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Everything wrong about medical marijuana marketing in California ...: I snapped this photo of a popular medica...

Cannabinoid science 101: Cannabinol - Cannabinol (CBN) is arguably the third best-known cannabinoid after THC and ...

Cannabinoid science 101: Cannabinol - Cannabinol (CBN) is arguably the third best-known cannabinoid after THC and ...

Quincy city councilors approved a medical marijuana ordinance at their meeting Monday night, becoming one of a handful of municipalities to develop laws around the newly legalized use of the drug. ?I think it?s an excellent start, considering where we are in time with this new law,? said City Solicitor Jim Timmins. Under the new local law, Quincy will bar marijuana dispensaries from being within 1,500 feet of a residential district, school, other marijuana center, or other city-licensed facility, such as a bar. Cultivation of medical marijuana must take place on the same premise as the dispensary, and anyone allowed to grow medical marijuana must register with the city. Permitting requirements, as well as inspection criteria, are outlined in the new rules. ?We?ve covered everything we could as far as what we know right now,? Timmins said, noting that the document is likely to evolve. Councilors approved the rules unanimously, but paused to discuss a provision that could ultimately bar dispensaries from opening in the city. According to the ordinance, if any of the city?s laws conflicts with federal or state guidelines, the stricter provision would prevail. Federal law still outlaws medical marijuana, and would therefore prohibit access to the drug in the city. Timmins said that federal legislators have been silent about the issue, but that the provision adequately protects the city, shifting the liability onto the cultivator or seller of the drug. ?It?s one we wanted to mix in this issue, but I don?t want a local official enforcing federal laws when the feds aren?t,? Timmins said. Quincy has been working to put together guidelines for medical marijuana dispensaries since Massachusetts approved medical marijuana by ballot vote in November. The state, too, has been scrambling to create marijuana laws since then, and only recently approving them in June. The city's laws will take effect immediately, but won?t mean much until the moratorium on medical marijuana facilities lifts in several months. Though the moratorium gave the city some time in developing these guidelines, City Councilor Brian Palmucci has noted the importance of having regulations on the books as soon as possible. ?I think it's important to give folks as much notice as possible as to where we will allow these things,? Palmucci said in an earlier interview. ?They are on notice to what Quincy?s standards will be in terms of regulating med marijuana.? Already cultivators and sellers seem to be coming to the city. Councilor Margaret Laforest noted that a group called Grassroots 420 has set up offices in Quincy Center to give educational seminars to potential operators. News Hawk- Truth Seeker 420 MAGAZINE ? Source: boston.com Author: Jessica Bartlett Contact: Ask a Question Website: Quincy approves medical marijuana ordinance - Quincy - Your Town - Boston.com

Three people arrested in a series of medical marijuana dispensary raids will face racketeering counts and other new charges. Jackson Count Circuit Court Judge Tim Gerking set Aug. 12 pretrial hearings Monday afternoon for Lori Duckworth, 48, Leland Duckworth, 49, and David James Bond, 44. The Duckworths face added charges of a single count each of racketeering, three counts each of money laundering and a single count each of possession of substantial amounts of marijuana in excess of 150 grams, said Leland Duckworth's attorney Leland Berger. Bond also has been charged with a single count of racketeering and money laundering. The Duckworths already were facing 11 counts each of conspiracy to deliver marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, and 11 counts each of manufacturing marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school. Bond has been charged with four counts of conspiracy to deliver marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, and four counts of manufacturing marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, as well as being a felon in possession of a weapon. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges. Gerking had previously ordered the defendants not to have any contact with each other and submit to drug testing at the court's request. Berger successfully argued the couple should have the no-contact order lifted. The prosecution had no objection, he said. Lori Duckworth, a vocal proponent of medical marijuana, is the executive director of the Southern Oregon chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The tearful Duckworths embraced in the courtroom lobby for several minutes after their brief court appearance. "It's going to be OK," Leland Duckworth whispered to his wife. The SONORML office on West Sixth Street in Medford was one of four medical cannabis dispensaries raided by police on May 23. The office is a local affiliate of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The Jackson County raids made headlines across the country and prompted an outcry from local medical-marijuana advocates, who claim police were doing little more than trying to prove a point that they disapprove of the Duckworths in particular and the medical-marijuana community in general. Police allege the dispensaries were storefronts for illegal marijuana sales. Officers said they seized nearly 12 pounds of marijuana, 94 plants, $2,752 in cash, documents, computers and edible marijuana products from SONORML. Police said they believe the money is from illegal drug sales. Police also said they seized 22 pounds of marijuana from the Duckworths' home. An hour after her court appearance, Lori Duckworth spoke about their case, and being apart from her husband of more than 20 years since the day of their arrest. "I'm shocked that there were additional charges," Duckworth said. "I believe we were fully in compliance with all Oregon medical marijuana laws at all times." Fingering the couple's wedding rings dangling from a chain around her neck, Duckworth said hers is too large because she lost 12 pounds while in jail. She said she was looking forward to sharing a family dinner with her husband. "It was the longest time we've ever been apart," she said. Duckworth said she was grateful for the community support she has received. Not only has the cannabis community rallied around their cause, business owners and "people from all walks of life" have offered encouragement, Duckworth said. "They can see through the dog-and-pony show that's going on," she said. News Hawk- Truth Seeker 420 MAGAZINE ? Source: mailtribune.com Author: Sanne Specht Contact: Contact Us Website: Medical marijuana suspects face new charges | MailTribune.com

Last fall, voters in Colorado approved a ballot initiative legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. Since then, state lawmakers have been tasked with developing a regulatory framework that carries out voters' wishes while protecting public safety and restricting access by minors. In late May, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a comprehensive set of regulations into laws, paving the way for a retail marijuana trade that is expected to start in January 2014. Under the new laws, Colorado residents over age 21 will be allowed to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana. They may also opt to grow their own marijuana, but may not have more than six plants at any time. Retail sales to non-Colorado residents will be limited to a quarter-ounce. Regulations on sellers and growers In addition to limits on quantity, growers and sellers will be required to comply with a number of restrictions. All commercial marijuana will be required to be grown indoors, and all crops must be tested for potency and contaminants. Retail establishments will be required to list the potency of each strain they offer. The regulations also require sellers to package their products in opaque, child-proof containers that include warnings about the drug's potential safety risks. Retailers will be able to sell food and beverages laced with marijuana, but these items must be sold for off-site consumption. In an effort to avoid Amsterdam-style "coffee shops," retailers will not be allowed to sell food or drink that does not contain marijuana. Growers and sellers will also be heavily taxes. Licenses to grow, sell or process marijuana will cost $1,000 per year, in addition to a $250 application fee. Voters will also be asked to approve a 15 percent marijuana excise tax and a 10 percent tax on recreational marijuana sales. Criminal charges still possible It is important to recognize that the fact that recreational marijuana use has been legalized does not mean Colorado residents can no longer be charged with marijuana crimes. For example, even though using marijuana is legal, driving under its influence is not. Legally, driving under the influence of marijuana is treated the same as driving under the influence of alcohol. Under Colorado law, drivers are considered to be legally impaired if they have a blood THC concentration exceeding five nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood. In addition, the possession, sale and cultivation of marijuana continue to be illegal under federal law. It is still unclear how federal authorities will react to Colorado's new legalization framework. Both state intoxicated driving charges and federal marijuana charges can result in serious criminal penalties. As such, individuals charged with these crimes would be wise to seek the assistance of an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney. News Hawk- Truth Seeker 420 MAGAZINE ? Source: einnews.com Author: 24-7 PressRelease Contact: http://world.einnews.com/contact_us Website: http://world.einnews.com/247pr/349076

Seven congressional Democrats from Washington are pressing the U.S. Department of Justice to honor the state?s new recreational-marijuana law ? the delegation?s first collective public statement on the issue. In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder released Tuesday, the Democrats urged quick action by the agency to assure pot users and sellers they won?t be ?penalized by the federal government for activities legal under state law.? Initiative 502, which was approved by 56 percent of voters last November, legalizes possession of small amounts of pot by adults. But marijuana for any use, recreational or medical, remains illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. ?We hope that you will exercise your significant discretionary authority by choosing not to ... prosecute our residents and state employees acting in compliance with these laws,? the lawmakers wrote. The letter also said state regulators were working to keep tight reins on the pot market, including preventing marijuana exports and black markets. The letter was signed by Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and Reps. Adam Smith of Bellevue, Jim McDermott of Seattle, Suzan DelBene of Medina, Denny Heck of Olympia and Derek Kilmer of Gig Harbor. Smith, McDermott, DelBene and Heck voted for I-502; Cantwell, Murray and Kilmer did not. Pot advocates in the state have become increasingly critical of what they view as the delegation?s lack of effort to reconcile the state-federal legal conflict. Smith was the only member from Washington to sign a similar letter to Holder last year. The eighth Democrat, Everett?s Rick Larsen, did not sign the new letter. He also opposed I-502. Larsen is at the Paris Air Show this week at the behest of Gov. Jay Inslee. Larsen?s spokesman, Bryan Thomas, said Larsen chose not to sign because ?the Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing federal laws. Congressman Larsen believes the state must work with the Department of Justice to determine a way forward.? The delegation?s four House Republicans also opposed I-502: Dave Reichert of Auburn, Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Spokane, Jaime Herrera Beutler of Camas, and Doc Hastings of Pasco. The state Liquor Control Board, the agency charged with creating a legal marijuana system, is expected to issue draft rules for that system July 3. Retail pot stores would open next year. News Hawk- Truth Seeker 420 MAGAZINE ? Source: seattletimes.com Author: Kyung M. Song Contact: Services | Seattle Times Newspaper Website: DOJ urged to avoid pot showdown with state | Local News | The Seattle Times

A GROUP of weed-smoking mums who meet for lavish cannabis-infused lunches say taking marijuana is making them BETTER parents. The get-togethers are part of a new craze for medicinal marijuana parties - which are legal in California, USA. Mum-of-two Cheryl Shuman, 53, hosts posh dinners each month in Beverly Hills where friends can try new strains of the drug after a meals containing pot leaves and cannabis oil. And the women, who use the drug to ease conditions such as arthritis, believe marijuana use should be legalised EVERYWHERE. January Thomas, 37, smokes marijuana up to five times per day while looking after her 2-year-old daughter, Zeena. The part-time bar tender even takes Zeena to 'hemp rallies' with fianc? Magic Ellington - who goes by the name Henry Hemp. January, who smokes marijuana to cope with early onset arthritis, said: "Marijuana makes me a better and more creative parent. "It puts me in the moment with Zeena and stops me worrying about everyday problems." January Thomas: "I want her to understand the benefits of cannabis so I read her books like Mommy's Funny Medicine and It's Just a Plant, to teach her." January, who uses a bong to take the drug, swaps cannabis recipes with the other women in the group. Entrepreneur Cheryl started the meet-ups after overcoming ovarian cancer in 2011, which she partly attributes to taking marijuana oils to ease her symptoms. Enlisting the help of top Beverly Hills chef David Schanhals, Cheryl got together a group of friends who were all medicating with the plant. She said: "Seeing how medicinal marijuana helped me when I thought I was going to die made me realise how much good it can do. "All the women in the group suffer with chronic aches and pains and taking cannabis in a group setting makes it seem more socially acceptable. "We've all come up against people who say marijuana is for dirty druggies, but we are proof you can be good parents and productive members of society and use it. "I like to think we are bringing some glamour and exclusivity to marijuana use. "In the Sixties there was 'mother's little helper' pills which gave stressed-out women a bit of extra pep. "Taking marijuana is just the same, it helps us get through the day." News Hawk- Truth Seeker 420 MAGAZINE ? Source: huffingtonpost.com Author: Barcroft Contact: Contact Us Website: Meet The Marijuana-Smoking Mums Of Beverly Hills (PICTURES)

A Prince George senior is positive he wouldn't be alive today without medical marijuana. After Tom (not his real name), 64, had to use so many medications to get through cancer treatment, he was looking for something more natural and did the research on medicinal marijuana. When he was satisfied that this was something that was safe, and without major side effects, he asked his oncologist to prescribe it to him and his request was granted. Health Canada issues an authorization for patients like Tom to possess and use marijuana as well as a licence to grow a certain amount for personal use. Tom has both. And he's not alone. According to statistics provided by Health Canada, in B.C. and the Yukon there are 1,784 people over 65 who hold an authorization to possess marijuana for medical purposes. B.C and the Yukon have more seniors legally using marijuana as part of their patient care than all of the other provinces and territories combined. Tom is licenced for up to 25 plants but he only grows about half of that, he said. "I don't smoke it, I ingest it," said Tom, who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in his throat four years ago. "I make butter and I use it to make cookies. I have a cookie in the evening and I start about 7 or 7:30 p.m. and by 9:30 I'm ready for bed. I've been doing this for about two years now." Tom said that it takes about 20 minutes for him to start feeling the effects of the marijuana. "It starts relaxing you and you can tell your mental processes are shifting," he added. "By ten I'm out and I get eight or nine hours of solid sleep." That's important for Tom, who was unable to sleep during his cancer treatments. Tom had 35 radiation and eight chemotherapy treatments during his cancer battle. One of the side effects was his mouth stopped producing saliva. He'd have to put a special gel in his mouth every 15 minutes or so to keep hydrated, making it impossible for him to sleep. That went on for about 18 months, he said. "Radiation has permanently altered me in some ways - they can never put Humpty Dumpty back together again," Tom said, who now has very little sense of taste and his ability to swallow is impaired as well. Meat is a challenge and lettuce is impossible to swallow, he added. "The energy levels are so low and they don't tell you about all the things that will go wrong," said Tom, who worked in the pulp and paper mill industry for 35 years. "They gave me a 30 per cent chance of making it three years and I'm still here four years later. A lot of the people who were in the hospital with me are gone now." Tom used to be a very jumpy, nervous man, he admits. "I am more relaxed now and one of the properties of medical marijuana is that it diffuses everything," said Tom. "You cannot focus on one thing, it's a kaleidoscope of thoughts. And that's how it is. It shifts your focus, your body relaxes and for me, it's a God send. And I can sleep." Tom said the marijuana infused butter cookie will stay in his system for about 12 hours. "I don't feel the onset for about 20 to 25 minutes," said Tom. "But there are things you look for, like the paranoia. So when I have the urge to go check to see if I turned off the light -- did I turn off the light? -- I resist because I know that's part of the paranoia. I recommend it for seniors but I don't recommend it for young people." Tom enjoys his calmer disposition now. "I don't let things really get to me anymore," said Tom. "I don't worry too much about what doctors say now. During cancer treatment you deal with so many life and death issues. I had to make funeral arrangements for myself and buy a plot. You're facing your death and they're telling you you're dying and it's very difficult to deal with. Through it all, I really don't think all the pharmaceuticals that doctors are prescribing today are all that good for us. I think people need to take a look at a natural healing process and this is part of my path

Marijuana legalization: What a long, strange trip it has been: In 2010, a group called Sensible Washington alm...