420 Girls - Cannabis News http://www.420girls.com/420/forums Marijuana and Hemp News from around the world en Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:44:39 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/images_greenish/misc/rss.jpg 420 Girls - Cannabis News http://www.420girls.com/420/forums More Guidance Needed On Medical Pot Law http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11728-more-guidance-needed-medical-pot-law-new-post.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:00:35 GMT Both Oakland Sheriff Michael Bouchard and a board member for the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association are asking state lawmakers for a clarification of state marijuana law. Confusion among users and differing approaches by cities and law enforcers indicate the need for clarity in the law. The... Both Oakland Sheriff Michael Bouchard and a board member for the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association are asking state lawmakers for a clarification of state marijuana law. Confusion among users and differing approaches by cities and law enforcers indicate the need for clarity in the law.

The issue came to the fore in recent days with a raid by the Oakland Sheriff's Department on marijuana dispensaries in Waterford Township and Ferndale. Sheriff's investigators say store owners were selling marijuana to people without proper medical authorization and serving as sites for people to sell marijuana to each other. The officers also made raids on individual homes.

One district judge made refraining from marijuana use, even for medical use, a condition of granting bail to defendants in the raids.

People operating the stores or dispensaries deny the charges and say they sold only to people who had state authorized cards exempting them from state laws restricting the use of marijuana.

In 2008 voters approved an initiative that allows patients to use marijuana for relief of "debilitating medical conditions" if they have a prescription from a doctor and a card identifying them issued by the state Department of Community Health. Each patient could have one "caregiver," or marijuana supplier, who is allowed to have no more than five patients.

The law does not discuss the issue of dispensaries or set up rules on how they should operate.

Michael Komorn, an attorney and board member of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, decried the raids, which he said were carried out in a paramilitary manner, were unnecessarily harsh and treated patients suffering from medical conditions badly.

Komorn said medical marijuana users are "looking for guidance" and want to talk to authorities to determine how they can legally use the substance. Bouchard said the Legislature needs to flesh out the initiative and create a licensing system for dispensaries. Some operations have gone "far afield" from the intent of the 2008 initiative, he said.

Komorn noted that amending the medical marijuana law could be difficult, since, as an initiated act, it would take a vote of three-fourths of the members of the Legislature to amend it.

Perhaps for this reason, a number of bills that would create licensing requirements and dispensaries have been stalled in Lansing.

Still, both Bouchard and Komorn are right. Both users and law enforcement officials need more guidance on how the state's medical marijuana law should be applied.

The medical marijuana shouldn't be allowed to be used as a ruse for general marijuana use, nor should people who are trying to conscientiously follow the law and use it as a medical treatment be subjected to undue harassment.

The regulations should be made clearer and easier to apply in an even-handed manner. The voters, in adopting the initiative, have made their wishes clear. Lawmakers should find a way to make the initiative work.



NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source:The Detroit News | detnews.com | Monday, September 6, 2010 | News, sports, features, blogs, photos and forums from Detroit and Michigan
Contact: Contact The Detroit News | detnews.com | The Detroit News
Copyright: 2010 The Detroit News
Website: Editorial: More guidance needed on medical pot law | detnews.com | The Detroit News


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...l-pot-law.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11728-more-guidance-needed-medical-pot-law.html Cannabis Charity Plans New March For Roger Christie http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11727-cannabis-charity-plans-new-march-roger-christie-new-post.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:00:35 GMT HILO - A new Rally and March in support of Rev. Roger Christie has been planned for Wednesday, September 22, 2010 in Hilo.

Christie was arrested by federal agents on July 8, 2010, along with 13 members of his congregation. All of the “Green 13″ — as they are known locally — have been released on bond. But Christie himself was denied bail and remains behind bars at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center (FDC) awaiting trial next year on Marijuana Trafficking charges.

In July, US Federal District Court Judge Alan Kay in Honolulu supported the prosecutor’s claims that Christie represents a “danger to the community”.

In August, the U.S. Ninth District Court of Appeals in San Francisco summarily denied Christie’s appeal without a review.

“Roger Christie’s incarceration without bail and before trial is shocking and unjust,” said Hilo attorney Paul Sulla. “It is intended to drive fear into the public debate over the de-criminalization of the cannabis plant. ”

Sulla is one of Directors of the Cannabis Charity Education and Defense Fund, or CCEDF, the organizer of the March and Rally.

“After the appeal of the bail decision was denied,” Sulla told Hawaii News Daily. ”The US Attorney’s Office next requested a continuance of the trial date on the grounds that the case against Christie was a ‘complex trial’ necessitating more time to prepare. The court then granted the prosecution another 7 months to prepare for trial without addressing the release of Christie during this extended period.”

Christie and the Green 13’s trial has now been re-scheduled for April 26, 2011 in Honolulu, a 50 minute plane flight from Christie’s home turf in Hilo.

The cost of Christie’s incarceration at the FDC was reported to be $150 per week, or $600 per month for such necessities such as telephone, fax, and email privileges — and to purchase healthy meals and for other necessities from the prison commissary. Because Christie has been jailed before trial, his ability to mount an effective defense has been substantially impaired. Many of these costs are associated with Christie’s ability to communicate with witnesses, gather information to support for his defense and work on his case while being held without bail.

A previous march and rally for Christie sponsored by the group was held in Hilo on August 18. That event drew a crowd of 200, according to KITV in Honolulu.

Last week, members and guests of the Cannabis Charity met in Hilo to plan the next rally and to address the conditions surrounding Christie’s continued incarceration.

Members of board expected the turn-out for the next Rally to increase on public outrage and indignation over Christie’s continued confinement before trial — now exceeding 60 days.

Sulla said Christie’s plight was within the charter of the Cannabis Charity to assist those in need on account of their criminal prosecution for medical, religious or adult private use and/or cultivation of the cannabis plant.

“We can help Roger,” Said Paul Sulla. “Our group was formed to help people who are criminally in peril as a result their private personal use and/or cultivation of the cannabis plant and its derivatives. The public through CCEDF can do something to help defray Roger’s out of pocket legal costs while he is incarcerated and we intend to follow through with this support as long as it is needed.”

Sulla said the theme of next March and Rally will be to “Get Up, Stand Up for Your Rights.”

“The approach of the CCEDF is to align with existing cannabis churches, support groups, politicians and the supporting citizens to increase awareness of the real medical and social benefits of the cannabis plant,” said Sulla. “The Cannabis plant is sacred to many, and the criminalization of its use is not the answer. This is a public health concern — not a matter for criminal courts.”

The Rally for Roger Christie will be held in Hilo on September 22, beginning at 3pm, followed by a march beginning around 4:30pm. Location to be announced.


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: MND's Cannabis Liberty | Legalize it. Tax it. Regulate it. Get over it.
Copyright: 2010 MND's Cannabis Liberty
Contact: MND's Cannabis Liberty | Legalize it. Tax it. Regulate it. Get over it.
Website:Cannabis Charity Plans New March for Roger Christie | MND's Cannabis Liberty


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...-christie.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11727-cannabis-charity-plans-new-march-roger-christie.html Marijuana Supporters Target Libertarian Thinking In S.D. http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11726-marijuana-supporters-target-libertarian-thinking-s-d-new-post.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:00:35 GMT Supporters of Initiated Measure 13 to legalize medical marijuana say the realities of this year's election are much different from 2006, when a measure to legalize medical marijuana in South Dakota failed by about 5,000 votes, and it's influenced the approach they've taken to the campaign.

In 2006, Democrats rode momentum into the general election, said Emmett Reistroffer, who heads the South Dakota Coalition for Compassion. Democrats gained control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that year.

This year, Republicans have the advantage, he said, and fewer Democrats and young people are expected to show up at the polls. That means Reistroffer's volunteers are spending a lot of time courting Republicans - especially West River.

"If you wanna win out there, you've gotta have Republican support," he said.

While Republicans at large remain skeptical, he said, the emergence of the tea party movement could prove helpful.

"I think our message resonates with some Republicans," he said.

The loosely knit group of conservatives who gained prominence through their opposition to health care reform is unified by the principles of limited government and responsible spending, said Tea Party of South Dakota organizer Mike Austad.

Austad said voters associated with the tea party are not predictible votes for medical marijuana, but they think government shouldn't stand in the way of individual medical decisions.

"We are a liberty-minded group, and we believe in personal responsibility," he said. "We have an open mind about this issue - at least some of us do."

Concerns about an increased burden on law enforcement or the possibility that the state would need to hire new employees to monitor medical marijuana licenses and users could work against the coalition.

Austad was on hand Thursday night when Reistroffer and others visited an informal meeting of Minnehaha County Republicans to pitch the initiative.

Kathryn Henning, an organizer of the weekly forums, said the issue barely has been on the radar for Republicans.

"I'd say there were a few more opposed than supportive," Henning said.

So far, the South Dakota State Medical Association, Attorney General Marty Jackley, the South Dakota Police Chiefs' Association and South Dakota Sheriffs' Association have opposed the measure.

Reistroffer said his side's energy helps their chances.

"The network that we have is so strong that we can get the word out without much money."


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: argusleader.com | Argus Leader | Sioux Falls news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Author: John Hult
Contact: Submit Feedback | argusleader.com | Argus Leader
Copyright: 2010 argusleader.com
Website:Marijuana supporters target libertarian thinking in S.D. | argusleader.com | Argus Leader


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...nking-s-d.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11726-marijuana-supporters-target-libertarian-thinking-s-d.html Case For Medical Marijuana http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11725-case-medical-marijuana-new-post.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:00:35 GMT South Dakota voters this fall will be asked for the second time whether marijuana should be legal for medicinal purposes, and supporters like their chances. Organizers behind Initiated Measure 13 say strong grass-roots support and a lack of organized opposition improve the chances of South... South Dakota voters this fall will be asked for the second time whether marijuana should be legal for medicinal purposes, and supporters like their chances.

Organizers behind Initiated Measure 13 say strong grass-roots support and a lack of organized opposition improve the chances of South Dakota becoming the 16th state to allow the illegal drug to be used as a treatment for multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma and chronic pain.

A similar initiative failed by a narrow 5,000-vote margin in 2006 despite heavy opposition from then-Attorney General Larry Long.

Since 2006, the American Medical Association has called for research into the potential medical benefits of the drug, celebrities such as John Stossel and Montel Williams have come out in favor of medical marijuana, and voters in several states have passed similar measures.

"Times have significantly changed since four years ago," said Tony Ryan, a retired police officer and spokesman for the initiative's backers, the South Dakota Coalition for Compassion.

Detractors say the medical marijuana initiative will cause problems for police and contend there still is a dearth of hard evidence that the drug has a medical benefit.

When the AMA changed its policy in November in favor of more research, it included a cautionary sentence saying that it should not be seen as proof that "scientific evidence on the therapeutic use of cannabis meets current standards for a prescription drug product."

Vermillion Police Chief Art Mabry, head of the South Dakota Association of Police Chiefs, said he is convinced that medical marijuana merely is a ruse designed to help legalize the drug altogether.

"If this passes, the people we call drug dealers today will be called 'caregivers,' " Mabry said. "I'm curious about what a caregiver does with plants that don't sell."

Mabry is concerned the law would create a black market for unused marijuana and increase the danger of drugged driving. Marijuana-related traffic fatalities have increased in Montana since that state passed a medical marijuana statute six years ago.


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: argusleader.com | Argus Leader | Sioux Falls news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Author: John Hult
Contact: Submit Feedback | argusleader.com | Argus Leader
Copyright: 2010 argusleader.com
Website:Case for medical marijuana | argusleader.com | Argus Leader


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...marijuana.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11725-case-medical-marijuana.html NM Property Firm Makes Policy On Medical Marijuana http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11724-nm-property-firm-makes-policy-medical-marijuana-new-post.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:00:35 GMT ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A major property management firm has notified its New Mexico tenants that they must sign an agreement not to use or grow medical marijuana at home.

But Dallas-based Monarch Properties Inc. later reversed the rules for apartments that don't fall under federal regulations.

The company told tenants in August that although New Mexico is one of 14 states where medical marijuana is legal, marijuana remains illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

On Sept. 1, when the signed agreements were due, Monarch notified residents the new rules apply only to properties receiving federal funding.

The company manages 86 properties throughout New Mexico, most of which fall under Housing and Urban Development and Department of Agriculture regulations because they receive federal subsidies or financing or have tenants who receive federal rental support.

Monarch managers now say they will consider requests for "reasonable accommodation" for medical marijuana use at any of its properties if the resident qualifies under the federal fair housing law or the state Human Rights Act.

Companies are required to accept such requests from people the housing laws consider to be disabled or handicapped. Reasonable accommodation could include anything from wheelchair accessibility to the possibility of medical marijuana use, Monarch vice president Jack MacGillivray said.

He said the company is concerned about what it could do if a medical marijuana patient did not meet the federal definition of disabled or handicapped.

MacGillivray said the company has had no problems but developed the addendum to leases because federal regulations require a policy. Monarch said HUD has had a zero tolerance policy for narcotics for years, including provisions for drug-free leases.

Deborah Busemeyer, spokeswoman for the New Mexico Department of Health, which oversees the state's medical marijuana law, said property owners can make their own decisions and there's nothing the department can do.

The executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Albuquerque, Peter Simonson, said Monarch's policy on medical marijuana appeared to be "an overly narrow reading of what federal statutes and federal guidance have been on this issue."

The federal government allows landlords discretion in responding to tenants who participate in medical marijuana programs, he said.

"Evicting medical marijuana users doesn't do anything to advance the purpose of federal laws ... which is to guarantee the safety and security of people in public housing units," Simonson said. "We're not talking about dealers or drug abusers. We're talking about people using pain medications."

HUD, in a nine-page memo dated Sept. 24, 1999, concluded state laws "purporting to legalize medical marijuana directly conflict with the admission and occupancy requirements" of the public housing reform law, and that federal law is supreme.

HUD field offices had asked whether a subsidized tenant's medical marijuana use required terminating a lease.

A memo from the USDA's general counsel 10 years later also concluded federal law trumps state law.

Monarch manages more than 6,500 units in Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Angel Fire, Artesia, Aztec, Belen, Carlsbad, Clovis, Deming, Farmington, Gallup, Grants, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Los Lunas, Lovington, Raton, Rio Rancho, Roswell, Santa Fe, Santa Rosa, Silver City, Socorro, Taos and Tucumcari.

The company said New Mexico is the only state with a medical marijuana law in which it has property.


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Commentary Index - MSN Money
Author: SUE MAJOR HOLMES
Contact: Commentary Index - MSN Money
Copyright: 2010 Microsoft
Website:NM property firm makes policy on medical marijuana: Associated Press Business News - MSN Money


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...marijuana.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11724-nm-property-firm-makes-policy-medical-marijuana.html Petitioners Push For Marijuana Referendum http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11723-petitioners-push-marijuana-referendum-new-post.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:00:35 GMT River Falls voters may see a referendum question about medical marijuana on the ballot when they step into the election booth in November.

City Council Member Bob Hughes filed with the city clerk’s office Wednesday, Aug. 25, a petition for direct legislation bearing 800-plus signatures.

The question petitioners want added to the ballot: “Should the Wisconsin Legislature enact legislation allowing residents with debilitating medical conditions to acquire and possess marijuana for medical purposes if supported by their physician?”

City Clerk Lu Ann Hecht confirmed that Hughes had submitted the petition a few days before the deadline and had the required number of signatures. She has forwarded the petition to the city attorney for interpretation.

He’ll determine if it warrants a direct-legislation referendum or an advisory referendum. After that is determined, the City Council will decide whether to add the question to the ballot.

Hecht was unsure what specific action a direct-legislation referendum would motivate. The city attorney was not available to comment just before press time.

Hughes said he began gathering signatures after, “Some community members contacted me about it and asked if I was willing to help.”

He said many people believe that somebody with a debilitating medical condition should have access to whatever a doctor thinks would help. He said the petition and referendum question advises state legislators to take action, to pass a law.

It shows them what the people want and represents another step in the process to make medical marijuana legal in Wisconsin.

Hughes said his interest grew after he went with a group of constituents to Madison to lobby for the law during the last legislative cycle. He met activists Gary Storck and Jacki Rickert and says they are nice, good people.

He said, “This is about people with serious, serious medical conditions,” adding that even when a doctor advises it, those using marijuana are treated like criminals. “When you look into those people’s eyes, the last thing I would want to do is treat them like criminals.”

Hughes said he did not encounter any adverse reactions as he made the rounds in River Falls seeking signatures for the petition. He said about 70% of the people who opened their door supported the effort.

He sees the referendum question as very important and emphasized, “Voters are the most important poll we can take.”

Marijuana matters

Storck lives on the east side of Madison, has pushed for legalization of medical marijuana for 40 years, and thinks the referendum question is an important tool that will help educate voters and promote understanding of the issues.

“There’s so many reasons we need to look at it,” he said, adding about those who oppose the law: “Basically they’re going against something very natural.”

Storck started the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and directs the “Is My Medicine Legal Yet?” movement. He said 14 states have legalized medical marijuana, which means about 30% of the U.S. population now approves of using marijuana for medicinal purposes.

He said a look at Senate Bill 368 or Assembly Bill 554 shows for what diseases and conditions the marijuana could be used: Cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, Crohn’s, hepatitis C, Alzheimer’s, amytrophic lateral sclerosis, nail patella syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos and post traumatic stress. The list also includes chronic or debilitating diseases that cause wasting or severe pain, nausea, seizures or spasms.

Storck said he’s seen and heard how it helps people reduce their pain, regain an appetite and generally improve.

“I’ve suffered from ill health all my life,” Storck said, adding that he first smoked marijuana in the 1970s and noticed it relieved the pressure from glaucoma that was blinding him. “He (doctor) found my pressures were normal instead of highly elevated.”

Storck became an activist not long after that and in the course of his work, met Jacki Rickert, after whom many medical marijuana bills are named. She suffers from Ehlers-Danlos disease, and Storck says she’s in pain every waking moment.

“For her it’s been a godsend,” he said about medical cannabis.

Storck says the bill was introduced during Wisconsin’s last legislative session but died in committee. He agrees that the referendum question is another way to show legislators that the people want the bill passed into law.

He said, “Sponsors of the bill urged us to keep the momentum going and put advisory referendums on local ballots.”

Their efforts brought success in Dane County. Stork said the question will go on the ballot in Dane, the state’s second largest county. He thinks some board members were against it but changed their minds after hearing testimony.

He said all ages of people including seniors are finding marijuana helpful for their conditions. Many say it is infinitely better than the harsh drugs doctors prescribe that often have foul side effects.

Storck also says more people are experimenting with how marijuana may help other conditions not yet on the accepted list, such as autism and arthritis.


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: River Falls Journal | River Falls, Wisconsin
Author: Debbie Griffin
Contact: River Falls Journal 2815 Prairie Drive, River Falls, Wisconsin 54022 | Phone: 715-425-1561
Copyright: 2010 Forum Communications Co.
Website:Petitioners push for marijuana referendum | River Falls Journal | River Falls, Wisconsin


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...eferendum.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11723-petitioners-push-marijuana-referendum.html Welcome our new Sponsor Cannabis Medical Solutions http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11722-welcome-our-new-sponsor-cannabis-medical-solutions-new-post.html Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:22:39 GMT Please welcome our new sponsor Cannabis Medical Solutions.

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We thank Cannabis Medical Solutions for their sponsorship an wish them all the best in their business endeavors.

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http://www.420magazine.com/forums/42...solutions.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11722-welcome-our-new-sponsor-cannabis-medical-solutions.html Poland Mobilizes To Liberate Cannabis Hemp http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11721-poland-mobilizes-liberate-cannabis-hemp-new-post.html Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:22:39 GMT *In September 2010 Polish hemp and cannabis activists will start 14-days of marches and gatherings dedicated to all those with a common interest. * Cannabis advocates are demanding the immediate legalization of hemp possession and cultivation as well as an amnesty for prisoners sentenced for the... In September 2010 Polish hemp and cannabis activists will start 14-days of marches and gatherings dedicated to all those with a common interest.

Cannabis advocates are demanding the immediate legalization of hemp possession and cultivation as well as an amnesty for prisoners sentenced for the possession and cultivation of cannabis.

Background Information

The Polish government recently presented a legislation proposal which alluded to moving away from the regular 'penalization' route for possession of small amounts of cannabis.

It was an announcement which was initially met with great public enthusiasm.

But today the whole governmental proposal looks no better than a poorly implemented Public Relations excercise carefully choreographed to coincide with regional government elections.

Since spring 2010 our FREE HEMP society (Start | Freehempzone ) has presented a citizen's legislation initiative on marihuana.

An initiative with a view to creating a solution for the cannabis problem which has been unsolvable by the polish government during the last decade.

The government says they are attempting to come up with workable solutions. But the Marshal of the Lower Chamber of Parliament blocks our citizen's project from proceeding, tying it up in beaurocracy and red tape.

Free Hemp decided to make a legal challenge to the blockade of common sense, and On 9th September the Polish Supreme Court will consider a complaint against the parliament's speaker in this respect.

And whilst the government attempts to stop actions, we still have the right to gather and march where we want to.

If you would like to know more about Poland's Month of Activism, and especially if you can help out with donations to the cause, please check out Start | Freehempzone .


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Cannabis News - Home
Contact: Cannabis News - Home
Copyright: 2010 Cannabis News - Home
Website:Cannabis News - Poland Mobilizes to Liberate Cannabis Hemp


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...abis-hemp.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11721-poland-mobilizes-liberate-cannabis-hemp.html Belgium: Cannabis Social Club TREKT UW PLANT Presents Second Harvest http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11720-belgium-cannabis-social-club-trekt-uw-plant-presents-second-harvest-new-post.html Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:22:39 GMT Somewhere in Belgium, the association of cannabis consumers and producers 'Trekt Uw Plant' has installed a cannabis plantation, based on the principle of 1 plant per member.

All members can put their plant in this plantation, on the condition that they fulfill all requirements: be over 18 years old, live in Belgium and consume cannabis.

Quote:
Verklaringen' - each member makes a declaration of ownership for his or her plant
From mid August 2010, the first plants that are ready to harvest have been delivered to the members.

Since 2005, a ministerial guideline is applied in Belgium according to which the possession of max. 3 grammes of cannabis and 1 female plant is not persecuted.

During the past years Trekt Uw Plant has tested this guideline. In two opportunities, on December 12th, 2006 and May 3d, 2008, a collerctive cannabis plantation was presented in public. Both times, the plantation was confiscated and the board members of the association were arrested and persecuted.

Both times, the association was condemned by the local judge, the first time because of cannabis possession, the second time because of "incitement to drug use’. And both times the association appealed against this decision and finally was acquitted, on June 26th, 2008 and February 25th, 2010.

Possession of one cannabis plant for personal use is not a crime but a violation. A violation which can only be sanctioned (as determined by the -called VPV ("Simplified Registration").

The cannabis plant can not be confiscated, if the owner doesn’t give his or her permission.

From the fact that we have been acquitted twice, Trekt Uw Plants draws the conclusion that its method fits completely within the intention of the Belgian lawmakers: By making an end to the persecution of the possession and cultivation of cannabis for personal use, police and justice authorities can concentrate themselves on serious drug related crime and the accent in policy is shifted from justice to public health.

Growing for personal use is a healthy alternative for the illegal market and for tourism to the coffeeshops in the Netherlands.

An association like Trekt Uw Plant uses ecological cultivation methods, without any risk for adulteration of the product like is the case on the black market.

Contrary to the illegal market, the association is not accessible for minors.

The purpose of Trekt Uw Plant is, according to the statutes of the association, to enable the members to grow 1 cannabis plant per person. In the past years, prosecutors have insisted two times to dissolve the association. Both times the judges have not followed this request.


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Cannabis News - Home
Contact: Cannabis News - Home
Copyright: 2010 Cannabis News - Home
Website:Cannabis News - Belgium: Cannabis Social Club TREKT UW PLANT Presents Second harvest


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...d-harvest.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11720-belgium-cannabis-social-club-trekt-uw-plant-presents-second-harvest.html Legalize It: Mexico Marijuana Smokers Gather http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11719-legalize-mexico-marijuana-smokers-gather-new-post.html Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:22:39 GMT MEXICO CITY — With the nation in the throws of a violent drug war, over 200 people gathered in a central Mexico City park Sunday to smoke marijuana and demand it be legalized, an AFP reporter witnessed. The protestors withstood drizzling rain to hang out on the popular tourist drag of the... MEXICO CITY — With the nation in the throws of a violent drug war, over 200 people gathered in a central Mexico City park Sunday to smoke marijuana and demand it be legalized, an AFP reporter witnessed.

The protestors withstood drizzling rain to hang out on the popular tourist drag of the Alameda to smoke the herb, which remains illegal in Mexico, although the country is among a handful of Latin American nations that allow for the possession of a small "personal dose" of the drug.

Many participants smoked out of pipes decorated with skulls, which were said to allude to traditional pre-Hispanic cultures, as music was played and a petition was circulated to call for legalization.

Support for legalizing such so-called "soft drugs" in Mexico has grown, especially among left wing parties as a means to curb drug gang-related violence that has left some 28,000 people dead in the last four years.

Former president Vicente Fox (2000-2006), who led the conservative party of current President Felipe Calderon, has repeatedly voiced his own support for such a move.


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Google
Author: (AFP)
Contact: Google
Copyright: 201O Google.com
Website:AFP: Legalize it: Mexico marijuana smokers gather


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...rs-gather.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11719-legalize-mexico-marijuana-smokers-gather.html Israel Relaxes Restrictions On Medical Marijuana http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11718-israel-relaxes-restrictions-medical-marijuana-new-post.html Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:22:39 GMT The Health Ministry on Sunday authorized doctors from five Israeli different hospitals to prescribe medical marijuana to patients suffering from cancer and chronic pain. The ministry is launching a pilot program meant to increase the number of doctors allowed to prescribe marijuana for... The Health Ministry on Sunday authorized doctors from five Israeli different hospitals to prescribe medical marijuana to patients suffering from cancer and chronic pain.

The ministry is launching a pilot program meant to increase the number of doctors allowed to prescribe marijuana for medicinal purposes.

According to a ministry official, in the future department managers in the kupot holim, the Israeli health maintenance organizations, will be able to prescribe medical marijuana to patients.

The ministry estimates that in 2010 there will be an increase of 66 percent in the permits for medical marijuana, allowing treatment for about 5000 patients. In future, the ministry expects tens of thousands of patients to be treated with medical marijuana.

Most prescriptions for medical marijuana are given to patients suffering from chronic pain, including patients with fibromyalgia, cancer, HIV/AIDS, neurological disorders, multiple sclerosis, asthma and glaucoma, as well as to Israel Defense Forces veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Until now, 14 Israeli farms have been given permits to grow marijuana legally for medicinal use, but only three are currently operating. The health ministry recently approved a monthly fee of NIS 360 per medical marijuana user to cover growing expenses.

Israel is obligated by international treaty to establish a government agency regulating the distribution of marijuana and opium for medicinal purposes, but has not done so.

In recent months police have warned of the involvement of criminal gangs in producing medical marijuana. In May, police tightened supervision of medical marijuana growers and introduced new security measures for transporting legal marijuana plants.


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Israel News - Haaretz Israeli News source.
Author: Dan Even
Contact: Israel News - Haaretz Israeli News source.
Copyright: 2010 Haaretz Newspaper in Israel
Website:Israel relaxes restrictions on medical marijuana - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...marijuana.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11718-israel-relaxes-restrictions-medical-marijuana.html Space To Grow Is Hard To Find: Leases Scarce For Medical Marijuana http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11717-space-grow-hard-find-leases-scarce-medical-marijuana-new-post.html Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:22:39 GMT After David Greene came up with an idea for his manufacturing company, he set up a 23,000-square-foot lease at a building on the brink of foreclosure. Was it a perfect real estate deal? Not so much. The term “manufacture” is loosely used to describe the business, which grows medical... After David Greene came up with an idea for his manufacturing company, he set up a 23,000-square-foot lease at a building on the brink of foreclosure.

Was it a perfect real estate deal?

Not so much.

The term “manufacture” is loosely used to describe the business, which grows medical marijuana. And after a 12-month effort, culminating with a public hearing in Royal Oak, Greene's company, Your Comfort Care LLC, was not approved to use the warehouse.

“This is the perfect use for a building that's one of thousands that will never get leased unless we find an alternative use for it,” said Greene, who is also the director of brokerage services for Southfield-based real estate company First Commercial Realty and Development Co.

“I have a perfect business model. Michigan created a $1 billion industry and it's missing out on $950 million of it when medical marijuana is not grown here.”

Greene is one of many in Michigan's new medical marijuana industry running into roadblocks trying to find real estate for growing operations and dispensaries where medical marijuana is distributed.

Landlords in some areas have shied away from taking on tenants in the industry and local government regulations have added layers of complication.

So those landlords accepting marijuana-oriented tenants not only have to be tolerant, they need to be flexible, said Samantha Moffett, a recent law school graduate waiting to be sworn in as an attorney.

She works for the Walled Lake-based Ambrose Law Group, and has been dedicating most of her time to medical marijuana businesses.

“Cities are requiring a lease as part of the application,” she said. “So we have to go to the landlord and negotiate the terms, but then ask them to hold the space for a period of time while the application is being considered.”

She said the rules vary from one city to another — including outright bans in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Livonia. Ferndale, Roseville and Walled Lake have been receptive, Moffett said.

David Price recently opened a retail space for his business, Cannabis Connection, in Warren to distribute medical marijuana to people certified to acquire it. He opened the business in Warren after being turned down by roughly 70 landlords in Sterling Heights.

“I covered that city and talked to so many landlords, and nobody was willing to work with a medical-marijuana business,” he said. “They wouldn't take that chance, even with most of the rent up-front.

“They said they were worried about the stigma, worried about giving the other tenants a bad name.”

For Dominic Comer, the challenge was finding his way through the regulations in Walled Lake.

This week, he will open his dispensary, Bazonzoes, a 1,000-square-foot retail space in a strip center. Opening of Bazonzoes marks the end of a four-month effort to get an application approved by the City of Walled Lake under its newly approved ordinance.

The trick: Comer had to have a signed lease in place before the city would consider his request.

“It was a gamble and it was stressful to be paying for rent on a building but not knowing if there was going to be an approval,” Comer said.

Even before getting to the point of a government application, Comer had to find a location.

“There were people who wouldn't even call us back once they knew what we were doing with the space,” Comer said.

Michael Ziecik, a principal with Southfield-based real estate brokerage Principal Associates-GVA, said landlords who are receptive to medical marijuana uses tend to be those who have investments in one or two buildings as opposed to the institutional landlords with large portfolios and higher rent.

“If you're a well-financed institutional investor, you probably won't be interested,” he said. “The thought is, this will attract law enforcement and criminals, so why do it?

“The more mom-and-pop owner, the smaller investors who are having a hard time leasing their buildings in places where this is accepted, like Hazel Park and Ferndale, they're more than happy to take the lease.”

Ziecik found real estate for a dispensary in Ferndale and said he knows of several landlords willing to do such deals.

The idea of leasing space to a marijuana grower is fine, so long as it is legal and the local government has completely agreed to the idea along with the local community, said Gary Roberts, CEO of the Plymouth-based DeMattia Group, a real estate ownership company with 2.5 million square feet of space under ownership and management.

“But I'd put them in a single-tenant building, not a multi-tenant building,” Roberts said. “I wouldn't want to add a special tenancy like that where it could be disruptive to other businesses in the mix. A situation with picketers, for example, would be a disruption other businesses shouldn't have to deal with.”

In Greene's case, the landlord was more than happy to do the deal, but the city wasn't.

He proposed to lease a 23,000-square-foot warehouse at 2521 Torquay in Royal Oak, a property delinquent on its loan and at risk of foreclosure.

Greene planned to grow medical marijuana in the warehouse and then create a series of sub-divided spaces in the warehouse to sublease out to other growers.

Royal Oak was one of many local governments that filed a moratorium on medical marijuana uses shortly after the measure passed in November 2008.

After a public hearing packed with residents Aug. 9, the city commission Aug. 12 decided not to give Greene a variance from the moratorium, opting to continue studying the issue.

Despite recent raids of dispensaries in Oakland County, Comer said he's not afraid of any legal repercussions.

“I'm not nervous at all,” he said. “I'm doing this the right way, doing it by the rules, and it's going to pay off in the future.”


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Detroit News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business
Author: Daniel Duggan
Contact: Newsroom Contacts - Detroit News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business
Copyright: 2010 Crain Communications Inc
Website:Space to grow is hard to find: Leases scarce for medical marijuana - Detroit News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...marijuana.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11717-space-grow-hard-find-leases-scarce-medical-marijuana.html Man Arrested With USD50,000 In Car http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11716-man-arrested-usd50-000-car-new-post.html Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:22:39 GMT In an interesting parallel with the Cuellar case, a man has been arrested making a break for the Mexican border with more than USD50,000 in his car. As in Cuellar, the "stop" was in Texas. Have attempts to sidestep the Supreme Court been successful?

22 year old Christopher Carbajal was driving a two year old Ford Taunus last week. But he was not a normal driver of such a boring car.

Carbajal was a transporter, employed to pick up a package and deliver it.

But when he committed a moving traffic offence, officers pulled him over. He was unable to produce a driving licence or documents relating to the ownership of the vehicle - and it is alleged that this was because he does not have any.

The vehicle was impounded - and then searched when a gym back containing USD50,125 in cash was discovered.

According to an affidavit filed at Court, Carbajal says he has, in the past "been involved in the sale of marijuana" and that he appeared to be taking the bag to Mexico but "did not know the actual amount that he was transporting, nor did he know how the money was packaged."

The Cuellar case is a cause celebre, the Supreme Court having (bizarrely in the view of many) concluded that hiding cash under the floor of a car and heading for the border is not "concealment" under US Federal law. Various attempts have been made to make that ruling irrelevant.

The Carbajal will test those attempts.



NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: BIScom - World Money Laundering Report: Online
Author: wmlro.com
Contact: Letters to the Editor / Contribute / BIScom - World Money Laundering Report: Online
Copyright: 1994-2005 The Anti Money Laundering Network and group companies.
Website:wmlro.com: Man arrested with USD50,000 in car / AML/CFT / BIScom - World Money Laundering Report: Online


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...0-000-car.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11716-man-arrested-usd50-000-car.html Cannabis Shock For 90-Year-Old Fife Man http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11715-cannabis-shock-90-year-old-fife-man-new-post.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:22:32 GMT A 90-year-old Fife man was stunned to find what is believed to be a cannabis plant growing in his garden. Andrew Philp, of Cupar, contacted experts for help in identifying the distinctive plant after his gardener spotted it in the garden of his Carslogie Road home. Their first port of call... A 90-year-old Fife man was stunned to find what is believed to be a cannabis plant growing in his garden.

Andrew Philp, of Cupar, contacted experts for help in identifying the distinctive plant after his gardener spotted it in the garden of his Carslogie Road home.

Their first port of call was John Dewar, a volunteer with the Cupar in Bloom group, who reckoned it was the strong-smelling class B drug.

They decided to take a sample to the local police station, and two officers were sent to inspect the garden invader.

The police officers ruled out cannabis, as the leaves did not have enough leaflets.

But a horticultural expert from Elmwood College in Cupar took a different view and confirmed that the four-foot plant was indeed the herb also known as marijuana, or at least its close relative agricultural hemp.

College lecturer Ian Hunter told The Courier, "I took some of the plant back to the college and lit it in a technician's workshop to see if it smelt like cannabis and it certainly did.

"I didn't expect to find that when I arrived. I assumed it was going to be something that Mr Philp had planted but had forgotten about."

Mr Philp is stumped as to how the plant came to be in his well-tended garden.

He said, "When the gardener told me, I said, 'How could it have got there?'

"Maybe a passing bird dropped a seed."

Police have removed the plant from the garden.


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: The Courier - Home
Contact: The Courier - Contacts
Copyright: D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. 2010
Website:The Courier - Cannabis shock for 90-year-old Fife man


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...-fife-man.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11715-cannabis-shock-90-year-old-fife-man.html People Arrested At Medical Marijuana Distribution Centers In June, Appear For Hearing http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11714-people-arrested-medical-marijuana-distribution-centers-june-appear-hearing-new-post.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:22:32 GMT Twenty five people arrested at medical marijuana centers, which had been sealed in the month of June at 4 Montreal compassion clubs, appeared in front of the court yesterday. They further learnt that those people connected with the arrests made in Papineau St. and another medical marijuana... Twenty five people arrested at medical marijuana centers, which had been sealed in the month of June at 4 Montreal compassion clubs, appeared in front of the court yesterday.

They further learnt that those people connected with the arrests made in Papineau St. and another medical marijuana distribution center in Plateau Mont Royal would have to appear in court on Oct. 4, the date when their hearing resumes.

Marc-Boris St.-Maurice, Founder, Federal Marijuana Party, pointed out towards the biased contradictory laws set by the Government, which state that sale of marijuana is illegal, yet possession of medical marijuana for medical use is legal.

Mr. St-Maurice, one of the frontrunners for people who have been fighting for the cause of medical marijuana also stated that people like him and other medical marijuana centers were facing difficulties because of the reputation gained by Culture 420 Compassion Club which is located on the 15th Avenue in Lachine.

St-Maurice further stated that they have been unnecessarily dragged into the development despite Plateau Compassion Clubs earning an impeccable reputation over 10 years since they opened shop after the legalization of medical marijuana.

It was also stated that Plateau Compassion Clubs required a prescription of a doctor for people to join, whereas Culture 420 Compassion Club sold medical marijuana without any prescriptions.


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: TopNews United States
Author: Amit Pathania
Contact: topnews.us
Copyright: 2010 /topnews.us
Website:People Arrested at Medical Marijuana Distribution Centers in June, Appear for Hearing in Court | TopNews United States


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...r-hearing.html ]]> Cannabis News 420 Girl http://www.420girls.com/420/forums/cannabis-news/11714-people-arrested-medical-marijuana-distribution-centers-june-appear-hearing.html