Dr. Oz Backs Medical Marijuana, Says It's 'Hugely Beneficial'

The movement of the benefits that medical marijuana can provide just keep climbing the mountain that many thought was impossible. Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE!!!

[Source: Huffington Post ]

Medical marijuana just got another celebrity doctor's public support.

During an interview Monday with Dr. Mehmet Oz on "Larry King Live", King asked Oz if he'd changed his views on marijuana.

"I have," Oz responded, and went on to explain just how far he's come from his early beliefs about the plant. "I grew up like most of my generation believing that marijuana was something Satan was throwing at Americans, a communist plot. But I think most of us have come around to the believe that marijuana is hugely beneficial when used correctly for medicinal purposes," Oz said.

Oz joins the ranks of other TV medical experts who have come out in support of medical marijuana in recent years, including CNN's chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who recently "doubled down" on his support, and ABC News' chief health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser.

A vast majority of Americans now believe that marijuana should be legalized for medical purposes. According to a recent CBS News poll, 86 percent of Americans think that doctors should be able to legally prescribe medical cannabis to patients suffering from serious illnesses.

READ MORE HERE: Dr. Oz Backs MMJ

Retired Supreme Court Justice Stevens: Feds Should Legalize Marijuana

[Source: NORML]

In an interview with NPR released today, retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens came out in support for marijuana legalization.

When asked if he believed the federal government should legalize marijuana, the 94 year old former Justice replied:

“Yes, I really think that that’s another instance of public opinion [that's] changed. And recognize that the distinction between marijuana and alcoholic beverages is really not much of a distinction. Alcohol, the prohibition against selling and dispensing alcoholic beverages has I think been generally, there’s a general consensus that it was not worth the cost. And I think really in time that will be the general consensus with respect to this particular drug.”

Listen to the Radio Interview HERE: Feds Should Legalize Marijuana

In an interview with NPR released today, retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens came out in support for marijuana legalization.
When asked if he believed the federal government should legalize marijuana, the 94 year old former Justice replied:
“Yes, I really think that that’s another instance of public opinion [that's] changed. And recognize that the distinction between marijuana and alcoholic beverages is really not much of a distinction. Alcohol, the prohibition against selling and dispensing alcoholic beverages has I think been generally, there’s a general consensus that it was not worth the cost. And I think really in time that will be the general consensus with respect to this particular drug.”
- See more at: http://blog.norml.org/2014/04/24/retired-supreme-court-justice-stevens-feds-should-legalize-marijuana/#sthash.Vp9ycbdA.dpuf

In an interview with NPR released today, retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens came out in support for marijuana legalization.
When asked if he believed the federal government should legalize marijuana, the 94 year old former Justice replied:
“Yes, I really think that that’s another instance of public opinion [that's] changed. And recognize that the distinction between marijuana and alcoholic beverages is really not much of a distinction. Alcohol, the prohibition against selling and dispensing alcoholic beverages has I think been generally, there’s a general consensus that it was not worth the cost. And I think really in time that will be the general consensus with respect to this particular drug.”
- See more at: http://blog.norml.org/2014/04/24/retired-supreme-court-justice-stevens-feds-should-legalize-marijuana/#sthash.Vp9ycbdA.dpuf

In an interview with NPR released today, retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens came out in support for marijuana legalization.
When asked if he believed the federal government should legalize marijuana, the 94 year old former Justice replied:
“Yes, I really think that that’s another instance of public opinion [that's] changed. And recognize that the distinction between marijuana and alcoholic beverages is really not much of a distinction. Alcohol, the prohibition against selling and dispensing alcoholic beverages has I think been generally, there’s a general consensus that it was not worth the cost. And I think really in time that will be the general consensus with respect to this particular drug.”
- See more at: http://blog.norml.org/2014/04/24/retired-supreme-court-justice-stevens-feds-should-legalize-marijuana/#sthash.Vp9ycbdA.dpu

In an interview with NPR released today, retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens came out in support for marijuana legalization.
When asked if he believed the federal government should legalize marijuana, the 94 year old former Justice replied:
“Yes, I really think that that’s another instance of public opinion [that's] changed. And recognize that the distinction between marijuana and alcoholic beverages is really not much of a distinction. Alcohol, the prohibition against selling and dispensing alcoholic beverages has I think been generally, there’s a general consensus that it was not worth the cost. And I think really in time that will be the general consensus with respect to this particular drug.”
- See more at: http://blog.norml.org/2014/04/24/retired-supreme-court-justice-stevens-feds-should-legalize-marijuana/#sthash.Vp9ycbdA.dpuf

In an interview with NPR released today, retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens came out in support for marijuana legalization.
When asked if he believed the federal government should legalize marijuana, the 94 year old former Justice replied:
“Yes, I really think that that’s another instance of public opinion [that's] changed. And recognize that the distinction between marijuana and alcoholic beverages is really not much of a distinction. Alcohol, the prohibition against selling and dispensing alcoholic beverages has I think been generally, there’s a general consensus that it was not worth the cost. And I think really in time that will be the general consensus with respect to this particular drug.”
- See more at: http://blog.norml.org/2014/04/24/retired-supreme-court-justice-stevens-feds-should-legalize-marijuana/#sthash.Vp9ycbdA.dpuf

Allstar Blake Griffin Endorses Medical Marijuana Use In The NBA

[Source: TheWeedBlog]

In an interview with Rolling Stone yesterday, Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers voiced his support of medical marijuana use to treat pain in the NBA.  Currently, the NBA has strict penalties for drug use, which typically lead to suspensions and fines. It was only in 2011 that the NBA stopped testing for marijuana use in the off-season, but now that marijuana is in the limelight, its place in the NBA, as a form of medical treatment for pain, has come into question.

Entire read here: Griffin Endorses MMJ

At governors meeting, a cautious approach to legalized pot

[Source: Denver Post]


All the buzz at the National Governors Association meeting over legalizing pot, some say, is just smoke.

Nearly two months after Colorado began selling recreational marijuana, the nation's governors are taking a cautious approach to loosening their drug laws.

Republican and Democratic governors meeting in Washington this weekend expressed broad concern for children and public safety should recreational marijuana use spread. At the same time, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper warned other governors against rushing to follow his lead.

Read more: Legalizing Pot Approach

Support for MMJ in NY

[Source: NORML]

A new poll finds 88 percent of New York voters support the legalization of marijuana for medical use, and 57 percent also favor legalizing recreational use. 

The Quinnipiac University poll released Monday finds only 9 percent oppose legalizing medical marijuana. 

Maurice Carroll, director of the poll, says a narrow majority doubt that legalizing marijuana will lead to harder drug use, and about half say marijuana is no worse than alcohol. 

The poll surveyed 1,488 New York voters by phone on Feb.  6-10 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. 

Gov.  Andrew Cuomo has said he'll launch a limited hospital-based medical marijuana program.  state Sen.  Liz Krueger has introduced a full legalization bill, which the Cuomo administration opposes.  

Complete article here: Support for MMJ in NY
 

United States Legislators Lead The Push For Federal Cannabis Policy Reform!!!

 
[Source: Medical Jane]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The tides seem to be turning, at least as far as cannabis policy in America is concerned. A group of 18 legislators sent a letter to President Barack Obama Wednesday that states the current classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance “makes no sense.”

As noted in the letter, “Classifying marijuana as Schedule I at the federal level perpetuates an unjust and irrational system. Schedule I recognizes no medical use, disregarding both medical evidence and the laws of nearly half of the states that have legalized medical marijuana.”

Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), the letter’s lead author, explains that reclassifying cannabis “is a step the administration can take to start to rationalize federal marijuana policy to bring it in line with the advances that are happening in the states.”

Read entire article "US Legislators Lead The Push For Federal Cannabis"

 

The Green Rush Sweeping Through Colorado (VIDEO)

[Source: CNBC Prime]

If the legal sale of marijuana is revolutionary, the growth around Colorado's pot industry may be equally groundbreaking as hundreds of companies vie for a share of the state's projected $800 million marijuana market.

How overwhelming will the state be with applications and new residents?? Only time will tell...Check out the video and be part of history!!!

Video here: The Green Rush Colorado
 

"Good vibes, good prices, great special deals "

 

[Source: Weedmaps, by evesfire1 - Feb 15, 2014]

"I have been a member of NoBoWellness Center for two years and enjoy the atomosphere and the people that work there. They are very knowledgeable about cannabis and the products they sell. I appreciate their special deals as a member and everyone there is very friendly and resourceful when i am looking for something special. i am happy to continue to do business with them. Also their location is convenient, plenty of parking and the store itself is very nice."


NoBo Wellness thanks all of our patients and clients that give us reviews on our product and work place environment. North Boulder Wellness Center thanks everyone for your support and comments. We strive to provide the highest quality medical marijuana for our patients and the community of Boulder. Stop by and see what NoBo is about, we always have special happening and pre-weighs of buds available!!!

 

Pot legalization effort moves eastward to Maine

[Source: FOX News]

Advocates of recreational marijuana use are looking to an upcoming vote in Maine as an indicator of whether the East Coast is ready to follow in the footsteps of Colorado and Washington by legalizing cannabis.

Voters in Portland are being asked whether they want to make it legal for adults 21 and over to possess -- but not purchase or sell -- up to 2.5 ounces of pot. The Nov. 5 vote is being eyed nationally as momentum grows in favor of legalizing marijuana use.

The Marijuana Policy Project, a Washington, D.C.-based group that supports legalization, says it targeted Portland because it's Maine's largest city and because, unlike many other states and cities, it has an initiative process to get the referendum on the ballot. Organizers hope passage of the Portland initiative could spur similar results in other liberal Northeast cities.


Full read: Pot legalizing moves eastward

What Is Synthetic Marijuana?

[Source: Huffington Post]

Much like Frankenstein's monster, synthetic marijuana was created in a lab and resulted in a perversion of its original subject: the effects of THC, the component of marijuana that provides the "high" sensation. Like marijuana, the drug is smoked, though unlike marijuana it comes in small packets usually labeled "not for human consumption" and has names like "Spice," "Black Mamba," "K2," "Fake Marijuana," "Sexy Monkey" and hundreds of others. 

The chemicals in synthetic marijuana are also harder to detect than marijuana in drug tests, and the drug is the second most used illicit drug among high school seniors, behind marijuana itself according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. While certain chemical compounds of synthetic marijuana were banned in Colorado in 2011, there are possibly hundreds more anonymous compounds that haven't been identified yet and thus, aren't illegal. 

Just being known as "synthetic marijuana" has angered pot activists because, it's effects are nothing like that of marijuana. Synthetic marijuana's non-cannabis herbs sprayed with lab-created chemicals which are said to give users a stronger high than THC can lead to seizures, hallucinations and convulsions as well as profoundly negative psychological effects.

Full article here: What Is Synthetic Marijuana?
 

Colorado Mountain Towns readying for Recreational Tokers

 

[Source: The Denver Post]

They won't have to "hide it up in Telluride" anymore.

Glenn Frey sang that famous line in his 1984 "Smuggler's Blues" ode to drug dealing. But at the first of the year, those looking to add reefer to their ski-town recreation experience will be able to stroll into Colorado Avenue stores and legally buy some Bubba Kush or Maui Waui.

Colorado's live-and-let-live mountain resort towns, including Telluride, Aspen, Crested Butte, Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs, are jumping on the opportunities opened up by Amendment 64 and are ready to add recreational marijuana outlets to the ski-town attractions of moguls and double-blacks.

With local ordinances already approved or in the final stages of tweaking, recreational pot shops will be operating in these towns at the first of the year, just in time for the influx of fun-seeking skiers

Full article: Colorado mountain towns readying for recreational tokers

California Legalization On Deck for Marijuana Policy Project

[Source:East Bay Express; David Downs]

The nation’s largest marijuana policy organization announced Monday it will throw its weight behind a major effort to legalize cannabis in California in the 2016 general election. The Marijuana Policy Project plans to work with a broad coalition of local advocates and leaders in California to pass an initiative that would tax and regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. A February Field Poll showed that 54 percent of Californians support taxing and regulating pot.

"The Golden State has long been a leader when it comes to compassionate and fiscally sound marijuana policies,” stated Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “The majority of Californians support making marijuana legal for adults, and they are going to make it a reality soon.”

Full read here: California Legalization On Deck for Marijuana Policy Project

Pot advocates post billboard near Broncos' stadium

[Source: The Associated Press - Wtop.com]

Marijuana advocates are trying to grab some attention from the NFL's season opening game in Denver.

The Marijuana Policy Project wants the league to stop punishing players for using marijuana. It's put up a billboard near Sports Authority Field at Mile High for Thursday night's Denver Broncos-Baltimore Ravens game.

The sign asks the NFL to "stop driving players to drink." Marijuana supporters have long insisted that drinking poses a bigger danger than pot.

Denver's All-Pro linebacker Von Miller will miss Thursday's game and five others for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The reasons are confidential. But The Denver Post has reported that Miller tested positive for marijuana and amphetamine use during his rookie season in 2011.

Full story: Pot advocates post billboard near Broncos' stadium

What States are Likely to Sell Legal Marijuana Next???

[Source: The Huffington Post - Nick Wing ]

Attorney General Eric Holder gave a green light on Thursday to two states whose efforts to legalize marijuana had been locked in by legal uncertainty for more than nine months. With that announcement, Colorado and Washington -- both of which passed pro-pot initiatives at the polls last November -- can now proceed with establishing a framework for the taxation and regulation of legal weed for adults.

The administration's decision holds clear and immediate implications for the two states, both of which had been hesitant to act too quickly over concerns that the government might decide to enforce federal law, which still considers marijuana an illegal substance.

But the move also, and perhaps more importantly, throws open the gates for other states to pursue similar pot legalization efforts, so long as they include "strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems." Experts on both sides of the issue have already said they expect to see movement come quickly.

Find out what the possible next 10 States are to Legalize Pot: What States are Likely to Sell Legal Marijuana Next???

New Jersey Governor: Ease access to kids' medical pot

[By ANGELA DELLI SANTI and GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press]

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie agreed Friday to give chronically ill children easier access to medical marijuana, but he was unwilling to go as far as state lawmakers wanted. 

The Republican governor conditionally vetoed a bill on the topic, saying in the document, "Parents, and not government regulators, are best suited to decide how to care for their children." 

He said he agreed with provisions that would allow production of ingestible forms of pot at state-approved dispensaries and to allow dispensaries to grow more than three strains of the drug. But he struck a part of the bill that would have dropped a requirement that a psychiatrist and pediatrician sign off before children are allowed medical marijuana. He said he wanted to keep in some safeguards for young patients. 

The bill now goes back to the Legislature. If lawmakers make the changes Christie requested, it will become law. It was not immediately clear when lawmakers may take it up, but the state Senate does have a voting session scheduled for Monday. 

Sen. Nick Scutari, one of the sponsors of the bill, said he's pleased that children would be given access to edible marijuana in strains appropriate for their medical needs, but concerned that psychiatric review is an unnecessary hurdle for parents. He said he will review the conditional veto before discussing with fellow lawmakers how to proceed. 

Finishing reading full article here: New Jersey Governor: Ease access to kids' medical pot

Recreational Marijuana Sales Banned In More Than Two Dozen Colorado Cities

 
[Source: HuffingtonPost]

Although Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed several historic measures to implement marijuana legalization in the state, establishing Colorado as the world's first legal, regulated and taxed marijuana market for adults back in May, many of the Centennial State's cities are banning retail legal weed.

On Tuesday, Colorado Springs, the state's second largest city, is expected to vote to ban retail recreational marijuana stores, The Associated Press reports. Four of nine Colorado Springs City Council members have already said they will vote against retail weed stores. But even if legal marijuana sales are approved, Mayor Steve Bach has vowed to veto recreational pot shops in the city limits.

The City Council could just ban recreational marijuana sales altogether or allow marijuana sales but also pass a moratorium on opening pot shops until after Colorado voters weigh in on approving tax rates for recreational marijuana in the state this November. But according to the Gazette, Bach has said he'd even veto the moratorium option.

"This is so important to our community and in our best interest that I will respectfully need to veto anything short of opting out," Bach said in a Gazette report. 

Recreational pot sales in Colorado cities that opt-in can begin on Jan. 1, 2014

Continue reading: Recreational Marijuana Sales Banned... 

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Gov. Pat Quinn to sign bill legalizing medical marijuana in Illinois

 

Congratulations to the state of Illinois for becoming the 20th state to legalize medical marijuana and to showing the movement is well on its way. 

[Source: Associated Press/ABCLocal]

July 31, 2013 (CHICAGO) -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will sign legislation making the state the 20th in the U.S. to legalize medical marijuana. 

His remarks Thursday will focus on providing relief to the seriously ill, including veterans.
The Chicago Democrat will also tout the legislation's strict standards, which experts say are among the nation's toughest. That's according to a copy of details obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press. 

The measure outlines a four-year pilot program that requires patients and caregivers to undergo background checks and sets provisions for state-regulated dispensaries. The proposal says seriously ill patients can be allowed up to 2.5 ounces at a time. 
 
Jim Champion, a veteran with multiple sclerosis who's advocated for medical cannabis, has been invited to speak at Thursday's bill signing. 

Original Article: Illinois signing medical marijuana  bill..

(Copyright ©2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)