{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/news-and-events/9","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2117-markdown","title":"An Open Letter to Jeff Sessions","slug":"an-open-letter-to-jeff-sessions","content":"Dear Senator Sessions,\n\nCongratulations on your [nomination]( http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/19/us/politics/jeff-sessions-donald-trump-attorney-general.html) for Attorney General. As the nations’ most senior law enforcement official, you have a big job ahead of you. \n\nWhen it comes to marijuana, the fact is that previous administrations have left you with a [pickle of a problem]( http://www.latimes.com/la-oew-gutwillig-imler10-2009mar10-story.html). One that has put millions of Americans and about half the state's laws out of sync with the policies of the federal government, and the [law of the land]( https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml). \n\nAs Attorney General, you will oversee the DEA. You won’t need any assistance in destroying the medical cannabis industry if you so choose. The laws are in place and the resources lined up for you already. You simply need to unleash the DEA and they will go about arresting and charging people from California, to Oregon, to Colorado and in 25 other states. [Federal law breakers]( http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/federal-crime/medical-marijuana-federal-laws.htm) all of them, and so easy to find since they are doing business openly, even [paying taxes]( https://www.boe.ca.gov/industry/medical_cannabis.html) on their illegal activities. Can you believe that?\n\nLet’s review what some of the consequences of DEA action might be:\n\n* Destroying the cannabis industry would be [hugely unpopular]( http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/10/12/support-for-marijuana-legalization-continues-to-rise/), likely generating widespread protests across the country. [89% of Americans']( http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/do-people-support-legalizing-marijuana-223928) now support the use of cannabis for medical purposes with a small majority (54%) supporting complete legalization. [Young people](http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/02/27/63-of-republican-millennials-favor-marijuana-legalization/) in particular would feel very passionate about this issue causing further [disenchantment](http://www.politico.com/story/2016/04/poll-do-millennials-like-trump-222397) with the new Trump administration. \n\n* Prosecution would drive thousands of (otherwise law abiding) business people underground, where they would once again [sell on the black market]( https://news.vice.com/article/how-americas-legal-weed-is-changing-the-black-market-and-influencing-mexican-cartels).\n\n* People who rely on cannabis would once again be meeting dealers in cars, in their homes and on street corners. [Associated petty crime]( http://news.nationalpost.com/features/o-cannabis-black-market-to-grey) would flourish with all this new illegal activity.\n\n* Millions of people with [anxiety]( https://www.hellomd.com/learn/anxiety), PTSD, [migraines]( https://www.hellomd.com/learn/migraines), [chronic pain]( https://www.hellomd.com/learn/chronic-pain), [insomnia]( https://www.hellomd.com/learn/insomnia) and about 18 other medical conditions would find it much harder to get the products that they have come to rely on over the past few years. There are millions with serious medical conditions, including children with epilepsy and seizure disorders, that depend on medical marijuana. \n\n* Fewer people would use to cannabis get off opioids and end their opioid addiction. This is currently one of the biggest health issues in America.\n\n* Tax revenue for [schools]( http://www.npr.org/2016/09/10/492118493/marijuana-pays-for-schools-in-colorado-kind-of-but-how-will-it-help-maine), [drug treatment]( http://www.thecannabist.co/2016/03/22/richard-branson-marijuana-tax-drug-treatment/50492/) programs, [education]( http://www.ibtimes.com/how-legal-marijuana-funds-education-colorado-taxes-go-prevent-bullying-2423329), [law enforcement]( https://blog.mpp.org/prohibition/for-law-enforcement-marijuana-is-where-the-money-is/), medical research and [lots of other]( http://taxfoundation.org/article/marijuana-legalization-and-taxes-lessons-other-states-colorado-and-washington)  programs would dwindle.\n\n* Growers would continue growing, but doing so once again out of sight. Their products would no longer be [tested for pesticides]( https://www.leafly.com/news/industry/leaflys-state-by-state-guide-to-cannabis-testing-regulations) or harmful chemicals putting people at risk.\n  \n* Thousands of businesses owners would close their doors, lay off their employees and stop paying taxes.\n\n* People would still use marijuana, just as they have done for thousands of years.\n\n* All of this would be hugely unpopular within the electorate, at a time when the Trump administration desperately needs to [unite the country]( http://www.recorder.com/editorial-election-reaction-5946895) around its agenda.\n\nMr. Sessions, I know that you are [no fan of marijuana]( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jeff-sessions-marijuana_us_582f58d5e4b030997bbf479c), but let me propose a way that you might navigate this huckleberry, while remaining true to your core beliefs as a conservative, as well as showing support for the ‘[jobs first](http://www.newstarget.com/2016-11-14-immigration-healthcare-and-jobs-are-going-to-be-president-trumps-first-priorities.html)’ agenda of our new President. \n\n1.\tState publicly, even though you don’t support the marijuana movement, that you strongly believe in the conservative principles of states’ rights and [federalism]( https://home.isi.org/conservatism-centralization-and-constitutional-federalism), and therefore marijuana policy should be up to the states to decide. The federal government has [no business involving]( http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/high-time-let-states-decide-on-marijuana.html) itself in this issue. \n\n2.\tInstruct the DEA to continue following the [Cole Memo](https://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/resources/3052013829132756857467.pdf)  which said that the federal government should not expend its resources pursuing people that are [observing](http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/30/us/politics/us-says-it-wont-sue-to-undo-state-marijuana-laws.html) state and local laws.\n\n3.\tRecognize that more than [60 percent](http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article115643188.html) of Americans now live in states where voters have approved either medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, or both. Allowing states to get further out of alignment with the federal government is problematic. To solve this problem once and for all, simply instruct the DEA to remove marijuana from the list of controlled substances, where it can be regulated and taxed like alcohol or tobacco (two far more harmful substances).\n\n4.\tRecognize that cannabis is the [fastest growing industry]( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/26/marijuana-industry-fastest-growing_n_6540166.html) in the US, and with [$100B industry]( https://www.newcannabisventures.com/ackrell-capital-forecasts-100-billion-cannabis-market-in-2029/) forecast by 2029, it’s a [massive job creator]( http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/oregon/2016/05/16/report-oregons-marijuana-market-taking-off/84461532/) (something every conservative should be able to get behind).\n\nMr. Sessions, if you have any remaining doubts, have your people give me a call. I would be happy to connect you with [tens of thousands]( https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey) of everyday Americans, who are finding incredible relief for their serious medical issues, by using a harmless weed that grows just about anywhere. I would also be happy to put you in touch with countless medical professionals who have advised these patients, and are equally convinced of the healing benefits of medical cannabis. \n\nAt HelloMD, we see this first-hand every day of the week. I know things look different in Alabama, but perhaps you should pay a visit to California?\n\nYour Sincerely,\n\nMark Hadfield","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/529c64474595a8eb77531d57ee367f33/14b42/1d11ba986658ec7cc3f217c76d8cf090.jpg","srcSet":"/static/529c64474595a8eb77531d57ee367f33/f836f/1d11ba986658ec7cc3f217c76d8cf090.jpg 200w,\n/static/529c64474595a8eb77531d57ee367f33/2244e/1d11ba986658ec7cc3f217c76d8cf090.jpg 400w,\n/static/529c64474595a8eb77531d57ee367f33/14b42/1d11ba986658ec7cc3f217c76d8cf090.jpg 800w,\n/static/529c64474595a8eb77531d57ee367f33/16310/1d11ba986658ec7cc3f217c76d8cf090.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/529c64474595a8eb77531d57ee367f33/58556/1d11ba986658ec7cc3f217c76d8cf090.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/529c64474595a8eb77531d57ee367f33/61e93/1d11ba986658ec7cc3f217c76d8cf090.webp 200w,\n/static/529c64474595a8eb77531d57ee367f33/1f5c5/1d11ba986658ec7cc3f217c76d8cf090.webp 400w,\n/static/529c64474595a8eb77531d57ee367f33/58556/1d11ba986658ec7cc3f217c76d8cf090.webp 800w,\n/static/529c64474595a8eb77531d57ee367f33/cc834/1d11ba986658ec7cc3f217c76d8cf090.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2004-markdown","title":"What Will a Trump Presidency Mean for Marijuana?","slug":"what-will-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-marijuana","content":"## Trump’s Opinions\r\n\r\nTrump has expressed many different opinions on cannabis during his time in the public spotlight, so what his marijuana policies will be as president are slightly unknown. In the 1990’s, Trump expressed that he believed the war on dugs was a failure and that, “You have to legalize drugs to win that war.” He expressed the importance of legalization in order to take profits away from drug cartels and proposed country-wide marijuana legalization. \r\n\r\nMore recently on the campaign trail, however, he has expressed more [trepidation](https://www.leafly.com/news/politics/what-would-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-cannabis) about full scale marijuana legalization. Though he does recognize states’ abilities to individually legalize marijuana, he also has articulated that he sees some problems within states like Colorado, where marijuana is recreationally legal. The one aspect of marijuana policy that Trump has held steady on is his support of medical marijuana. Trump believes in full legalization of medical marijuana and recognizes its benefits as an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. \r\n\r\n## Trump's Potential Cabinet\r\n\r\nThough Trump himself, based on past opinions, does not spell disaster for the marijuana industry in the country, there is more concern related to many of his top cabinet picks. Many of Trump’s inner circle, who are suspected to be up for top cabinet positions when the Trump administration takes office, have records that are completely anti-marijuana. Chris Christie, Rudy Giuliani, and, possibly most importantly, Mike Pence, have all created their political careers around a strong anti-marijuana stance. \r\n\r\nChris Christie was very clear during his personal presidential run that he believed in following federal drug laws above all else. He has [implied](http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/chris-christie-enforce-marijuana-illegal-2016-120769) in the past that President Obama is skirting some of his presidential duties by not enforcing marijuana laws in states where it has been recreationally legalized. Though Christie has allowed for medical marijuana in New Jersey, where he is the governor, he is very [clear](http://www.thecannabist.co/2016/09/15/new-jersey-medical-marijuana-christie-signs/63244/) that medical marijuana should only be used for very specific medical conditions, particularly when traditional pharmaceuticals have not worked. Christie is a staunch supporter of the gateway theory, which suggests that marijuana is a gateway drug to harder drug use, which has been widely disproved. \r\n\r\nRudy Giuliani was known for his crack-down on cannabis during his time as the [mayor](http://www.alternet.org/story/84515/nyc's_staggering_arrest_rate_for_pot_achieved_by_police_deception_and_scams) of New York City. His efforts experienced large amounts of backlash, though they are still in place in the city. As a result of his policies, which are considered by many to be racist, 400,000 people have been arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession in the city in the last decade. \r\n\r\nMike Pence is known for rejecting multiple ballot measures in Indiana during his time as governor that would have decriminalized marijuana. Indiana is one of the few states where any amount of cannabis can land you in jail. Pence currently does not support medical marijuana in any capacity, though he has made comments that he could possibly support it in the future. \r\n\r\n## The Existing System & What Might Change?\r\n\r\nThe Obama administration has taken a non-interference stance on [cannabis](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/11/09/what-the-future-of-marijuana-legalization-could-look-like-under-president-trump/). Though cannabis technically falls under the Controlled Substances Act, the administration put memos into place in 2013 that state that the DEA should not inhibit the marijuana industry in states where it is legalized. The DEA is allowed to still interfere in state-legal industries when they involve particular problems like the minors, driving under the influence, or growing cannabis on federal land. These memos were put into place to allow state industries to run unimpeded and to focus DEA priorities onto major issues like the opioid epidemic. \r\n\r\nReversing the current policy, however, is extremely easy. Simply revoking the memo created by President Obama would render all non-interference policies void and allow for full intervention by the DEA. Maintaining the memos, and allowing for the continued expansion of the industry, is in the best interest of the Trump administration. According to a June Politico poll, 54% of Americans think that marijuana should be legalized in all capacities, while a whopping 89% of Americans are pro medical marijuana. \r\n\r\nThis idea has been driven home by the recent election, where all but one state with a marijuana proposition on the ballot passed it. Following the [election](http://www.livescience.com/56807-recreational-marijuana-california-massachusetts-nevada.html#infographic), 8 states have legalized recreational marijuana, 21 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 15 states have legalized limited medical marijuana, which mainly involves the allowance of only high CBD, low THC products. Going against marijuana legalization would be going against the majority of the population. \r\n\r\nNot only would going against marijuana legalization cause the Trump administration unnecessary trouble, it would ruin a great source of revenue for the government. The marijuana industry also serves to create many new jobs in many sectors, from labor to research to manufacturing. According the Harvard [economist](http://www.dailydot.com/via/marijuana-legalization-economic-argument/) Jeffrey Miron, there is $113 billion to be made from legalized marijuana, which could create $45 billion in tax revenue for the government. As an added bonus, marijuana legalization could majorly decrease the number of incarcerated people, cutting down on costs for the federal government to pay to keep people in prisons. Marijuana legalization will also cut down on the necessary budget for drug enforcement.\r\n\r\nIt is unknown exactly what stance the Trump administration will take on marijuana, but it is better for them, and the country as a whole, to at least maintain the industry as it is. Trying to cut down the current industry would be extremely costly, and cause major problems by going against the majority opinion of the country. Marijuana legalization is one of the few things the most of the country agreed on this election season, so it is in the best interest for Trump and his future administration to support, or at least not interfere with, the cannabis industry. \r\n______________________________________________________________________\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/83057948@N07/27628453642/in/photolist-J6r3H1-9pXsuo-aaAdYC-2bcnZi-BCPJRr-58fvFr-3C3scH-iXFgGa-5U1TNS-7wQykM-HCnKry-KWS9-6TnEMn-JAs7ur-9ConY9-f654mJ-apZyru-JzshGB-dEcwwR-6yeac-nJm9Zs-9dnu6X-fcB6dX-9wibdH-5reEGc-jj7qp-9tXzTh-6UC3BR-jj7ow-4Ay7dq-jj7tv-6cVHqj-7asLyE-agyQRH-4K7hBj-6urpoT-DFPLEG-a5fHJb-jj7rB-6qANwX-5vBkto-BGpP5E-eb4LHi-nA1wNT-bYf4Eq-eb4LRt-2sMJpt-9oAUoh-eb4LFT-b4BjaK)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3245033112582782,"src":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/ee604/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png","srcSet":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/69585/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 200w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/497c6/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 400w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/ee604/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 800w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/0a5e0/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 1065w","srcWebp":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/58556/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/61e93/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 200w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/1f5c5/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 400w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/58556/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 800w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/a71cf/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 1065w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2088-markdown","title":"Marijuana Legalization Victories Sweep Across the US","slug":"marijuana-legalization-victories-sweep-across-the-us","content":"One thing is clear following the recent election, pro-marijuana sentiment continues to take root all across the country. All but one marijuana bill on ballots across the country passed, opening up even more states to recreational and medical marijuana. Across the country now: 8 states have legalized recreational marijuana, 21 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 15 states have legalized limited medical marijuana, which primarily refers to only the allowance of high CBD, low THC cannabis products. Not only do these many new bills provide marijuana to many people it could help, but each new market has the potential to produce large amounts of money for the states they are in. Here’s a review of what bills passed across the United States. \n\n## Medical\n\n#### Arkansas: Issue 6\n\nArkansas’s medical marijuana issue included a list of 17 medical conditions that would qualify a patient for medical marijuana use. It includes the creation of a Medical Marijuana Commission and a tax system that would provide revenue to technical institutes, vocational schools, and a general fund. The issue passed with 53% of the vote. The Arkansas medical marijuana industry is projected to generate $6.4 million. \n\n#### Florida: Amendment 2\n\nFlorida previously defeated a similar amendment to their state constitution in 2014, but this year it passed with 71.9% in favor. The amendment allows doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients with cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/Aids, PTSD, Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, MS, or “other debilitating conditions”. The Florida market is expected to generate $1.6 billion. \n\n#### Montana: Initiative 182\n\nInitiative 182 amends the previous medical marijuana bill in Montana that had created very strict restrictions on the number of recommendations doctors could give and caused other problems that limited many people from having access to medical marijuana. The new initiative requires providers to get licenses and receive regular inspections. It does, however, remove restrictions on provider limits and allows chronic pain and PTSD patients to access medical marijuana. The initiative passed with 56.9% of the vote, and is projected to produce $127.7 million. \n\n#### North Dakota: Measure 5\n\nNorth Dakota’s measure 5 sets up a system for the creation of nonprofit “compassion centers” that allow patients to access medical marijuana. If a patient lives more than 40 miles from a care center, however, they are able to grow a limited number of plants. Patients enrolled in the medical marijuana program are subject to random interviews, with only a 24 hour notice, to ensure their eligibility. The bill passed with 64% of the vote. The medical marijuana market in North Dakota is expected to generate $2.3 million. \n\n## Recreational\n\n#### Nevada: Question 2\n\nNevada’s question two sets up a recreational marijuana market in the state, where medical marijuana is already legal. Question 2 defines that tax revenue from cannabis will go towards funding K-12 education in the state. The bill passed with 54% and is expected to produce $621.9 million in the state. \n\n#### Massachusetts: Question 4\n\nQuestion 4 allows for people over 21 in the state to possess 10 ounce of marijuana at home, and one ounce in public. It also allows for the growth of 6 plants per person. The state will levy a 3.75% excise tax on marijuana. The bill passed with 53% of the people in the state voting for it. The recreational market in Massachusetts is expected to generate $1.1 billion dollars. \n\n#### Maine: Question 1\n\nMaine’s Question 1 outlines a legalization, taxation, and regulation process to take place in the state. Revenue from taxation of marijuana in Maine is set to go towards health and schools. Question 1 is known as one of the most progressive recreational marijuana bills and boasts the ability for people over 21 to have up to 12 flowering plants at one time. The bill just barley passed, with only 50.3% of people voting for it, and many opponents are demanding a recount. \n\n#### California: Proposition 64\n\nProbably the most anticipated recreational marijuana bill, [Proposition 64](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57cf68b372d0670007e32abf/california-marijuana-legalization-prop-64) allows for people over 21 to have access to recreational marijuana across the state of California. The bill legalizes the cultivation of marijuana and hemp and has restrictions in place to prevent corporate monopolies. California’s Proposition 64 was controversial in the marijuana friendly state because of the 15% sales tax that will be levied on marijuana, as well as the $9.25 per ounce cultivation tax. The proposition passed in California with 55% of the population voting for it and the recreational marijuana industry in the state is expected to produce a whopping $7.6 billion. \n\n#### One Loss: Arizona’s Proposition 205\n\nArizona’s proposition 205 would have created a market to allow medical marijuana dispensaries in the state to distribute cannabis for recreational purposes. People over 21 in the state could have also grown up to 6 plants and there would have been a 15% tax on cannabis. Despite the loss, Arizona’s medical marijuana market will remain intact. \n\n______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n\n\n[Image Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/6099430957/in/photolist-ahZbjH-43UB74-9TNUjC-5kBKvM-p7eWqi-6zmZed-cdsHBj-5Gmmcd-8QSbGH-s4CJgn-FcADHn-7ef7u9-9Mp2PX-bMH63H-7HttTW-4MeVgn-5AA9Yp-3RQ5Jg-J6URye-qVasip-59ZRNH-59ZRtz-59ZRGH-59ZS3i-59ZRfx-q8pAwL-5a57Ed-5a576N-aowBTd-53w2Lo-bhFLyK-b4h4Z2-wCmvy-o8z1Xq-8Hz1kw-53w2oj-52WbEF-covMtw-5vNfWh-JyHEE-5kBKPB-575reX-rb4as-vD6uDD-5a57qG-59ZQXZ-59ZR6P-5a57ws-5a55Cd-59ZSnV)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4705882352941178,"src":"/static/5517417549f665f7d227e26f75b99239/ee604/3b8cc3281a40a9fa5559df63e1dd8fde.png","srcSet":"/static/5517417549f665f7d227e26f75b99239/69585/3b8cc3281a40a9fa5559df63e1dd8fde.png 200w,\n/static/5517417549f665f7d227e26f75b99239/497c6/3b8cc3281a40a9fa5559df63e1dd8fde.png 400w,\n/static/5517417549f665f7d227e26f75b99239/ee604/3b8cc3281a40a9fa5559df63e1dd8fde.png 800w,\n/static/5517417549f665f7d227e26f75b99239/4c5c8/3b8cc3281a40a9fa5559df63e1dd8fde.png 1004w","srcWebp":"/static/5517417549f665f7d227e26f75b99239/58556/3b8cc3281a40a9fa5559df63e1dd8fde.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5517417549f665f7d227e26f75b99239/61e93/3b8cc3281a40a9fa5559df63e1dd8fde.webp 200w,\n/static/5517417549f665f7d227e26f75b99239/1f5c5/3b8cc3281a40a9fa5559df63e1dd8fde.webp 400w,\n/static/5517417549f665f7d227e26f75b99239/58556/3b8cc3281a40a9fa5559df63e1dd8fde.webp 800w,\n/static/5517417549f665f7d227e26f75b99239/eddbc/3b8cc3281a40a9fa5559df63e1dd8fde.webp 1004w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2234-markdown","title":"Voters in California, Massachusetts and Nevada legalize REC.","slug":"voters-in-california-massachusetts-and-nevada-legalize-rec","content":"Alex Halperin writes a weekly newsletter called '[Weed Week](https://www.weedweek.net/)' which is a Saturday morning newsletter on America's fastest growing and most interesting industry. Leading cannabis executives and advocates appreciate its credibility and evenhanded perspective on the latest in cannabis politics, business, health, criminal justice and culture You can [subscribe to Weed Week here](https://www.weedweek.net/).   \r\n\r\n#### From this Week's Edition: \r\n\r\nVoters in California, Massachusetts and Nevada [legalized](http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/marijuana-legalization.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) REC. About 25 percent of Americans now live in states that have legalized marijuana for adult use. \r\n\r\nThe results will put unprecedented pressure on the federal government to reform cannabis laws. As President Obama said in a recent interview with comedian Bill Maher, multiple states legalizing could make the federal prohibition “[untenable](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/11/08/medical-marijuana-sails-to-victory-in-florida/).”\r\n\r\nIn a night that was a stunning repudiation of the pollsters' art, the nine marijuana initiatives on state ballots performed more or less as predicted. So far, of the five states that voted on REC, only Arizona, which has a thriving MED market, [rejected it](http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/11/08/arizona-recreational-marijuana-proposition-205-election-results/92893564/), by about four points. As of this writing, with 94% of votes in, Maine’s REC initiative [appears to have the lead](http://www.pressherald.com/2016/11/08/mainers-consider-legalizing-recreational-marijuana/) in a very close race.\r\n\r\nAll four states voting on MED approved it. In Florida, voters [legalized MED](http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/florida-overwhelmingly-votes-to-legalize-medical-marijuana/2302028) with 71% in favor. In Arkansas, a MED initiative has a [comfortable lead](http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/nov/09/state-on-verge-of-approving-medical-pot/) with most precincts reporting. North Dakota’s MED initiative [passed](http://results.sos.nd.gov/resultsSW.aspx?text=BQ&type=SW&map=CTY) with about 64% of the vote and Montana’s Initiative to [expand MED](http://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/montana-ballot-measure-182-expand-medical-marijuana) access also passed comfortably. \r\n\r\nEach of the MED states also voted for [Donald Trump](http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-president.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=span-abc-region&region=span-abc-region&WT.nav=span-abc-region), who is now president-elect. \r\n\r\nTrump is a teetotaler who claims to have never drank or used drugs. He has been [consistent in his support](http://fortune.com/2016/07/12/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-marijuana/) for MED, and somewhat [less consistent](http://www.businessinsider.com/where-donald-trump-stands-on-weed-legalization-2016-11), in his support for states’ rights to regulate the plant as they choose.\r\n\r\nMost directly worrisome to the cannabis world is that Trump has surrounded himself with anti-drug hardliners, who are out of step with the country’s, and the Republican Party’s, gradual acceptance of the plant. \r\n\r\nVice-president elect Mike Pence has voted to escalate the war on drugs in Mexico and in 2014, called for [tougher sentences for possession](http://www.ibtimes.com/vice-presidential-debate-marijuana-reform-2016-where-do-tim-kaine-mike-pence-stand-2426351), “I think we need to focus on reducing crime, not reducing penalties,” he said. \r\n\r\nTrump’s closeness to Chris Christie, the New Jersey governor who was the only major Republican candidate to vocally endorse federal marijuana prohibition was also a source of alarm in the marijuana world. \r\n\r\nOf late, Christie has been sidelined due to the “[Bridgegate](http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2016/11/in-first-interview-after-bridgegate-convictions-christie-says-hes-not-finished-107150)” trial in which two of his former aides were convicted, and Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and prosecutor, has emerged as another candidate for attorney general. The last time Giuliani’s position on marijuana has been through much scrutiny was in [2007 during his short-lived presidential campaign](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/giuliani-medical-marijuana-unnecessary/). \"I believe the effort to try and make marijuana available for medical uses is really a way to legalize it,” he said at the time. “ There's no reason for it.\"\r\n\r\nThroughout the campaign, neither Donald Trump nor Hilary Clinton wanted to talk much about pot, but Trump’s election creates the possibility of tensions between a newly emboldened industry and an administration filled with anti-drug hawks. Whether this stand-off will transpire, and what forms it could take, is anyone’s guess.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3157894736842106,"src":"/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/14b42/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/f836f/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg 200w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/2244e/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg 400w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/14b42/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg 800w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/47498/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/30294/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg 1347w","srcWebp":"/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/58556/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/61e93/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp 200w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/1f5c5/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp 400w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/58556/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp 800w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/99238/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp 1200w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/76870/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp 1347w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2133-markdown","title":"Marijuana is Legal in California: What Happens Next?","slug":"marijuana-is-legal-in-california-what-happens-next","content":"### Multiple States Legalize\n\nIn a stunning pro-legalization victory, California voted to legalize marijuana on Tuesday as did Massachusetts Maine and Nevada. Things certainly have changed in the United States, in more ways than one with the passing of this election cycle. Although I am still reaching for my Tums after last night's election. \n\nPrior to yesterday's vote, cannabis was  legal  in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, as well as Washington DC. Personally, it did not surprise me that California passed Prop 64 but it has shocked me that Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada legalized cannabis.  More surprisingly, more limited medical marijuana props passed in the conservative states of Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota. \n\nA Washington Post article  received a quote from Ethan Nadelman, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. “This represents a monumental victory for the marijuana reform movement. With California’s leadership now, the end of marijuana prohibition nationally, and even internationally, is fast approaching.” Well, that at least, sounds very positive and affirming to me, and I need that this morning.\n\nRELATED: [ABOUT PROP 64: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58099f9b6b40a8000bf0584e/about-prop-64-what-you-should-know)\n\n### What Happens Next\n\nSo, if you're in California, you may be questioning what happens next. Now that we have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, how does this change the way you acquire and consume your cannabis today and in the near future? In the short term, absolutely nothing has changed in how you buy and consume your cannabis. \n\nProp 64 has passed, but over the next year to two years, the regulations that make up the new laws will need to written and approved. After they are approved there will be a progressive roll out, it does not happen all at once. Law makers generally say that all new regulations will be written and approved by January 2018, but many, many more people seem to think that this process may take upwards of two years. It may possibly take even longer for some parts to take effect.\n\n### What You Need to Know\n\nSo, here's what this means for you, for the next year or two at least:\n\n>1. You will still need to have an annual doctor's consultation and a marijuana letter of recommendation in order to purchase cannabis.\n\n>2. During this time, you will still be purchasing your cannabis from a medical marijuana dispensary or delivery service.\n\n>3. Until the laws are rolled out, you may still purchase medical marijuana with a valid doctor's letter of recommendation if you are 18 or older. After the roll out, you will need to be 21 or older.\n\n>4. Cannabis is still federally illegal, and this will not change for the foreseeable future. States that legalize marijuana have no effect on the federal laws.\n\nThe sale of recreational marijuana will begin once all new recreational dispensaries are licensed. This is a huge task at the state level and one of the reasons why this effort will take at least two years to implement. In addition, they will need to iron out how cannabis will be taxed, distributed and regulated. For the near term at least, it is business as usual!\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n\n\n\n\n\n ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/14b42/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/f836f/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.jpg 200w,\n/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/2244e/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.jpg 400w,\n/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/14b42/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.jpg 800w,\n/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/47498/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/54ac5/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/58556/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/61e93/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.webp 200w,\n/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/1f5c5/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.webp 400w,\n/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/58556/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.webp 800w,\n/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/99238/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.webp 1200w,\n/static/2435f5c0438d17bf9bb25b9cfb8048b3/5e0b8/44b10c3f1df3a9fd05f2f24eeeea85f2.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2106-markdown","title":"MJ for MDs: Marijuana for Medical Professionals","slug":"mj-for-mds-marijuana-for-medical-professionals","content":"Medical marijuana education is often lacking for many [doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5806c02b5bcbef00076268ad/medical-marijuana-doctors-where-are-they), even in states where medical marijuana has been legal for over 20 years. Fewer than 5% of doctors in Colorado, where marijuana is medically and recreationally legal, recommend cannabis to their patients. This is due mostly because of their lack of knowledge on how cannabis effects patients and the different types of products available. Budtenders, who are often on the frontline of giving patients recommendations on specific products, often receive little to no training on medical marijuana, and usually give recommendations based on anecdotal evidence of what has worked for other patients. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/580e6dd5b3a97600073e201c/embedded_images/580e6e98ab448f0007934fa7/Screen_Shot_2016-10-24_at_10.58.07_AM.png)\n \nThere are a limited number of programs for doctors to receive secondary education, but MJ for MDs is an organization that strives to provide doctors, other medical professionals, and people in the marijuana industry with the adequate information they need to properly guide patients on medical marijuana usage. Giving doctors, medical professionals, and budtenders access to adequate information on using medical marijuana for treatment of various medical conditions is crucial for cannabis to reach its true potential within the United States. \n\nMJ for MDs has organized a convention on November 14th through the 16th of 2016 in Denver, Colorado at the Westin Hotel Downtown Denver. The convention will feature various speakers including doctors and industry professionals, as well as keynote addresses by the likes of Mara Gordon of Aunt Zelda’s California and Guillermo Velasco PhD of Compultense Universidad de Madrid. [Dr. Perry Solomon, the Chief Medical Officer of HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/people/PerrySolomonMD), will also be speaking at the conference on the topic of telemedicine for cannabis. Various other topics will be covered, ranging from how cannabis can help with specific medical conditions to understanding pesticide use in the growth of cannabis.  The MJ for MDs conference is a great learning opportunity for medical professionals, cannabis industry professionals, and patients alike. \n\nRegister by October 31st with the discount code HELLO2016 and receive $100 off. For more information and a full schedule of speakers and events, go to [MJ for MDs](https://marijuanaformedicalprofessionals.com/). ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUBA//EABcBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgP/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAeyZtZ0E0z//xAAZEAADAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAxMBERL/2gAIAQEAAQUCiskrkVlNK6ez/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACH/2gAIAQMBAT8BiP/EABgRAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARUQEC/9oACAECAQE/AX1B7D//xAAaEAACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATEyEiGR/9oACAEBAAY/AqlUQiWSzeXT/8QAGhAAAwEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERMSFBUf/aAAgBAQABPyHvIRLdc0+hc4zngJPTD//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQX8//xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEVH/2gAIAQMBAT8QVio//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAgEBPxAm/8QAHBABAQACAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAIUFRkTHB/9oACAEBAAE/EKJAsFXfPeRkTors+4jIGdz9y9ASfeOsgA8ILGZFsuIDXmf/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/14b42/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/f836f/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.jpg 200w,\n/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/2244e/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.jpg 400w,\n/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/14b42/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/47498/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/54ac5/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/58556/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/61e93/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.webp 200w,\n/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/1f5c5/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.webp 400w,\n/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/58556/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.webp 800w,\n/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/99238/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.webp 1200w,\n/static/ec74b0be989cd73fd16fdfdf045b42ac/5e0b8/eebdcd108003891b46b7e2e0e963b670.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2223-markdown","title":"Why I am voting NO on Prop 64","slug":"why-i-am-voting-no-on-prop-64","content":"Prop 64 sounds great, right? Let’s legalize marijuana for everyone. \r\n\r\nI have been advocating this position my entire life. The drug war has been a miserable failure and has cost our society billions of dollars, ruined countless lives through incarceration and violence, and created an entire criminal underworld built on the lucrative commerce of illegal drugs. \r\n\r\nOn the other hand, a legal drug market - not just cannabis, but all drugs - would destroy the cartels, improve the quality of drugs used by addicts (and thus the safety of the same) and generate tax revenues that could be put to good social projects (like schools). At the end of the day, I believe that people that want to use drugs will do so, regardless of their legal status. Better to let them do so under safer conditions, with education rather than creating criminal addicts and everything else we see happening with this misguided drug war.\r\n\r\nBefore we talk about change, and get mired down into the complexities of legislative language, let’s take a moment to reflect on how things stand now for the lucky people of California.\r\n\r\n### California Under Proposition 215 \r\n\r\nSince 1996 California has been operating under the rules of Proposition 215, a system that continues to thrive.\r\n\r\n•\tMarijuana is readily and widely available at affordable prices. San Francisco alone has more than 100 dispensaries. They are on almost every block. Additionally, you can get product delivered right to your door within an hour, or sent by courier statewide within a day of your purchase. Those are Amazon-like service levels. \r\n\r\n•\tFarmers and others are able to grow, distribute and generate profits without significant risk (despite the Schedule 1 classification, meaning that regardless of state law, cannabis remains illegal as far as the federal government is concerned). Occasionally they may be visited by law enforcement, but my understanding is that this is almost always the result of a complaint by neighbors due to some obnoxious condition on the grower’s property. \r\n\r\n•\tEntrepreneurs of every description are entering the market, creating innovative new products and marketing them openly through dispensaries, at trade shows, events and online. Those with good business skills are outshining their competitors with better service, quality products, marketing and education. Cannabis is one of the most innovative and fastest growing industries around, and its creating employment for thousands. \r\n\r\n•\tPatients can easily connect with doctors that are open-minded about the use of cannabis for most medical issues. Becoming a legal medical marijuana patient costs around $49 (per year) from HelloMD and others, and includes the advice of a doctor on the use of cannabis for your health & wellness. There is no need to register your information with the state, your health insurance company or your employer. Your information is confidential and protected by HIPAA laws.\r\n\r\n\r\nSo why would I vote no on 64? Let’s take a look at the Proposition.\r\n\r\nIf you wanted to legalize recreational marijuana, you could do it with legislation of a few pages. The first hint of a more muscular agenda afoot is the length of the [actual proposition]( https://www.oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/15-0103%20%28Marijuana%29_1.pdf?). Over 60 pages of legalese. What could they possibly find to write about? As it turns out, quite a lot. \r\n\r\nIn the words of the actual Proposition: “The purpose of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act is to establish a comprehensive system to legalize, control and regulate the cultivation, processing, manufacture, distribution, testing, and sale of non-medical marijuana, including marijuana products, for use by adults 21 years and older, and to tax the commercial growth and retail sale of marijuana.”\r\n\r\nSo not really to ‘Legalize marijuana for recreational use” as most people think Prop 64 is all about.\r\n\r\n### What’s Wrong with Prop 64?\r\n\r\nRather than go through the entire bill and its intent, I am going to highlight the parts that I find most problematic.\r\n\r\n#### Excessive Taxes\r\n \r\nProp 64 imposes a cultivation tax of $9.25 per ounce for flowers, and $2.75 for leaves, along with a 15% tax on the retail price. Moreover, local municipalities are left free to impose their own taxes as well. So if you want to sell marijuana in your local town, they will determine what taxes you need to charge on top of the state tax, which might just eliminate your market. \r\n\r\nWhat will the additional new tax burden be to consumers? It’s hard to tell without the local tax rate information, but I think it’s likely to be at least 29%, which will drive up the price to consumers considerably. Don’t forget that a black market also exists today, and so excessive taxation can have the effect of just perpetuating the existing (untaxed) illegal market. \r\n\r\nHow much of this revenue (estimated to be up to $1 billion annually) would be allocated to public schools and other worthy projects? None of it at all. Instead it goes into a special fund created by Prop 64 itself, the California Marijuana Tax Fund, where much of the money has already been allocated to various interests including the apparatus of managing the industry itself.    \r\n\r\n#### Three Tier Distribution\r\n\r\nProp 64 mandates that all distribution of cannabis from growers to retailers, will now have to pass through the hands of third party (licensed) distributors. [Big alcohol distributors](http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/08/marijuana-legalization-big-business-alcohol-214198) are already muscling into these incredibly lucrative positions, potentially further driving up the costs by as [much as 30%]( http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/08/marijuana-legalization-big-business-alcohol-214198).\r\n\r\nThis is a big change to the current system. Today if you are a grower, or an edibles manufacturer, you can choose to do business with a distributor, or you can choose to go directly to the retailer yourself. Many deal direct, because they have relationships, like to control their own delivery of product and feel it’s a competitive advantage to their business. Why should the government take this business decision out of the hands of the entrepreneurs?  \r\n\r\nMoreover, these new distributors are going to be in very powerful positions (since they cannot be avoided). They will mark up the cost of product, make a profit of their own and control where and how all cannabis products are distributed. This is the very definition of what is known as ‘big business’ and the end result is never good for consumers, or small business owners. I personally think that markets function best with less government interference.\r\n\r\n#### Destruction of the Existing Medical System\r\n\r\nFor the past 20 years, being a medical marijuana patient in California has been very straightforward. An annual doctor’s consultation was all it took. No need to register with the state, no need for your medical insurance rates to rise, or your employer to find out or discriminate against you because of your choice to medicate. With the introduction of [Telehealth services like HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/), this has become even more convenient. That annual doctor’s consult now happens from the privacy of your home, at a time of your choosing.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [ABOUT PROP 64 - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/about-prop-64-what-you-should-know)\r\n\r\nNot so under Prop 64. Now (if you want to remain a medical cannabis consumer) you will need to register with the state, and (in addition to what you pay your doctor) you will have to pay a $100 state fee. For many, this state registration is problematic in that there is no guarantee that your insurance company or your employer won’t find out about your medicating. Let’s also not forget that you are still committing a federal crime, and so if you work in government or think you might in the future, or you are worried about your citizenship or any other involvement or dealing with the federal government, state registration is really an issue that is going to prevent you from getting a medical card.   \r\n\r\nLet’s not forget too that the DEA is a federal agency. The FEDS have stated their intention not to interfere too much with those in compliance with their state laws, although there is nothing stopping them from doing so. Right now, Californian’s using cannabis have the protection of the medical system on their side. IE: they have doctors that have specifically authorized them to use cannabis for their health, and the protection of Prop 215, passed by the people of California on their side. Under Prop 64, for those that are considered recreational users, there is no such protection from the Feds, moral, medical or otherwise. The federal government is still trying to get its head around the idea of medical marijuana. Recreational cannabis put Californians further out of alignment with where federal policy is today. \r\n\r\nFor those of us that believe in the medical benefits this plant has to offer society, it’s important for the continued progression of the industry from the shadows of stigma, that a strong medical / health & wellness orientation is maintained. If medical cannabis is overwhelmed in the state of California by the momentum of the recreational market, we may never see the adoption of the plant by tens of millions of Americans that do not want to be associated with recreational use, but may benefit in using cannabis for their health & wellness. I am thinking of the 110m Americans with chronic pain, the 60 million that suffer from insomnia, the 76 million with migraines (the list goes on and on). For these everyday Americans to enter the market, they need to see it as an acceptable, mainstream solution to their medical concerns, without the negative association of recreational use and all that it entails. \r\n  \r\n#### Legislators Ability to Interfere\r\n\r\nDo you think you will get what you are voting for? Prop 64 includes a rare provision allowing the legislative body to make alterations to the law after it gets passed. Unlike Prop 215 which can only be changed with another voter approved measure, Prop 64 can have key elements changed by the legislature with a simple majority vote on the sections pertaining to Medical and Adult Use, and just about anything at all can be changed by a two thirds vote of the legislature. This includes tax rates, taxes on medical, the intrusion of big business in the industry, or your rights to grow plants at home.\r\n\r\nIf you think this is unlikely, consider what happened in the state of Washington. Just six months after the first recreational stores opened in Washington, the legislature introduced a measure to end the states 15-year-old medical marijuana program, [close all medical dispensaries](http://weedrush.news21.com/washington-merges-recreational-and-medical-marijuana-to-stop-illegal-sales/) and dramatically limit how much patients could grow at home. This was a deliberate move to force medical patients into the heavily taxed recreational system, where they face a whopping [37% tax on their medication](http://www.thecannabist.co/2015/07/01/washington-state-pot-law-overhaul-marijuana-tax-reset-at-37-percent/37238/), on top of the already inflated price of cannabis. Compare that sorry situation with how things currently look in California under Proposition 215!\r\n\r\n### Are My Concerns Warranted?\r\n\r\nI am not the type of person to worry excessively. I will be the first to admit that a lot of what I have written above pertains to what ‘might happen’ as opposed to what ‘will happen’. Ultimately, a lot of the consequences will be determined by the people and companies involved as the market evolves. These are for the most part at this time, simply unknown.\r\n\r\nThat said, we should not take our rights to use, purchase, grow and possess cannabis as medical patients for granted. The system in place under 215 has served Californian’s very well indeed, and continues to do so today. I personally feel no restriction to access to under the current system, and I am pleased to have the advice and oversight of my doctor in my choice to medicate. Medical cannabis is currently in place in California, is not a broken system and helps people every day. Do we really need to replace it?\r\n\r\nProposition 64 at best introduces a lot of change and uncertainty, and at worst could practically destroy the medical system in California as we know it. With the Feds refusing to reschedule marijuana for the time being, I believe that California would do better to continue with the medical system created by Prop 215 firmly in place, irreplaceable other than through a voter approved initiative. \r\n\r\nWe have a lot on the line here. Let’s not screw this up. \r\n\r\nJoin me in voting NO on Prop 64.\r\n\r\n(Whether you agree or disagree - post a comment below and let me know why)\r\n \r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/14b42/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg","srcSet":"/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/f836f/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg 200w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/2244e/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg 400w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/14b42/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg 800w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/47498/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg 1200w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/54ac5/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/58556/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/61e93/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp 200w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/1f5c5/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp 400w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/58556/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp 800w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/99238/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp 1200w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/5e0b8/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2137-markdown","title":"About Prop 64: What You Should Know","slug":"about-prop-64-what-you-should-know","content":"### Prop 64 is the Vote for Cannabis Legalization\n\nProp 64 is on the ballot for November 8 and if you are wondering how you should vote, I’m going to give you the skinny on what it’s all about. Voting ‘YES’ on 64 is giving your vote for legalization of marijuana for recreational use in California. A survey conducted this past September found that Californians support P64 by about 58%, which is more than at any other time. Of course, unless supporters get to the poll, the Prop may not go through, it’s not a fait accompli.\n\nSupporters of Prop 64 refer to it as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act and use the term AUMA for shorthand. If you choose to vote ‘YES’ for P64 you are in support of legalizing recreational marijuana for persons aged 21 years or older under state law and establishing certain sales and cultivation taxes, among other things to yet be defined. Take note, that if it does pass it will take at least one to two years for most regulations to be fully ironed out and implemented.\n\n### The AIDS Epidemic Got Us Here\n\nA little background on how we got to this point. In 1996 California was the first in the nation to legalize medicinal use of marijuana. The passage of Prop 215 at that time, was exceptionally progressive for where the country stood in time. The passage of P215 was in large part due to the AIDS epidemic. People took note that cannabis helped to keep those suffering from the AIDS virus alive for longer as it helped with cachexia (wasting disease) as well as to alleviate the pain and suffering associated with the disease. The community did the right thing and rallied for Prop 215 to pass and it did.\n\n### Colorado as a Template\n\nOn November 6, 2012, Colorado became the first state to pass a law that legalized recreational use of cannabis. It matters what has happened in Colorado since that time, as many view it as a template to where California is headed. The positive outcomes within Colorado have been that it has ushered in thousands of new jobs, millions of dollars in tax revenue each year, thousands have avoided criminal penalties, and the overall crime rate dropped by 10%. Good stuff.\n\nHowever, opponents of Prop 64 point to Colorado as a cautionary tale. The opponents point to an increase in marijuana related traffic deaths, emergency room visits and poison center calls. Many strongly oppose legalized recreational use due to fears of childhood use and dispensaries opening near neighborhoods and schools. But note, no one has ever died of a marijuana related overdose, ever.\n\nRELATED: [WANT TO KNOW WHY MOMS SHOULD SUPPORT LEGALIZATION?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5716bfd5e1d0c0000c000013/why-moms-should-support-marijuana-legalization)\n\nMore recently there are numerous articles pointing to a backlash within Colorado communities. Pueblo, Colorado is an epic center of one such backlash. A town awash in scrub brush and weed, local officials welcomed the green rush with open arms. It’s brought jobs, revitalization, and a there-there to a small rural town. It also brought a serious down-and-out element according to locals, which has changed the character of their community.\n\n[A Boston Globe article](https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2016/09/05/colorado-revolt-against-legalized-marijuana/BkUOeZOThisG7ASJ56xmIM/story.html) highlights the downside, of one Mom’s perception of life in Pueblo “…she bristles at the potent smell of marijuana when  she drives past some of the cultivation facilities. She hates that her kids’ school is near several dispensaries. She’s frustrated by the full-page ads in the local paper with huge photos of buds and coupons for $1 joints with a purchase of $20 or more. We don’t want our community identified by this anymore.”\n\n### Why Vote YES\n\nSo what may be the positive benefits of voting “YES” on Prop 64? According to the organization [YES on 64](http://www.yeson64.org/about) there are many. Regulation of an unregulated market will protect the everyday consumer. True. Bringing the market into a transparent marketplace similar to alcohol and tobacco will allow for tracking (aka seed to sale), regulation and the ever-important taxation. True. Revenues collected from taxes will go towards drug education, training of law enforcement, protection of small farmers (for a time), and supporting ‘economic development in communities adversely impacted by prohibition'. \n\nThere are built-ins within Prop 64 that go towards stopping large monopoly farms from taking over immediately, which is a very good thing. Without this, the small farming communities would be decimated.  There is also legislation in there that indicates that illegal farming with bad environmental practices aka stealing water and pesticide run off, will be shut down. Good, I think.\n\nWithin the cannabis industry, one of the biggest reasons people seem to be in favor of Prop 64 is based on a moral issue: unjust incarceration. I think this hits home with so many within the community because so many people have either lived in fear of going to jail or have actually gone to jail. \n\nProp 64 allows for re sentencing of prior convictions concerning cannabis and obviously lessens any future offenses for those handling the plant. As Amanda Reiman of Drug Policy Alliance has stated, Prop 64 will “overthrow a crippled system that specifically affected minorities and set them up for an uphill battle, especially after being prosecuted on weed-related charges.”\n\nProp 64 in many people's minds also goes a long way towards de-stigmatizing the use of cannabis in society. This is important as 'Reefer Madness' mentality has dominated for a long time, ever since prohibition began, and was only reinforced during the Reagan years with the 'Just Say No' campaign. From both a recreational and medicinal side, the choice to use cannabis should not be something that places people within the closet. For Californians it's clear at least, it is time to come out.\n\nSo let’s give Prop 64 to you in a nutshell. Here are some of the things that Prop 64 proposes:\n\n> 1. If you are 21 or older, you can obtain marijuana legally for recreational use \n\n> 2. If you are a cultivator or plan to sell cannabis you will need a license\n\n> 3. There will be a 15% sales tax on recreational sales + standard sales taxes \n\n> 4.  Local governments can add additional regulations and taxes\n\n> 5. There will be regulation on packaging, labeling, advertising and marketing\n\n> 6. Re sentencing for prior marijuana convictions and those with prior marijuana convictions will be allowed to apply for a cannabis license\n\n> 7. Prop 64 is meant to leave in place and strengthen the system that protects patients, the Compassionate Care Act, created after Prop 215 in 1996 \n\n> 8. $2 million dollars per year will be earmarked towards medical research on marijuana for medical efficacy within the state\n\n> 9. Existing privileges of patients to possess marijuana up to one ounce of marijuana and eight grams of concentrated marijuana will be maintained\n\n> 10. AUMA will further protect the patients who choose to cultivate up to 6 plants at home \n\n### Taking Baby Steps has Some Downsides\n\nSo, after all of this, what is my opinion? Well, I have heard so many different people with so many different opinions on how Prop 64 will ultimately play out, that it is difficult for me to say. Many insiders say something to the effect of, “We need to take baby steps, and we will fall, but eventually we will walk and then run.” My main concern is to allow government to take over and big industry to step in and run the show. \n\nI am also wary of the notion that local governments who can further tax or regulate within their community. What I have seen to date is that most local governments are incredibly cautious and NIMB-ism (Not In My Backyard) rules the roost. \n\nFurther taxation on 15% or even 20% state taxation will lead to more black market rather than above board transparency. Research has backed up that taxation over 20% drives the cost of cannabis up so much that many patients will opt to buy from their dealer in most cases instead. My take is that most local governments have no idea of the trickle down of their decision making, which in their mind is in the best interest of the community. \n\nI have also already seen how smaller players, that are a bit less savvy, but who have fought the fight, have been edged out. Equally so, I hear a lot about how a unionized distribution channel will take over distribution, and in a similar to how alcohol is run, within the industry. Why is this bad? Because currently, the industry mandates their own distribution for better or worse, and manufacturers are allowed to make their own choices. This does not sound like a big deal but it is not only a competitive advantage for many but also leads to significant cost savings as a consumer. \n\n### Recreational vs Medical\n\nThe other thing that is not talked about enough is the difference between ‘recreational’ and ‘medical’ use and what that means to the consumer. To me the terms recreational vs medical is incredibly confusing. Cannabis by and large in my mind is used by most of the population as a vehicle for health and wellness. Dividing the world into such black and white terms is problematic. Without going into too much detail, this division potentially leads to both different rates of taxation and categorization of product.\n\nIn Colorado, there is a medical side of the dispensary and a recreational side of the dispensary. The medical side has lower taxes and different products. If you enter the medical side you need a doctor’s recommendation issued by your doctor. The recreational side is open to all of legal age and the products are taxed at a much higher rate. The downside in California, if we follow this model, is that you need your doctor’s recommendation to be a medicinal patient AND after 2018 you will need to register with the state of California. Registering as a medical patient will exempt you from a 9.25% added tax. \n\n### Your Privacy Matters, A LOT\n\nOK, so here is where I start stamping my foot and raising a big stink. Being a medicinal patient and being required to register with the state is an infringement of privacy. For twenty years, the decision as to whether one is able to obtain cannabis legally as a medicine has been between the doctor and the patient. Period. It has been completely private. \n\nWhy in the wake of legalization should the government have the right, while cannabis is federally illegal, to know if I have a medical recommendation from my doctor? Well, they shouldn't. Oh, and they plan to charge you for the right to register, which drives up the cost for medicinal patients. \n\nAt HelloMD we have seen thousands upon thousands of patients. What’s their biggest concern? Privacy. Why? Because they are afraid of the government and law enforcement and losing their job, among many other things. The stigma of cannabis is that real. \n\nDoes the government think that by putting into effect this law they will not be driving people back into the shadows?  Lastly, if we do follow the model of Colorado and medical cannabis is significantly cheaper but requires a medical rec, many people will forgo their medicine due to short term price difference in addition to the fear of being found out.\n\nI am decidedly Anti-Prohibition, but I am also someone who does not blindly trust when so much money is at stake. Many in the industry believe that Prop 64 is the first necessary step towards a transparent and healthier system. \nUltimately, the passing of Prop 64 may be the best move for society on the whole and help move our system to full legalization nationwide.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBBP/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEA/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAHtnYSxP//EABoQAAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAREjAxP/2gAIAQEAAQUCzL5kMkmNL5sYn//EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASYRP/2gAIAQMBAT8BzgkP/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABL/2gAIAQIBAT8BtT//xAAaEAACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARARIjEy/9oACAEBAAY/Ao0x02ZnTP/EABsQAAIDAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERACExQWFx/9oACAEBAAE/ISADOS/sEVDFa+zTQjgcTtL9M//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQj9//xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAfER/9oACAEDAQE/EE0GoP/EABcRAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABYXH/2gAIAQIBAT8QmzT/xAAbEAEBAQEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAABESEAMVFhkf/aAAgBAQABPxBYiAq8CBlc+XmaKMi7yEqDvvyLFmLOeHrIUKwd/O//2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/14b42/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg","srcSet":"/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/f836f/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg 200w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/2244e/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg 400w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/14b42/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg 800w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/47498/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg 1200w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/54ac5/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/58556/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/61e93/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp 200w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/1f5c5/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp 400w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/58556/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp 800w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/99238/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp 1200w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/5e0b8/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2190-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Doctors: Where Are They?","slug":"medical-marijuana-doctors-where-are-they","content":"### Cannabis Use Does Not Worry Doctors\nA [recent study](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/10/05/your-doctors-probably-more-worried-about-your-weight-than-your-marijuana-use-study-finds/) published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also known as PNAS, found that doctors do not find cannabis use as a concerning behavior. \n\nThe 233 doctors involved in the study were presented with nine behaviors: tobacco use, depression, alcohol use, marijuana use, obesity, firearms in the house, previous abortions, marijuana use, having sex with a prostitute, and not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle. The doctors ranked each item on a ten point scale. \n\nDoctors ranked having sex with a prostitute and not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle as the most concerning behaviors, whereas marijuana use was ranked as the item of least concern out of the whole group. Alcohol and tobacco usage were also ranked as a higher concerns by doctors than cannabis use. \n\n### Doctors Favor Medical Marijuana\n\nThe findings of the [study](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/survey-76-percent-of-doctors-approve-of-medical-marijuana-use/) are not surprising seeing as a 2013 study found that 76% of doctors are in favor of medical marijuana. The study involved doctors from 72 different countries and 56 different states and provinces from the United States. Cannabis has not caused any reported deaths or overdoses in its thousands of years of use and a study from May of this year found that consistent marijuana use causes no major health problems. \n\nThe study, which was conducted by Arizona State University, looked at the cannabis use of 1,037 New Zealanders. Cannabis was found to cause no major health problems after a lifetime of use, except for the increased prevalence of gum disease. The study found no difference in metabolism or lung function in cannabis users compared to the control group. \n\n### Doctors Aren't Recommending Cannabis\n\nMany doctors think cannabis could be beneficial, but they are still aren’t recommending (doctors are not able to prescribe, they can only recommend) it regularly. [Many doctors are not adequately knowledgable](http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/23/health/medical-marijuana-doctor-knowledge/) about cannabis, so they are hesitant to recommend it to their patients. \n\n[READ HOW OPIOID MEDICATION IS KILLING AMERICA >>](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/illegal-opioid-prescriptions-kill-more-people)\n\nEven though medical cannabis has been legal in some states for twenty years, education has not caught up with the tide of legalization. Medical cannabis education is widely left out of medical schools. “Only 1 medical school out of the total of 140, University of Vermont, has a course teaching about the endocannabinoid system. Only 13% of the other 140 touch on it in various forms, though most hardly at all,” said Dr. Perry Solomon, Chief Medical Officer of HelloMD. The lack of education comes directly from the lack of access to education for doctors and medical students, which is something that needs to be changed.\n\n### More Education is Needed\n\nSome states have set up continued education programs for doctors in their state. Specific states, like New York, have even required doctors to take some sort of state sanctioned education before being allowed to recommend medical marijuana. New York doctors have benefited greatly from the program, 80% of the doctors who have taken the program said they changed their processes in regards to marijuana based on what they learned. \n\nMany doctors still do not have a grasp on dosage and how to properly choose between the different strains of cannabis to recommend to their patients. Many doctors feel that there is not adequate studies on medical marijuana because of the limits on research due to marijuana’s position as a schedule I substance. \n\nDoctors also still worry about the blurred lines between legality and illegality. Since marijuana is still a federally illegal substance, many doctors find it hard to write medical marijuana recommendations for fear of repercussions down the line. As the national opinion on marijuana has moved into favor of medical usage, it is important that doctors are educated on how patients can properly use cannabis to help treat their various conditions. \n\n\nDo you have questions about about cannabis? Ask a question on [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers). A doctor or member of our community will answer.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/14b42/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/f836f/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.jpg 200w,\n/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/2244e/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.jpg 400w,\n/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/14b42/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.jpg 800w,\n/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/47498/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/54ac5/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/58556/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/61e93/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.webp 200w,\n/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/1f5c5/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.webp 400w,\n/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/58556/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.webp 800w,\n/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/99238/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.webp 1200w,\n/static/59d799459a662f829a9a0eb8f256f19d/5e0b8/6be97d764dca185f7ec75b80eb9610d7.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2207-markdown","title":"A Look Inside the Cannabis Industry","slug":"a-look-inside-the-cannabis-industry","content":"This week HelloMD took part in one of the most talked about cannabis events, the [New West Summit](http://newwestsummit.com/). This is only the second year of the New West Summit and this year was twice as big and twice as exciting, even including Sir Richard Branson as a keynote speaker.\r\n\r\nNew West Summit bills itself as the place where business meets technology meets media. Some of the companies and brands that participated were Bloom Farms, Steep Hill, Strainz, Vape Exhale, Firefly, Care by Design, Pax and many, many more. HelloMD took advantage of so many big cannabis hitters in one room by setting up a mini recording studio in our booth. During the entire event we met the people behind some of the biggest brands as well as those who are doing ground breaking work within the industry.\r\n\r\nHelloMD was fortunate to be included on several panel discussions during the event. Dr. Solomon, our Chief Medical Officer, on the panel ‘Serious Medicine, Serious Research, Serious Business’, was in good company alongside Dr. Sue Sisley, a renowned researcher who has fought to run formalized trials on the effect cannabis has on PTSD. Dr. Solomon also spoke on the panel ‘Cannabis & Athletics’ with former NFL star Kyle Turley.\r\n\r\n\r\nOur entire team worked tirelessly during the conference to grab the who’s who of the cannabis industry to hear their thoughts on a variety of topics from the growth of a brand, to media that matters, to thoughts on Prop 64, to how cannabis fits into the spectrum of overall health and wellness. Below are a few photos from our booth where the filming magic happened.\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5803ccaad04574000a86abeb/embedded_images/5803ccadd04574000a86abec/Screen_Shot_2016-10-16_at_11.41.21_AM.png)\r\n\r\nFilming Charlie of Boveda talking about how cannabis helped him with phantom leg syndrome after a serious motorcycle accident.  \r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5803ccaad04574000a86abeb/embedded_images/5803ccafd04574000a86abed/Screen_Shot_2016-10-16_at_11.44.47_AM.png)\r\n\r\nDr. Solomon talking to Mara Gordon of Aunt Zelda's. \r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5803ccaad04574000a86abeb/embedded_images/5803e49e594da7000b698152/Screen_Shot_2016-10-16_at_11.42.39_AM.png)\r\n\r\nTalking to Jen of Green Heart Foundation which educates seniors on how to medicate safely.\r\n\r\nTowards the end of the event, I was able to grab Jim McAlpine, the founder of New West for a fireside chat. During our film session he said,  “One of the biggest trends that I see emerging in the industry is that businesses are developing polished brands, in a sense they are growing up.” This statement rings true to me, if only from my personal experience at HelloMD, it feels like we have grown up over the past year! So much of this is due to the community of patients that support us. \r\n\r\nWe will be spending the next few weeks to edit our material and will be sure to share as soon as possible!","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/14b42/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/f836f/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.jpg 200w,\n/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/2244e/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.jpg 400w,\n/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/14b42/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.jpg 800w,\n/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/47498/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/54ac5/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/58556/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/61e93/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.webp 200w,\n/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/1f5c5/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.webp 400w,\n/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/58556/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.webp 800w,\n/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/99238/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.webp 1200w,\n/static/27b63c69ff597f9fa5aa86af0640fb9d/5e0b8/b738ff0980198db4973b22bdf0b951e0.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2130-markdown","title":"Chelsea Clinton Knows Nothing About Marijuana","slug":"chelsea-clinton-knows-nothing-about-marijuana","content":"### Chelsea Clinton Speaks Out Against Marijuana\r\n \r\nOn a campaign stop at the end of September, Chelsea Clinton made claim that Colorado coroners are seeing deaths caused by cannabis interacting with other drugs in peoples’ systems. This [statement came as part](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/chelsea-clinton-medical-marijuana_us_57ed391ee4b082aad9b9a825) of Clinton’s response to a question asked about her mother’s opinions on rescheduling marijuana at a forum at Youngstown State University in Ohio. \r\n\r\nThe daughter of the first female major party presidential nominee has now claimed that she misspoke during the forum. Campaign spokespeople for the Clinton campaign have also said that Chelsea misspoke and clarified that Clinton is in favor of state by state marijuana legalization and rescheduling marijuana from a schedule I to a schedule II substance. \r\n\r\n### Zero Deaths from Marijuana\r\n\r\nChelsea Clinton’s assertion that marijuana has led to deaths in Colorado isn’t far off from the Reefer Madness stigma that cannabis has just begun to be able to shake. Clinton’s comments, no matter how regretted they are, harken back to the lies that are often told about marijuana. [Marijuana has caused zero deaths](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/03/marijuana-deaths_n_3860418.html) in its recorded history, which stretches back thousands of years. There is absolutely no evidence to support the claim that marijuana causes any fatal interactions when mixed with other drugs. \r\n\r\nResearchers estimate that it takes 20,000 to 40,000 times the amount of THC in an average joint to kill someone, levels that are virtually impossible to reach. Despite the bad reputation that once plagued marijuana, medical or otherwise, the tides have turned in the United States. \r\n\r\n61% of adults in the country think that medical marijuana should be legal according to a survey by the Associated Press and the University of Chicago. A majority of the adult population, 52%, even supports recreational marijuana.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis is a Safe Alternative\r\n\r\nMarijuana is now being seen as a natural and safe alternative to the increasing numbers of pharmaceuticals that are being prescribed across the country. From opioids to anti-anxiety medications, our country is becoming increasingly dependent on harsh pharmaceutical drugs, and consequently we are seeing growing numbers of side effects and addictions. \r\n\r\nMarijuana has shown efficacy at treating a variety of medical conditions, from chronic pain to anxiety. A [systematic review](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4011465/) published in the Journal of Neurology in 2014 looked at the ability of medical marijuana to aid with a variety of medical conditions that are often found in association with MS, epilepsy, and other movement disorders. \r\n\r\nMedical marijuana, which was administered in the form of cannabis extract and Nabiximols, a botanical cannabis extract that is an approved drug in the UK, was found to aid with spasticity, central pain, painful spasms, and even had a high probability of aiding people with tremors. This study is just one example of the wide range of medical conditions that marijuana can help with.\r\n\r\n### Marijuana Helps People \r\n\r\nStudies have also shown marijuana’s ability to help people with asthma, migraines, inflammation, and anxiety, among many other conditions. More importantly, however, is marijuana’s incredible pain relieving properties. Chronic pain is one of the largest medical problems plaguing the United States and it has lead to the increased use of opioids, which have now become an epidemic across the country. \r\n\r\nMedical marijuana has shown to have promise at reducing the number of drug related deaths because of its efficacy as a pain reliever. A [2015 study](http://www.nber.org/papers/w21345) concluded that marijuana is an effective alternative to opioids as a pain reliever and that access to medical marijuana greatly reduces the use of highly addictive opioid pain relievers. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Reduces Opioid Deaths\r\n\r\nStates that have passed medical marijuana laws have seen an average of a 25% decrease in opioid overdose related deaths. This number shows that access to medical marijuana greatly reduces the use of opioids, which in turn leads to less addictions and less overdoses. \r\n\r\nChelsea Clinton’s unfortunate remarks have once again served to perpetuate false propaganda about marijuana. Often a lack of education on the benefits of marijuana and lack of knowledge on the numerous medical studies that have been conducted are to blame for comments like Clinton’s. Medical cannabis access has served to better the lives of large numbers of people, and it could benefit even more as more states move into the realm of legalization. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about about cannabis? Ask a question on [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/ feature). A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/14b42/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/f836f/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg 200w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/2244e/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg 400w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/14b42/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg 800w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/47498/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/54ac5/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/58556/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/61e93/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp 200w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/1f5c5/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp 400w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/58556/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp 800w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/99238/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp 1200w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/5e0b8/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2217-markdown","title":"Cannabis Treats Heroin Addiction Successfully","slug":"cannabis-treats-heroin-addiction-successfully","content":"### Opioids & Heroin\r\n\r\nAccording to the Center for Disease Control, [opioids, including heroin, were responsible for more than](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-overdose-patients-continue-to-get-meds/) 28,600 deaths in 2014 and 61% of all overdose related deaths. \r\n\r\nHeroin is a growing problem in the United States and it is popping up everywhere from city streets to once quiet American suburbs. Often heroin addiction is caused by an addiction developed while taking prescription opioids, but heroin is then turned to as a much cheaper alternative to prescription opioids. \r\n\r\nHeroin is just one component of the opioid epidemic that is plaguing America. Only about half of people with addictions fully recover from their disease and do not resort back to using. In some cases, we see even higher rates of relapse for people with opioid addictions, meaning finding new approaches to ridding our country of widespread heroin addiction is essential. \r\n\r\n### Why Cannabis\r\n\r\nA survey carried out by [Amanda Reiman out of UC Berkley found](http://phys.org/news/2009-12-cannabis-booze-britain-problems.html# jCp) some of the main reasons patients at Berkley Patient Group, a medical marijuana dispensary, took cannabis. The results showed that  there was less withdrawal with cannabis compared to other illicit drugs, less adverse effects when taking cannabis compared to other drugs, and it provided them with the best symptom management for their various medical conditions. \r\n\r\nIf patients are choosing cannabis for better symptom relief qualities, then it is clear that access to medical marijuana could prevent some problematic addictions in the long run. Cannabis, however, might prove effective at helping people heal from their already present addictions as well.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Quells Symptoms\r\n\r\nSome states are looking to cannabis to help rid them of their growing heroin addiction problems. Maine is considering adding opioid and heroin addiction to the list of conditions that apply for medical marijuana. Since one of the most common routes into heroine addiction is prescription opioid abuse, usually prescribed legally for pain, it is thought that since marijuana has shown great efficacy at treating chronic pain, it could dramatically decrease the need for opioids in the first place. \r\n\r\n[Massachusetts also has a pilot program](http://www.drugfree.org/news-service/opioid-addiction-treated-medical-marijuana-massachusetts/) of opioid addicts being treated with medical marijuana. Dr. Gary Witman of CannaCare Doctors attempted to treat about 80 patients who were addicted to opioids, anti-anxiety medications, and muscle relaxers with cannabis over the course of a one month period. Three fourths of the patients stopped taking the harder drugs that they had previously been addicted to because cannabis adequately quelled their symptoms. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Replaces Other Drugs\r\n\r\nA 2009 study published in the Harm Reduction Journal found that cannabis could be effective at treating alcoholism. Out of 350 cannabis users, 40% used cannabis to quell alcohol cravings, 66% used it as a replacement for prescriptions drugs, and 26% used it as a replacement for illicit drugs, in all of the cases cannabis was an effective alternative to what each patient had previously been taking. \r\n\r\n[A 2013 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24069004) by the National Institute of Health, which was conducted by the Psychiatry Research Unit in Montreal, Canada found that cannabinoids are able to alter the bodies reward system. The study found that the endocannabinoid system may be crucial in addiction treatment because it is closely tied with various neurological and behavioral aspects of addiction. Since cannabis acts on the endocannabinoid receptors in the body, it is believed that cannabis could be effective at helping people with addictions. \r\n\r\n[Another study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3742578/) from 2013, which was published in NueroScience, found that targeting the endocannbinoid system in people who have opioid addictions could be a novel pathway for the treatment of addiction. Cannabinoids and opioids work on similar pathways in the body, so supplementing the body with cannabis could possibly alleviate up to seventy of the withdrawal symptoms associated with halted opioid use. [A 2009 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2829756/), which was also published in the Journal of NueroScience, found that CBD specifically could be a potential treatment for heroine addicts. This was shown in an experimental rat model where CBD decreased heroine seeking behavior. \r\n\r\n### Stopping Addictions Before They Happen\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana could be the key to both alleviating heroin addiction and to preventing more addictions from developing. Multiple studies have proved both the efficacy of medical marijuana in helping with chronic pain, which is the most common reason that opioids are prescribed to patients. If medical marijuana is accessible to more people, it could prevent people who may have addictive tendencies from getting prescribed opioids in the first place. \r\n\r\nSince opioids are highly addictive, simply reducing the number of opioid prescriptions is a crucial aspect to reducing the number of opioid addictions. Preliminary studies have also shown that medical marijuana could provide relief from heroin addiction. More studies are needed to prove the efficacy of cannabis as a treatment for addiction, but with multiple states considering adding addiction to the list of approved medical conditions for medical cannabis use means we could see more evidence in the near future. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about about cannabis? Ask a question on [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/ feature). A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/14b42/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/f836f/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg 200w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/2244e/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg 400w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/14b42/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg 800w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/47498/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/54ac5/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/58556/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/61e93/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp 200w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/1f5c5/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp 400w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/58556/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp 800w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/99238/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp 1200w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/5e0b8/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":96,"numPages":13,"currentPage":9,"id":5567,"name":"News & Events","slug":"news-and-events","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}