstatesvstevemcwilliams

http://cannabisnews.com/news/14/thread14553.shtml

New E Cigarette and Vape Pen Regulations in San Diego

On September 16^th, 2014, the City Council of San Diego addressed Agenda Item 50 that with approval categorizes E-Cigarettes to adopt the same rules and restrictions as tobacco products. This would include vape pens, and vaping juices. On July 28^th, 2014 the ordinance was introduce and approved by a 9-0 vote by the council. (Source) The Council has not come to a conclusion yet for the September 16^th meeting. (Source) Many of the laws created for smoking traditional cigarettes are to protect the community from second hand smoke. E-Cigarettes do not have second hand smoke.

If the ordinance goes through, here is a rundown of the laws right now for traditional tobacco products that would effect e-cigarettes.

State laws currently hold the following regulations:

• No smoking in private cars with children under 18
• No smoking in workplaces that are inclosed
• No smoking within 20 feet of a public entryway
• No smoking in Tot Lots and Playgrounds within 25 feet of play structures.
• No smoking in Daycare areas, including private homes
  (Source)

San Diego Local Laws for tobacco products are the following:

• No smoking Dining Patios in Restaurants. (Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, National City, Solana Beach)
• No smoking in multi unit housing common area (El Cajon)
• No smoking on sidewalks (El Cajon, Del Mar)
• No smoking in parks or beaches (19 different cities within San Diego, including San Diego)
• Retail stores must be licensed and pay a permit fee ( El Cajon, San Diego, Solana Beach, Vista)
• No smoking in transit systems (MTS and North County Transit District)
  (Source)

Source:

http://thevapingmilitia.org/local-alert-san-diego-city-ca-public-usage-ban-treats-vaping-the-same-as-smoking/

http://www.smokefreesandiego.org/l

http://reason.com/archives/2014/08/08/e-cig-vote-reveals-a-ban-happy-mindset

University of Mississippi is the Only Government Funded Marijuana Farm

The University of Mississippi and the Only Government Funded Marijuana Farm

That's right, a schedule 1 drug funded by the government of the United States for research on treatment. This isn't the only sign that the government knows of the benefit, having a patent of it's own for Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants. (Source)

A grant from National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) have given Ole Miss an opportunity to grow marijuana for HHS approved studies. These studies are conducted around the country for the purpose of finding beneficial and harmful effects and the chemical components of cannabis.

“Developing new drugs and delivery systems, as well as a better understanding of the pharmacology and toxicology of marijuana, is dependent upon a reliable and consistent source of high-quality, research-grade Cannabis, ” said Dr. Mahmoud ElSohly, Marijuana Project director since 1980. “And that’s where we come in—we have a strong program that provides plant material to the research community.”

Ole' Miss has developed new medicines with cannabis, notably with the chemical compound tetrahydrocannabinol THC found in marijuana. The University of Mississippi states that this medicine treats chronic conditions such as nausea from chemotherapy, neuropathic pain and treatment of multiple sclerosis symptoms. UM has a patent and license that gives a pharmaceutical company a THC suppository that gives cancer patients medical marijuana without side effects that other medicine has.

Along with their own grow farm, the University of Mississippi acquires seized marijuana from the DEA and has established a way of fingerprinting the cannabis to trace back it's source. (Source) Elsohly has seen a steady increase in the potency of THC found in the cannabis seized from the DEA. “I was categorically told by the DEA, 'You cannot receive materials from a non-DEA registrant.'" said Elsohly. "I would very much like to be able to get some of the materials available in dispensaries, look at them, analyze them, compare them with everything else around”

Though the DEA and the NIH allow access to the cannabis for reasearch, it is extremely hard to get the approval. Orrin Devinsky, director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at NYU Langone Medical Center said “Physicians can't easily get at it — nor can their patients”.(Source)

Source

http://www.research.olemiss.edu/ChangeAgents/2009/FindingCuresForKillers

http://www.google.com/patents/US6630507

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pot-monopoly-20140529-story.html#page=1

The Dark Underworld

Forest in Oregon

Growing up in a small logging town in Oregon in the 70's, I grew up with an appreciation for nature and an understanding of a dark underworld. With rivers, lakes, trails and mountains at my footsteps, I also was continually made aware of danger of going off trail or not trespassing on property.

Logging was the biggest cash crop on the books for our region, but everyone knew cannabis far outdid logging as a cash crop off the books. The citizens that lived outside the city tightly held onto their constitutional rights on property rights, right to bear arms and simply being left alone. A simple pull into the driveway to turn around often was met with the owner and a rifle watching your every move. My father who worked in the national forests in our area left with a pistol on those trips, he told us it was in case he came upon a surprise farm with booby traps.

Oregon is anticipating legalizing marijuana by 2016 and bringing the cultivation out of the black market and into a full legal industry. Colorado that went legal this year has shown to still have illegal marijuana plantations hidden the the forests, grown for an illegal distribution in neighboring states. Brian Vincente, co founder of the campaign to legalize marijuana in Colorado stated “I think the black market is already on its way out,” says Vicente. “This is all a process and until our country legalizes marijuana there is always going to be some incentive for people to bring marijuana from Colorado to, say, Nebraska. There were bootleggers after prohibition ended, for a little while, but not for long.”

This is from an anonymous writer contributing to OUTCO who grew up witnessing the black market of marijuana in Oregon in the 1970's.

Source for continuing black market in Colorado: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/23/colorado-unregulated-marijuana-green-rush