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ASA Activist Newsletter - JULY 2013
Volume 8, Issue 7
Federal Interference with State
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Conference of U.S. Mayors Says
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Lawyers Guild Says Fix Federal Cannabis Policy![]() The NLG report argues that current asset forfeiture practices create perverse incentives for law enforcement and recommends the law be changed to “require criminal convictions before enabling the government seizure of any property.” The NLG also notes that profit incentives within the private prison industry have been a major factor in U.S. drug policy and incarceration rates. NLG is the country’s oldest and largest public interest and human rights bar organization. More information: NLG Report: High Crimes: Strategies to Further Marijuana Legalization Initiatives |
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New Hamp. Sends Compromise Bill to Gov.![]() HB 573 allows patients diagnosed with cancer, Crohn's disease and other conditions to possess up to two ounces of cannabis, which must be obtained from one of four dispensaries to be licensed by the state. Patients will have to designate a dispensary, and each dispensary will be restricted three mature cannabis plants, 12 seedlings and six ounces for each patient. A commission to be appointed immediately will establish other regulations for dispensary operations, which may take a year or more to implement. Once Gov. Hassan signs the bill, New Hampshire will be either the 19th or 20th state with a medical cannabis program, depending on whether the governor of Illinois beats her to it. The Illinois Legislature approved similar legislation in May, which is awaiting signature. More Information New Hampshire HB 573 |
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Hawaii Legislature Approves Program Changes![]() The effective date for switching the program from the Department of Public Safety, Narcotics Enforcement Division (NED) to the Department of Health (DOH) is not until January 2015, to give the agencies time to manage the transition. SB 642 increases the amount of medical cannabis a patient or caregiver can grow and possess from one ounce and three mature and four immature plants to four ounces and seven plants whether immature or mature. The bill also stipulates that recommendations must be from the patient’s primary care physician. SB 642 will also take effect January 2015. Hawaii’s program enjoys strong public support. A recent statewide poll found that 81% support access to medical cannabis, and 78% support a dispensary system. More Information Hawaii SB 642 Hawaii HB 668 |
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New Jersey Legislature Sends
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Maine Adds PTSD to Qualifying Conditions![]() H.P. 755 was sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Dickerson (D-Rockland), who said she took action at the request of a number of veterans who suffer from PTSD. Originally, the bill would have allowed cannabinoid treatment for opioid or other pharmaceutical dependence, as well as “any other medical condition or its treatment as determined by a physician.” Those provisions were dropped because of opposition from some members of the Maine Medical Association, particularly some who specialize in treatment of psychiatric conditions and addiction. Oregon lawmakers also expanded that state’s qualifying condition list to include PTSD last month. Medical cannabis is currently approved for the treatment of PTSD in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts and New Mexico. More Information Maine H.P. 755 |
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Two Dispensaries Open in Vermont Last Month![]() Vermont lawmakers established a medical cannabis program two years ago. The program requires dispensaries to grow their own cannabis in a secure environment. Qualifying Vermont patients can make an appointment to acquire their medicine. The Burlington dispensary currently provides two strains of cannabis in three different potencies and offers a sliding scale to patients in need. The Montpelier dispensary is growing more than a half-dozen different varieties. |
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Oregon Considering Dispensary Regulations![]() Oregon has an estimated 53,000 qualified patients, many of whom obtain their medicine from dispensaries not regulated or licensed by the state. The bill has the support of state Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, who has urged the legislature to pass HB 3460, saying dispensaries 'operate in a climate of uncertain legality, and the absence of a clear regulatory structure makes ensuring compliance with the law difficult.' The Oregon League of Cities also supports the bill, telling lawmakers in a letter that cities have 'divergent views' on medical cannabis but all want to ensure those who provide medical cannabis to patients 'do so in a responsible manner.' Currently, the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program allows patients to either grow their own or reimburse a state-registered non-profit grower to do so for them. HB 3460 would establish a $4,000 license for dispensaries that would pay for oversight. If passed, the bill will require dispensaries to operate as a non-profit, maintain records that law enforcement or program administrators could inspect and test all cannabis sold for pesticides, mold and mildew Dispensaries would be prohibited in residential areas and within 1,000 feet of schools or another dispensary. More Information Oregon HB 3460 |
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New York Senate Scuttles Medical Cannabis Bill![]() The bill was sponsored by Sen. Diane Savino, an 'independent Democrat' and a member of the Senate's leadership team, who told the press, “there was overwhelming support for medical marijuana and that didn't move forward, because the governor didn't want to do it.' Mayor Bloomberg made headlines late last month by telling a radio show that medical cannabis is “one of the great hoaxes of all time.' A recent survey of 1,400 physicians, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that 76 percent of international doctors surveyed would recommend medical cannabis. |
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California Lobby Day Announced for August 12![]() The lobby day comes at a crucial juncture in the legislative process when lawmakers are considering bills affecting patients. The bill with the largest impact is SB 439, sponsored by President Pro-Tem Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Senator Leno (D-SF), which clarifies the protections afforded by the state’s medical cannabis laws. SB 439 would recognize the legitimacy of storefront dispensaries and expand protections to employees who work there. SB 283, a bill by Senator Hancock (D-Berkeley), would allow Californians convicted of medical cannabis-related and certain other drug-related offenses in state or federal court to receive public assistance, a benefit they are currently denied. Other legislation affects foster parents and credentialed teachers who legally use medical cannabis (AB 787 and AB 375, respectively). For everyone who registers for the August 12 Lobby Day, ASA will make an appointment with their state Assembly member and Senator. This is a strategic moment for lobbying, as bills already approved by the Senate are in Assembly committees, and bills approved by the Assembly are in Senate committees. The legislature reconvenes from their summer break on August 12 to get bills out of committee and to the floor for a vote. Register now online or download a mail-in registration form before August 2. ASA will make appointments for you, brief and train you to be an effective advocate, and provide you with professional lobby-day materials to take with you. If you can’t make it to Sacramento August 12, you can sponsor others to attend, or make a donation to ASA to support this event. More Information CRMM Aug 12 Lobby Day online registration CRMM Aug 12 Lobby Day flyer & registration form California SB 439 (dispensaries) California SB 283 (previous convictions) California AB 787 (foster parents) California AB 375 (teachers) |
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ACTION ALERT: Ask Your Senators: What’s the Cost?ASA has done the math and prepared the report. Now it’s your turn to ask your U.S. Senators why we’re spending so much interfering with state medical cannabis programs. Email your Senators today about DOJ spending. Click here to take action: . |
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