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Here’s some cool videos to check out so grab your bong and chill for a few.
Great scene from Grandma’s Boy:
And here’s a clip from Biodome:
Some stand up comedy from Tommy Tiernan:
And here’s a clip from Deuce Bigolow:
We got a little Joe Rogan for you:
This is a cool video from Master Bong:
Maryland is considering a state controlled dispensary system, much like the model that is being proposed in New Jersey (see the link). Unlike other medical states, where you grow your own or purchase it from a dispensary that is privately owned, the Maryland proposal would be run by the government. Medical marijuana would be grown and harvested at a state facility, which Maryland’s Agriculture and Health Departments would be responsible for operating. From there it would be dispensed from state sponsored outlets.
I have long been an opponent of the government running every facet of a state medical marijuana program. I think there should be SOME government oversight to ensure patients are not getting taken advantage off. However, I don’t think the government should (or can) grow the grade/amount of medical marijuana that patients need. I guess I don’t have a problem if they want to try and grow some medicine to raise some tax revenue, but don’t take away the patient’s right to grow it for themselves. The quality of the medicine, as well as the access to the medicine, will suffer if the government has the monopoly on medical marijuana cultivation.
What experience does Department of Agriculture/Health employees have that make them qualified to grow marijuana? Growing a potato or oak tree is one thing, trying to get a marijuana plant to reach its top potential is much more difficult. Patients don’t have time to wait for the State of Maryland to brush up on marijuana cultivation 101. They need it NOW.
Wouldn’t it make more sense to give patients the right to grow themselves, then the ‘closet green thumbs’ could come out of the shadows and use their talents to help alleviate the suffering of hurting patients? Because I guarantee it would get the medicine in the hands of patients faster, access would be spread throughout the state, and potency would be where it needs to be due to the fact that experienced experts are doing it. Maryland hasn’t even proposed how many dispensaries there will be, or where they will be located, but I can guarantee it won’t cover as much of the State as a ‘grow your own’ system would.
http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/22685284/detail.html
Not a lot of news for today but here’s a few stories to check out:
Medical marijuana patients may end up paying a few more bucks fo their medicine if this plan goes through.
In Maryland, the lawmakers are scheduled to hear testimony on a possible medical program.
This is a cool article detailing the benefits of medical marijuana.
Here’s a cool site to check out. It’s all about smoking the herb.
It was only a month ago that the Los Angeles ordinance was making its rounds, and TWB predicted that it would become the new weapon for cities and law enforcement in the fight against medical marijuana. My how times have changed! Not only are dispensaries being attacked by law enforcement and city councils in Southern California and Colorado, but the trend is leaking into the Bay Area as well. The San Francisco Bay area has long been considered the ‘model’ for responsible medical marijuana policy. Many people in Oakland and San Francisco would write to me in e-mails about how the situations in Denver and Los Angeles were completely different than in the Bay Area. These people felt that the raids and ordinances weren’t affecting how things were operating. According to recent news reports out of Walnut Creek, CA and Mountain View, CA, that might be changing.
The C3 Collective Dispensary, after being fined $500 dollars a day since last summer, has been ordered by to close by March 23rd for violating a city ordinance that doesn’t allow dispensaries. “There are numerous other sources of medical marijuana in this county and other nearby counties. … There are also delivery services that come to Walnut Creek,” said Bryan Wenter, assistant city attorney. “Our view is there is no denial of access to medical marijuana. This is a land use matter.” Mountain View, CA enacted a moratorium on dispensaries until at least April 18th of 2011, and even then, it’s not likely to happen anytime close to that date. With other ordinances enacted or proposed in Los Altos, San Carlos, and Redwood City, medical marijuana patients are sure to see a significant decrease in accessibility to their medicine.
The medical marijuana laws in California are getting more confusing by the day. A lot of people wonder how a program can get so out of whack. Essentially, when voters can create their own laws, cities and counties have the US Supreme Court backing to zone commercial property, and the California Supreme Court nullifies the most recent legislation, it’s bound to get hairy. There literally is no right answer; you’re going to get a different answer depending on who you ask. Law enforcement and the feds will tell you that they are enforcing the law, and only going after people that are violating the DOJ memo. City officials will tell you that they are zoning their city in a reasonable way which is perfectly legal. Patients will point to the fact that the California Supreme Court has ruled that there are no limits for medical marijuana, it’s whatever the doctor orders. AND THEY WOULD ALL BE RIGHT, from a public policy/legal standpoint. I don’t want people to think that I am supporting the opposition; that is not my point. My point is that when this goes to court, according to case law, statute, administrative law, and constitutional law, all the parties involved have a valid argument to bring to the fight.
If people don’t like the way things are going in the medical marijuana arena, get active. There is a bill being re-introduced by California Assembly Member Tom Ammiano in the legislature and an initiative for legalization going on the ballot in November. If marijuana were legalized in California, it wouldn’t matter what the medical limits were, people could exchange it freely. Zoning laws would still apply if people wanted to sell it, but it would be so widespread it wouldn’t need to be sold in stores. Once California sees legalization, the surrounding states and other ‘liberal’ states in the US would follow suit once they saw the sky wasn’t falling.
Here is a rundown of today news from the world of weed:
An interesting article about Canada, The U.N. and medical marijuana.
One very evil county in California is looking to amend their medical marijuana program.
Another report touting the benefits of medical marijuana.
This guy is getting killed in the press due to his job position.
A politician in Colorado is asking the Feds to mellow out.
By now I’m sure that many of you have heard about the raid, and subsequent filing of 24 felony charges, against Organica dispensary owner Jeff Joseph (see the link below if you haven’t). Just as the legal battle is heating up in Colorado over dispensaries, things appear to be on the verge of all out legal warfare down in LA. The troops are starting to line up on both sides, and no one seems to be backing off.
Now the leading medical marijuana organization ‘Americans for Safe Access’ (ASA) is joining the fight, stating that they will join the lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County if charges are not dropped. ASA’s lawyer, Joseph D. Elford, sent letters to LA City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley earlier this week. “We want to let Trutanich and Cooley know we’re not just going to sit this one out,” he said.
The City Attorney’s office fired back. “I’ve read their press release, and I am not impressed,” said William Carter, the Chief Deputy City Attorney of Los Angeles. “We obviously don’t agree with their position. We are enforcing the existing local and state laws just as we’ve been doing for a long time.”
Carter claims that the city will win their case, because he has already won an injunction barring another dispensary from selling marijuana in a similar case. City Attorney Carmen Trutanich sued Hemp Factory V, an Eagle Rock dispensary, and won. ASA lawyer Elford said he learned about the Eagle Rock case too late to represent the defendant, otherwise the injunction would have never been ordered.
What really pisses me off is that the authorities tried to get the LA city council to ban sales completely when they drafted the recent ordinance, but they were denied. So rather than accept the Democratic Process and take the partial victory (dispensaries were reduced by over 90%), they decided to go on a political/personal crusade to impose their beliefs on the LA metro area.
There is an initiative ready to go on the November ballot, Tom Ammiano re-introduced his legalization bill in the legislative process, and now there is this case going on in the case law arena. What a wild time to be a marijuana consumer in California! People have to realize that there are two legal battles going on in LA. One is in the criminal trial area of law against the dispensary owner, and the other is a civil lawsuit against the authorities. I predict that the ‘A Holes’ at the county and city attorney’s office will win at the criminal trial level due to a biased magistrate. However, when this goes to the Circuit Court of Appeals, all charges will be dropped. Will it make it to the Supreme Court? Only time will tell. I hope it stalls until another liberal Justice gets on the Court though, because the conservatives that are on there now will not be favorable to cases like this.
As for the civil lawsuit, I hope that ASA joins the fight, along with every other pro-marijuana organization. Where is NORML or LEAP? All of these organizations need to stand up, because it will affect all of us. I don’t think that people should be making the profit margins that this dispensary owner in LA was making off of medical patients. However, I think that if authorities are victorious in this case, they will stop at nothing to go after everyone involved in the industry. Not just in Los Angeles, not just in California, but nationwide. There are a lot of states looking into starting dispensary systems, so there could be a lot of future ramifications.
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/feb/23/local/la-me-medical-marijuana23-2010feb23
This week I asked my facebook friends ‘What is the best way to get rid of powdery mildew?’ Here are the answers I received. Like always, these are not MY tips, they are from my survey, so take them with a grain of salt:
Sarge Hart – Sulfur burner works best for powdery mildew
Alexander Cosey – Powdery mildew is a common fungus, can be prevented with good ventilation and low humidity levels. Try a fungicide clean and cut infected area it thrives on the plants nutrients
Tammy Freire – 1 tsp. of baking soda in one gal. of water sprayed on plants until problem disappears. Doing it right now and is working well!
Josue Lopez – Try a sulphur spray or burner
Ken Hochhalter – Stop mildew before it starts. Cleanliness – avoid humidity – stale air – and low light. Get some air moving around the plants. Avoid excess nitro. Copper and sulfur spray can help prevent. Biological apply serenade or spray with baking soda and water. Baking soda changes the ph and mold cannot grow.
Hey folks, here’s a few stories to check out today:
Californians are not happy about the raid on Organica.
As detailed by Johnny, New York is making progress towards a medical program.
South Dakota is trying to get something on the ballot this November.
Medical marijuana and probation is a total Grey area and this county is examining the issue.
Iowa is moving forward with their potential medical marijuana program.
It’s a great day to be a medical marijuana fan in New York. The New York State Senate Health Committee passed S. 4041-B, (NY Senate’s medical marijuana bill) earlier today. Although the same bill died in last year’s session, this time around things look much more promising. The Assembly’s version of the bill, A. 9016, passed earlier this year and is waiting to be heard in the Assembly Codes Committee (see link). Final passage of these bills is likely in my opinion for a few reasons:
1. New Jersey passed medical marijuana legislation, so why not New York? It seems only logical.
2. The only reason that it stalled last year was because of Senate leadership wrangling. There is less distractions this year, and momentum is building. The assembly passed bills in 2007 and 2008, and it passed in the Senate in 2009 for the first time. 2010 could be the year that it all culminates
3. Even a majority of New York State Republicans (55%) support medical marijuana, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released earlier this month. The poll found that 71% of New Yorkers support medical marijuana overall.
4. New York is looking for money anywhere they can get. According to New York State’s Division of Budget, there is going to be an estimated $8.2 billion shortfall for the 2010-2011 budget period. Although I think it would be impossible for medical marijuana to raise that much in tax revenue, even in New York State, it is a good argument to use to get politicians to approve the legislation!
From here more details will be figured out by the committees in each chamber, and final bills will be drafted and presented to the Assembly and Senate floors for a vote (which I predict will be a yes vote in both chambers), then to a reconciliation committee, and then on to Governor Paterson. This process could take several months, but if all goes well, it will be worth the wait!!
>http://www.opposingviews.com/i/will-ny-follow-nj-and-approve-medical-marijuana
There’s a big vote today in Washington D.C. that could bring medical marijuana to the District of Columbia. Technically, Initiative 59 was passed in 1998, and since that time, medical marijuana has been legal. However, the feds decided to never fund the administrative process that would create and implement a medical marijuana program. That might change today at 2 p.m. (east coast time) at the John A. Wilson building in D.C., where city councilors will vote whether to move forward on the current proposal.
Council Member David Catania (I) authored the current proposal, which would set up a maximum of five dispensaries across the district. Patients would be limited to purchasing a ‘one month supply’ from one of the designated dispensaries, which would work out to one ounce for most patients, unless they had approval from their primary physician for a larger amount. Also, dispensaries would have to be at least 1,000 feet away from any school or youth center.
The program would be one of the strictest in the nation, which has drawn some criticism. However, one of the original proponents of Initiative 59, Wayne Turner, disagrees. He stated, “It’s a sound proposal that tracks the design and intent of the original initiative by creating a tightly regulated system whereby patients with serious, chronic or debilitating medical conditions can have safe and affordable access to medical marijuana. That’s good, because in recent years we’ve seen what a vague law and lack of regulation can do,” referring to California’s system.
Mr. Turner went on to say, “Yes, the proposal may be too restrictive for some, but Initiative 59 was never about promoting casual or recreational use of marijuana. And the council’s cautious approach is appropriate for another reason: Under the Constitution, Congress retains the authority to overturn D.C. legislation at any time. It would be a grave mistake to unnecessarily provoke further congressional interference by creating a system vulnerable to abuses. The council’s plan represents the best chance to implement medical marijuana and to protect those patients whose quality of life may depend upon this medication of last resort.” If approved, there will be a few months of data gathering, research, and government meetings to determine how implementation will occur, with a final vote expected in May.
This D.C. situation should raise more questions as time goes on. What does this mean for states that have medical marijuana programs? Does this mean that ALL of them will be allowed to have dispensaries as well? Will this begin a process of federal support for medical marijuana? Who will be allowed to own one of these five dispensaries, or if they are government controlled, what will that look like? I guess only time will tell. What do you think about this proposal? Is it too restrictive? What do you think the ramifications will be? The near future is going to be an exciting, yet confusing time!!
I have been browsing movie websites, and I have come across several ‘top stoner movies of all time’ lists. From High Times to Amazon, it seems that there is a bit of variation. Something can be number 1 on one list, yet number 9 on another. Here is my personal top ten list. I let Ninjasmoker put in his comments to give a different perspective. Post your comments on what your top movies are and why:
1. Half Baked (1998)
Johnny Green: This movie is solid. I will never forget when I got really high and watched Half Baked for the first time. Where can I get a giant sized Abba Zabba?
Ninjasmoker: The first time I watched this movie, I came out of the movie theater and actually felt higher then when I came in.
2. Up in Smoke (1978)
Johnny Green: This movie could have easily been number 1, and probably should be. The hitchhiker scene at the beginning is legendary. ‘I even smoked that tied stick…You know, that stuff that is tied to a stick.’
Ninjasmoker: I watch this movie once a week just to keep it real.
3. Super High Me (2007)
Johnny Green: It’s a documentary about weed, made by a former ‘Stoner of the Year,’ current comedian Doug Benson. It even has a cameo by Marc Emery. I think it will be more revered as time goes on.
Ninjasmoker: Even non smokers like it.
4. Pineapple Express (2008)
Johnny Green: Like Ninjasmoker said when I showed him the list, ‘The cross joint and the term ‘lingerer’’ are a part of everyday vocabulary for stoners across the world thanks to this movie. Is there a Ted Jones in your area??
Ninjasmoker: You know when it is advertised as a “Marijuana Action Movie,” great things will come.
5. Saving Grace (2000)
Johnny Green: This movie is dedicated to weed, and is extremely funny. Some people might hate on this movie because they haven’t seen it, but give it a shot, I guarantee you will laugh.
Ninjasmoker: Johnny has always loved this movie. His will is strong.
6. Grandma’s Boy (2006)
Johnny Green: This movie incorporates weed, video games, comedy, great weed names, and just about everything else a stoner would love.
Ninjasmoker: I still call my bong a smoking lamp.
7. Dazed and Confused (1993)
Johnny Green: ‘You got a joint?…It would be a lot cooler if you did’
Ninjasmoker: I agree!
8. Easy Rider (1969)
Johnny Green: I apologize ahead of time to people that thought that this should be higher on my list. I understand that they smoked real weed in this movie, and I think that is super kick ass. However, I am from the MTV generation, so I don’t have the same cult love for this movie as my baby boomer counterparts. Again, I apologize; feel free to critique these choices.
Ninjasmoker: Good movie, just faded by time.
9. The Big Lebowski (1998)
Johnny Green: Although this movie is really about bowling, The Dude is revered by stoners throughout the world and probably even outer space. All weed smokers love this movie, yet I don’t know any bowlers that like this movie, isn’t that ironic??
Ninjasmoker: This one is questionable but why argue with greatness. Just don’t know if it is top-ten material.
10. Friday (1995)
Johnny Green: The premise of this movie is there is a guy named Worm, who floated some weed to a guy named Smokey, who just so happens to introduce the chronic to Ice Cube. Add to it a killer soundtrack, and you have a recipe for stoner movie success.
Ninjasmoker: This should be higher. It was one of the best of all-time. So quotable.
Honorable Mentions:
The Union, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, How High, Super Troopers, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Stoned Age, Bio-Dome, Knocked Up, PCU, Homegrown, Rolling Kansas, Bongwater
Hope everybody had a good weekend! Here’s a few tidbits to check out today:
HempCon 2010 was this past weekend. Here’s some news on what went down.
A good article on marijuana’s rise in popularity among “baby-boomers”.
New Jersey examine the benefits of allowing marijuana farming.
Potential dispensaries in Colorado have only a few days to act.
This week I interviewed Tyler, a representative from The University of Central Florida NORML chapter. Here is our conversation:
Q: What is the primary goal of your organization?
A: To educate UCF students and the surrounding Orlando community regarding the sincere need for marijuana reform.
Q: How many members do you have?
A: We have around 30 committed members, but 100-300 students attend our meetings every week.
Q: What is the biggest issue facing your state today, in regards to cannabis?
A: We have some of the worst (if not the worst) cannabis laws in the nation! Florida is a haven for both anti-drug groups and often times dangerous traffickers. This creates a fairly polarized state.
Q: What are you doing to tackle this issue?
A: We first and foremost try to break the stoner stereotype. We educate students surrounding the dangers of prohibition and the benefits of legalization. We are working on a decriminalization initiative in the city of Orlando. We need over 10,000 signed!
Q: If marijuana were legalized in your state, what is the projected tax revenue?
A: That’s a good question. Judging from the plethora of marijuana users I’ve come to meet, I would say billions. How many billion? I’m not quite sure…
Q: How close is your state to legalizing marijuana?
A: We are pretty damn far. We’ve had medical initiatives in the past. Currently People United For Medical Marijuana is working on their own petition drive. They really need community support to get almost 1 million petitions signed! Check out Pufmm.org for more info
Q: What would be the benefits of having marijuana legalized?
A: Increased tax revenue, a freed up prison system, a cut in drug related violence, medical access to cannabis, that’s only the beginning.
Q: What would the drawbacks be if marijuana were legalized?
A: Certain individuals may use marijuana as a crutch or exacerbate latent mental issues. Of course not everyone falls into this trap, I think Marijuana is just an excuse for laziness and many other pre-existing conditions.
Q: If marijuana were legalized, how would that affect your organization?
A: It would make this job much easier! We would have far more credibility. NORML@UCF would continue reforming for better and more fair laws.
Q: Is there ANYTHING readers can do to help your organization?
A: We are always looking for more support. If you live in Orlando, we hold meetings almost every Wednesday night at 9pm at UCF’s Student Union. You can also visit our website: normlucf.com or check out our facebook: NORML@UCF. Most of all, you can start breaking stereotype and show those naysayers that our cause is legitimate and we are to be taken seriously!
Grab you favorite smoking device and enjoy some funny video from around the internet!
Comedian Bill Hicks talking about marijuana laws:
The trailer for the new Cheech and Chong Movie:
Curb You Enthusiasm medical marijuana scene:
The final scene from Beerfest with Willie Nelson:
Growing marijuana on Sanford and Son:
Marijuana gets debated on CNBC:
Below is a press release for the ‘Seattle Hempfest.’ Me and Ninjasmoker will be there, will you??
SEATTLE – Seattle Hempfest kicks off its membership campaign with a 21-and-older social at the Columbia City Theater, 4916 Rainier Ave. South, Seattle, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday Feb. 20. The purchase of an annual membership for $25, $50 or $150 provides entry to this and many other social events hosted throughout the year by the nation’s largest marijuana protestival, Seattle Hempfest. The first of many events, the launch party gives members the chance to socialize and network with local activists, attorneys and cannabusiness entrepreneurs.
“This is a great opportunity for members of our community to get plugged in, have their questions answered, and network with the movers and shakers of the movement,” says Seattle Hempfest Executive Director Vivian McPeak. Movers and shakers at the social include McPeak, who will address the state of the marijuana re-legalization movement; medical marijuana attorney Douglas Hiatt will talk about State Initiative I-1068; Hempfest Steering Committee member John Davis will give an overview of Hempfest; and Dale Rodgers will present a primer on medical marijuana.
Membership includes Hempfest’s quarterly newsletter, movement updates, Hempfest band lineups and where to sign up for Hempfest’s Rapid Response Network e-mailings for when there is a call to action in the struggle for reform. However, McPeak says the ultimate access is at the Seattle Hempfest itself, where members get exclusive “no wait” access to the annual event via the Member’s Entrance.
Annual membership packages are priced at $25 (Supporter), $50 (Member) and $150 (VIP). Member and VIP packages include a choice of special collector, member or pre-event T-shirts. For more information about Hempfest membership, call (206) 781-5734 or visit:
http://www.hempfest.org/membership
