{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/politics/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2495-markdown","title":"NORML: Fighting for the Rights of Cannabis Consumers","slug":"norml-fighting-for-the-rights-of-cannabis-consumers","content":"Most average cannabis consumers may not know this but NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, which is based in Washington DC, has been their advocate for a long time—since 1970, to be exact.  \r\n\r\nWhile NORML is behind several federal marijuana reform initiatives, it also prides itself on being an organization that promotes homegrown activism. “Change has always begun from the grassroots level,” says Paul Armentano, the nonprofit’s deputy director. “Grassroots support turns into majority public support, which turns into changes in local and cultural regulations, which leads to changes in state law, which eventually bubbles up to the federal level.” \r\n\r\nHe describes NORML’s efforts as three-pronged: educating the public and mainstream media about cannabis, enlisting a branch of criminal defense attorneys to defend the rights of cannabis consumers when they run afoul of the law, and having a network of more than 150 NORML affiliated chapters that serve as local resources and action centers.\r\n\r\nWe sat down with Armentano to talk about NORML initiatives, fostering the growing public support for cannabis as a way out of the opioid crisis, and how we’ll all still have our work cut out for us when marijuana use becomes legal at the federal level. \r\n\r\n### Q: Tell me about one of NORML’s recent successful initiatives. What kind of work goes behind getting something like that off the ground? \r\n\r\nWe were behind the recent citywide marijuana decriminalization initiative that passed in Kansas City earlier this year. Regional campaigns like that are determined by a number of different factors. For one, you need to be in a district that allows for direct voter initiative campaigns; not every city or state allows these. You also need infrastructure on the ground: enough people to run a campaign, to gather the required number of signatures, to submit those signatures to qualify for the ballot. And then you need people to actually run that campaign and convince 50% of voters to vote in favor of your proposal. \r\n\r\n### Q: NORML managed to get a marijuana decriminalization act passed in what’s probably a more conservative area of the country. Tell me about that. \r\n\r\nYeah, in fact it passed with over 70% of the vote. Even in parts of the country that may not seem favorable to reform, the major battle is getting the effort qualified to the ballot so there can be a vote. Because once we get the general public talking about these issues, once they have the opportunity to vote on these issues, in most cases, we win.\r\n\r\nConsider the recent Gallup poll: [64% of U.S. adults say that marijuana ought to be legal](http://norml.org/news/2017/10/26/gallup-americans-support-for-legalization-tops-record-high). Think about that—that’s a national percentage. That means that in some parts of the country, support is maybe 70% in favor of legalization. But it also means that even in parts of the country that we don’t stereotypically associate with having a sympathetic view towards marijuana reform, we’re still talking about majorities in those places that are supportive of this issue. \r\n\r\n### Q: If the general public is behind the legalization of marijuana use, what’s up with Washington? I’m specifically referring to the letter released by Gov. Chris Christie earlier this month that essentially stated that cannabis has no place in the solution to the opioid crisis. \r\n\r\nOne of the things NORML prides itself on is we try to stick to the evidence and promote the overwhelming scientific evidence that speaks in favor of reforming America's cannabis policy. We have a [publication that has reviewed some 400 peer-reviewed scientific papers](http://norml.org/library/recent-research-on-medical-marijuana), specific to the safety and efficacy of cannabis for the treatment of various diseases in different patient populations.\r\n\r\nWe were cautiously optimistic, that when President Trump got an executive order to put together this opioid commission that they would at least review this [growing body of literature](http://norml.org/marijuana/fact-sheets/item/relationship-between-marijuana-and-opioids), and perhaps even consider having this literature influence some of their recommendations on how to address the opioid crisis.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, not only did the commission ignore this evidence, but they essentially doubled down in their “cannabigotry” by claiming that they believe that the use of marijuana was associated with a greater likelihood that one is going to become opioid dependent—again a finding that’s in direct conflict with what the majority of the literature tells us. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [CANNABIS: AN “EXIT DRUG” FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic)\r\n\r\n### Q: How will NORML respond to Gov. Christie’s statement rejecting marijuana as part of the solution to the opioid epidemic, and what kind of impact do you think it will have on public opinion towards cannabis? \r\n\r\nThe public is well ahead of the politicians when it comes to the subject of marijuana policy. In much of the public mind, cannabis can serve as either an adjunctive treatment to allow people to mitigate their current use of opioids, or in some cases it can act as a substitute for the use of opioids. \r\n\r\nThere was a paper that was published about six months ago that simply gathered [all of the Twitter posts that had to do with opioids](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28723265)  over about a six-month period of time, and the third most popular topic was specific to the use of marijuana as a substitute for opioids. The public is already talking about this, even if their elected officials are not. At the end of the day, so much of what we do is bypass lawmakers who simply refuse to understand this issue and take it straight to the public. \r\n\r\n### Q: What can people do to help NORML in its mission to reform laws around marijuana? \r\n\r\nIf the patient population in this country has come to the realization that marijuana represents a potential safer substitute to opioids, then they need to take the reins and educate their physicians to that fact. And when physicians along with patients come to that realization, then I think you're going to see a significant change in the culture, in subscribing patterns and in the drug use patterns in this country. \r\n\r\nPatients need to become their own advocates—that's number one. And they become their own advocates by learning about the science behind this issue. The role we see ourselves playing most of all is representing and empowering the individual consumer—educating them and giving them the right tools so that they can educate and influence others. \r\n\r\nI'd also make a plug for people to get involved. [NORML is] an organization that survives on the actions and donations of our individual members. Because we represent the individual consumer, we aren’t necessarily aligned with many players in the emerging cannabis industry; it’s not always the case that the interests of the industry align with the interests of individual consumers. To maintain clean hands, our financial backing and our support are largely derived from lots of individuals.\r\n\r\n### Q: If NORML’s mission statement is to move forward public opinion and reform marijuana laws, then what are you going to do when federal law changes?\r\n\r\nWhat people don't realize is that’s really when the hard work begins. Can you imagine, if in 1964, after the Civil Rights Act was passed, if groups then just packed up shop and said, “Okay, we’re done!” Of course, that’s when the real battle truly began—and we’re still fighting that battle. We want to end “cannabigotry,” but we can’t even begin to address that discrimination until we’re in an environment where cannabis is longer considered to be contraband.\r\n\r\nEven in states where the adult use of cannabis is now legally regulated, responsible cannabis consumers still face discrimination. They face discrimination in the workplace, where they’re subject to random drug testing and sanctioned for their off-the-job use of cannabis in a way that users of other legal substances aren’t. They face discrimination when child protective services tries to take away the young children of a couple, simply because of evidence that they use cannabis in their home. If someone is a medical marijuana patient and they need an organ transplant, in many jurisdictions, they will be kicked off the waitlist, even if they’re in a state where medical use is legal.\r\n\r\nThese are the sort of issues NORML will continue to address and emphasize even in an environment where some of the statutory regulations are changing, but some of the cultural stigmas and discrimination against marijuana continue to exist.\r\n\r\nIf you’re 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 easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.2903225806451613,"src":"/static/99e137ffcc70d1e142bab73702f96fa4/14b42/f351471dbb2bb1c57dc826fd8028c37f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/99e137ffcc70d1e142bab73702f96fa4/f836f/f351471dbb2bb1c57dc826fd8028c37f.jpg 200w,\n/static/99e137ffcc70d1e142bab73702f96fa4/2244e/f351471dbb2bb1c57dc826fd8028c37f.jpg 400w,\n/static/99e137ffcc70d1e142bab73702f96fa4/14b42/f351471dbb2bb1c57dc826fd8028c37f.jpg 800w,\n/static/99e137ffcc70d1e142bab73702f96fa4/47498/f351471dbb2bb1c57dc826fd8028c37f.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/99e137ffcc70d1e142bab73702f96fa4/58556/f351471dbb2bb1c57dc826fd8028c37f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/99e137ffcc70d1e142bab73702f96fa4/61e93/f351471dbb2bb1c57dc826fd8028c37f.webp 200w,\n/static/99e137ffcc70d1e142bab73702f96fa4/1f5c5/f351471dbb2bb1c57dc826fd8028c37f.webp 400w,\n/static/99e137ffcc70d1e142bab73702f96fa4/58556/f351471dbb2bb1c57dc826fd8028c37f.webp 800w,\n/static/99e137ffcc70d1e142bab73702f96fa4/99238/f351471dbb2bb1c57dc826fd8028c37f.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2491-markdown","title":"Legalized Civil Forfeiture Is Un-American","slug":"legalized-civil-forfeiture-is-un-american","content":"You’re at home, having an uneventful day when you hear a booming knock at your door. A glance out of the peephole reveals a group of federal agents and you quickly realize that something is terribly wrong. Upon opening the door, you’re informed that your property is being seized, your car is being taken and all of the cash found in the house will be confiscated. Immediately. Why? The authorities suspect that you've been involved in a crime or some illegal activity, so they've seized your assets, all of them. Whether or not this is true, they have the right to take your possessions. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nAlthough it may not make any sense, what has just happened is completely legal and is actually considered a successful law enforcement tool among both local and federal agencies. It’s called civil asset forfeiture or federal adoption, and it allows law enforcement to seize property and goods if they think they're related to or were procured through illegal activity. This includes real estate, cars, jewelry, boats, cash and pretty much anything that's suspected of being connected to illegal activity. For instance, in the event of a federal crackdown on cannabis, owners of recreational dispensaries and medical cannabis collectives could be more vulnerable to asset seizure of items like raw materials, containers or packaging, information for manufacture and distribution including books, records and formulas, and machines for making capsules and tablets—for starters. \n\n### How Civil Forfeiture Works\n\nThe process of civil forfeiture starts with federal government suspicion that property is directly related with illegal activity, particularly prohibited substances. There are three different types of legal forfeitures—criminal, civil and administrative—with subtle but significant differences between them that have drastic effects on the victims whose property and goods have been seized. The biggest and most damaging distinction is that in civil forfeiture cases, it isn’t necessary for a charge to be filed, so the burden to prove innocence falls on the person whose been accused. It's also the individual’s responsibility to find legal representation and fund their case to get back their property, which can often amount to years in court and astronomical fees.\n\nRELATED:[THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION & MARIJUANA](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/585b61679d3264000cac9b10/the-trump-administration-and-marijuana)\n\nMoney and possessions seized by local and federal agencies are typically recycled back into the organization’s annual budget, creating a conflict of interest where law enforcement starts policing for profit. It’s a practice that's often reframed to appear as a benevolent tool despite its apparent abuse. \n\n### A Step in the Wrong Direction\n\nIn July, Attorney General Jeff Sessions released a [statement on policy and guidelines in support of strengthening the federal civil forfeiture program](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-sessions-issues-policy-and-guidelines-federal-adoptions-assets-seized-state) that “takes the material support of the criminals and instead makes it the material support of law enforcement, funding priorities like new vehicles, bulletproof vests, opioid overdose reversal kits and better training.”\n\nThis controversial law enforcement tactic, with very few legal protections or due process rules for victims of baseless civil seizures, has also been shown to be highly discriminatory with disproportionate forfeitures occurring in higher rates in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. \n\nIn fact, a recent report from the Nevada Policy Research Institute provides [insight into how the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department routinely targeted the same 12 zip codes](http://www.npri.org/docLib/20170726_CompleteForfeitureReport.pdf), where 56 percent of forfeitures concerned cash or other goods whose value was below $1,000. Without the money to fight back, individuals are often at a loss for having their property returned and are forced to suffer the injustice without recourse. \n\n### An Uncertain Future\n\nSessions’ not-so-subtle admission that one of the driving factors behind this technique is funding law enforcement budgets is just one more reason why the practice needs to be heavily examined and reformed. It not only threatens the livelihood of innocent individuals, it can also have dire consequences for the cannabis industry in regions where state laws and federal laws have conflicting interpretations when it comes to regulatory issues surrounding legality. \n\nIt’s still uncertain what the future holds. With the current administration still ironing out so many details, the cannabis industry is all eyes and ears for regulations that will create even more obstacles towards not only mainstream acceptance, but federal legalization. Frankly, the practice of civil forfeiture is not only wrong, but un-American.\n\nIf you're 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","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/14b42/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/f836f/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg 200w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/2244e/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg 400w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/14b42/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg 800w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/47498/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg 1200w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/54ac5/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/58556/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/61e93/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp 200w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/1f5c5/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp 400w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/58556/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp 800w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/99238/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp 1200w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/5e0b8/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"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,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAADBf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAID/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAHlbleWKRVH/8QAGRABAQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAyEi/9oACAEBAAEFAuW6A2mKTXXtn1//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARECH/2gAIAQMBAT8BcJ//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQQf/aAAgBAgEBPwGn/8QAGxAAAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIQABIhQYH/2gAIAQEABj8C7WJVgALtR//EABwQAQACAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAIRExQVFh8P/aAAgBAQABPyHEcoPqLEhVhLYDTp63OQAEfewSP//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQ7x//xAAXEQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEh/9oACAEDAQE/EEPCy//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEREP/aAAgBAgEBPxAJWf/EAB4QAQACAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESExQVFxgdHw/9oACAEBAAE/EAIIaaeZeDy6o+4AxlMIyaZDz11MKSgMBZVdrR0C/M//2Q==","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_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_2212-markdown","title":"Debbie Wasserman Schultz: on the Wrong Side of Marijuana Issues","slug":"debbie-wasserman-schultz-on-the-wrong-side-of-marijuana-issues","content":"I've recently noticed that Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair of the\nDemocratic National Committee and a Florida representative, stands in\nopposition to medical-marijuana adoption in Florida, but 58 percent of\nthe state voted in support of a 2014 medical-marijuana bill. Florida\nrequires a 60-percent majority to pass the bill, so widespread medical\nmarijuana is not legal yet in this state. Even though I know medical\nmarijuana can treat a wide range of conditions, Florida only permits\nlimited use for cancer patients and those with epilepsy and Lou Gehrig's\ndisease. These medical marijuana users are restricted to a single strain\ncalled Charlotte's Web, which is administered as a low-THC cannabis oil.\nThe issue goes up for a vote again in November 2016, [according to the\nObserver](https://observer.com/2016/03/more-reason-to-hate-debbie-wasserman-schultz-her-ridiculous-war-on-medical-marijuana/),\nbut Schultz is taking measures to prevent the bill from passing again.\n\n**Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Position on Marijuana**\n\nSchultz holds a position that marijuana dispensaries over-prescribe and\nover-treat patients. She used the term \"pill mills\" to describe\ndispensaries during her opposition to the 2014 Florida bill. She has a\nstrong belief that legalizing \"mind-altering\" substances such as\nmarijuana lead to further drug use. [Sun Times\nreports](https://extract.suntimes.com/news/10/153/11412/debbie-wasserman-schultz-opposes-marijuana-legalization-links-to-hard-drugs)\nSchultz is worried about a \"huge heroin epidemic\" in Florida, but I've\nfound no evidence supporting this claim. She says she felt bothered by\nthe drug culture she encountered where she grew up in Long Island.\nHowever, I discovered that Schultz grew up in an affluent neighborhood\nin the region, so the basis of her life experience is uncertain.\n\nStill, she avoided questions asking why she was not opposed to\nopiate-painkiller prescriptions on the same grounds. I see the gateway\ntheory frequently used by opponents of medical marijuana, but science\nhas debunked this position since 1999. A [Congress\nreport](https://www.nap.edu/read/6376/chapter/2# 2) found no link between\nmarijuana use and harder drug use. However, there is a strong link\nbetween opiate-painkiller prescriptions and moving into harder drugs.\nThese painkillers can lead to addiction, many negative medical side\neffects and a tendency to try drugs such as heroin.\n\nSchultz receives significant campaign contributions from alcohol\ncompanies, [according to High\nTimes](https://www.hightimes.com/read/dnc-chair-accepts-huge-donations-alcohol-pacs-claims-pot-gateway-drug),\nsuch as Bacardi USA and Southern Wine and Spirits. Alcohol and tobacco\ncompanies are strongly opposed to marijuana legalization and\ndecriminalization, based on perceived revenue loss. These contributors\nmay influence Schultz's position on medical marijuana. She stands in\nopposition to many other Democrats on this matter, which has led to some\nconfusion about her motives.\n\n**The Benefits of Medical Marijuana**\n\nMedical-marijuana access can bring many benefits to Florida residents if\nthe 2016 bill gains approval.\n[HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey) conducted\na survey to find out how medical-marijuana patients benefited from\nlegalization. The typical conditions treated with marijuana include\n[anxiety](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/anxiety),\n[stress](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99f8b3f24d1300077ccb74/how-to-manage-stress-with-cannabis),\n[insomnia](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/insomnia)\nand [chronic\npain](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/chronic-pain), but\nmany conditions respond well to this treatment method. In fact, [84\npercent of\npatients](https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey) reported\nimprovements in their symptoms and had limited negative side effects.\nPatients mentioned beneficial side effects, such as better moods and\nsleep, compared to using other treatment options.\n\nOther medications used to treat these conditions often come with many\ndetrimental side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, mood swings and\nconstipation. Non-medical marijuana patients sometimes face a situation\nwhere they're taking a primary medication to treat a problem; then they\ntake supplementary medication to manage the many side effects. Medical\nmarijuana's lack of negative side effects helps avoid this situation and\nhelps patients achieve positive medical outcomes.\n\nOne of the biggest benefits of treating chronic pain and other pain\nconditions with medical marijuana is the decrease of pain-killer related\ndeaths. [Opiate painkiller overdoses kill 44 people\ndaily](https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey), but\ncannabis has not caused any overdose-related deaths.\n\n**Ways Florida Voters Can Support Medical Marijuana**\n\nThe next medical-marijuana bill goes on the Florida ballot in November\n2016 as Amendment 2. I recommend Florida voters take several steps to\ngrow support for the medical-marijuana amendment so that it passes into\nlaw. Opponents of the amendment such as Schultz put considerable effort\ninto preventing medical-marijuana adoption, but here are some ways that\nvoters can get more attention and support:\n\nShowing up to vote for Amendment 2 is one of the most important ways to\nsupport medical marijuana in Florida. Voter turnout may be higher than\naverage due to the Senate race, so every vote counts. Another way\nFlorida voters can help is by contributing to medical-marijuana\ncampaigns helping to build awareness on the benefits and advantages of\nlegalization. [United For Care](https://www.unitedforcare.org/) is one\nsuch organization building support for Amendment two in Florida.\n\nFlorida voters with the time to volunteer can help these organizations\nwith more hands-on methods like collecting petitions, getting on the\nphone to build support and encourage voting, staffing medical-marijuana\nawareness events, doing door-to-door canvassing or assisting in\nadministrative work. Voters can also write to their representatives to\nfind out their medical-marijuana positions and learn whether they're for\nor against the measure.\n\nMedical marijuana treats many conditions that currently require\nmedication with opiates or prescriptions with many negative side\neffects. More states are legalizing marijuana and taking advantage of\nthe benefits it brings to patients. Florida has another chance to pass a\nmedical-marijuana amendment in 2016, but it requires voter effort to\novercome opposition by Schultz and others standing against the bill.\nShe's on the wrong side of the issue, but I know the popular vote can\nchange the medical-marijuana landscape in this state.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortunelivemedia/10316396713/in/photolist-gHCejR-gHBDmH-bu5qpy-bvoeyE-bJi2De-bJi2iH-eoXAZg-nby8HE-cPKpXd-gHBH8i-aZhByz-omTT1J-o5BcwC-gHB4KV-gY21Jo-ndCWPS-gHBsuw-gHB8eN-gHBaYq-dhKA39-dhJRme-gHB6YH-5gNzX1-gHBaWH-gHBo1x-gHB6EC-gWjPY9-ok53gb-ooRQ9T-gVgLWD-gHBnTE-gHB4W5-gHAGdW-gHCg6X-gHBxwX-on5kRq-o5Cj3t-gHBkgo-o5Bcbs-dhJY8A-gHCabR-6v7cvp-o5BaWy-gHAX9t-on5mHW-on6WqM-gHBFdj-o5BmWs-o5BaFd-bvofAd)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4492753623188406,"src":"/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/ee604/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.png","srcSet":"/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/69585/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.png 200w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/497c6/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.png 400w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/ee604/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.png 800w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/86756/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.png 997w","srcWebp":"/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/58556/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/61e93/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.webp 200w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/1f5c5/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.webp 400w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/58556/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.webp 800w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/a2a2c/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.webp 997w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2080-markdown","title":"Hillary Clinton Should Up Her Game on Medical Marijuana","slug":"hillary-clinton-should-up-her-game-on-medical-marijuana","content":"As the November presidential election approaches, the issue of medical\nmarijuana has come to the political debate. The Democratic candidate\nHillary Clinton has presented a liberal-leaning, yet cautious\nstand on medical marijuana.\n\nClinton supports legal access to medical marijuana. She would like to\nsee more research into the medical benefits of cannabis, and has stated\nthat she would support the reclassification of marijuana to increase\nsuch research.\n\n\"I do think on the federal level we need to remove marijuana from the\nSchedule I of drugs, move it to Schedule II, which will permit it to be\nthe basis for medical research,\" said Clinton in an interview with [WBZ\nNewsRadio in\nBoston](http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/01/25/hillary-clinton-wbz-newsradio-1030-boston-interview-joe-mathieu-new-hampshire-primary/)\nin January 2016.\n\nWhile this support is encouraging, I feel it doesn't go far enough. She\nneeds a more thorough exposure to the current cannabis environment to\nunderstand why she needs to \"up her game.\" In particular, she needs more\nknowledge about:\n\n-   Changes in marijuana attitudes\n-   Who is using medical marijuana and why\n-   The implications of federal narcotic classification\n-   Unequal access\n-   Economic sense\n\n**Changing Attitudes**\n\nSupport for legalizing marijuana for both recreational and medicinal use\nis at an all-time high. In 1969, at the height of the counterculture\nmovement, Woodstock and Vietnam War protests, fewer than 12 percent of\nAmericans supported marijuana legalization, and only about [four\npercent](http://www.gallup.com/poll/184298/four-americans-say-tried-marijuana.aspx)\nreported that they had tried marijuana. Research focused on marijuana as\na [gateway\ndrug](http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v228/n5277/abs/2281227a0.html),\non its psychological effects such as\n[psychosis](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1970.tb03956.x/abstract)\nand physiological\n[intoxication](http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=490322).\n\nJump ahead nearly 50 years. A 2015 [Gallup\npoll](http://www.gallup.com/poll/186260/back-legal-marijuana.aspx)\nreport that 58 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization, a\n2015 [Harris\nPoll](http://www.theharrispoll.com/health-and-life/Americans-Ready-for-Legal-Marijuana.html)\nreport that 81 percent support medical marijuana usage and access, and\nabout [76\npercent](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55e5c9333236300006380000/who-is-taking-medical-marijuana)\nof doctors support medical cannabis. In addition, nearly [49\npercent](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends)\nof Americans admit to having tried marijuana and [12\npercent](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends)\nare current, regular users.\n\nThis growing support for legalized marijuana is a cultural change, which\nI believe is based on the growing idea that cannabis is safer than\nalcohol, the recognition that cannabis has specific medical effects that\nshould be explored and the complete failure of the \"[war on\ndrugs](https://news.vice.com/article/americas-top-cops-just-called-the-war-on-drugs-a-tremendous-failure)\"\nto curtail illicit drug use. Support is highest among younger\nindividuals (18 to 34 years) and those who typically support Democratic\nor Independent party candidates and platforms.\n\n**Medical Cannabis Users**\n\nApproximately [2.6 million\nAmericans](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005889)\nuse medical cannabis currently. According to a recent and comprehensive\nsurvey of\nmedical cannabis users, most are:\n\n-   Male (64 percent)\n-   College educated (84 percent)\n-   Live in or near a major city (84 percent)\n-   Between 25 and 54 years of age (61 percent)\n\nAmong the survey respondents:\n\n-   84 percent strongly agree that cannabis provides symptom relief\n-   66 percent use it as the primary method of treatment for their\n    medical issue\n-   64 percent use cannabis daily and 28 percent at least weekly\n\n**Federal Narcotic Classification Implications**\n\nMarijuana is currently classified as a [Schedule 1\nnarcotic](http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml), which by definition\nmeans it has \"no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for\nabuse.\" As such, research is difficult to conduct. It requires a complex\napplication process for a highly restrictive license from the Drug\nEnforcement Agency. In addition, funding for Schedule I drug research\ntypically comes from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which tends\nto limit such studies to the effects of abuse, and not medical\napplications.\n\nIn addition to research roadblocks, cannabis distribution, possession\nand use remains a criminal offense, and federal laws could supersede\nstate laws. Although the [US Justice\nDepartment](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-update-marijuana-enforcement-policy)\nupdated its marijuana enforcement policy in 2013 to defer their right to\nchallenge state legislation as long as states actively ensure a policy\nof strict regulatory control, in my opinion, the threat of federal\nprosecution remains.\n\nI believe that this threat would be reduced if Clinton's proposed\nreclassification of marijuana to a Schedule II drug occurs. Marijuana\nwould be downgraded to \"dangerous,\" which would put it in the same\ncategory as cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and Adderall. However,\nthis classification is still misleading. Evidence shows that cannabis is\na [much\nsafer](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c91db33934390006220000/cannabis-may-be-safer-than-opioids-for-managing-pain)\ndrug compared to these other Schedule II drugs.\n\n**Unequal Access**\n\nAs of 2015, 23 states, the District of Columbia (DC) and Guam have\npassed medical cannabis legislation. Clinton is on record for supporting\nstate-level legislation for medical cannabis.\n\n\"I think that the states moving forward is appropriate and I think the\nfederal government has to move to make this more available for research\nthat they can then distribute to interested people across our country,\"\nsaid\n[Clinton](http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/01/25/hillary-clinton-wbz-newsradio-1030-boston-interview-joe-mathieu-new-hampshire-primary/).\n\nLeaving it up to the states, however, means unequal access as more than\nhalf of the states continue to block medical cannabis. Patients who\ncould benefit from medical cannabis are unable to legally obtain or use\nthe medication because of where they live. Those who cross state lines\ncould be subject to prosecution upon returning home with their\nmedication.\n\n**Economic Sense**\n\nAnother argument for the liberalization of marijuana legislation is\nfinancial. According to \"The State of Marijuana Marketing,\" by [ArcView\nMarket Research](http://www.arcviewmarketresearch.com/), \"The cannabis\nindustry is growing at a compounded annual rate of 30%, making it one of\nthe fastest growing sectors in the economy.\" States that have legalized\ncannabis have received an [economic\ninflux](http://www.arcviewmarketresearch.com/): Colorado generated $135\nmillion and Washington generated $70 million in cannabis taxes and\nlicense fees in 2015. These numbers are expected to grow.\n\nContrast that with the cost of enforcing federal marijuana laws. A [2010\nstudy](https://www.aclu.org/files/assets/1114413-mj-report-rfs-rel1.pdf# 77)\nestimated that the cost of prohibiting marijuana was $3.4 billion in\n2008. By contrast, legalization would have generated $8.7 billion in\nannual revenue.\n\nThis information makes it is clear that Clinton needs to become a\nstronger supporter of medical cannabis. In my opinion, it's just good\npolitics.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/us-mission/7474207144/in/photolist-cotgoq-rJL2we-8RDKvn-9swt8u-9nvwp8-GzTZ2-a5JcrW-cotgGJ-GzTXG-9nvvyP-8RDLS8-bWk3oS-GzTph-8REqRx-9nyvcE-8QFKVJ-76EqzS-8RH41u-6M3iYF-8RH36G-8RHx9m-8RDGPx-7z58Nd-adwGWY-8XAkRa-9swsAS-4sDp2E-bHpkVe-8BcHK6-a5sPVJ-8ZN74w-bLRf3a-9swtgy-9noJB1-67REN2-HpWks-8RH697-7yYgc7-a5h7ju-ritmfB-bjVm7m-scZ6zq-d5yjmJ-8RDV5X-9oUBKL-d5ykus-psrCpp-8REeri-4KJPrV-brsQm2)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/ee604/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png","srcSet":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/69585/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 200w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/497c6/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 400w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/ee604/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 800w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/fbaeb/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 1134w","srcWebp":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/58556/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/61e93/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 200w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/1f5c5/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 400w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/58556/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 800w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/bb5cc/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 1134w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1965-markdown","title":"Bernie Sanders Calls for Removal of Cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act","slug":"bernie-sanders-calls-for-removal-of-cannabis-from-schedule-i-of-the-controlled-substances-act","content":"The call for cannabis reform on the national level has been coming from\r\nsome very surprising sources recently, including the American Medical\r\nAssociation (AMA), the Brookings Institution and presidential\r\ncandidates. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders announced\r\nrecently that he is in favor of [removing marijuana from the Controlled\r\nSubstances\r\nAct](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/10/29/why-bernie-sanderss-marijuana-announcement-is-a-big-political-moment-for-pot/)\r\n(CSA). In support of his stance, Sanders introduced a bill into the\r\nSenate that would amend the CSA as well as give states the authority to\r\nmake their own decisions about cannabis and cannabinoids.\r\n\r\nThis statement by Sanders is a major turning point in political debate\r\nover medical marijuana on the national stage. As a serious Democratic\r\ncontender for the White House, Sanders holds an influential position.\r\nHis statements on this issue will affect policy decisions and the\r\nopinions of many others, both inside and outside of his party. The fact\r\nthat Sanders issued this statement now also highlights the popularity\r\nand urgency of this issue during the busy campaign season. Many media\r\nsources have pointed out that his bill in the Senate echoes the language\r\nof a bill [now being\r\nconsidered](http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/04/politics/bernie-sanders-legal-marijuana/)\r\nin the House of Representatives.\r\n\r\n\"It's a state and a federal issue,\" Sanders said. \"The federal issue is\r\nthat we should remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act.\r\nThat's a federal decision. The state decision is that we live in a\r\nfederal system of government where issues like tobacco and alcohol are\r\nsignificantly regulated by the states. And I think that is a province of\r\nthe states.\"\r\n\r\nIf medical marijuana is rescheduled from a Schedule I to a Schedule II\r\nsubstance, or removed from the CSA entirely, it and its derivatives\r\nwould be able to undergo much wider scientific testing. Current research\r\nconcentrates on the negative effects of marijuana, but rescheduling\r\nwould allow researchers to investigate more of its healing aspects.\r\nCurrent federal policy discourages research, especially risk aversion\r\namong institutional review boards. Similarly, many universities have\r\ndeclined medical marijuana research proposals due to their concern over\r\nreactions from donors, parents and college trustees.\r\n\r\nSanders is not alone among [presidential candidates in\r\nfavor](https://www.yahoo.com/politics/where-the-2016-presidential-candidates-stand-on-116920750826.html)\r\nof updating government policy on issues related to medical marijuana. In\r\nfact, Republican Rand Paul is a vocal critic of current policy and\r\nsupports wider medical marijuana research, access to banking services by\r\nmarijuana providers and the right for states to decide how they will\r\nproceed on the issue.\r\n\r\nIn an attack on one of his main rivals, Paul pointed out, \"If you've got\r\nMS in Florida, Jeb Bush voted to put you in jail if you go to a local\r\ndrugstore and get medical marijuana. Yet he was doing it for\r\nrecreational purposes, and it's a different standard for him because he\r\nwas from a very wealthy family going to a wealthy school, and he got off\r\nscot-free.\" During the Republican debate, Bush admitted to smoking\r\nmarijuana, simply tweeting afterward, \"Sorry Mom.\"\r\n\r\nFlorida Senator Marco Rubio also expressed his qualified support for\r\nchanging federal policy on medical marijuana. He told the Tampa Bay\r\nTimes, \"If there are medicinal uses of marijuana that don't have the\r\nelements that are mind-altering or create the high but do alleviate\r\nwhatever condition they are trying to alleviate, that is something I\r\nwould be open to.\"\r\n\r\nThe push for more medical marijuana research by these candidates was\r\nalso supported by major healthcare institutions. Over the summer, the\r\nAMA published a report stating that marijuana should be considered a\r\nform of medicine. Their [review of scientific\r\nstudies](http://blog.sfgate.com/smellthetruth/2015/06/23/marijuana-is-medicine-journal-of-the-american-medical-association-concludes/)\r\nconcluded that the \"use of marijuana for chronic pain, neuropathic pain\r\nand spasticity due to multiple sclerosis is supported by high-quality\r\nevidence.\"\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, the influential Washington think tank The Brookings\r\nInstitution called on lawmakers to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I\r\nto Schedule II, facilitate medical research into its potential benefits\r\nand expand the Compassionate Investigative New Drug (IND) Program. Their\r\nreport pointed out that Marinol, a synthetic cannabinoid, was\r\nrescheduled from Schedule I to Schedule II in 1985 and moved down again\r\nto Schedule III in 1999.\r\n\r\nRescheduling alone is only one step. The Brookings Institution pointed\r\nout that the federal government's policies regarding medical marijuana\r\ninvolve many other agencies that deal with pharmaceuticals, healthcare,\r\npublic health, medical research, business taxation and federal\r\nenforcement. Today, there remains a hodgepodge of conflicting policies\r\nthat need to be clearly defined and standardized across the board.\r\n\r\nTheir report concludes, \"As the next president comes to office, he or\r\nshe will inherit a marijuana policy regime that is inconsistent and\r\noften contradictory. It is incumbent on President Obama's successor to\r\nintroduce some uniformity, discipline and sensibility to this policy\r\narea. Focusing on medical marijuana research would be a good place to\r\nbegin.\"\r\n\r\nThe public is ready for this change, well ahead of politicians. Research\r\nfrom [national Gallup\r\npolls](http://www.gallup.com/poll/186260/back-legal-marijuana.aspx) has\r\nshown that the majority of U.S. citizens have been in favor of marijuana\r\nlegalization for the past three years. This year, the favorable rating\r\nhas reached 58 percent. For those in the 18 to 34 age group, that\r\nfavorability rating has increased to 71 percent, which is the best\r\nindication of future U.S. policy.\r\n\r\n[Picture Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/80038275@N00/22112670773)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/09371d1829de697a39a7bbefe7e5cbeb/14b42/6f9843b790ed02bd3e210957a0104a19.jpg","srcSet":"/static/09371d1829de697a39a7bbefe7e5cbeb/f836f/6f9843b790ed02bd3e210957a0104a19.jpg 200w,\n/static/09371d1829de697a39a7bbefe7e5cbeb/2244e/6f9843b790ed02bd3e210957a0104a19.jpg 400w,\n/static/09371d1829de697a39a7bbefe7e5cbeb/14b42/6f9843b790ed02bd3e210957a0104a19.jpg 800w,\n/static/09371d1829de697a39a7bbefe7e5cbeb/47498/6f9843b790ed02bd3e210957a0104a19.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/09371d1829de697a39a7bbefe7e5cbeb/58556/6f9843b790ed02bd3e210957a0104a19.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/09371d1829de697a39a7bbefe7e5cbeb/61e93/6f9843b790ed02bd3e210957a0104a19.webp 200w,\n/static/09371d1829de697a39a7bbefe7e5cbeb/1f5c5/6f9843b790ed02bd3e210957a0104a19.webp 400w,\n/static/09371d1829de697a39a7bbefe7e5cbeb/58556/6f9843b790ed02bd3e210957a0104a19.webp 800w,\n/static/09371d1829de697a39a7bbefe7e5cbeb/99238/6f9843b790ed02bd3e210957a0104a19.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1857-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana and Hillary Clinton","slug":"medical-marijuana-and-hillary-clinton","content":"Hillary has finally declared that she is running for President, which is no surprise. What is somewhat of a surprise is her attitude towards medical marijuana. During a CNN town hall meeting last June, Clinton said, “I don’t think we’ve done enough research yet. Although I think for people who are in extreme medical conditions and have anecdotal evidence that it works, there should be availability under appropriate circumstances. But I do think we need more research, because we don’t know how it interacts with other drugs. There’s a lot we don’t know.”\r\n\r\nYes Hillary, we all have questions about that statement. Such as how can research be done in the United States when marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug? What exactly does “extreme medical conditions” mean? Since people with insomnia, glaucoma, anorexia, nausea from chemotherapy, seizures, headaches, pain, arthritis, epilepsy and other conditions have been using medical marijuana for years, are these all “extreme” medical conditions?\r\n\r\nSurprisingly for someone noted to use polls to calibrate speeches and positions, Clinton is out of touch with public opinion with both legalization as well as medical marijuana. A Quinnipiac University survey conducted in March found a majority of voters support full legalization in Florida (55 percent), Ohio (52 percent), and Pennsylvania (51 percent) — all key states that a Clinton campaign may need to win the general election.\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana, meanwhile, has even greater backing from people of all ages and political parties. A 2010 Pew Research Center survey found 73 percent of American voters back medical marijuana, including 80 percent of Democrats. Support has presumably grown since 2010 — but even if it hadn’t, Clinton’s cautious medical marijuana stance would stand in sharp contrast with four in five Democrats.\r\n\r\nOf course all this can change by next November. We can only hope someone has the courage to make the legal changes that are needed to make medical marijuana more accessible. We at helloMD are doing what we can in California and Nevada.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/cf70ffc7057e6479dcf9dc3506e2c0d3/14b42/5b6d004dd1d719499db71b964293a6b6.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cf70ffc7057e6479dcf9dc3506e2c0d3/f836f/5b6d004dd1d719499db71b964293a6b6.jpg 200w,\n/static/cf70ffc7057e6479dcf9dc3506e2c0d3/2244e/5b6d004dd1d719499db71b964293a6b6.jpg 400w,\n/static/cf70ffc7057e6479dcf9dc3506e2c0d3/14b42/5b6d004dd1d719499db71b964293a6b6.jpg 800w,\n/static/cf70ffc7057e6479dcf9dc3506e2c0d3/47498/5b6d004dd1d719499db71b964293a6b6.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/cf70ffc7057e6479dcf9dc3506e2c0d3/58556/5b6d004dd1d719499db71b964293a6b6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cf70ffc7057e6479dcf9dc3506e2c0d3/61e93/5b6d004dd1d719499db71b964293a6b6.webp 200w,\n/static/cf70ffc7057e6479dcf9dc3506e2c0d3/1f5c5/5b6d004dd1d719499db71b964293a6b6.webp 400w,\n/static/cf70ffc7057e6479dcf9dc3506e2c0d3/58556/5b6d004dd1d719499db71b964293a6b6.webp 800w,\n/static/cf70ffc7057e6479dcf9dc3506e2c0d3/99238/5b6d004dd1d719499db71b964293a6b6.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5649,"name":"Politics","slug":"politics","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}