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

NASCAR Driver Ronnie Hults Suspended for Legal Use of Medical Marijuana

NASCAR driver Ronnie Hults Suspended for Using Medical Marijuana

NASCAR Driver Ronnie Hults

Colorado NASCAR driver Ronnie Hults was suspended for legally using medicinal marijuana. This comes on the heels of the rejection of Cannabis Planet as a sponsor for a NASCAR racecar. According to NORML (and our opinion) NASCAR has shown an obvious predjudice against cannabis, even for legal medical use.

For decades, NASCAR was a big promoter of tobacco, and currently promotes for pharmaceutical companies. NORML reports that the NASCAR industry has roots in the trafficking of untaxed alcohol such as moonshine in post-prohibition America.

Even though Hults was suspended, there is no evidence reported that he has driven while using medical marijuana.

Source: NORML.org

Colorado: For Profit Medical Marijuana Business is Booming

This article from The Portland Press Herald reports that the MMJ for-profit business in Colorado is thriving, with  Boulder taking in an estimated $1 million in fees and taxes on cannabis related businesses in 2010.

Read the entire article HERE

CBS News Reports Research Facility Discovers Genetic Code of the Cannabis Plant

THC Molecule

CBS News reports that a small company in Massachussetts claims to have unlocked the genetic code of cannabis. Doing so facilitates research and study on the medicinal uses of marijuana, such as the treatment of inflammatory conditions and even cancer.

The findings by Medicinal Genomics have yet to undergo review by peers, however there are over 131 billion bases of sequence which is the largest collection of cannabis genomes. The collection will be released to the scientific community at some point in the fall.

Although the company has headquarters in Massachussetts, there is also a headquarters in Amsterdam which is where the research takes place.

Read the entire article at CBS News HERE

What if Cannabis Cured Cancer? Must SEE Video

Medical Marijuana Strain of the Day: Nirvana / White Rhino

I can't find much on Nirvana itself but White Rhino is well known mostly all indica medical marijuana strain that gives a heavy body buzz and relaxed euphoria.

CNBC Profiles the Top 16 Medical Marijuana Strains

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>CNBC has done a brilliant slideshow on the top 16 strains of medical marijuana. And, they give a great description of the strain and the effects of it beside the stunning photos!


Among their picks -- Mr. Grinspoon for depression and nausea, Blue Dream (I <3 Blue Dream) for back pain which "lacks sedative qualities present in many other strains, although the euphoria experienced is relatively strong." and G-13 Haze for depression, ADD and ADHD.


You ROCK, CNBC!

>CNBC Top 16 Medical Marijuana Strains

Medical Marijuana Strain of the Day -- Blue Dream

This is a sativa indica hybrid, 80 percent sativa. It is a cross between Blueberry and X Haze. The color can range from bright to deep green with blue, purple and orange throughout.

Blue Dream contains around 15 to 20 percent THC. The aroma is spicy with a fruity scent, and the taste is mildly blueberry like. Smoke is thick but not as harsh as you would think.

The buzz from Blue Dream comes on right away and lasts for several hours. Good mind and body buzz but you still have the energy and focus to conduct your daily activities.

We are definitely fans :)

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

Rick Simpson: Run From the Cure FULL VERSION

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

Medical Marijuana Strain Of The Day: TrainWreck

This is a sativa dominant strain. Covered in thee most gorgeous orange hairs analso highly covered in beautiful crystals.

It also has an earthy smell an a hint of skunk smell to it , very good stain for many uses in my opinion

The Growing Acceptance of Medical Marijuana

Author Andrew Stratton has written a brilliant article on medical marijuana and how it is slowly becoming more mainstream...

Medical Marijuana - Gaining Acceptance
By Andrew Stratton

Medical marijuana has actually been around for eons but had been prohibited in most countries for many years. Lately, however, various nations have begun to recognize its worth in the healthcare arena. Therefore, legalization of the plant is taking hold globally as well as in the United States of America. New Jersey is the most recent state to vote "Yes" for its legalization.

It is derived from a plant called cannabis. It is often green or brown and consists of leaves, seeds and stems. While thought of over the last several decades as a strictly recreational drug, its therapeutic abilities have begun to be accepted by many.

New Jersey is the fourteenth place in the U.S. to allow its legality with the passing of "New Jersey Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Act". While the name sounds like a gentle law, it's actually the toughest American version of its kind. Some lawmakers in the east coast are worried that it will get out of hand with certain loopholes. The loopholes reportedly are there to expand its use if necessary, by allowing the list of "debilitating medical conditions" to be added to by health officials.

A former U.S. attorney who is now the Governor-elect, Chris Christie, is especially unhappy with what he perceives as the looseness of its language. Christie claims that California is an example of a state who has become out-of-control regarding cannabis for medicinal purposes and doesn't want his place to follow suit.

The strictness of the New Jersey law lies in its requirement of purchasing the substance only via a state regulated "alternative treatment center". It is the only state to require this route of obtaining the drug; all other states allow home cultivation.

It has medicinal properties and has helped with the following health conditions:

- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Positive HIV/AIDS diagnosis
- Seizure

The loophole-language contained in the "New Jersey Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana" states that this current list of health conditions can be added to at the discretion of the state health department. Other conditions that such marijuana is claimed to assist with by other countries and states include arthritis, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, nausea resulting from chemotherapy, epilepsy, asthma, and migraines.

If a person needs to seek out a prescription writing doctor, he or she should search the internet in order to find alternative treatment centers in their area. They should be prepared to bring health records and current prescriptions and to be examined by a physician in order to receive the okay to purchase marijuana for medicinal purposes.

In Riverside medical marijuana providers can now sell medical cannabis to patients who suffer from a number of conditions such as AIDS, cancer, gastritis, insomnia, anorexia and more. They are dedicated to providing compassionate and knowledgeable service. To know more, visit http://thcmd4u.com

Medical Marijuana Strain of the Day: White Rhino

White Rhino

Our medical marijuana strain of the day is White Rhino. This strain of medical cannabis is a mostly indica hybrid with beautiful frosty crystals and orange hairs. 

Slight berry fragrance, with a taste of pine and berry. 

EXTREMELY potent and a creeper buzz...proceed with caution and give this strain time to creep up on you before toking more...

125 Year Old Woman Said Cannabis was a Key to Her Health and Longevity

To me, this is irrefutable evidence that not only does cannabis do no harm, it actually has beneficial properties as well...article below:

A 125-year-old woman, said to be one of the oldest women in India, died at her home in Orissa, her family said Sunday. Fulla Nayak claimed that smoking cannabis every day was her secret to long life.
Fulla Nayak, a resident of Kanarpur village in the coastal district of Kendrapada, died of old age complications Saturday.

According to her 72-year-old grandson, Fulla was 125. But as per a voter photo identity card issued by the government in 1995 she was 120 years.

The grand old woman lived in a small mud-walled thatched house in Kanarpur, about 25 km from the district headquarters. She is survived by two of her four daughters and around two dozen relatives.
Her eldest daughter, Jamuna, 92, lives in the same village. Her husband died at the age of 50.
Fulla was in the news when her grandson Narayan Nayak claimed last week that she could be the oldest woman living in the world. He had said that he would write to the Guinness book authorities to record the claim.

Fulla was known for her love of smoking ganja and cigars and palm juice. She also loved steaming hot tea.
She had never suffered any debilitating ailment throughout her life. Except for her weak eyesight, Fulla maintained good health and used to walk without support.

http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php?Number=6334932

Medical Marijuana Strain of the Day: Sensi Star x AK-47

Sensi Star x AK-47 is an indica dominant hybrid that smells like cherry...smooth to smoke, chokey on exhale,   hash aftertaste...recommended for nighttime use and not for beginners...strong effects including high level of pain relief, nausea relief, insomnia relief and more...

Medical Marijuana Strain of the Day: Dutch Treat

This beauty hails from the magical land of Amsterdam. It is an 80/20 Indica/Sativa hybrid with a dense texture and light green color with golden trichomes. Hairs are dark orange. The scent is pine and sweet with a candy flavor. 

Reports rate this strain as mood elevating and excellent for bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, mild pain, headaches and depression. 

Can Cannabis Alleviate Lyme Disease Symptoms?

This article by author Bruce D. Budnik talks about how medicinal cannabis can be used to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms caused by Lyme Disease, a common disease carried by ticks.

Cannabis Alleviates Symptoms of Lyme Disease
By Bruce D. Budnik

Living in the rural areas where there is tall grass and bushes everywhere, lies a creature that can make you very ill from its bite. There are many different species of ticks, but only few are able to infect us with a deadly virus. Emedicine.com- "Ticks are arthropods, like spiders. There are more than 800 species of ticks throughout the world." It's true to say that they are uncontrollable and can attach to anyone of any age. Unfortunately, there is barely much you can do about the number of them in your yards and surrounding woodlands. They can travel with many different animals like; dogs, cats, cattle, raccoons, rabbits and humans. They are attracted to warm, dark spots of the body barely visible with the human eye, making them even harder to spot. I think all could agree a bug clinging to your skin without your knowledge is rather creepy and scary. I'm sure we all remember one time or another child or adult, discovering one stuck on us.

Emedicine.com-"Ticks are the leading carriers (vectors) of diseases to humans in the United States, second only to mosquitoes worldwide." That is a staggering comparison statement considering West Nile Virus is at fault to so many lost lives through the years. Along with other life threatening illnesses mosquitos' carry pose a high threat as well. In schools nationwide, health classes teach children proper behavior to prevent Deer Tick bites. There are known precautions that can be made to prevent them from biting such as; long sleeves, jeans, boots, long socks and checking yourselves, along with children, on a basis after being in the garden, lawn or anywhere they could possibly dwell.

Promptly remove the tick with tweezers, making sure to remove all the legs from the skin, wrap it in foil, bring to your doctor to have it cleared as a tick with Lyme disease or not. Deer tick bites left untreated show a red, target like ring around the surface area of the bite, resulting in " Lyme Disease" or "Lyme Borreliosis." This is a serious matter, resulting in so much pain that you may end up in a wheel chair or even bed stricken for days at a time. It takes away the enjoyable aspects of life and can make you're everyday routine miserable. We all know suffering from intense pain is no laughing matter, and being nauseous constantly is a burden within it's self. This is what this disease places in you're body, sucking precious time from your life, you're mind as well.

Many doctors treat this disease with a regiment of antibiotics. This is the efficient way to cure this disease. Although antibiotics can upset you're stomach, affecting appetite severely. Which can result in weight loss as the disease progress. Headaches come and go and can include wretched migraines. They can be so unforgiving and punishable taking a toll on you every single time. Regular sleeping patterns will be constantly interrupted causing chronic fatigue and disrupting ones circadian rhythm. Brutal sharp pains running all the way up your temples causing pain in your forehead and eyes. Stiffness down your neck, back, legs and joints can make you feel helpless, tired and irritable.

Lyme disease can come and go, but for some it wont let up. In most severe cases, this is classified as " Chronic Lyme Disease" with people suffering constantly, not in spurts. Many people with Lyme disease may not think cannabis could be one of the more affective long-term medicines to help alleviate symptoms. Cannabis is a safer, more soothing medication that can eliminate pain in all forms.

Medically, cannabis can be used for many reasons. It fights the aches in your joints and pain throughout your whole body. The more potent the strain brings on the more potent medication. This could be the answer to questions about cannabis being an alternative medicine with the people suffering from "Lyme Disease" who are looking for other, more natural methods of healing. Cannabis can provide the energy needed to make it through the rough days when your symptoms are high. During the evening it can make lying down and falling asleep a delightful occasion, instead of a frustrating restless one. After a great night sleep, you could wake up feeling refreshed instead of sore and tired.

In the morning cannabis is an incredible way to help loosen your joints and stiffness from previous nights tossing and turning. The unfortunate early sunrises when you woke up sick and tired could truly be a thing of the past. Ingesting cannabis will make your appetite stronger, bringing some much needed nutrition. Walking instead of limping, around the house brings back pleasant mornings. Also for the non-smokers you could have a tasty, potent and original edible medication of your choice.

Ask you're doctor or physician about medical cannabis on what opinions they have. This could be a breaking point in you're life, helping to dissipate most symptoms of Lyme disease. If all other methods of alleviating pain become hopeless cannabis could officially help you. Like a general, Lyme disease truly shows no mercy and no surrender; its time to show it whose going to be the last one standing. See additional articles in The Cannabis Times.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Cannabis-Alleviates-Symptoms-of-Lyme-Disease!&id=4979819

Medical Marijuana Strain of the Day -- Strawberry Cough

Strawberry Cough is a MMJ strain of approximately 18% average THC. It is 75% Sativa and 25% Indica. This strain smells and tastes like strawberry. It is reported that Strawberry Cough gives an energetic high with feelings of well-being.

How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Prescription
By http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jasmin_Z

Medical marijuana, otherwise named medical cannabis is the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes either as herbal or medical therapy. Cannabis or marijuana in layman's term has a long history of medical use and is also one of the most commonly abused illicit drugs. Marijuana is classified as Schedule I drug under federal laws and therefore its possession is strictly prohibited.

Just like any typical drug dispensed in the market, cannabis have good and bad effects. Cannabis has effects that harm the human body once misused and is seen as psychoactive manifestations which are often fatal. In spite of that, countless research has proven several favourable effects like analgesia, management for glaucoma, and gastrointestinal diseases. The drug has also made promising results in different studies conducted for the management of HIV/AIDS, cancers, Alzheimer's, and other diseases.

The miraculous effects of cannabis are enough grounds for the legalization of its use in Colorado. It is not easy to get a California medical marijuana prescription. However, here are some tips that will surely help:

� Go to your doctor. While it is illegal for a physician to prescribe medicinal marijuana, he or she can write a recommendation telling the drug is deemed beneficial to the treatment of the patient's condition. Keep in mind that doctors usually recommend medical marijuana in chronic conditions or in cases where in the patient's life activities will be harmed if not treated immediately.

� Next is to get a written documentation from the doctor that he or she has personally made the prescription and the reasons to do so. His or her signature should be affixed.

� Lastly, apply for an identification card. The California medical marijuana prescription and the written documentation are the needed documents for the application. Once you have them, contact the Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) on how to apply.

Find out more information about medical marijuana and how you can benefit from it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Get-a-Medical-Marijuana-Prescription&id=5760959