The Strange Failure of Florida’s Medical Marijuana Initiative
by ALAN FARAGO
Florida, Republicans get cancer too, but even though on Tuesday 58 percent of voters approved a measure to allow medical marijuana — particularly useful in alleviating pain and suffering for cancer treatments — humane treatment will not be legally available in the Sunshine State.
3.3 million voters or 58% of Floridians approved the constitutional amendment. But Florida uniquely requires a 60 percent supermajority of the popular vote to change the law by referendum. How did this happen? . . . Read Complete Report
The single largest contributor on either side of the fight over Amendment 2, which grants patients with “debilitating diseases” access to medical marijuana, is billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, who, new campaign finance filings show, added $1 million to the $4 million he’s already spent in support of the campaign to defeat the measure. Adelson, the chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands and America’s 12th richest person, . . . Read Complete Report
Image: The Sands Casino Sign in Las Vegas, Nevada. (1950s). SOURCE:Wikipedia.(Public Domain)
Why is Vegas money being used to keep sick people from getting needed natural medication in Florida? We’ll take a hard look into this and keep you updated . . . EDITOR
Featured Image: Yokosuka, Japan (Oct. 19, 2004) – Airman Lauren Thurgood of Las Vegas, Nev., pulls patient medical records in the inpatient ward aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk. CREDIT: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Jason T. Poplin. SOURCE Wikipedia. (Public Domain). FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSE ONLY.
It is time for the Fair Tax to be implemented and the complete dismantling of the rogue IRS. . . . EDITOR
A healthcare provider has sued the Internal Revenue Service and 15 of its agents, charging they wrongfully seized 60 million medical records from 10 million Americans.
The name of the provider is not yet known, United Press International said. But Courthouse News Service said the suit claims the agency violated the Fourth Amendment in 2011, when agents executed a search warrant for financial data on one employee – and that led to the seizure of information on 10 million, including state judges. . . . Read Complete Report
The state Senate approved the measure, 42-4. The action sends the bill to Gov. Martin O’Malley, who indicated he is likely to sign it. . . . Read Complete Report
What do P-Diddy, Cameron Diaz, Nicki Minaj, Ron Howard and Mark Wahlberg all have in common? Aside from being ridiculously famous and wealthy, they all support the reformation of drug laws in this country. More than 175 actors, artists, athletes and elected officials signed on to an open letter to President Obama today, asking him to change our drug policy laws from punitive, harsh jail times to one that favors evidence- based prevention and rehabilitation. . . . Read Complete Report
For 21 years, Palos Park attorney James Gierach has been trying to convince elected officials and the public that the war on drugs is a failure. . . . From discription published with video.
Kentucky Industrial Hemp Legislation Becomes Law Without Governor’s Signature
by Erik Altieri, NORML Communications Director
April 5, 2013
On Friday, April 5th, Governor Steve Beshear of Kentucky stated that he will let Kentucky’s industrial hemp measure become law without his signature. Gov. Beshear had expressed concerns that marijuana growers could hide their illegal growing operations with hemp plants. Despite his concerns, he allowed the measure to become law without his signature and did not veto the legislation. . . . Read Complete Report
Bill to Legalize and Regulate Marijuana Introduced in Alabama
by Erik Altieri, NORML Communications Director
April 5, 2013
Many traditionally write off the Southern United States as an area dead to cannabis law reform, but one Representative is behind a new effort that can change all of that. . . . Read Complete Report
Medical Marijuana push, South Florida takes center stage
Published on Mar 25, 2013
Meet one of the four people in the United States that has a federal right to smoke pot everyday – and a lot of it! To read the story go to SunSentinel.com/medicalmarijuana
Did Henry Ford really make a car out of hemp? Was the Declaration of Independence written on hemp paper? Did Abraham Lincoln use hemp oil in his lamps?
The hemp plant, a variety of Cannabis sativa that’s the subject of this week’s cover story “Green Acres,” is steeped in lore. Some hemp legends are true. Others are half-true, and some are completely false. Here, we present ten hemp myths culled from the Internet — and attempt to separate the fact from the fiction.
George Washington Grew & Used Hemp at Mount Vernon – Hemp History Week
Uploaded on Jun 15, 2010
A group of hemp farming supporters visited Mount Vernon during Hemp History Week, May 17 – 23, 2010, and were taken on an educational tour exploring George Washington’s farming and use of industrial hemp. Tour guides show the areas where hemp was grown at Mount Vernon as well as how George Washington used hemp for textiles, fish nets and other purposes. More info at Hemp History Week: http://www.HempHistoryWeek.com
In the state of Oregon, the Drug Enforcement Administration is attempting to gain access to millions of private prescription records without a warrant. According to reports, the step is taken to crackdown on the abuse of prescription pills, but the American Civil Liberties Union is saying not so fast. The ACLU claims that the DEA’s move is a violation of patient’s fourth amendment rights. Mike Riggs, associate editor for Reason Magazine, chimes in on the issue.
During an interview with HuffPo Live yesterday, Newark Mayor and potential gubernatorial candidate Cory Booker made some very strong statements in favor of drug law reform. When asked about medical marijuana, a program that was approved in his state, but has been slow in implementation, Mayor Booker spoke strongly in favor of allowing patients access to cannabis, but thought we could do even more: . . . Read Complete Report
Chris Williams operated a completely legal medical marijuana dispensary in Montana, where he has complied with all of the local and state regulations, as crazy and ridiculous as they are.
In the past law enforcement representatives have even been through the dispensary; during their encounters they been nothing but friendly and openly approved of what was going on.
Despite the local legalization measures, in March 2011 federal agents raided a whole list of medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state of Montana, including the one owned by Williams. . . . Read Complete Report
DEA Promises to Continue Drug War and Ignore Voter Decisions in Colorado and Washington
Voters in Colorado and Washington have decided to legalize cannabis for recreational use, however the feds have promised to ignore states rights and lock people up anyway, regardless of local laws.
“Both Colorado and Washington have passed referendums legalizing cannabis use. The plant is still made illegal according to federal law.
“Colorado’s Proposition 64 makes it legal for anyone over the age of 21 to possess marijuana and for businesses to sell it. It will be interesting to see how the feds treat this.
“Barry Soetoro claimed he would not go after legal medical facilities and respect state laws. Fail!”” . . .Read Complete Report