Browsing United States

On Nov 3, Ohioans are being asked to vote on ballot initiatives deciding the fate of legalizing medical and recreational marijuana at the same time – at least for now. Depending on the outcome, lawsuits are sure to ensue, and the final decision could be tied up in the courts for years. State Issue 3 “Grants a monopoly for the commercial production and sale of marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes” Earlier this year, the pro-legalization group ResponsibleOHio filed …

Nearly 20 years ago, California led the nation in legalizing cannabis for medical use with the enactment of the Compassionate Use Act (Proposition 215). However, the Act offered little guidance on how patients should obtain medical cannabis or how the industry should be monitored. This uncertainty has created a hodgepodge of local rules and ordinances and some very disturbing environmental and safety issues, but that’s all about to change. Bringing Oversight to California’s Medical Marijuana Industry On Friday, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a trio of bills that …

It was only a matter of time. A class-action lawsuit was filed on October 5 in Denver District Court against LivWell, Inc., its subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, joint venturers, and other legal associations or entities owned or controlled by it. LivWell operates eleven (11) retail marijuana dispensaries and is one of the largest cannabis grow facilities in the world. Colorado residents Brandan Flores and Brandie Larrabee are the main plaintiffs. The suit strikes at the heart of pesticide use in cultivating cannabis, specifically Eagle® brand fungicide. LivWell Marijuana Plants Quarantined Earlier This Year The Plaintiffs challenge LivWell’s …

The Michigan Medical Marijuana Review Panel voted 4-2 in favor of a petition calling for the addition of autism to the list of qualifying conditions allowing for a medical marijuana license under the MMMA. This was a tremendous victory for the families and experts that have supported this effort for the past two years. However, the final decision whether to approve or deny the petition is left to the director of LARA, the agency tasked with administrating the MMMA. There appears to be some confusion about what this petition is suggesting, and what it …

Residents in Michigan may submit medical conditions to LARA in order for the Michigan Medical Marihuana Review Panel to review whether there is ample evidence that cannabis may have palliative relief in the treatment of that condition. It is the voter’s intent to protect those with debilitating medical conditions that may receive palliative relief from cannabis. When the panel is provided sufficient evidence it is their mandate to ensure that new medical conditions be added to the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. In 2012 Jenny Allen, the mother of an autistic child, petitioned LARA to …

People with new and innovative business ideas are quickly joining the marijuana movement, making legal cannabis the nation’s fastest growing industry. If you have been following the cannabis industry intently, chances are fairly good that have noticed more and more canna-business events sprouting up on a daily basis, all over the country. It’s almost impossible to keep track of them all, let alone figure out which ones are worth your time and energy as a cannabis start-up. One of these events, the Indo Expo, is looking to expand on its previous …

The cannabis industry is booming and Colorado is its epicenter (until California gets its act together and legalizes the plant for adult-use). For the second year, the largest cannabis trade association in the United States is hosting a business summit in Denver. Exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and attendees will discuss and make their plans to take the cannabis industry by storm and push cannabis reform in 2015 and beyond. The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) will host the event who expect over 100 exhibitors and 2,000 attendees. The summit will serve as …

Different people participate for different reasons. But whatever the reason, the 3rd Annual National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference, hosted by Americans for Safe Access, was the place to be for those wanting to gain more knowledge about medical cannabis. The event took place last week in Washington, D.C. at the Loews Madison Hotel. Over five days, doctors, researchers, activists, and patients from around the country convened to discuss the future of medicinal cannabis policy reform and science. The amount of information shared in such a short time was stunning. Day One – History of Progress and Looming Issues The reception …

In August 2012, the beginning of a tragic ordeal started for Larry Harvey and his family. Their home was initially raided by state authorities, who seized part of their cannabis crop so that the remaining amount would comply with state medicinal cannabis laws. The family thought they were already within the legal limit. However, federal authorities raided the home a week later, seizing the remaining plants, raw cannabis, a car, firearms, and more. The family was then charged with numerous federal offenses, including growing, possessing, and distributing cannabis. The Kettle Falls Five The now famous “Kettle Falls …

On Monday, March 2, 2015, Jesse Teplicki became the first person in Florida history to be acquitted of a cannabis-related criminal charge by a jury because of medical necessity. Teplicki, 50, has battled anorexia since age 9, and cannabis has been the only medicine that effectively alleviates his condition. His acquittal is legal history in Florida and may influence future decisions by prosecutors and juries. Jesse Teplicki’s Arrest In January 2013, Teplicki was arrested by the Broward’s County Sheriff’s Office for growing cannabis. He faced up to five years in prison …