2017 Celebrity MJ Busts + 64's Power Tools

 

bill-murray-marijuana-quote.jpgCelebrities Being Busted
for MJ is Nothing New

Three Arrested in 2017

 

etheridge_mug_shot.jpgEtheridge Smiles for Police Mug Shot

It is no surprise that lots of celebrities consume marijuana, so it should come as no surprise that some of them get busted. Melissa Etheridge was busted on August 17 for drug possession after a drug sniffing dog discovered marijuana on her tour bus when crossing the border from Canada into the United States in North Dakota.

It wasn’t even bud that Etheridge was arrested for – it was marijuana oil which she was using to mitigate the pain and suffering from the chemotherapy treatments she was receiving to treat breast cancer.

It was singer David Crosby, the sperm donor for Etheridge’s two children, who suggested the “Come to My Window” singer use medicinal marijuana to get through the chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004.

 

melissa-etheridge-marijuana.pngShe has openly spoken about smoking marijuana with her two oldest children, 20-year-old Bailey and 18-year-old Beckett. In an interview with Yahoo News, Etheridge said "It was funny at first, and then they realized, it's a very natural, end-of-the-day (thing). And it brings you much closer. I'd much rather have a smoke with my grown kids than a drink. Oh, God no."

 

Etheridge is not new to cannabis advocacy and has often spoken out in favor of marijuana use and law reform. Last year she announced that her company, Etheridge Farms, will provide cannabis products to medical patients in California.

 

As for the bust, the famed singer plead not guilty to charges of possession of a controlled substance and is scheduled for a pretrial conference on Nov. 14.

 

border_crossing.jpgtodd_rungren.jpgAnother marijuana bust at the same border crossing, but a couple weeks later on September 9 was 70’s rock icon and producer Todd Rundgren, best known for his 1972 singles "Hello It's Me" and "I Saw the Light", which continue to have heavy rotation on classic rock radio stations.

 

Although the drug sniffing dogs who caught Etheridge failed to find anything in Rundgren's luggage, exasperatingly thorough border agents did find two vape pens and containers with liquid THC. Unlike Etheridge, Rundgren plead guilty with a court appearance scheduled for Nov. 11.

 

Another recent bust happened on October 21 when Corey Feldman, who starred in the blockbuster films The Goonies and The Lost Boys as a teenager, was arrested along with six others, for marijuana possession in Louisiana.

 

On the way to a performance of his band at corey_feldman_today.jpegthe Live Oaks Bar and Ballroom in Monroe, Louisiana, the child actor turned musician was charged with one count of possessing marijuana and one count in regard to a traffic violation. The charge is a misdemeanor requiring payment of a fine. He was released without being booked into jail.

 

In a Twitter post, Feldman wrote that “it was a bit of a good ol shakedown! After we paid them in cash, they asked for pics and autographs and then called the local paper to do interviews.”

 corey_feldman_and_corey_haim.jpg

Although Feldman has previously spoken about the child sexual abuse he and co-star Corey Haim endured, the arrest happened a few days after he spoke out against sexual abusers in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

 

armstrong_2.jpegbeatles.jpgThere has been a plethora of celebrity marijuana busts over the years. All the Beatles, save for Ringo, have been arrested along with most members of the Rolling Stones. Other notables include Louis Armstrong, Willie Nelson, Bill Murray, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Whitney Houston, Chuck Berry, Woody Harrelson, Paris Hilton, Robert Mitchum, Oliver Stone, Gene Krupa ad infinitum.

 houston.jpegstone.jpg

What is so disappointing is that except for Willie Nelson and Woody Harrelson, most celebrities that have been busted for marijuana have done little to nothing to help end marijuana prohibition and stop the arrest, prosecution and imprisonment of over half-million Americans and millions more world-wide every year.

 

I guess that isn’t so surprising considering that only a tiny fraction of the tens of millions of Americans who have been charged criminally for marijuana law violations have gotten involved in ending its prohibition and allowing for its legal distribution. Celebrities though are people with name recognition that, like it or not, are role models for millions of Americans across all spectrums' of society. That they do not speak out is a shame and a disgrace.

Convincing local government to
allow outdoor personal cultivation
and commercial operations

Prop. 64 Provides Powerful Tools

to Make It So

MAPP_Logo.jpg

November

MAPP meetings


Unlike the silent celebrities, you do have a chance to speak out and take action if you live in the Inland Empire, by attending any of November’s three meetings of the Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project.

 

plan_meet.jpegAll three meetings will be focusing on getting local municipalities to get with the program and allow for commercial marijuana operations and outdoor personal cultivation as allowed under Prop. 64.

 

Unlike our previous efforts to get cities and counties to allow for medical marijuana distribution, Prop. 64 gives us some carrots to entice local government officials to finally do the right thing. Numero uno is the taxes that they can collect from local taxation and the big bucks from grant funds generated by the state's marijuana taxes estimated to exceed one billion dollars in 2018 alone.

 

league_ca_cities.jpegAs pointed out by the League of California Cities in their Powerpoint presentation to cities:

 

Bans on cultivation or retail sale of cannabis will terminate local eligibility for grant funds. This includes bans on outdoor personal cultivation, which are often enacted locally due to nuisance concerns.

 

no_mj2.jpegno_dollar.gifGot it? Cities and counties that BAN outdoor personal cultivation will not receive even one dollar from the one billion dollar plus state marijuana tax revenues if they do not allow outdoor personal cultivation. With so many cities throughout the IE banning outdoor cultivation, this can be just the ticket to get them to reconsider these reefer-madness and police supported bans.

 

outdorr_orw.jpgFor those who want to grow their own, this is exceedingly important. Indoor cultivation is expensive, tedious, time consuming and just plain difficult. Outdoor cultivation is way easier, magnitudes less expensive and if you are limited to only six plants per household, can still produce a lot of marijuana.

 

Come to one of the MAPP meetings below to learn what is happening in Riverside County and what should be happening in San Bernardino County. Specific goals and targets will be outlined at each meeting with actions that you can participate and even commence in your local communities.

 

Take the time to activate, communicate and motivate – your participation is needed.

 

barry.jpgWednesday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. – Moreno Valley/Western IE MAPP meeting – Guest speaker will be Barry Glover with a review of the Commercial Cannabis Licensing Workshop sponsored by Riverside County that attracted close to 500 people. Meeting takes place at Greenview Medical, 22275 Alessandro Blvd, Moreno Valley, CA 92553

 

Saturday, Nov. 4 at 12 noon - Palm Springs/Coachella Valley meeting – Crystal Fantasy, 268 N. Palm Canyon Dr., downtown Palm Springs 92262.

 

Saturday, Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. - Joshua Tree/Morongo Basin meeting – Beatnik Lounge, 61597 Twenty-Nine Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree 92252.

 

cookie_milk.jpgglass_pipe.jpgA captivating assortment of cookies and fresh milk will be served at all 3 meetings. Bring a friend and receive a free glass pipe!!!

420_club_bldg.png
There is so much to do to protect our
rights to access marijuana and we
could use a little help from our friends.
Become a friend and
hang out at our 420 Club

Donate $4.20/month
CLICK HERE TO JOIN

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A ONE-TIME DONATION

 

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Support our efforts and your business
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they would not allow us to publicize them.
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or
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Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project
http://www.marijuananews.org/

#marijuana  #marijuananews  #marijuanalegalization  #marijuanacultivation  #marijuanafundraiser  #cannabis  #medicalmarijuana  #MAPP  #marijuanaantiprohibitionproject  #marijuanataxes #drugpolicyreform #drugpolicyalliance #michellealexander #drugwar #warondrugs #growingmarijuana #outdoormarijuana

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What is Black & White and Glossed All Over?

 

opiod_white_hand_pic.jpgblack_hands_crack.jpgThe Opioid Epidemic
vs. The Crack Epidemic
As Different as Black & White - Literally

drug_polcy_conf_pic.jpegI was very fortunate to be given a scholarship to attend the 2017 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Atlanta GA Oct. 11 – 14. The biennial conference attracts over 1,500 drug policy scholars, researchers professionals, victims and reformers from over 80 countries for three days of plenary sessions and seminars. It is a treasure house of knowledge and an orgy of networking.

 

malexander_and_new_jim_crow.jpegRacial justice has always been a topic at previous Drug Policy Reform conferences, but this conference put it front and center making it the focal point of multiple breakout sessions, rallies and exhibits. Featuring keynote speaker Michelle Alexander, author of the acclaimed bestseller The New Jim Crow – Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, the centrality of race and the drug war was paramount.

 

nixon_and_erhlicman_2.jpgThat the Drug War has always been about race can be traced to 1972 and the beginnings of President Richard Nixon’s declaration of a War on Drugs. In 1994, John Ehrlichman, White House counsel and Chief Domestic Policy Advisor to President Nixon told Harper's magazine journalist Dan Baum:

 

“The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people. You understand what I’m saying? We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.”

 

drug_arrest_b_and_w_cartoon.jpegThe hippies may be mainly a thing of the past, but the black community is not. That our country's new AG Jeff Sessions, who was denied a federal judgeship in 1986 by the Senate Judiciary Committee because of racist statements, is reinvigorating the War on Drugs with all its racist implications and underpinnings is to be expected. Ms. Alexander’s keynote address centered on the need to understand that emphasizing “We must be committed to placing race and racial justice at the very center of the drug policy reform movement.”

 

black_vs_white_arrests.jpgAsking “how drug policy fits into the bigger picture of American Democracy,” Ms. Alexander’s address was as disturbing as it was empowering. Upon hearing it some people will jump to their feet applauding her every word while others may feel scapegoated and put upon, but it is an address that needs to be heard and judged by all. Fortunately, her spellbinding presentation was videotaped and you can see and hear it now – CLICK HERE.

 

m_alexander_speaking2.pngThe first few minutes are perfunctory acknowledgements but soon she comes to a comparison of the current opioid epidemic to the crack epidemic of the 90s and the presentation becomes spellbinding, riveting and illuminating beyond measure. This is a presentation that shifts the paradigm - check it out HERE.

To check out my other blogs on a variety of issues relating to marijuana and the War on Drugs, go to www.marijuananews.org/blog

 

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Wild Fantasy @ IE Licensing Workshop + PS & JT MAPP meets + Fundraiser Success

 

weed_biz.jpgWant to Become A Legal
Big or Small Time Ganja Guru?

gov_employee.jpgTax Payer Paid Government Employees
Will Tell You How

 


Dreams can come true. To wit: this email would have been one of my wildest fantasies a couple years ago, California’s newly created Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) with the support and cooperation of Riverside County (yes, RIVERSIDE COUNTY!!!!) is sponsoring a Commercial Cannabis Licensing Workshop and you are invited and encouraged to attend.

 

The purpose of the Licensing Workshop in the words of the BCC and Riverside Co. is to “To provide interested applicants with the information they need to be ready to seek licensure and be ready to operate on January 1, 2018.”

 

move_right_direction.jpgOther than a handful of cities in the Coachella Valley, no Riverside Co. city is going to issue any licenses in time so that stores will be able to sell any cannabis by Jan. 1, 2018, but it is a sign that many cities are moving in that direction. Most importantly it is a sign that Riverside Co. is moving forward in that direction and that those living in the unincorporated areas of the County will be able to go into the cannabis business.

 

washington.jpegjeffries.jpgSupervisor Jeffries and Supervisor Washington are members of an official Riverside Co. committee looking into the issuance of local licenses for cannabis cultivators, product producers and distributors. Holding this Licensing Workshop indicates just how serious the County is in pursuing this avenue of following the will of the voters in Riverside Co. – 53% voted yes.

 

momentum.jpegIt is not a done deal, but the momentum is on our side and the Licensing Workshop is as good an indication of that momentum as you can get.

 

This kind of momentum is not occurring in San Bernardino Co. even though the city of San Bernardino is moving forward with developing regulations and licenses so that legal marijuana businesses might be able to begin operation on Jan. 1, 2018. Even so, if Riverside Co. is going to do this, San Bernardino Co. won’t be far behind if for no other reason than they will be getting pissed off seeing all their SB Co. residents driving into Riverside Co., buy their marijuana there and SB Co. not getting one dime of the tax money.

 

No matter the momentum and no matter where you live in the Inland Empire, if you are interested in becoming a ganja entrepreneur of one kind or another, you should make attending this Licensing Workshop at the top of your list.

 

government_agencies.pngIn attendance at the Workshop will be Lori Ajax, Chief of the Bureau of Cannabis Control along with representatives of the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture, the Dept. of Public Health and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. All four agencies are involved in the licensing and regulation of cannabis businesses so you will be hearing directly from the people who will be issuing your licenses, regulating your business and collecting taxes from you.

 

Of special interest to a lot of people will be the opportunity to discuss the microbusiness and on-site consumption licenses the state will issue if local government permit them. These licenses are specifically for the small-time ganja entrepreneur. Whether you intend to cultivate, manufacture or distribute on a small, usually local level, these are the licenses for you and the Licensing Workshop is the place to learn about them.

 

lori_ajax1.jpgMost importantly you will get to meet the actual people who are employed by the people of California to enact Prop. 64 and to continue enacting Prop. 215. You will have the marvelous opportunity to meet Lori Ajax, the person who is in charge of making it all happen. I know there is lots of skepticism out there about this entire process, but when you hear and meet Ms. Ajax, you will realize that she is serious about her responsibility to implement marijuana legalization and to accomplish it in a manner that is feasible, efficient, fair, workable and, most importantly, to have it done on time.

 

free-2.jpgYou may have seen advertisements from businesses and attorneys running seminars costing hundreds of dollars. Well this one is FREE and will provide the same and arguably better and more factual material than any of those expensive seminars.

 

At the Workshop, Lori Ajax and representatives of the other licensing, regulating and taxing agencies will present an overview of their responsibilities and how they will be implementing them. This will include information on the laws governing marijuana, the regulations that are being promulgated and how complex the labyrinth will be to obtain licenses.

 

q___A.jpgThere will be Q and A opportunities following the presentations but most importantly at the conclusion of the formal workshop, there will be an open house where you can individually seek out the specific information you want to know from each state agency.

 

blown_mind.jpegThis is an event no one should miss – even if you have no interest in getting involved in California’s legal multi-billion $ cannabis industry. To just witness state and local government agencies putting on a workshop to aid individual citizens set up private cannabis businesses is beyond mind blowing.

 

riv_co_ad_center.jpgThe Licensing Workshop will take place on Friday, Oct. 13 and runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will take place at the Riverside County Administrative Center in the County Board Meeting Room at 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, CA 92501. More information can be obtained at http://www.bcc.ca.gov, by email at [email protected] or by phone at (800) 952-5210.

 

MAPP_Logo.jpgPALM SPRINGS & JOSHUA TREE MAPP
MEETINGS RESUME SAT. OCT. 7

Elections and Local Licensing Focus of Meetings

 

The Palm Springs and Joshua Tree MAPP meetings are roaring back into high-gear after last month’s hiatus and will take place this Saturday, October 7. Catch up with the latest news and join in the discussions on what is happening on your local level.

 

vote_here.jpgIn Palm Springs there is a hotly contested City Council election set for November 7. There are five candidates and I have had the opportunity to speak with them. I will report on what I have learned about each candidate’s position on marijuana cultivation, manufacture and distribution in Palm Springs.

 

pot_vs_booze.jpgOf specific importance in Palm Springs will be the issuance of microbusiness and on-site consumption licenses. Prop. 64 does not allow marijuana to be consumed on the same premises as alcohol so it is expected that businesses with liquor licenses will be strenuously objecting to restaurants and clubs opening that offer on-site consumption of marijuana. The potential for them to draw business away from bars and reduce alcohol consumption significantly is real and they know it.

 

We will be discussing what our role in Palm Springs will be in securing the provisions of Prop. 64 that allow for microbusinesses and on-site consumption. Strategies and possible actions will be discussed.

 

The Palm Springs MAPP meeting will be this Saturday, Oct. 7 at 12 noon. PLEASE NOTE: Due to a special event at Crystal Fantasy, we will be meeting almost next door at the Gre Coffeeshop and Art Gallery, 278-C Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CA 92262. It is just one door west of Crystal Fantasy and at the end of the small shop alley. If you have any trouble locating it, just ask the folks at Crystal Fantasy where MAPP is meeting. Since it is a coffee shop we will not have cookies and milk available, but you will be able to purchase coffee and other beverages as well as light snacks if you choose.

 

Although there is no exciting council race anywhere up in the Morongo Basin, there is still plenty of local action to discuss. With several cities in the nearby Coachella Valley allowing or about to allow marijuana cultivation, manufacture and distribution to take place, there will be pressure on local governments everywhere to allow it. We need to shape and help create that pressure in the Morongo Basin.

 

coalition.jpgAlthough Yucca Valley may be out-of-the-picture now and 29 Palms under the thumb of the federal government due to the dominance of the 29 Palms Marine Base in the town's economy, the unincorporated areas of SB County, which is the rest of the Morongo Basin, are most definitely in play. I am in contact with other groups and individuals that are working to bring legal marijuana businesses to SB Co. similar to what is happening in Riverside Co.

 

We need to form coalitions with these groups and coordinate strategies with them to make this a reality. If Riverside Co. does go ahead with licensing and regulation, which seems to be in the cards, SB Co. will not be far behind. We need to start working with the County now so that when the time comes we will have already set-up a network with connections throughout the County so that these licensing and regulations can be introduced smoothly, efficiently and quickly.

 

This will be a most interesting and illuminating meeting so plan on attending. The Joshua Tree meeting will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. at the usual location in the storied Beatnik Lounge, 61597 Twenty-Nine Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree 92252. A delectable assortment of delightful cookies and milk will be available.

 

wanda_group.jpgWanda’s Fun Filled Fundraiser A Smash Hit

  Photo by Steve Bee

wanda_money.jpgWanda’s Fundraiser was a fantastic and fun success!!! With 26 people in attendance, $1,360 was raised to help our long-time dedicated activist navigate through and overcome the economic difficulties due to the death of her husband of 50 years and exacerbated by her ailments affecting her well-being and health.

 

In addition to being a financial success, the fundraiser was really truly fun. The fundraiser brought together many of our medical marijuana and law reform activists from all over the IE. It seems that we are always getting together on the business of gaining access but never kick back and enjoy each other’s’ company.

 

DSC07366_(2).JPGThe great food at Brandon’s, Chris Smith’ heartfelt and eloquent eulogy to his grandfather, Rory’s expressive song, Victoria Newbill’s ribald and melodic song styling plus the fabulous auction and raffle, made for a memorable evening for all.

 

WANDAHELP.jpgI would like to thank everyone who donated items for the auction and raffle and all those who worked to make it happen. It was definitely a joint effort by many of Wanda’s friends and I am glad to have been part of the team.

 

I would like to especially thank all of you who took the time out of your busy lives to come down to Moreno Valley and help makes Wanda’s life whole again. Thank you all.

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Prop. 64 Creates Emergency + Prizes & Sizzling Entertainment @ Wanda Fundraiser

red_light.gifState to Rescind
All Previous Regulations

Emergency Declared to
Meet Jan. 1, 2018 Deadline

bcc_logo.jpg
After holding numerous public sessions and spending thousands of hours drafting the Proposed Regulations for Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program which were released in the spring of this year, the Bureau of Cannabis Control along with Dept. of Public Health and the Dept. of Food and Agriculture has announced that these all-encompassing regulations will be withdrawn on Oct. 6.

 

The reason for their withdrawals lies with the passage of Prop. 64 and the passage and signing into law of the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act a.k.a. SB 94. This implementing legislation combines Prop. 64 with Prop. 215 making it necessary for the three state agencies to start all over again.

 

not-enough-time.jpgSince there is not enough time to write the new regs and undertake the usual procedures of holding hearings and obtaining public input before the voter mandated Jan. 1, 2018 date for implementation, the three licensing authorities will use the emergency rulemaking process to write the new regulations. The emergency regulations are expected to be published in November with implementation date for the issuance of commercial cannabis licenses still targeted for January 1, 2018.

 

doorstop.jpgSo what will these new regulations look like? To get an idea of that, you can search their website for the Bureau of Cannabis Control’s Initial Study on the Commercial Business Licensing Program Regulations. At 491 pages, it makes a great door stop, but it also makes great reading – well great skimming anyway as much of it is a reprint of all 148 pages of SB 94.

 

The Executive Summary provides as good an overview of what is going to happen as you will find anywhere. It also explains all the other information in the report from types of licenses to references supporting their conclusions.

 

The new regulations are being formatted as you read this and will be released as noted above in November. It is interesting to note that the Proposed Regulations for Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program that are being withdrawn ran 58 pages. It would be expected that the new regulations will be longer and more encompassing, but most likely will fall far short of the regulations for alcohol which are 577 pages long.

 

bcc_licensing.jpgNo matter what the length, the regulations will surely prove to be a full employment program for attorneys. Whether that will hold true of the microbusiness license or on-site consumption license remains to be seen. Since these licenses are specifically targeted for small operators, it will be hoped that the application process can be done easily and without the need for the costly services of an attorney.

 

lori_ajaz.jpgWith all the anti-marijuana sword waving of the Trump administration and his reefer mad AG Jeff Sessions, it is reassuring to know that our legislators and government officials are not using the specter of federal interference to torpedo the implementation of our voter mandated marijuana distribution laws. As Laurie Ajax, Chief of the Bureau of Cannabis Control, has stated regarding implementing the distribution of marijuana by Jan. 1, 2018, “failure is not an option.”




keep-calm-and-attend-our-fundraiser.pngPrizes, Auction & Sizzling
Entertainment at Wanda Fundraiser

Join your friends and make new friends as you win fun prizes, bid on superlative auction items and enjoy the musical and comedic talents of singer/songwriter Victoria Newbill at the Wed. Oct. 4 fundraiser for our longtime dedicated medical marijuana activist Wanda Smith.

 

Even though Wanda lives literally out in the middle of nowhere near Phelan and is suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory ailments with weekly dialysis sessions, Wanda regularly made it to our meetings and most importantly to numerous city council and council board meetings.

 

At these meetings she was a persuasive and sincere spokesperson on behalf of medical marijuana patients and their right to have safe, reliable and local access to marijuana. Who could disagree with her motherly looks and admonitions?

 

Wanda_and_husband3.pngNever one to turn us or anyone down when they needed help, she now needs our help. On September 3, Rob, her husband of 50 years, died unexpectedly. Living together for so many years on the distant outskirts of Phelan, they got by day to day with water trucked in and a diesel electric generator for power. They were about as off the grid as possible. With her health problems and living as simply as possible, she was not prepared or equipped to handle the funeral and other expenses associated with the loss of her husband and needs our help.

 

Let’s help Wanda and at the same time have a lot of fun and take home some wonderful prizes and auction items - bud products of all types, pipes, vaporizers, books, artwork, movie passes, gift certificates and so much more.

 

victoria_joint.jpegYes the prizes and auction are special but even more special will be the live performance by singer/songwriter Victoria Newbill. Just arrived in southern California from Portland Oregon where she performed her songs and music in clubs and venues throughout the Pacific Northwest. Showcasing her indie music styles encompassing rock to country, she will be performing songs from her premiere CD The Time is Now. From quirky to sublime, songs such as Light ‘Em Up, Revolution Now and Cowboy Circle Jerk will have your toes-tapping and your sides splitting with laughter.

 

wanda_fundraiser_2-page-001-1.jpgJoin your friends and make new ones at this special fundraiser to help our friend Wanda. Asking for a $10 donation at the door which includes five raffle tickets and all the fun and camaraderie you can handle. Additional raffle tickets can be bought for $2 each or three for $5. There will be a 50-50 raffle as well plus superlative auction items.

 

brandons.jpegThe event takes place in the private banquet room at Brandon’s Diner at 24626 Sunnymead Blvd. in Moreno Valley, CA 92553 – it’s just off the 60 freeway at the Perris Blvd. exit. Most dinners are $10 or less and the food is excellent and so are the portions.

 

Join us for dinner at 6:30 p.m. Food and beverages including adult use beverages, will be available all evening. The festivities start at 7:30 p.m. so if you can’t make it for dinner, please join us at 7:30 p.m. for the auction, raffles and our featured entertainer Victoria Newbill. For more information, email [email protected] or call 760-799-2055.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Wanda's Fundraiser is being held in place of the regular first Wed. of the month MAPP meeting in Moreno Valley which would have been Wed. Oct. 4. There will be no MAPP meeting at the Greenview Medical Clinic that night. On Wed. Oct. 4, please come to Wanda's Fundraiser at Brandon's Diner.

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Prizes, Auction & Sizzling Entertainment at Wanda Fundaiser

mj_leaf_fun.jpgJoin your friends and make new friends as you win fun prizes, bid on superlative auction items and enjoy the musical and comedic talents of singer/songwriter Victoria Newbill at the Wed. Oct. 4 fundraiser for our longtime dedicated medical marijuana activist Wanda Smith.

 

Even though Wanda lives literally out in the middle of nowhere near Phelan and is suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory ailments with weekly dialysis sessions, Wanda regularly made it to our meetings and most importantly to numerous city council and council board meetings.

 

At these meetings she was a persuasive and sincere spokesperson on behalf of medical marijuana patients and their right to have safe, reliable and local access to marijuana. Who could disagree with her motherly looks and admonitions?

 

Wanda_and_husband2.jpgNever one to turn us or anyone down when they needed help, she now needs our help. On September 3, Rob, her husband of 50 years, died unexpectedly. Living together for so many years on the distant outskirts of Phelan, they got by day to day with water trucked in and a diesel electric generator for power. They were about as off the grid as possible. With her health problems and living as simply as possible, she was not prepared or equipped to handle the funeral and other expenses associated with the loss of her husband and needs our help.

 

Let’s help Wanda and at the same time have a lot of fun and take home some wonderful prizes and auction items - bud products of all types, pipes, vaporizers, books, artwork, movie passes, gift certificates and so much more.

 

victoria_joint.jpegYes the prizes and auction are special but even more special will be the live performance by singer/songwriter Victoria Newbill. Just arrived in southern California from Portland Oregon where she performed her songs and music in clubs and venues throughout the Pacific Northwest. Showcasing her indie music styles encompassing rock to country, she will be performing songs from her premiere CD The Time is Now. From quirky to sublime, songs such as Light ‘Em Up, Revolution Now and Cowboy Circle Jerk will have your toes-tapping and your sides splitting with laughter.

 

wanda_fundraiser_2-page-001-1.jpgJoin your friends and make new ones at this special fundraiser to help our friend Wanda. Asking for a $10 donation at the door which includes five raffle tickets and all the fun and camaraderie you can handle. Additional raffle tickets can be bought for $2 each or three for $5. There will be a 50-50 raffle as well plus superlative auction items.

 

brandons.jpegThe event takes place in the private banquet room at Brandon’s Diner at 24626 Sunnymead Blvd. in Moreno Valley, CA 92553 – it’s just off the 60 freeway at the Perris Blvd. exit. Most dinners are $10 or less and the food is excellent and so are the portions.

 

Join us for dinner at 6:30 p.m. Food and beverages including adult use beverages, will be available all evening. The festivities start at 7:30 p.m. so if you can’t make it for dinner, please join us at 7:30 p.m. for the auction, raffles and our featured entertainer Victoria Newbill. For more information, email [email protected] or call 760-799-2055.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Wanda's Fundraiser is being held in place of the regular first Wed. of the month MAPP meeting in Moreno Valley which would have been Wed. Oct. 4. There will be no MAPP meeting at the Greenview Medical Clinic that night. On Wed. Oct. 4, please come to Wanda's Fundraiser at Brandon's Diner.

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MJ Bubble Gonna Bust + Quirky Fun Entertainer at Fundraiser

 

lge_marijuana-farm.jpgmagic_weed_taxes.jpgCalifornia Grows Way More Than It Consumes

Tax Dreams Will Go Up In Smoke, but $$$ Dreams Can Still Come True

 

Last month I wrote a newsletter about the circulating meme that California produces far more marijuana than it consumes. I expressed a guarded response as none of the reports presented any analysis or statistics backing this up.

 

mj_god_and_man.jpegIf true, this could have significant negative consequences for the ganja entrepreneurs who are investing tens of millions of dollars in building cultivation facilities in the cities that are expecting cannabis manna from heaven to alleviate their fiscal problems and provide the financial resources to improve schools, health care, community programs and a truckload of infrastructure improvements.

 

I stated I would do the research to ascertain what is going on. Well the research is done and not only is the meme of overproduction true, it appears to be even worse than originally foretold.

 

ca_food_agriculture.jpgIn a report prepared for the California Department of Food and Agriculture entitled Economic Impact Analysis of Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program Regulations, investigators unequivocally concluded that production for both medical and recreational marijuana is far out-stripping consumption.

“. . . this analysis estimates total statewide production equals 13.5 million pounds. This is likely conservative estimate, but it the first comprehensive, data-based estimate of total production in the state.”

and

Assuming casual users purchase one-eighth of an ounce (3.5 grams) per month and regular users purchase three-quarters of an ounce (21 grams) per month, total annual cannabis consumption in California is between 2.2 and 2.6 million pounds.

 

one_half.jpgdouble.jpgJUST HOW BAD IS THIS?
Even if we cut the estimate of production in half and double the amount of consumption,
California will still be producing almost two million more pounds than it consumes.

 

bubble_burst.jpgCalifornia cities that are allowing marijuana cultivation are literally salivating at the thought of the tax money that will be generated but if these statistics are right, this is a bubble that is going to burst with disastrous consequences.

 

Part of the problem is that marijuana proponents have generated high expectations of the revenue that will be produced with marijuana legalization and for some irrational reason these expectations seem to be centering on cultivation.

 

Yes there is significant tax revenues to be made but it is not with cultivation – like almost any other product, it is the manufacture and distribution where most money is made. For example in 2014, $9.4 billion worth of milk was produced by dairy farmers while the manufacture and distribution of the dairy products made from this milk totaled approximately $21 billion.

 

DSC07333.JPGwine_dollar.jpgMore apropos in comparison is the wine industry. The value of all cultivated grapes, whether for table or wine, is about $5 billion annually. In 2015, California’s wine industry generated $57.2 billion in revenue. Needless to say California and local government make far more money taxing the finished product than they do the grapes that make up the finished product.

 

Just like any other agricultural product, most of the money will not be made in cultivation of marijuana especially as the cost of cultivation will plummet. When California farmers enter the market big time after 2023 when Prop. 64 allows unlimited cultivation size, the cost for the raw product will plunge even further.

 

American.Gothic.Cannabis.jpgI know there are many small growers out there that claim you can’t grow marijuana on a big scale like you can grow tomatoes, grapes or coffee. Maybe you can’t, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Our farmers are very resourceful and if there is money to be made cultivating cannabis on a large scale, they will figure out how to produce a quality product that they can sell and make money on.

 

mj_products.pngYes there will be room for boutique marijuana cultivators, but people are not flocking to boutique grape growers – they are flocking to boutique wineries. For those of you who truly want to get into the cannabis business and make money at it, you should look at manufacturing and distributing. Create delectable edibles, craft killer concentrates, produce quality pre-rolls, manufacture tinctures, balms, lotions and all those other cannabis products that people want. Let the farmers grow it for you to manufacture and distribute.

 

mj_across_us.gifAccording to statistics compiled by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, California produces almost half of all the fruits, nuts and vegetables grown in the country, as well as a whopping share of the livestock and dairy our nation consumes. No doubt when marijuana is legal throughout the U.S and can be transported as easily across states lines as walnuts (California produces 99% of all walnuts sold in the U.S.), California’s marijuana crop will be exported across the country and around the world.

 

That level of legalization is probably a decade away. Until then, there is one other way to ensure that the marijuana cultivated in California will be consumed and it is a way that is sure to drive those opposed to marijuana up-the-wall. Like the milk, wine, cereal, and other industries that manufacture products from agriculture commodities, the cannabis industry needs to form trade associations that market their products to the public.

 

The Dairy Council of California touts how healthy milk is even though we outgrew our need for milk at around 4 years of age and all the science points to milk not being all that good for adults. The Wine Institute of California makes a big deal out of a glass of red wine being heart healthy which is really nonsense – you want to do something good for your heart –forgo the wine and take a 30 minute walk four or five times a week.

 

top_health_benefits.jpegWith its scientifically proven ability to lessen stress, mitigate depression, decrease the likelihood of developing cancer, safely diminish pain and reduce alcohol consumption, the cannabis industry should be able to put the milk and wine industries to shame with programs and publicity extolling the virtues of cannabis consumption.

 

drunk.gifIf cities, counties and the state want to make significant tax revenues it will come from manufacturers and distributors and not from farmers. I have no idea what cities and counties are thinking and I especially have no idea what all these cultivating ganja entrepreneurs are thinking, but I can’t help but wonder what they have been drinking.

 

auction_woman.jpgvictoria_cd.jpegDon’t Miss Fun & Exciting Fundraiser for Wanda

Featuring Entertainment by NW Famed Singer/Songwriter Victoria Newbill
Raffles, auction, dinner and more!!

 

The fundraiser on Wednesday, October 4 to help our long-time dedicated IE activist Wanda Smith is going to be a real blow-out with exciting raffles, sensational auction items and now live entertainment featuring the outrageous and talented singer Victoria Newbill.

 

Wanda.JPGWanda is in poor health with cardiovascular problems and having to undergo kidney dialysis on weekly basis. She needs our help. She has written a personal letter which you can read by CLICKING HERE.

 

Let’s help Wanda and at the same time have a lot of fun and take home some wonderful prizes and auction items - bud products of all types, pipes, vaporizers, books, artwork, movie passes, gift certificates and so much more.

 

Yes the prizes and auction are special but even more special will be the live performance by singer/songwriter Victoria Newbill – just arrived in southern California from Portland Oregon where she performed her songs and music in clubs and venues throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Showcasing her indie music styles encompassing rock to country, she will be performing songs from her premiere CD The Time is Now. From quirky to sublime, songs such as Light ‘Em Up, Revolution Now and Cowboy Circle Jerk will have your toes-tapping and your sides splitting with laughter.

 

raffle_ticket.jpgJoin your friends and make new ones at this special fundraiser to help our friend Wanda. Asking for a $10 donation at the door which includes five raffle tickets and all the fun and camaraderie you can handle. Additional raffle tickets can be bought for $2 each or three for $5. There will be a 50-50 raffle as well plus superlative auction items.

 

auction_dog.jpgWe can always use more items for the raffle and auction – the more we get, the more money we can raise to help Wanda. Although ganja items are always appreciated, we would cherish any item you can donate. If you have any items to donate, please contact me at [email protected] or call me at 760-799-2055.

 

brandons.jpegThe event takes place in the private banquet room at Brandon’s Diner at 24626 Sunnymead Blvd. in Moreno Valley, CA 92553 – it’s just off the 60 freeway at Perris Blvd. exit. Most dinners are $10 or less and the food is excellent and so are the portions.

 

Join us for dinner at 6:30 p.m. The festivities start at 7:30 p.m. so if you can’t make it for dinner, please join us at 7:30 p.m. for the auction, raffles and our featured entertainer Victoria Newbill.

Note: The fundraiser for Wanda is being held in place of the regular monthly MAPP meeting in Moreno Valley.

#marijuana  #marijuananews  #marijuanalegalization  #marijuanacultivation  #marijuanafundraiser  #cannabis  #medicalmarijuana  #MAPP  #marijuanaantiprohibitionproject  #marijuanataxes

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MJ Prisoner Absurdity - AB 1578 in Suspense - Fundraiser for Wanda

prison.jpgmarijuana-store.jpgPoignant Prisoner Letter
Illuminates Legal MJ Absurdities

He's in prison for 20 years but you can buy
legal marijuana one mile from the prison

Trump Vs. Obama Pardons

Luke_Scarmazzo.jpegLuke Scarmazzo is serving a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence for “conducting a criminal enterprise, cultivating more than 100 marijuana plants and possession with intent to distribute.” Luke Scarmazzo and partner Ricardo Montes operated The California Healthcare Collective in Modesto, Calif. This letter was written from solitary confinement at FCI Lompoc, in Southern California.

 

He has written a poignant and insightful letter from prison about just not his unfair, cruel and unjust imprisonment, but about the current state of marijuana law reform and the need for continued action.

 

trump_Arpaio.jpegIt is interesting to note that in the letter he writes that President Obama has pardoned his partner and co-defendant Ricardo Montes. It is interesting to note that President Obama many pardons to non-violent drug and marijuana offenders. Although it is still early in the Trump administration, his one pardon of former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of criminal contempt in a racial-profiling case related to his hardline tactics while going after undocumented immigrants, does not portend well for those convicted of marijuana or drug offenses.

 

It certainly underscores both the difference in views on enforcement of laws, temperament and compassion of President Trump vs. President Obama.

 

To read Luke Scarmazzo’s letter, CLICK HERE.

 

suspense2.jpegThe Suspense is Over

AB 1578 in Suspense

 

suspense.jpegAB 1578, which would prevent state and local police from assisting the feds in the arrest and prosecution of marijuana providers in compliance with California law, has been relegated to a suspense file and will not be considered by the state legislature until after January 1. For those of you who took the time to call your state senator (and thank you very much for doing so), this may be a bit frustrating but it’s all part of the political game.

 

The move came after Democrats got a little panicked over passing the ganja sanctuary bill at the same time they passed an immigrant sanctuary bill that would prevent law enforcement from cooperating with the feds in the arrest of undocumented immigrants. Dems do the right thing - just doing too many rights things at one time is scary

 

Although there is no real rational reason why they both couldn’t be passed, the nitty-gritty political reality was that the ganja sanctuary bill did not have anywhere near the voluminous support the immigrant sanctuary bill did so it got relegated to the suspense file.

 

To be fair, immigrants are far more threatened by the Trump Administration’s actions than are marijuana consumers. It is not likely that the Trump Administration will do much in the way of going after California’s or other states marijuana legalization laws during this delay while AB 1578 sits in the Suspense file.


rohrfarr.jpgAs it stands the 3-month extension of the federal budget bill and the raising of the debt ceiling that was made in unlikely and seemingly implausible deal between Trump and the Democratic leaders in Congress (without any significant input from Republicans) includes the continuation of the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment that prevents the Justice Dept. from enforcing federal law in states that have regulated medical marijuana distribution systems.

 

That doesn’t mean we should let our guard down but rather we should see this as a period in which we must continue to demand recognition of state laws by the federal government while the Trump Administration and the Republican controlled congress continue to not get much done.

 

As for AB 1578, those in the know are predicting that it will get passed by the California senate in January followed by a vote of concurrence in the Assembly and then to the Governor where it is expected to be signed.  It is certainly not a done deal, but it was not killed in Senate which is a good indication that it will eventually get passed.

wanda.jpgFundraiser for Wanda Smith

Long-Time Dedicated IE MJ Activist

Wanda Smith has always been a dedicated advocate and worker for medical marijuana and marijuana law reform. Even though she lives literally out in the middle of nowhere near Phelan, Wanda regularly made it to our meetings and most importantly to numerous city council and council board meetings.

 

At these meetings she was a persuasive and sincere spokesperson on behalf of medical marijuana patients and their right to have safe, reliable and local access to marijuana. Who could disagree with her motherly looks and admonitions?

 

Never one to turn us or anyone down when they needed help, she now needs our help. On September 3, Rob, her husband of 50 years, died unexpectedly. Living together for so many years literally out-in-the-middle of nowhere on the outskirts of Phelan, they got by day to day with water trucked in and a diesel electric generator for power. They were about as off the grid as possible. Living as simply as they need, she is not prepared or equipped to handle the funeral and other expenses associated with the loss of her husband and needs our help.

 

A small group of her friends, and I am privileged to be one of them, have come together to hold a fundraiser to provide her with the needed funds to help with these expenses and the adjustment to a life without her partner of 50 years.

 

The fundraiser will take place on the evening of Wednesday, October 4. It is being held in the private banquet room at Brandon’s Restaurant in Moreno Valley. Although we are all saddened by the death of her husband, the fundraiser will be a joyous celebration of life.

 

mj_paraphernela.jpgTo raise funds, there will be both an auction and a raffle with many prizes donated by her friends. We are looking for additional raffle prizes and auction items and would appreciate donations. Yes donations of marijuana buds, edibles, tinctures and so on would be wonderful especially marijuana pipes and other accessories. Surely many of you have a bong and/or pipe and/or vaporizer that is just been sitting on the shelf collecting dust and could be donated to help raise funds at this worthwhile event. Donations, of course, do not have to be marijuana related and if you have other items that could be donated for the raffle or auction, they will be greatly appreciated as well.

 

A Facebook page is being developed where donations can be made directly to Wanda. Information on making donations directly to her as well as more information on the October 4 fundraiser will be found in the next newsletter. In the meantime, if you have any items you can donate, please either send me an email at [email protected] or give me a call at 760-799-2055. Wanda needs our help – she deserves whatever help we can provide. Your support and help is greatly appreciated. #cannabiscommunity #marijuana #fundraiser #marijuanalegalization #medicalmarijuana #browniemarydemocrats

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Last Chance! Keep Feds Out of CA & GOP Flips MJ the Bird

 

dont_tread.jpgPROTECT CALIFORNIA’S
MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION LAWS

We Made the Difference Before,
We Can Do It Again

 

support_ab_1578.jpgThere are two articles in this newsletter that are intrinsically interrelated. The first one is urging you to take a couple minutes to call your state senator asking him or her to support AB 1578, the ganja sanctuary bill that is coming up for a vote this week in the state senate.

 

The second article underscores the need for AB 1578 as the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives has blocked every single cannabis related bill from coming up for a vote.

 

Although AG Sessions has been more smoke than fire, that doesn’t mean when the opportunity arises he won’t be coming after marijuana providers in California. This is especially true if he sees that congress will take no action to prevent him from doing so – in fact he will probably see it as a green light to unleash the federal police.

 

dea_raid.jpgThis is why AB 1578 is so important as it will prevent local police from cooperating with the feds in any raids they undertake against licensed and legal marijuana providers. Without the aid of local police, the feds do not have the manpower to undertake most raids which will severely impact their ability to disrupt California’s and other state’s marijuana legalization programs.

 

AB 1578 was down by four votes just two days before it was voted on and thanks to folks like you who made calls to their state assembly members, we were able to get the needed votes to pass. It passed by only one vote vividly demonstrating the importance of every call made in support.

 

In the state senate it will receive the same fierce opposition from law enforcement as it did in the assembly. The police desperately want to cooperate with the feds if for no other reason than they are scared they will lose federal money if AB 1578 passes. They are doubling and tripling down on their efforts to frighten and even threaten our elected officials with loss of their support come election time.

 

Police and prison guards funnel more money into election campaigns than any other business. It is very scary for a politician to be on the short end of their sticks and that is why it is so important for them to hear from their constituents.

 

CallSenator_1200x627.pngPlease take two minutes to call your state senator and ask them to support AB 1578. If you don’t know who your state senator is and the phone number to call – it is super easy to get. Just CLICK HERE and you will be taken to a webpage where you will see the names of both your state assembly member and state senator.

 

Click on your state senator’s name and you will go directly to his or her web page. Their phone number can usually be found at the bottom of the home page. If not, click on the CONTACT button at the top of the home page.

 

Many of them have voice-mail so you can call anytime and leave a voice message asking them to support AB 1578. If not you will have to call back during regular capitol hours which are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To call them CLICK HERE now.

 

call_on_phone.jpgAs for what to say, just saying vote Yes on AB 1578 would be enough, but adding something like “don’t let the feds interfere with the vote by California citizens to legalize marijuana” wouldn’t hurt. Just like the assembly, it is going to be a close vote so your state senator’s vote could be the critical one. Call now – just CLICK HERE.

 

mj_ban.jpgREPUBLICANS
"JUST SAY NO"
TO ALL
MARIJUANA
LAW REFORM BILLS

 

Even though most of the marijuana law reform measures that have been introduced in Congress have broad bi-partisan support, congressional Republican leaders will not allow a vote to go forward on any of them.

 

GOP-no.jpgHere is what the Republicans won’t let your Congress member vote on:

 

  • the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment, which prevents the feds from using federal dollars to interfere with state-legal medical cannabis programs;
  • protecting state-approved hemp programs
  • allowing banks to do business with the cannabis industry;
  • reduce the funding for the Drug Enforcement Agency’s cannabis eradication program;
  • expand access for cannabis research;
  • end federal incentives to revoke driver licenses from individuals charged with cannabis crimes;
  • allow Washington D.C. to implement its voter approved tax-and-regulate programs;
  • provide protections for state-approved adult-use programs similar to the protections provided by Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment.

 

The denial by the Republican leadership to allow votes on these bills puts the lie to their oft intoned support for the federal government to butt out of decisions and issues that should be left to the states to decide.

 

They are well aware that the vast majority of Democrats in the House will support these bills and enough Republicans will support them to easily provide enough votes to pass.

 

The same would be true in the Senate and these bills would then land on President Trump’s desk. Whether he would sign them or give in to AG Jeff Sessions we will never know.

 

It is possible that one of these pieces of legislation, the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment might get passed as the Senate has passed it so it will be included in the Budget bill that the House will consider.

 

rorhbacher_bluemeauer.jpegSpeaking out on the move by House Republicans to prevent a vote on their amendment, Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) said the decision to not allow a vote “is putting at risk millions of patients who rely on medical marijuana for treatment, as well as the clinics and businesses that support them.”

 

Amplifying their concern, the two Congressman stated “This decision goes against the will of the American people, who overwhelmingly oppose federal interference with state marijuana laws. These critical protections are supported by a majority of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle. There’s no question: If a vote were allowed, our amendment would pass on the House floor, as it has several times before.”

 

trmp_signing.jpgIndeed they are right as the last time this amendment was in the Budget bill, it did get passed and sent to the President for his signature. Although the Budget bill was signed by the President, Trump placed a signing statement next to the amendment stating he was not bound by the amendment.

 

do-not-keep-calm-call-your-senator-now.pngI trust you understand the vital importance of having AB 1578 passed and implemented. If you haven’t yet taken the two minutes to call your State Senator’s office – do it now. CLICK HERE.

fourteen_cents.jpg

That's right - just 14¢ a day is all it takes to become a dedicated, cherished and exclusive member of MAPP's 420 CLUB. Surely it is just a pittance but your 14¢ combined with the other members of our 420 CLUB go a long way in keeping us going.

Please join today - your credit card will be automatically charged $4.20 every month. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

To join our 420 CLUB just CLICK HERE.

Hesitant to make a commitment, then a one-time donation would be much appreciated, just CLICK HERE.

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Forgot Where You Left Your Keys? That's Good + MAPP Reboots?

forgetting.jpegThe Ability of Cannabis
to Enhance Forgetfulness
May Be One of Its
Most Important Virtues



From my latest column in Culture magazine, an entirely new, if not off-the-wall take on why marijuana is beneficial.

 

car_key.jpgCannabis’ impact on short-term memory is one of its most notable and often criticized attributes. Never mind that it can reduce dependence on opioids, anti-psychotics, insomnia medications and decrease alcohol consumption—forgetting where you left your keys is deemed a greater danger.

 

As it turns out, not only is forgetting where you left your keys no big deal, it may even be beneficial. New research by Paul Frankland and Blake Richards of the University of Toronto and published in Neuron, a peer reviewed journal for the neuroscience community, concluded that forgetting actually makes us smarter.

 

CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE

 

MAPP_Logo.jpg
MAPP MEETING

TIME TO REBOOT?

 

ca_new_weed.jpgWith the advent of marijuana legalization in California, everything has changed. From thousands of burgeoning marijuana entrepreneurs to cash starved cities enacting regulations to allow and tax the sale of marijuana to everyone 21 and over and not just medical marijuana patients, it is time to take a new approach in the IE to access to marijuana.

 

At the MAPP meeting on Wed. Sept. 6 in Moreno Valley, we will be discussing new approaches to improving access with a special emphasis on connecting with both cities and counties that are in process of enacting licensing requirements and regulations. We need to be aware of what is happening and be part of the process so that the licensing requirements, regulations and taxation are reasonable.

 

The Wed. Sept. 6 MAPP meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and is held at the Greenview Medical, 22275 Alessandro Blvd, Moreno Valley, CA 92553. Milk, punch and a delicious assortment of cookies will be served.

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How to Get Local Officials to Dance With MJ Businesses

dance_step.jpegFirst You Need to
Learn How to Dance

 

80_years.jpgThe importance of working within the political process to further marijuana legalization and access cannot be underestimated. Since marijuana was outlawed 80 years ago with the marijuana tax act, the choice by elected officials on all levels of government has been to make it as unavailable as possible through criminal and civil sanctions from imprisonment to confiscation of assets. Progress will now only come when our LOCAL elected officials chose to put in place policies that further safe, reliable, local and affordable legal access to marijuana.

 

m_voting.jpgThe changeover from unavailability to availability has come mostly come from the passage of voter-approved initiatives forcing elected officials to make it available. Although many elected officials in favor of continuing to ban products that people want and try their best to impede the directives issued by voters in passing these initiatives, we do have courts that generally uphold the laws passed by voters as long as these initiatives do not violate constitutional mandates.

 

banned_mj.jpegMarijuana advocates and consumers have been very successful instituting reforms legalizing marijuana and setting up distribution systems on the state level, but have been far less successful on the local level. Although California voters passed a marijuana legalization initiative setting up a specific distribution system and the state legislature through the passage of SB 94 has codified this system with licenses and regulations, most Californians will not have local access as their local city and county governments are passing bans on any kind of commercial cultivation, manufacture and distribution in their communities.

 

mj_playing_cards.jpgIt is now imperative that marijuana advocates and consumers turn their attention from the state level to the local level. It is not a new game but it is a new deck of cards and requires a lot of new players. Working on the state level required a lot of hands on deck but the hands were usually concentrated in large urban areas coordinating efforts aimed at statewide political action.

 

Not so for local. People working in Los Angeles or San Francisco will have little effect on political actions in Fresno or Eureka. If safe and reliable access is to be obtained on the local level, it will be done by people like you who are willing to put forth the effort to get involved in their local communities to bring about the local access they want and their communities need.

 

wonk.jpgA functioning game plan has been developed that can serve as a blueprint to help achieve that most wanted local access in your community and make it possible for you to get a business license where you live. It has been implemented successfully in Los Angeles and Riverside Counties and it can be implemented where you live. It is not that difficult and you don’t have to be a political wonk to do it and be successful.

 

Let me stress that although the example I present here is what I have done through the Democratic Party, there is no reason that this cannot – and should not – be done through the Republican Party as well.

 

poll_rep_vs_dem.pngGranted the Republican Party is generally hostile to marijuana law reform but that is not uniformly true. Polls show that 40% of Republicans favor legalization – not a majority but close and getting closer every year - Sessions and Trump notwithstanding. Although expecting anything to come out of Republicans on the federal level borders on delusional, that is not true on the local level. I truly hope that those of you who are Republican will follow through on the local level with what I am about to present.

Yes, yes and yes - I know there are other political parties like Libertarians and Greens, but unfortunately (and I really do mean unfortunately) there are very few elected Libertarians or Greens to influence who are serving on local city councils and county boards. I encourage you to work with the few of them that are as they will most likely be more than willing to implement the laws needed to make marijuana available in your community.

OK here’s the plan . . .

yes_on_m.jpgIn March almost 80% of Los Angeles voters approved Measure M, which established a licensing, taxation and regulatory structure for cannabis businesses in Los Angeles. With such overwhelming support, LA voters rightfully expected a robust and compliant implementation of the requirements of Measure M but got a cop-out limited immunity from prosecution instead of a regulated licensing system which is required by state law. The members of the Los Angeles City Council needed to be reminded that they are elected to serve and implement the will of the voters and not to capitulate to the saber-rattling of Trump and Sessions.

 

la_city_council.jpgWith fourteen Democrats and just one Republican serving on the LA City Council, a forceful and stern reminder from the Los Angeles Democratic Party is what was needed for them to develop the backbone and intestinal fortitude to put in place a reasonable and complaint licensing system.

 

Local political parties play a major role in providing support for local candidates helping with fundraisers and most importantly in the all-important get-out-the-vote campaigns so important to any candidates’ success. Consequently local elected officials pay attention to the concerns of their local political party.

 

With that in mind, the Brownie Mary Democrats introduced a resolution at the August meeting of the Los Angeles Democratic Party calling on “the Los Angeles City Council and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to implement full licensing for cannabis businesses in Los Angeles as promised by Measure M and as dictated by state law.” To read the full text of the resolution CLICK HERE.

 

ladparty.jpgThe resolution was passed unanimously by the LA Democratic Party on August 8 and is now being distributed both by mail and personal delivery to the offices of the fourteen Democratic members of the LA City Council and to Mayor Garcetti. Even before it was passed, word of the resolution had spread too many members of the City council leading to conversations and even statements in support of the resolution to drop the limited immunity cop-out and to provide for full and state compliant licensing for all marijuana businesses.

 

more_imrogilio-JPG.jpgThe same is now being done in Riverside County where the County and most of the cities are jumping at close to the speed of light on the bandwagon of bans on the commercial cultivation, manufacture and distribution of marijuana as allowed under Prop. 64. To reverse these bans and stop the introduction of bans in cities that have not banned them yet, the Riverside County Democratic Party passed a resolution on August 14 that “encourages the county of Riverside and the cities within the county to cease banning and to enact ordinances regulating the commercial cultivation, manufacture and distribution of marijuana.” To read the full text of the resolution CLICK HERE.

 

As was done with Measure M in Los Angeles, this resolution will be presented to the two Democratic supervisors on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and to every elected Democrat sitting on a city council in Riverside County.

 

With many, if not the majority of local elected officials in Riverside County and a significant number of other counties belonging to the Republican Party, marijuana advocates and consumers who are Republicans should especially take note and get involved on the local level with their county Republican Party. Granted the fight will be more uphill than it would be with the Democratic Party, but this is California where marijuana is now legal.

 

R_D_INDEPENDENT.pngWhether Democrat or Republican or whatever, marijuana advocates and consumers need to get involved on the local level. If you are not affiliated with either the Democrats or Republicans, then jumping into party politics as described above is problematic, but perhaps you have friends or family members who are and through them you will be able to accomplish the same.

 

You might even consider registering in one of the big two parties in order to engage in getting the parties to work for us. You can always “unregister” after you have accomplished what you set out to do, but I bet you won’t. Some of you might even find it challenging and empowering and continue to stay involved. We desperately need the marijuana community involved.

 

Get_involved.jpgIf you are thinking this is something you might want to get involved in, please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or for additional information. Send an email to me at [email protected] or call me at 760-799-2055.

 

No matter how successful we have been on the state level, it is all-for-naught if those accomplishments are not available on the local level. Are you willing to step-up not just for yourself, but for your community?

 

trump_sessions.jpgSome of you might be thinking I am ignoring the seven ton elephant in the room i.e. the feds and the saber rattling by AG Sessions and the apparent support by President Trump for his saber-rattling. Yes I am concerned but at the present time it doesn’t look like Congress is in the mood to allow Sessions to do much more than rattle his saber.

 

With an on-going FBI investigation and more people being beheaded then on Game of Thrones, the Executive Branch is in state of seemingly unending disarray. Not to be outdone, Congress is up to its neck in alligators with the federal budget bill and the need to raise the debt ceiling occurring almost simultaneously this September.

 

mj_genie.jpgNot to imply that there is no reason to be concerned, but frankly it doesn’t seem likely that much will happen related to marijuana on the federal level – good or bad. This gives us more time to secure our rights to safe, reliable and local access to legal marijuana on the state and local level. The more we accomplish on the state and local level, the more difficult it will it be for the prohibitionist federal agencies and police to put our genie back in the bong.

 

MAPP_Logo.jpgMAPP MEETINGS
Canceled in Palm Springs & Joshua Tree
WILL BE HELD IN MORENO VALLEY WED. SEPT. 6

 

Due to the Labor Day weekend holiday, the meetings of MAPP in September in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree will be not be held, but the meeting on Wed. Sept. 6 in Moreno Valley will take place. The next newsletter will have information on that meeting, the subjects to be discussed and the featured speaker.

 

420_club_bldg.pngThere is so much to do to protect our
rights to access marijuana and we
could use a little help from our friends.
Become a friend and
hang out at our 420 Club

Donate $4.20/month
CLICK HERE TO JOIN

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A ONE-TIME DONATION

 

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by advertising on our radio show and our newsletter.
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