Medical Marijuana In Virginia -- Secretly Legal Since 1979

Virginia is not a state you would think of when you think of medical marijuana. In fact, as a resident of Virginia I was unaware of this law myself. However, a law was passed by the General Assembly in 1979 states the following:

Virginia Code § 18.2-251.1. Possession or distribution of marijuana for medical purposes permitted.

A. No person shall be prosecuted under § 18.2-250 or § 18.2-250.1 for the possession of marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol when that possession occurs pursuant to a valid prescription issued by a medical doctor in the course of his professional practice for treatment of cancer or glaucoma.

B. No medical doctor shall be prosecuted under § 18.2-248 or § 18.2-248.1 for dispensing or distributing marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol for medical purposes when such action occurs in the course of his professional practice for treatment of cancer or glaucoma.

C. No pharmacist shall be prosecuted under §§ 18.2-248 to 18.2-248.1 for dispensing or distributing marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol to any person who holds a valid prescription of a medical doctor for such substance issued in the course of such doctor’s professional practice for treatment of cancer or glaucoma.

So, it appears that medical marijuana is ONLY used for glaucoma and/or cancer patients. In addition, it is not permitted for Virginia to advertise in the media, so the only way a patient would be aware of where to obtain medical marijuana would be from the doctor who prescribed it.

There are so many other conditions for which medical marijuana can be immensely helpful, including anxiety, depression, migraines, asthma, MS and a long list of others. Hopefully the state of Virginia will change the laws to include more conditions for which medical cannabis can be prescribed, however it will take strong advocacy from residents and lawmakers. 

Write your Representative to show your support for the expansion of medicinal marijuana in Virginia. Find your representative by using the link below if you don't know who to contact: 

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Do Men and Women Have Different Views on Marijuana Legalization?

Do men and women have different views on the legalization of marijuana? According to an article by Sabrina Fendrick of NORML Women's Alliance, there is a slight difference with men leading the pack.

Fendrick says that women must work harder to rally support for the cause, and I agree. There are certainly many women who DO support the cause whose voices are going unheard because they are not speaking out.

Here are some excellent resources for women who support the cause:


NORML Women's Alliance

Moms for Marijuana

SOURCE: http://blog.norml.org/2011/08/17/gender-differences-in-support-for-legalization/

Obama Sends Mixed Messages on Drug Policy

This brilliant article from Cannabis Culture  entitled "If Obama Can't Articulate His Position on Marijuana, Why Won't He Reconsider It?" was written by NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano.

An excerpt from the article reads:

Audience member: "If you can't legalize marijuana, why can't we just legalize medical marijuana, to help the people that need it?"

Obama: "Well, you know, a lot of states are making decisions about medical marijuana. As a controlled substance, the issue then is, you know, is it being prescribed by a doctor, as opposed to, you know -- well -- I'll -- I'll -- I'll -- I'll leave it at that."

It appears that President Obama is sending mixed signals and cannot form a firm opinion on this topic, therefore I am in agreement with the author of the article. Obama SHOULD reconsider his position on marijuana policies for medicinal and even recreational use.

http://cannabisculture.com/v2/content/2011/08/17/If-Obama-Cant-Articulate-His-Position-Marijuana-Why-Wont-He-Reconsider-It

SOURCE: 

Excellent Article by NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano for CNN

Paul Armentano is the Deputy Director of NORML and co-authored the book  "Marijuana Is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink?"

In the following article, Armentano talks about William Bennett's opposition to marijuana law changes. He also talks about Ron Paul and Barney Frank and their views on getting the federal government out of cannabis regulation.

CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE

Definitely worth a read!

Drug Smuggling Tunnel from Tijuana to the U.S. Discovered by Mexican Army

A tunnel spanning 300m long for the purposes of drug smuggling from Tijuana, Mexico to the United States was discovered by Mexican soldiers. According to the Mexican Army, the tunnel was not fully completed but was equipped with lighting and ventilation.

Also found were tools for drilling, a pick ax, shovels and wheelbarrows. The height of the tunnel was approximately two meters. There is no exit. The entry was concealed by a partially constructed home.

According to Mexican Army Commander Alfonso Duarte Mujica, nine men and one woman were arrested in connection with the tunnel.

Attorney General of Michigan Seeks to Curb Medical Marijuana

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The Attorney General of Michigan, Bill Schuette, is trying to bring stricter regulations to medical marijuana laws. According to Schuette, " “The law has been hijacked by drug dealers who want to make money, line their pockets and make a huge profit … This law has as many holes as Swiss cheese. It’s out of control and we need to fix it.”

Unfortunately, the proposed bills could potentially harm medical marijuana patients. Specifically, the eight bills would regulate the location of dispensiaries, impose stricter regulations on qualifying medical conditions, restrict felons from being caregivers, cease online medical marijuana certification, specify the relationship between the patient and their doctor, and more.

Republican representative John Walsh stated, "We have a goal of protecting public safety while preserving the legitimate right of people who need medical marijuana,” and claims medical marijuana patients and advocates were invited to the press conference on this issue. However, medical marijuana advocates themselves claim that medical marijuana patients and those who need MMJ were NOT invited to the press conference.

Those in support of the current Michigan marijuana laws fear that changed such as those proposed by Bill Schuette would be in conflict with the needs and rights of state citizens. No bill in Michigan exists or has been proposed that would ban medical marijuana dispensaries, although Shuette has stated in the past he believes dispensaries are unlawful and should be outlawed.

UPDATE: The Attorney General in Michigan CAN be recalled

U.S. Border Patrol Forces Smugglers to Eat Marijuana and Run Naked

In Tuscon, Arizona, two US border patrol agents forced drug smugglers from Mexico to eat marijuana, remove their clothing and head into the wilderness to fend for themselves in chilly temperatures.

The officers, Dario Castillo and Ramon Zuniga received a 5 count indictment by a federal grand jury. The agents encountered the smugglers in the vicinity of the Tohono O'odham Reservation.

FOX News reports that the smugglers were forced to "to eat marijuana and to remove their shoes, socks and all outerwear...After setting fire to their personal belongings, the defendants allegedly instructed the four people to flee into the desert with no readily available shelter and resources within miles on an evening when the temperature was approximately 40F [4.4C]."

The officers have been charged with civil rights deprivation and conspiracy to deprive persons of civil rights. They face a maximum 10 year federal prison sentence and/or a fine up to $250,000.

For attempted persaution Officer Castillo was charged with witness tampering. This offense has a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a fine up to $250,000.

Spokane: 5 Facing Federal Charges After Medical Marijuana Crackdown

Five men from Spokane, Washington have been indicted for maintaining a drug-involved location and the manufacture and distribution of marijuana. These charges carry maximum penalties including $250,000 in fines and 20 years in prison.

From http://www.krem.com/news/local/5-men-indicted-in-medical-marijuana-crackdown-125922098.html :

"The owners said they felt state law protected them. Jerry Laberdee, who owns MHP Medical Herb Providers, said he was not aware of the indictment.

"I am almost without words. I can't even tell you how ridiculous it seems," said Laberdee.

Laberdee and his business partner, Dennis Whited, are indicted for actions involving a marijuana dispensary on North Freya in Spokane. It was raided and shut down in May.

It is legal to have medical marijuana in the state of Washington. But it is still a federal offense.

Three other men were also indicted Wednesday. Russell Black is indicted for actions involving a dispensary in Loon Lake. Charles Wright and Jon Vivian were indicated for actions involving a dispensary located within 1,000 feet of Grant Elementary School on Spokane's South Hill. Wright said he could face 50 years in prison because his business was near an elementary school."

Source: http://www.krem.com/news/local/5-men-indicted-in-medical-marijuana-crackdown-125922098.html

$2 Million Saved by Philadelphia by Not Prosecuting Pot Smokers

(This articles is by Chris Morran at the Consumerist. Visit the original article and the Consumerist website using the link at the end of this article.)

Just over a year ago, the powers that be in Philadelphia effectively decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana by offering offenders the chance to enroll in a three-hour class that would expunge the offense from their records. Not only did this give Philadelphia police more time and energy to focus on more serious crimes, it has also saved the city a pretty sizable Ziploc bag of green stuff.

"We were spending thousands of dollars for when someone possessed $10 or $15 worth of weed," District Attorney Seth Williams tells the Philadelphia Daily News. "It just didn't make any sense."

Under the program, being caught with up to 30 grams of marijuana is no longer a misdemeanor but a summary offense. By simply paying $200 to attend the three-hour class on the ills of drug use and abuse, the arrestee's record is wiped clean of the offense.

Before this change, offenders faced up to $500 in fines and possible, though unlikely jail time. If the suspect fought the charges, this meant expenses for the city — prosecutors, judges, lab tests, public defenders, etc. By all but decriminalizing pot, Williams estimates that the city has saved $2 million in the last 12 months.

Additionally, police tell the News that there has been no noticeable impact on the quality of life in Philadelphia since the program went into effect.

Looking at the bigger picture, DA Williams says the current way most U.S. authorities treat drug possession is shortsighted.

"I can put someone in jail for 90 days because they possess crack. But if we don't get them the help they need for their addiction, when they get out of jail, they're just going to be a 90-day-older crack addict," he explains. "We have to treat drug addiction as a public-health problem, not just a criminal-justice problem."

D.A.: Philly's new pot policy just makes sense ... and saves dollars [Philadelphia Daily News]

http://consumerist.com/2011/07/philadelphia-saves-2-million-by-not-prosecuting-pot-smokers.html

Texas Judge Seeking Harsher Punishment for Willie Nelson Pot Bust

via http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/case-of-willie-nelson-pot-bust-isnt-extinguished-yet/

(In our opinion we find this to be quite heinous. Willie Nelson is a 77 year old country singer. Obviously NOT a dangerous, violent criminal. The money and jail space it would take to incarcerate this man could be used to jail REAL criminals like murderers, rapists, pedophiles, crack dealers, thieves, and so on. I don't care that he is a celebrity that is irrelevant to me. And...what kind of stupid judge signs her name "by accident" then crosses it out and changes it???? That doesn't even sound right. This just makes me furious....the man committed a victimless crime and the judge acts like, "oh get him locked up, he's a dangerous criminal." I'm sorry, but FUCK that. A true example of legal ineptitude.Did Parasite Hilton get locked up when caught recently with cocaine, a dangerous drug? NO!)

***

Connecticut Lawmakers Vote to Decriminalize Marijuana (via Norml)

Mango 200x200 Marijuana Strain

"Connecticut lawmakers moments ago voted 90 to 57 in favor of Senate Bill 1014, decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use by adults. Senate lawmakers had narrowly approved an amended version of the measure on Saturday; House lawmakers concurred with the Senate today, sending the measure to Democrat Gov. Dannel Malloy — who will sign it into law." (NORML.org)

Read the rest of the article HERE:

http://blog.norml.org/2011/06/07/connecticut-lawmakers-vote-to-decriminalize-adult-marijuana-possession/

Canada Allows Vaporizers on Planes and In Airports

A report from our friends at The Weed Blog tells us that Canada allows vaporizers on planes and in airports. Read the entire article HERE: http://www.theweedblog.com/canada-allows-vaporizers-on-planes-and-in-airports/

While I know that the Volcano is considered the Rolls Royce of vaporizers, I love love love the Vapor Brothers Vapor Cannon...for a plane though something like a portable Vapor Genie pipe would be kick ass...

Sad but True...

Gary Johnson Will Legalize Cannabis if Elected in 2012

STFU Hannity. Gary Johnson says MARIJUANA IS SAFER! The man speaks the truth...

Legislation To End U.S. Marijuana Prohibition Coming Thursday

By: Steve Elliot
http://www.tokeofthetown.com/

The first bill ever introduced in Congress to end federal marijuana prohibition is coming on Thursday, June 23. Historic, bipartisan legislation which would end the United States' war on marijuana -- and allow states to legalize, tax regulate and control cannabis commerce without federal interference -- will be introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas).

Co-sponsors of the bill include Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)

The legislation would limit the federal government's role in marijuana enforcement to cross-border or interstate smuggling, allowing people to legally grow, use or sell marijuana in states where it is legal.

Leading critics of the war on marijuana will explain the legislation's significance for state and national marijuana policy at a national press teleconference on Thursday.

A group of police and judges who fought on the front lines of the failed War On Drugs is announcing its support for the legislation, which is called the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011.

"Clearly the 'war on drugs' has failed, and nowhere is that more clear than with respect to marijuana," said Neill Franklin, a former Baltimore narcotics cop and executive director of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). "It baffles me that we arrest nearly 800,000 people on marijuana charges in this country each and every year at taxpayer expense when we could instead be taking in new tax revenue from legal and regulated marijuana sales.

"Making marijuana illegal hasn't prevented anyone from using it, but it has created a huge funding source that funnels billions of dollars in tax-free profits to violent drug cartels and gangs," Franklin said. "More and more cops now agree: Legalizing marijuana will improve public safety."


Photo: Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
Former President Jimmy Carter: "Maybe the increased tax burden on wealthy citizens necessary to pay for the war on drugs will help bring about a reform of America's drug policies" 
​Last week marked the 40th anniversary of President Richard Nixon's declaring war on marijuana and other drugs. In an op-ed in the New York Times last week, timed for the 40th anniversary, former President Jimmy Carter called for reforming marijuana laws.

The legislation also comes on the heels of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, which released a report on June 2 calling for a major paradigm shift in how our society deals with drugs, including calling for legal regulation of marijuana. The report sent a jolt around the world, generating thousands of international media stories.

The Commission is comprised of international dignitaries including Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations; Richard Branson, entrepreneur, founder of the Virgin Group; and the former presidents of Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Switzerland. Representing the United States on the Commission are George P. Shultz, Paul Volcker and John Whitehead.

More than 46 percent of Californians voted last year to legalize marijuana in their state, and voters in Colorado, Washington and possibly other states expected to vote on the issue next year. In the past year, five state legislatures have considered legalizing marijuana, including California, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington state.

Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use, but the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continues to arrest people under federal law, and U.S. Attorneys have in recent months sent threatening letters to state policymakers in an apparent attempt to meddle in state decision-making.

Rep. Frank's legislation would end state/federal conflicts over marijuana policy, reprioritize federal resources, and provide more room for states to do what is best for their own citizens, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project (MPP).

You can write to your Representatives by using this handy form; just enter your state and zip code, and mention that you support the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

What: Tele-Press Conference on the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011

When: Thursday, June 23, 2 p.m. EST/11 a.m. PST

Call-In Info: 1-800-311-9404; Passcode: Marijuana

Montana Man Faces Possible Life in Prison for 3 Grams of Marijuana

via http://www.thcfinder.com/

Category: News | Posted on Thu, March, 31st 2011 by THCFinder(The Missoulian) [I]n a Missoula County courtroom… an eight-woman, four-man jury found Matthew Otto, 27, guilty of a single charge of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs – in this case, 3 grams (well under an ounce) of marijuana. Otto faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $50,000 fine.
 
Well under an ounce?  How about close to a tenth of an ounce?  Regardless, Montana law defines sales or distribution (giving) any amount of marijuana as a felony and allows for a one year to life prison sentence and $50,000 fine.  Otto is lucky he wasn’t within 1,000 feet of a school or an additional three years minimum would be added.

Otto stood accused of sharing a bowl of his medical marijuana with two friends in a car traveling down Reserve Street, where the trio passed a Missoula County Sheriff’s detective on his way home from work last November.
 
How many times do I have to tell you people to not smoke pot in your freakin’ car?!?  Even if parked but especially if moving!

Both [Deputy Missoula County Attorney Andrew] Paul and [Public Defender Chris] Daly questioned potential jurors closely as to their experiences with and attitudes toward marijuana – medical and otherwise. Roughly half the 24 people from whom the eventual jury was chosen raised their hands in response to a question as to whether they’d smoked marijuana. While none had medical marijuana cards, five had family members with “green” cards.

 Yes, because over half of US adults aged 50 or younger have tried marijuana.  If that’s going to be a disqualification for jury duty, you’re going to find it increasingly hard to seat juries (as happened in Montana last year).

Samantha and Jordan Lambert, who was driving the car, originally told Missoula County Sheriff’s Detective Jon Gunter that they’d gotten the marijuana from Otto, according to court papers. Wednesday, they testified they didn’t remember who lit the bowl or where the marijuana in it came from.

Daly repeatedly pointed out that neither of the Lamberts was charged with possessing or distributing marijuana, even though the bowl was shared among the trio.

“The detective told me if I was honest with him about taking a hit off the pipe, I would not be in trouble,” Jordan Lambert testified.

[Missoula County Sheriff's Detective Jon] Gunter testified that as a narcotics investigator, he felt it was more important to home in on the source of the drug.

So this terribly dangerous 3g of medical marijuana that Otto distributed to Jordan Lambert wasn’t so dangerous that we needed to charge the pot-smoking non-medical-marijuana-patient driving the car; it was “more important to home in on the” legit medical marijuana patient who was “the source of the drug”?  Otto didn’t hold a gun to Lambert’s head and force him to take hits while driving by an off-duty sheriff.  Lambert made a choice to endanger other drivers on the road but the police feel the real danger is the patient medicating in the back seat?

read more: http://www.thcfinder.com/marijuana-blog/news/2011/03/montana-man-faces-possible-life-in-prison-for-3-grams-of-pot#ixzz1PyFgdGWL