Thursday, 29 November 2018

Eau Claire Sets $1 Fine For Marijuana Possession

Eau Claire City Council members meet to discuss resolutions including a measure to reduce fines for possession of marijuana to $1 at a meeting Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. Rich Kremer/WPR

City Council Resolution To Reduce Fine Meant As Signal To State And Federal Policymakers To Deprioritize Marijuana Related Penalties

By Rich Kremer

The city of Eau Claire has reduced the fine for possession of marijuana to $1 for first-time offenders found with certain amounts of the drug. The change is meant to send a signal to state and federal policymakers that the city is deprioritizing enforcement of marijuana laws.

In an 8 to 2 vote the council passed a resolution Tuesday night that reduced the range of penalties for possession of marijuana, which ranged from $100-$500, to $1 when the person is found with 25 grams or less of marijuana and it's their first offense. With court fees included, the cost of being arrested with pot in the city now totals $138.

Acting City Council President Andrew Werthmann introduced the measure, saying it’s meant to bring the city’s laws in line with what citizens want.

On Nov. 6, Eau Claire County voters approved an advisory referendum urging the state to legalize recreational marijuana.

"I think people are waking up and realizing that our laws around the possession of marijuana are outdated and harmful, and that as it is right now there are many people with many different reasons who see that there actually could be positives and benefits to changing those laws," Werthmann said before the council voted.

In all, 16 counties in Wisconsin approved referendums calling for the legalization of marijuana for medical or recreational use. Eau Claire city Councilwoman Kate Beaton said at Tuesday’s meeting it’s clear reforming marijuana laws is on people’s minds.

"For me the referendum that was voted on in the last election spoke very loudly," Beaton said. "Over half of our residents believe that marijuana should be legalized; and that’s a really important part of democracy to vote directly on an issue that we don’t often get."

Councilman Terry Weld voted against the city reducing possession fines to $1.

He proposed an amendment to make the fine for marijuana similar to fines levied for residents caught with an open container of alcohol in their vehicles or while in public, which failed to pass. The fines for violating the open container ordinance range from $20-$200 dollars on top of court fees.

Weld called it bad governing to make fines for pot possession lower than those for alcohol.

"It is still against the law, and even if we legalize medicinal or recreational use, it’s still not going to be permissible to smoke a joint while you’re driving your car or walking down the street," Weld said.

"So there will be a citation and I really, strongly believe that the citation should be equal to drinking a beer. They are equal, if not… I would say that a beer is not going to impair your judgment as much."

There was also a question of whether reducing the fines for marijuana possession would discourage participation in the county’s drug court diversion program.

"If it’s a dollar, a lot of the people may not think about that or they may not want to do the diversion program, and all of a sudden they do have a violation on their record," said Councilman David Strobel. He was the second vote against reducing the fines for marijuana possession.

The Eau Claire Police Department has weighed in on the council’s proposal to change the fee schedule for marijuana possession.

In a letter, Police Chief Gerald Staniszewski said in 2002, the city decriminalized possession of "personal use" amounts of marijuana, giving police officers the discretion to issue an ordinance citation, which isn't criminal, for first-time offenders who possess less than an ounce of marijuana instead of referring criminal charges to prosecutors.

Staniszewski said over the last 12 months, there were 410 marijuana investigations out of around 28,000 calls for service.

"As a general practice, the police department focuses its enforcement efforts on individuals who are selling drugs or using higher risk narcotics," wrote Staniszewski. "When an individual is cited or arrested for possession of marijuana, they were most likely involved in additional behavior which resulted in an officer’s attention (fighting, theft, OWI etc.)"

Judge throws out drug evidence in fatal crash case that killed 2 Clark County teens

By Parker Perry

A judge tossed out evidence of marijuana use by a Clark County driver in a case where two local teenagers were killed in a car crash.

Trey Blevins, 19, still faces two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide in the deaths of 17-year-old David Waag and 15-year-old Conner Williams. Authorities accused Blevins of being under the influence in 2017 when he lost control of the 2005 Toyota Corolla and crashed into a tree on the side of Wilkerson Road in Greene County.

The teens were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident and died at the scene.

However, key evidence used to charge Blevins was tossed after a judge ruled a drug test taken after the crash was obtained unconstitutionally.

Greene County Common Pleas Judge Stephen Wolaver ruled an affidavit filed to obtain a search warrant for the drug test left out important facts.

“The state and the defendant stipulated that omitted from the search warrant signed on August 21, 2017 was the fact that by the observation of officers at the scene to the crash, the defendant did not appear to be under the influence of marihuana and there was no evidence the defendant had the odor of marihuana on his person once he separated from the crashed vehicle and there were no obvious signs of impairment of the defendant,” Wolaver wrote in his ruling suppressing the evidence.

The Ohio Highway Patrol said the drug test showed Blevins did have marijuana in his system during the crash.

However, witnesses at the scene said Blevins didn’t appear high, the court entry says.

“A strong odor of burnt marihuana came from the vehicle with marihuana found on one of the deceased individuals,” the entry says. “A passenger in the car indicated the two deceased individuals earlier went to a house to buy marihuana and while in the car, they both smoked the marihuana in the vehicle, but the defendant did not to his belief. The defendant stated he did not remember the last time he smoked marihuana but had not smoked marihuana at least in the last two days. The defendant confirmed the two deceased individuals were smoking marijuana while in the vehicle.”

Blevins attorney, Jon Paul Rion, said his client wasn’t under the influence during the crash.
“It’s better for the truth to come out,” Rion said. “The lab result would have been confusing for a jury.”

Marijuana can stay in the system for days, he said Wednesday, but doesn’t mean his client was under the influence the day of the crash.

“All the officers testified that he did not exhibit being under the influence,” Rion said.

Wolaver noted in his ruling, issued Nov. 20, that the charges both deal with impaired driving and he felt the warrants didn’t have the probable cause to be issued legally.

“The search warrant is merely an attempt to find ‘some’ evidence of impairment not previously having been found even to a degree of reasonable and articulate suspicion,” Wolaver wrote.

Rion said he hopes the case will be dismissed soon. Greene County Assistant Prosecutor David Morrison said his office plans to continue to pursue the case but declined further comment Wednesday.

After Years Of blockade, Positive Nelson’s Medicinal Marijuana Bill Gets Warm Reception From Senators

Ernice Gilbert
Senator Positive Nelson won’t serve in the 33rd Legislature, partly a result of his failed attempt at the territory’s highest office. But Mr. Nelson’s long sought goal of a legal medicinal marijuana industry in the U.S.V.I. may finally be closer than ever to reality, after the measure was warmly received by lawmakers during a daylong hearing on St. Croix.

Former staunch opponents of the measure like Senators Sammuel Sanes, to former law enforcement officer Novelle Francis, along with a number of testifiers — some with background in the medical field — lent their support to the bill.

“So what does current trends now show us with respect to cannabis? Just a few years ago when I presented testimony before the Legislature in favor of medical marijuana, there were 25 states in approval of medical cannabis usage. Today, there are 29 States plus the District of Columbia,” said Ian M. Douglas, chairman of the Board of Pharmacy. (The number of states that have approved medicinal marijuana is actually 32, including Oklahoma, Missouri and Utah.)

“Cannabis is medicine and the U.S. Virgin Islands should cease criminalizing cannabis use. The earliest known use of cannabis for medicinal purposes was more than 5,000 years ago and it is unarguably safer than many drugs readily to the public. For all of the reasons outlined in my testimony, I urge the committee to support the chamber’s substitute legislation and begin the process of reforming the US Virgin Island’s cannabis laws,” said attorney Jordan Wellington, who represented the St. Thomas-St. John District Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber also pointed to economic benefits of not just medicinal marijuana, but the legalization of the drug for adult use as well.

“In our opinion, the taxation and regulation of cannabis for adults 21 and over (“Adult-use”), for both residents and tourists, would be of meaningful economic benefit to the USVI. Adult-use legalization could generate between $35 million and $55 million of direct retail revenue and between $12 and $20 million of USVI sales tax, excise tax, and licensing fee revenue, per annum, once businesses are operating (numbers are broad estimates because of the numerous variables discussed throughout this paper). Hundreds of new jobs would be created, establishing a comparatively high economic multiplier effect as consumer and tourist dollars enter the local economy to pay for all aspects of labor, supplies and wholesale production. There would be adequate funding to meet regulatory needs with excess for social programs,” reads a portion of the chamber’s statement.

But while support for medicinal marijuana dominated the hearing, it was not universal, and challenges were highlighted that could impede successful implementation. For instance, $500,000, according to the bill, would be loaned from the general fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands to commence of the program. However, a number of testifiers concluded that that amount was not adequate.

Also, Mary Beverley Ann Lansiquot, who represented UVI President Dr. David Hall, said researchers at UVI had begun the process of exploring the institution’s ability to contribute. However, the university concluded that much of the work would require new funding, as the federal government funds a great part of the university’s laboratories; currently federal law precludes the use of federal dollars for marijuana research.

“UVI’s ability to participate in this research is dependent on both federal regulation and access to instrumentation,” she said. “Currently, UVI’s agricultural experimental station (A.E.S.) is funded by federal grants. Based on current regulations at the federal level, which have been described previously, A.E.S. cannot perform any cannabis research activities. In order to be able to do research in the current setting, separate funding as well as possible separate laboratories would need to be obtained so as not to utilize laboratories and equipment funded by federal dollars.

“Additionally, current researchers lack expertise in this area and thus new researchers would need to be recruited, or existing researchers would need to acquire new training in this area,” Ms. Lansiquot added.

Attorney General Claude Walker, whose unwavering opposition of medicinal marijuana or marijuana for recreational purposes in the territory has been well documented, again held to his stance in written testimony.

“Today as was in earlier cases, the [Department of Justice] is absolutely opposed to this measure,” Mr. Walker maintained. “The Department believes that its implementation will serve to harm local Virgin Islands residents, particularly the young and those who are prone to addiction, while simultaneously enriching a handful of individuals, some of whom may not be residents of this territory.”

“As I stated, my previous testimony on the subject was rather comprehensive, however, I would like to take a few moments to highlight some of that testimony,” Mr. Walker continued. “On June 24, 2016, the department included official policy statements from some of the leading medical associations that were either opposed to or strongly cautioned against the use of medial marijuana.

Among these included the American Glaucoma Society, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescence Psychiatry, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Epilepsy Society, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Lung Association, and the American Medical Association.

“All of these academies and societies urged against medicinal marijuana or for further studies to be concluded. This bill will have a far-reaching impact on the youth and others of this territory. The department believes that this issue has been brilliantly marketed by a handful of advocates to make it appear that marijuana is not dangerous and should be a mainstream and socially acceptable practice,” the attorney general said.

Yet Mr. Walker, who is expected to resign in December ahead of the incoming Bryan administration’s inauguration on January 7, did not command the persuasive authority he held at previous hearings, where his testimony served in great part to table marijuana-related measures.

And senators who once opposed the measure, on Tuesday confirmed their support.

“Studies have been done, research has been concluded, I stand ready to vote,” said Mr. Sanes, a reversal from his prior position.

“I am not ready for the legalization of marijuana, but medical marijuana I support,” said Mr. DeGraff.
“I’m supportive of medical marijuana legislation. The train has already left the station, 32 states and the District of Columbia have already signed on to this, and I truly believe that it’s inevitable and that we will certainly need to fall in line,” said Mr. Francis.

The bill’s main sponsor, Mr. Nelson, said, “We are at a dawning of a new day,” as he positioned himself to be the chief proponent and defender of the implementation of the drug’s medical use in the U.S.V.I. “All of the major financial journals, media networks, economists, medical journals and societies, 33 states, Washington D.C. and 3 territories — and 56.7 percent of Virgin Islanders all agree with my position.”

Young people’s memory improves after stopping marijuana use

Impairments due to the drug may be reversible in some cases, data suggest

Laura Sanders

Paying teens and young adults to stop using marijuana led to memory improvements after just one week, a new study finds.

Yarygin/iStockphoto

Taking a month-long break from marijuana helps clear away a memory fog from young people’s minds, a small study finds. The results show that marijuana impairs their ability to take in information. The data also show this memory muddling may be reversible.

The adolescent brain undergoes big changes for many years. This doesn’t end until people reach their mid-20s. Scientists have struggled to understand how marijuana affects this developing brain.

One problem: They can’t ask people — especially minors — to use an illegal drug. But “you can do the opposite,” says Randi M. Schuster. “You can get kids who are currently using, and pay them to stop,” she notes. So she and her colleagues did just that.

As a neuropsychologist (NURR-oh-sy-KOLL-oh-jist), Schuster studies conditions and habits that can affect how the brain processes information. For the new study, her team recruited 88 Boston-area people, all 16- to 25-years old. Each reported he or she was already using marijuana at least once a week. The researchers offered 62 of these people money to quit for a month. How much money they got increased as the experiment went along. Top earners banked $585 for going a month pot-free.

These payments “worked exceptionally well,” says Schuster, who works at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, both in Boston. Urine tests showed that 55 of the 62 participants indeed stopped using marijuana for 30 days.

Along with regular drug tests, participants also took attention and memory tests. These included a number of tricky tasks. For example, on one test people had to closely follow number sequences. On another, they had to monitor the directions and locations of arrows.

Giving up pot didn’t seem to affect the recruits’ ability to pay attention. But it did affect their memory — and quickly. After just one week, those who had stopped using marijuana performed moderately better on memory tests than they had at the beginning of the study. Recruits who kept using pot showed no change. One particular aspect of memory seemed to especially sensitive to the drug: the ability to take in and remember lists of words.

Schuster and her team reported their findings October 30 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

The results suggest that pot is probably impairing young people’s ability to handle new information.

But there’s good news, Schuster says. These data also hint that some pot-related changes are “not set in stone.” By that she means “some of that impairment is not permanent.”

The results raise lots of interesting questions, says April Thames. She works at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. For instance, is there a point of no return, she asks. “If somebody is using very heavily over a prolonged period,” she wonders, “is there a point at which these functions may not recover?”

Schuster and her team plan to conduct longer-term studies to look into this. They also want to learn whether stopping pot use for longer — for 6 months, say — tracks with performance in school.

There’s still much to learn about how marijuana affects developing brains. And the latest results suggest caution is needed. Laws in many places are changing to make marijuana more easily available. Kids should be urged to delay using pot for as long as possible, Schuster says.

That's especially true, she says, for products that are very strong, or potent.

Power Words

adolescent     Someone in that transitional stage of physical and psychological development that begins at the onset of puberty, typically between the ages of 11 and 13, and ends with adulthood.

clinical     (in medicine) A term that refers to diagnoses, treatments or experiments involving people.

colleague     Someone who works with another; a co-worker or team member.

impair     (n. impairment) To damage or weaken in some way.

marijuana     A mind-altering drug. It is made from the leaves (and sometimes stems or seeds) of the Cannabis sativa plant. This drug also goes by the colloquial terms pot and weed.

minors     Children and adolescents below an age that would make them legally adults.

monitor     To test, sample or watch something, especially on a regular or ongoing basis.

neuro     An adjective that refers to neurons, the impulse-conducting cells that make up the brain, spinal column and nervous system.

pot     A slang term for marijuana.

psychiatry     (adj. psychiatric) A field of medicine where doctors study and treat diseases of the human mind. Treatments may consist of talking therapies, prescription drugs or both. People who work in this field are known as psychiatrists.

psychology     (adj. psychological ) The study of the human mind, especially in relation to actions and behavior. To do this, some perform research using animals. Scientists and mental-health professionals who work in this field are known as psychologists.

recruit     (noun) New member of a group or human trial. (verb) To enroll a new member into a research trial. Some may receive money or other compensation for their participation, particularly if they enter the trial healthy.

Here's How Cannabis Got Its High

By Leslie Nemo,

Sorry to break it to you, but you can't get high off hemp. The plant responsible for the ropey bracelets kids make at summer camp produces only trace amounts of the high-inducing compound, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. Indeed, these trace amounts of THC are some of the main characteristics that distinguish hemp from its cannabis relative, marijuana.

Still, it's not all bad for hemp: The plant produces another lucrative compound called CBD, or cannabidiol. This nonpsychoactive molecule is the key ingredient in the first-ever cannabis-based drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Called Epidiolex, the drug is used to treat rare forms of epilepsy in children.

What's more, widespread beliefs about CBD's other potential benefits have helped build up a $202 million market for hemp oil containing the molecule.

But how did we end up with these two molecules in the first place?

A team of geneticists, biologists and botanists teamed up to find out. Together, they analyzed the genomes of one hemp and one marijuana strain, publishing the results Monday (Nov. 26) in the journal Genome Research.

This isn't the first time some members of this research team has tried to map out the genomes of the two plants. They previously attempted to do so in 2011, said co-study author Harm van Bakel, a geneticist with the University of Toronto and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. (Van Bakel does not have ties to any cannabis companies, however, some of his co-authors do.) Back then, the team found that the plants' genomes were full of small pieces of DNA that repeated themselves back to back in several regions of the genetic code.

These repeated chunks don't behave like plant DNA; instead, they behave like viruses, in that they can replicate and insert themselves all over the genome, van Bakel said. This virus-like behavior suggests that these segments may have originally descended from viruses that once infected the plants. What's more, these repeating segments are responsible for the overall length of many plant and animal genomes. In hemp and marijuana, he noted, the segments make up 73 percent of the DNA.

New and improved technology

But the analysis tool the team used in 2011 cut the genome into pieces that were too small, making aligning the segments difficult — many of the pieces started and ended with identical repeat segments.

This time around, the research group used an analysis method that mapped out larger chunks of genome. "That was enough to reconstruct a much more contiguous and less fragmented version of the genome," van Bakel told Live Science. The scientists also crossbred the hemp with the marijuana and then examined the hybrid's genome to see how closely the parental plant genes lined up.

These genetic maps showed that the THC and CBD genes are located in slightly different spots on the two genomes but that those genes share a genetic ancestor — one gene that, sometime in the past, duplicated and allowed two new versions, THC and CBD, to develop. The researchers also found that the replicating segments that behave like viruses (and likely were viruses, long ago) wound up in and around the THC and CBD genes, and helped modify them into what we have today. And, surprise: The team found a third, similar gene that codes for a molecule called CBC, or cannabichromene, which also appears in hemp and marijuana.

Still, more research is needed to pin down when these divergences in the THC and CBD genes happened and what the ancestral gene looked like, said van Bakel. Those studies will include all other available hemp and marijuana varieties, because both are constantly being bred to produce specific levels of THC and CBD. With a better understanding of how we got these two beneficial genes, farmers may be able to skip the time-consuming breeding process and instead plant varieties they know will create the compounds they want. For example, CBC acts against some THC effects, so nailing the right ratio of the two molecules is important, van Bakel said.

For most other U.S. crops, genome maps exist, as either a draft or something detailed, van Bakel noted. "Cannabis is in the middle of that pack, more towards the end still," he said. Van Bakel, along with his colleagues and other geneticists, plans to keep going — and with the rate the THC and CBD industry is growing, these scientists have some catching up to do.

Wednesday, 28 November 2018

Downfalls, unintended consequences of marijuana legalization discussed

‘We are definitely in danger’

By Lorie Palmer

The consideration of marijuana legalization is a multi-faceted topic, as evidenced by the documentary “Chronic State.”

About 30 people attended a “lunch and learn” session at Kamiah’s Hearthstone Bakery Friday, Nov. 16, which was sponsored by the Upriver Youth Leadership Council. Guest speakers and presenters of the documentary were Rob Stevenson and Monty Stiles with Drug Free Idaho, Inc.

As a federal drug prosecutor for the state of Idaho for 30 years, Stiles said he has “seen it all.”

“I walked away from that job because I wanted to do something to help,” he said. “I saw all the consequences of poor choices.”

The documentary, produced in Boise by KeepIdaho.org in cooperation with Drug Free Idaho, showcases the behind-the scenes pitfalls of marijuana legalization in California and Colorado.

“In reality, how much of a danger are we here in Idaho in?” asked meeting attendee Robleigh Williams.

“We are definitely in danger,” Stiles said. “When Idaho is targeted – and it will be – lobbyists from the marijuana industry will pour millions of dollars into their efforts.”

He explained legislation has been brought to the Idaho sessions, but Governor Butch Otter vetoed it. He said other legalization bills have passed the House but died in Senate.

He said when one asks people what they want from a good community, answers include good schools, quality health care, caring parents and kids and good jobs.

“Ever hear the terms people use for when they are high on marijuana? Baked, stoned, ripped, wrecked. Those words do not coincide with what we want for good communities. They coincide with a drug culture,” he said.

“What can we realistically do?” asked attendee Ruth Mohr. What are some suggestions for us here in the Clearwater Valley?”

“One, educate people. Share the video and show them the other side to the myths of ‘tax money falling from the sky,’” Stevenson said. “Two, tell your legislators how you feel. You are the voters so you have the power to influence them.”

Stevenson said the Seattle Hemp Fest 2017, which was highlighted in the documentary, “did not have one bit of information on medical marijuana – so don’t let anyone tell you legalization is for health purposes.”

One area of the movie that hit a nerve with attendees was the information on how legalization impacted natural resources and the environment in both Humboldt County, Calif., and the Pueblo, Colo., areas.

Thousands of clear-cut areas were shown where home-growers had staked out territory for their marijuana farms. In addition, makeshift irrigation and farming areas were shown where not only pipes were jerry-rigged together and drew water from area water sources. Systems caused erosion as well as allowed a multitude of pesticides to seep into streams. In addition, when growers left an area, these plots were exited leaving debris, excrement, clothing and hazardous materials.

“Aside from this, just how is it that people getting stoned is good for our country?” Stevenson questioned. “How do you control a population? Give the drugs to everyone else and be the only clear-minded one yourself, I guess.”

Both men agreed the legalization of marijuana will come down to greed, money and control, as it has in the other states, and countries, who have decided to legalize the drug.

“And make no mistake, it is a drug,” Stevenson said. “This isn’t your grandfather’s weed.”

The documentary explains the high levels of THC in today’s marijuana: nearly 20 fold of what was around in the 1960s or ’70s. THC is also called tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound in cannabis that is psychoactive and gives the feeling of being high.

On the other hand, CBD is a cannabinoid, one of hundreds of chemical compounds found on both marijuana plants and hemp plants, which some research says has shown potential for having benefits ranging from pain relief to epilepsy treatment. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t get a person high.

The medicine Epidiolex is derived from CBD and has been used to help those with certain types of seizures dues to epilepsy. It is FDA approved.

“If there are medical reasons to use marijuana as a medicine, then it needs to go through all the FDA processes that everything else goes through,” Stevenson said.

When the Government Promotes Medical Marijuana Use for Pain

Brandon Cohen

A new law in Illinois encourages patients to request marijuana as a substitute for prescribed opiates. A recent article on Medscape described the initiative and asked healthcare professionals for their opinions. The responses came quickly and ardently.

Many were completely in favor of the new idea. A physician's assistant saw it as an issue of basic decency:

We have an epidemic of undertreated pain. This suffering is cruel and unnecessary

An internist continued in this vein:

Cannabis has the safest therapeutic index of any scheduled drug. It is safer than acetaminophen and NSAIDs... As a physician who has seen the broad scourge of the opiate epidemic decimate towns all over the land, I find this therapeutic substitution not only timely but essential.

But more than a few were worried about how well-regulated marijuana would be. One primary care physician spoke for many:

I live in a state where marijuana use has been legalized, and I watch people using it on a daily basis in my community with less instruction than what you receive on a bottle of ibuprofen... Who is going to support my prescribing, or is this off-label and I'm naked here?

Another physician saw dark forces at work:

Use marijuana for chronic pain, and make the patient so brain-addled that even if he feels no pain, he'll be useless as a member of society. Opiates, properly dosified, leave the patient's mind clear to pursue his/her life normally. Once marijuana is legal all over, we'll have a doped-up population easy to manipulate by the very few who make money out of that particular drug trade and are smart enough not to use it at all themselves.

An anesthesiologist relied on dramatic phrasing to hammer home the point:

What could possibly go wrong? Two words: opioid epidemic. Will this social experiment with cannabis be the same? The evidence is not there yet for prescribing cannabis for chronic pain.... This is madness.

A primary care physician added:

With the known or suspected dangers associated with marijuana use, such as increased risk for schizophrenia and cardiac conditions, it seems extraordinarily irresponsible to substitute one addictive substance for another with unproven benefit.

Why Cannabis CEOs Aren’t Honest About Their Marijuana Usage

A small percentage of them either don't use or don't admit to using it

By: Mike Adams

In order to run some of the leading cannabis firms in the world, it seems reasonable that one of the prerequisites of the job would be to have an extensive history of using marijuana from back when it was still considered an outlaw substance. But that is not necessarily the case, according to a recent survey from BNN Bloomberg.

It seems that a small percentage of CEOs responsible for the day-to-day operations of cannabis companies in the U.S. and Canada do not use marijuana, while many others will not admit whether they do or not.

We’ve all heard the old adage: “Don’t get high on your own supply,” but this is ridiculous. A poll of nearly 30 CEOs found that most of them use marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes.

Six of the respondents, however, said they do not consume pot at all, while another six refused to provide the news source with a response even when assured that their comments would be kept anonymous.

So what gives? Are some cannabis CEOs ashamed, embarrassed or scared to reveal their connection to a product that they hope the people of the world will one day enjoy?

Some argue that it is about moving away from stereotypes, while others say being a non-cannabis consumer in the cannabis industry is sort of like owning a smartphone but having no idea how to use a computer.

“A lot of these people who won’t go on the record talk about breaking down stigma. So where does that leave the industry?” said Alison Gordon, chief executive of Toronto-based cannabis producer 48North Cannabis Corp.

“In a way, it’s better for me to admit using cannabis because it demonstrates authenticity in our brand. I understand the product and I understand the consumer, where these people [that don’t use cannabis] don’t.”

Although marijuana is legal in Canada and in a handful of states in the U.S., it still remains an illegal substance in the eyes of the federal government. This is probably one of the reasons that some CEOs are apprehensive about sharing their connection to weed. They fear that it could cause them trouble when it comes to crossing the border. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed last month that anyone connected to the Canadian cannabis trade could be deemed inadmissible in the U.S.

But some cannabis CEOs say they should not be required to use marijuana to sell it. After all, the bigwigs of the Pharmaceutical Industry do not experiment with or use every medication their companies create. Still, there are some that liken cannabis to the brewing industry. And it would be borderline insane if the top dogs of the brewing sector didn’t enjoy a beer from time to time.

Marijuana “will soon become a mainstream product, so why wouldn’t you talk about it?” said Brian Athaide, chief executive officer of The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. “If you’re not proud about it, how can you have the passion to be in this business?”

How a Push to Legalize Pot in N.J. Became a Debate on Race and Fairness

By Nick Corasaniti

The debate in the New Jersey Legislature over whether to legalize recreational marijuana is unexpectedly turning into a wrenching discussion about fairness in the criminal justice system and the role of race in hundreds of thousands of drug convictions over the decades.

As lawmakers edge closer to approving a marijuana legalization bill, they are also weighing a groundbreaking companion measure that would clear the criminal records of many people with drug offenses. Ten other states and Washington have decriminalized recreational marijuana, but none has gone so far in addressing historic inequities in drug sentencing in tandem with legalization measures.

Supporters of the proposal in New Jersey to expunge criminal records say strict drug laws in the state have long unfairly targeted minorities: A black New Jersey resident is three times more likely to be arrested on marijuana-related offenses than a white resident, a recent study found.

As Trenton begins to debate a marijuana bill approved on Monday by a joint legislative committee, creating an efficient process for tossing out past convictions has become central to gaining support from lawmakers who represent predominantly African-American communities.

“If expungement wasn’t a part of this, legalization wouldn’t happen. They wouldn’t have the votes for it,” said Assemblyman Jamel C. Holley, the chairman of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. “We represent minority communities and communities who have been impacted the most. This is very important to us.

“There would be no way that I would support legalization of marijuana without expungement.”

The bill that would make recreational marijuana legal also would pave the way for those with past convictions for small amounts of marijuana to have their records wiped clean. But some lawmakers want to go much further.

Mr. Holley and Senator Sandra B. Cunningham, a Democrat from Jersey City, are backing a plan aimed at clearing more serious drug convictions, including low-level sales of drugs other than marijuana, such as cocaine and heroin. Their proposal would also erase some other nonviolent convictions.

“When I ride through parts of my district, I see people who are standing outside and standing on the corners for years because 10, 15, 20 years ago they made a mistake and were incarcerated and are still paying for it,” said Ms. Cunningham, who represents a largely urban portion of Hudson County.

The goal of the expungement effort is to address convictions that are hampering people who have stayed clean and out of trouble after their conviction, such as a recovered heroin addict.

Defendants would be eligible to have their records cleared if they have had no convictions in 10 years.

“At some point, you have to deal with people who have larger issues than marijuana,” Ms. Cunningham said.

“People who my bill is referencing are people who have not been in trouble for 10 years or more, who have jobs and have gone to school, even have families in some cases, and they still have some cases hanging over their head. We really want to give them an opportunity to become as productive as they can.”

A handful of other states, including California and Colorado, have pursued similar changes after passing laws that legalized marijuana. New Jersey stands apart, however, in that it is seeking to link a sweeping criminal justice reform plan to the legalization of the drug.

“Trying to make sure that expungement is done statewide really ensures that they are at the forefront of this effort,” said Dianna Houenou, the policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey. “Doing this at the outset of legalization, instead of as an afterthought, makes New Jersey a leader.”

But the difficulty of establishing a system for tossing out old convictions — and cutting through the red tape involved in antiquated record-keeping and laborious court proceedings, sometimes involving multiple jurisdictions — has injected uncertainty into the overall effort to legalize marijuana.

Some opponents of marijuana legalization argue that the issue is only being raised to prop up support for the commercial sale of cannabis.

“I think it’s pretty clear that this bill is not about social justice — it’s about money for this industry,” said Kevin A. Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a national group that opposes making recreational marijuana legal. “Expungement has been a complete afterthought and something to appease certain groups to get their support for the larger legalization bill.”

Legalizing recreational marijuana use in New Jersey had seemed like an inevitability when Gov. Philip D. Murphy, a Democrat who had made it a central campaign promise, took office this year and partnered with a Legislature that had voted in favor of it in the past. But divisions between Mr. Murphy and his fellow Democratic leaders, particularly Stephen M. Sweeney, the Senate president, over taxes and regulatory control have hampered progress.

Even if a compromise is reached, support in the Senate is thin, with a handful of Democrats opposing legalization. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Sweeney will likely need the support of nearly every other Democrat and possibly some Republicans to gain the 21-vote majority needed to pass the legislation.

The marijuana legalization process is spread among a package of bills. One would make recreational marijuana legal for anyone 21 or older; another would expand the use of medical marijuana; and a third would dismiss some criminal convictions.

Mr. Murphy has said repeatedly that his support for legalizing marijuana is rooted primarily in social justice. But he has declined to say whether he supports this specific package of bills, as disagreements over taxes and regulation remain. His office did not return requests for comment on Tuesday.

A provision in the legalization bill would allow anyone previously convicted of marijuana possession to have it cleared from their record. Currently, those convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana must wait three to five years to be eligible to have their conviction dismissed.

“Ours would make eligibility for all of those people automatic and immediate,” said Assemblyman Nicholas P. Scutari, a Democrat who is among those sponsoring the legalization bill.

People with convictions would still have to go through an application process. But Mr. Scutari, who represents Union County, said he was working with officials on a way to simplify the process and eliminate onerous fees.

Despite her support for the broader criminal justice reform bill, Ms. Cunningham said she was initially hesitant to support the legalization of recreational marijuana. But after listening to impassioned testimony on Monday about the impact of marijuana and drug-related arrests during a legislative hearing, Ms. Cunningham said she had changed her mind.

“I became a yes vote listening to the testimony that I heard today,” Ms. Cunningham said.

Still, opposition to the legalization effort among other African-American leaders remains strong.

Senator Ronald L. Rice, one of the state’s longest-tenured black lawmakers, said he fears that the increased prevalence of the drug will harm heavily minority communities.

“This bill is being sold under the auspices of social justice, but it’s really about money,” Mr. Rice said.

Bishop Jethro James Jr., the senior pastor of Paradise Baptist Church in Newark, questioned whether making the drug legal would do anything to help close the racial disparity in drug-related arrests.

He also warned of unintended consequences.

“No one is talking and telling our people — and I hear it every day in the streets of Newark and Paterson — that if you smoke cannabis, it will not preclude PSE & G, law enforcement, or any other group, from stopping you from working there,” Mr. James said during Monday’s hearing.

But as the push to legalize marijuana by the end of the year enters a critical final month, some legislators are embracing the expungement campaign.

“Someone could prove to society that they made a terrible mistake and that for 10 years they’ve been clean and working hard for their mistakes,’’ said Senator Paul Sarlo, a Democrat who represents Bergen County. “They deserve a second chance.’’

Tuesday, 27 November 2018

Five Ways to Use Cannabis When You're Sick, for Wellness and Fun

Recommended For You

Medical marijuana extends far beyond joints and edibles.

David Trawi

Thomas Mitchell

’Tis the cold and flu season, when judgment is never more important...and your brain is never more foggy. Thinking that your immune system is ready to withstand your degenerative ways one day too early can keep that throat sore much longer than necessary, so it's best to play it safe by avoiding the booze and pot-smoking. Still, according to cannabis sales and delivery platform Eaze, 40 percent of cannabis consumers continue to use pot when suffering from cold and flu symptoms, and a majority of them are smoking and vaping.

While smoking and vaping definitely should be avoided when your throat is burning and covered in mucus, combustion isn't the only way to take in the plant. Some medical marijuana products could even help alleviate the aches and pains of sinus pains, muscle aches and sore throats, while others can boost your immune system and prevent another bout of illness.

Here are five ways to use cannabis when suffering from the cold or flu, both for aid in recovery and fun.

CBD
CBD shouldn't be smoked or vaped when you're sick, either, but it can be consumed via edibles, drinks and any other way that THC can be ingested. You can also find hemp-derived CBD drinks, tinctures and edibles at head shops, specialty food markets and deluxe grocery stores such as Whole Foods, eliminating the need for a trip to a pot dispensary. CBD can help with pain and inflammation while relaxing the user — all without the psychoactive head high.

CBG
CBD might make you feel better, but studies are showing that cannabigerol (CBG) might be more medically valuable. This little-known, non-psychoactive cannabinoid rarely reaches levels higher than the 1 percent in commercial cannabis strains, but extraction and breeding companies are starting to create high-CBG products for medical and adult-use consumption. Studies have shown CBG to be an effective anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, and it can treat headaches, intestinal pain and bladder dysfunction. It's also been shown to be a strong appetite-inducer, helping calm the stomach without creating the head high of THC.

Get extra herbal with your tea to make that sick day easier.

Mark Antonation

Infused hot drinks and soups
Don't discount the medical effects of THC, which can help with pain and eating disorders. It's widely available in drinks and other infused liquids — and some of us just want to get a little stoned when we're stuck at home, sick. Better than chugging cough syrup, isn't it? Most dispensaries in Colorado carry cannabis powders and tinctures that can easily mix with drinks, soups and just about any dish you want, while tea and coffee infused with THC and/or CBD are also available at dispensaries and CBD stores. Cannabis-infused honey and agave syrup is even available for those who want to sweeten up their own drinks.

Suppositories
Cannabis suppositories were originally created for terminally ill patients and those with cancer, and are still mainly used for serious conditions that involve muscle spasms and tumors.

However, suppositories (both rectal and vaginal) can also be used to treat menstrual cramps, insomnia, pain and anxiety. Cannabis suppositories are absorbed much faster by the body than edibles, generally aren't psychoactive and can be purchased at dispensaries or made at home.

Juicing raw cannabis
This is more of a preventative than a cure, but immunity boosts can be key to avoiding sickness — and juicing cannabis has shown extremely promising potential. Juicing raw cannabis doesn't get users high, but it can help the body's cell functions. The raw cannabinoid and fatty acids of the plant can boost the immune system and bone metabolism while also providing anti-inflammatory effects, and even protection against cancerous tumors. Cannabis juicing takes advantage of CBDA and THCA, versions of CBD and THC that require heat to be activated. These cannabinoids provide different health benefits than their activate counterparts, without the high of THC or potential grogginess of CBD.

South Korea becomes first country in East Asia to legalize medical marijuana

By Matt Lamers

https://mjbizdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Breaking-news-300x200.jpg

South Korea became the first country in East Asia to legalize medical cannabis, marking a significant milestone in the global industry and a potential turning point in how the drug is perceived in traditionally conservative societies.

The country’s National Assembly voted to approve amending the Act on the Management of Narcotic Drugs to pave the way for non-hallucinogenic dosages of medical cannabis prescriptions.

Medical marijuana will still be tightly restricted, but the law’s approval by the central government is seen as a breakthrough in a country many believed would be last – not among the first – to approve any use of cannabis, even if it is just low-THC to start.

To receive medical cannabis, patients would be required to apply to the Korea Orphan Drug Center, a government body established to facilitate patient access to rare medicines in the country.

Approval would be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Patients would also need to receive a prescription from a medical practitioner.

South Korea’s cannabis law overcame a major obstacle in July when it won the support of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, which said at the time it would permit Epidiolex, Marinol, Cesamet and Sativex for conditions including epilepsy, symptoms of HIV/AIDS and cancer-related treatments.

The ministry said a series of amended laws passed in a National Assembly session will expand the treatment opportunities for patients with rare diseases.

A number of other countries had been vying to join Israel as the first countries in Asia to allow medical cannabis, including Thailand and Malaysia.

“South Korea legalizing medical cannabis, even if it will be tightly controlled with limited product selection, represents a significant breakthrough for the global cannabis industry,” said Vijay Sappani, CEO of Toronto-based Ela Capital, a venture capital firm exploring emerging markets in the cannabis space.

“The importance of Korea being the first country in East Asia to allow medical cannabis at a federal level should not be understated. Now it’s a matter of when other Asian countries follow South Korea, not if.”

Recreational marijuana will become legal in Michigan on Dec. 6: What to know

By Dave Bartkowiak Jr., Ken Haddad

DETROIT - Recreational marijuana will become legal before the end of the year in the state of Michigan after voters approved a proposal in the November election.

The Board of State Canvassers met on Monday and certified the election, meaning recreational weed will become legal in Michigan on Dec. 6, 2018, according to the Secretary of State.

Marijuana will be decriminalized in the state, but you won't be able to purchase it just yet. It could take up to a year for state legislators and businesses to figure out the licensing aspect.

Adults over the age of 21 will be allowed to cultivate, possess and consume marijuana on Dec. 6. Yes, you will be allowed to grow no more than 12 plants at your home.

How would you buy marijuana?

You would be able to purchase the allowed amount of marijuana from a licensed business. Businesses would be licensed by the state. The initiative allows cities to decide if they want to allow these businesses in their municipality. The timeframe for when businesses could obtain such a license is unclear. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs probably won't be able to issue such licenses until 2019.

Can you grow your own marijuana?

Yes, you will be allowed to grow no more than 12 plants at your home. If you have a license you will be allowed to legally grow more.

Here are the license types that would be offered:

Marijuana retailer
Marijuana safety compliance facility
Marijuana secure transporter
Marijuana processor
Marijuana microbusiness
Class A marijuana grower authorizing cultivation of not more than 100 marijuana plants
Class B marijuana grower authorizing cultivation of not more than 500 marijuana plants
Class C marijuana grower authorizing cultivation of not more than 2,000 marijuana plants

Timeframe: Colorado law, as an example

Colorado voters approved recreational marijuana legalization in their state in 2012, but it didn't officially become legal to sell it until January 2014.

Colorado voters passed their initiative on Nov. 6, 2012 and had to wait a month until a new state amendment went into effect on Dec. 6, 2012, making marijuana officially legal in Colorado.

However, as stated, businesses were not legally allowed to sell marijuana until Jan. 1, 2014.
That's the kind of timeframe we could be looking at in Michigan. But it all depends on the legislature.

In Colorado, the state legislature had to create laws for marijuana use, driving and traveling, specific youth laws, laws for home growing, and more. As would be the case in Michigan, Colorado allows municipalities to pass their own stricter marijuana laws.

Legal marijuana use in Colorado

In November 2012, Colorado legalized marijuana for adults over age 21 by passing Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution.

The laws on legal marijuana use may seem confusing. This section is intended to give you a brief overview of legal adult use of retail marijuana. The laws regarding use and possession are different for medical marijuana.

Additionally, cities are allowed to pass even stricter laws. Learn more about how marijuana laws differ in each county and town across Colorado.

The dos and don'ts of legal marijuana in Michigan

By Larry Gabriel

Shutterstock.com

The state Board of Canvassers met Monday to certify the results of the Nov. 6 election. Recreational adult use of marijuana will be legal on Dec. 6.

Here’s what is immediately legal and not regarding individual personal use under the new law:

• Adults 21 and over may possess or use marijuana in a private setting — not out on the streets. It’s not immediately clear where you can get that marijuana if you don’t grow your own.

• The allowed amount of dried marijuana flowers is 10 ounces per household. Any amount over 2.5 ounces has to be in a locked container.

• No more than 15 grams of concentrate can be part of your total amount.

• Adults may grow up to 12 plants per household inside their homes (rental properties are subject to landlord approval) or outside in a locked enclosure that is not easily visible from public areas.

• You can transfer up to 2.5 ounces or 15 grams of concentrate for free to another adult.

• Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal, although no numbers have been set regarding THC blood content.

• The marijuana laws do not protect you from workplace rules regarding marijuana use, drug testing, or disciplinary actions.

• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or use marijuana, and for anyone to transfer marijuana to an underage person.

• There are currently no legal recreational marijuana sales outlets, and there probably won’t be any for well over a year.

• Unlicensed individuals selling marijuana to anyone is illegal.

Monday, 26 November 2018

After brief ban, Hinsdale prepares to welcome cannabis trade

By Larry Parnass,

Hinsdale could open its doors to cannabis firms by setting rules this week on where and how they operate — and by lifting a moratorium.

A special town meeting Wednesday will ask residents to revise zoning rules to permit both the retail sale of recreational marijuana and its cultivation, under limited terms, as well as other cannabis businesses allowed by state law.

The session, which will also take up unrelated financial housekeeping matters, begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the community room of Town Hall at 39 South St.

Like many Berkshire County communities, Hinsdale opted at first to hold off on setting terms for cannabis businesses after voters approved adult use of recreational weed two years ago.

But with several firms now courting the town, this week's session seeks to lift that moratorium. The warrant article related to cannabis needs to garner a two-thirds majority to pass.

Town Administrator Robert Graves said Hinsdale is ready to set terms governing a new sector of the state's economy.

"We're working with one company and maybe another interested in a cultivation facility," Graves said. "Hopefully, if everything goes smoothly we'll approve this and then lift the moratorium."

How Hinsdale would go about that is detailed over seven pages in the meeting's warrant.

Residents will be asked to revamp existing zoning bylaws to allow a range of cannabis business pursuits.

The rules would allow one retail cannabis outlet and no more than five nonretail facilities, such as cultivation or testing.

All new operations would have to conform to limits on their activities and hours. For instance, a retail outlet cannot allow its inventory to be seen from outside, cannot permit on-site consumption and must restrict its hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Cannabis businesses would be allowed in the town's R-4 Business District, Residential District and Adult Entertainment Overlay District (defined as Bullards Crossing Road between Route 8 and the CSX railroad's right of way).

Cultivation businesses would be allowed in the R-5 Agricultural District and in the Residential District but only on lots of at least 5 acres.

No marijuana enterprise could operate within 150 feet or a school or day care center. And all must secure special permits from the Select Board and undergo site plan reviews.

New bills filed for marijuana decriminalization in Texas

Ileana Najarro

Dobbin resident Donna Deslauriers participates during the Cannabis Open Carry Walk on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, off of North Loop 336 in Conroe.Photo: Michael Minasi, Staff Photographer / Houston Chronicle

2of 6Cannabis bud at Compassionate Cultivation, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, in Austin. ( Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle )Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicl

3of 6State Sen. José Menéndez (D-26) authored Senate Bill 90 for the 2019 Legislative session. The bill calls for a major expansion of the state medical cannabis program to include diagnoses such as PTSD, cancer, multiple sclerosis and more.Photo: Alma E. Hernandez, For the San Antonio Express News / Alma E. Hernandez / For the San Antonio Express News

Recreational and most medical uses of marijuana are still prohibited in the state, the exception being low-THC cannabis for qualifying intractable epilepsy patients under the Texas Compassionate Use Program.

Marijuana advocates, who have been pushing for decriminalization and an expansion to the medical program, have gained greater bipartisan support in recent years, said Heather Fazio, director of Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy.

Lawmakers filed hundreds of bills Monday in advance of the deadline.

Cannabis advocates championed two bills in particular: House Bill 63, which proposes a civil penalty for less than an ounce of marijuana possession instead of arrests, convictions or a criminal record; and Senate Bill 90, which aims to allow more medical conditions to qualify for the state’s medical program, as well as offer greater protections to registered medical professionals prescribing the drug.

Rep. Joe Moody (D-78) who authored House Bill 63 noted the “swell of bipartisan support” for decriminalization of marijuana in the state.

“I’m optimistic that this will be the session we finally see smarter, fairer marijuana laws in Texas,” Moody said in a statement.

Earlier this year the Republican Party of Texas updated its official platform to support making it a civil rather than criminal offense to possess less than an ounce of marijuana. They called for a fine of up to $100, without jail time. And during a debate with Democratic challenger Lupe Valdez this year, Gov. Greg Abbott said he was open to dropping the punishment of 180 days of jail and a $2,000 fine to just a $500 fine for possession of less than 2 ounces.

The public Republican shift towards more lenient marijuana laws has some advocates feeling confident in efforts to protect recreational use of the drug as well as those who rely on it for medicinal purposes.

State Sen. Jose Menendez (D-26), who authored Senate Bill 90, said “doctors, not politicians, should determine what is best for Texas patients.”

In his bill, Menendez calls for a major expansion of the state medical cannabis program to include diagnoses such as PTSD, cancer, multiple sclerosis and more.

“Patients should not be arrested for using a medicine that is legal in every state that borders Texas, including conservative states like Oklahoma and Arkansas,” Menéndez said in a statement.

Yet Abbott has been less supportive of expanding the existing medical cannabis program, expressing concern over abuses of an expanded program.

Jackson County Sheriff, A. J. Louderback, who serves as the legislative director for the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, echoed Abbott’s concerns arguing that medical programs in other states, and marijuana legalization in general, has led to spikes in crime and “devastating social losses.”

Since 2014, around the time Colorado legalized recreational marijuana use, crime in the state has increased. In Denver in particular, the 2016 crime rate increased 4 percent, with violent crime up 9 percent.

Yet Colorado and Denver law enforcement officials can’t say whether the crime hike is tied to marijuana legalization.

“[Property crime is] the biggest driver of our [overall] crime, and of our increases. So, can you attribute that to marijuana? I don’t think you can,” Denver Police Commander James Henning, told CNN.

For her part, Fazio of Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy, remains undeterred in her optimism for significant marijuana reform in Texas next year.

“The time has come for prohibition to be repealed,” Fazio said.

Bill to legalise recreational marijuana in ACT has ‘overwhelming support’

A game-changing bill to allow adults in the ACT to legally keep pot has overwhelming support, according to the pollie behind the plan.

Ben Graham

A major push to legalise recreational marijuana has been launched in the ACT where a young Labor pollie claims he has overwhelming support for his bill on the issue.

If it gets enough support it would allow adults in the state to keep up to 50g of cannabis or four plants legally.

ACT backbencher Michael Pettersson said 94 per cent of people or groups that responded to his invitation to make a submission were in support of the proposal.

The intent of the bill has even received backing from the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT, the peak body for alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector.

“This polling shows that Canberrans are overwhelmingly in favour of sensible changes to our drug laws like legalising small amounts of cannabis for personal use,” Mr Pettersson told the Times.

ACT backbencher Michael Pettersson believes changes to the law would be ‘sensible’. Picture: FacebookSource:Facebook

“Cannabis legalisation is not a radical idea. There are now 10 states in the United States of America that have legalised cannabis along with Canada, South Africa and Uruguay.

“I don’t think anyone should have their life ruined with a criminal conviction for using small amounts of cannabis.

“I think it’s time we take a long, hard look at whether or not our drug laws are having the effect we want them to have and if they’re not we should have the courage to change them.”

He added that recent government research has also demonstrated that there was widespread support for cannabis legalisation — with 54 per cent of Canberrans supporting the legalisation of cannabis for personal use with only 27 per cent of Canberrans opposed.

Having 25 grams of cannabis for recreational use has been decriminalised in the ACT since 1992 — and this later increased to 50g.

Dr David Caldicott, the clinical lead at the ANU’s Australian Medicinal Cannabis Observatory told The RiotACT a bill like Mr Pettersson’s could limit the drug’s availability to underage consumers and undermine the illicit drug market in the ACT.

“From a public health perspective, there are merits to an argument of a regulated market. It is likely to be met by howls of abuse from more conservative commentators who probably don’t understand the policy implications,” he said.

“The likelihood is that overall it will reduce the harm from drugs. Very few people would argue that increased availability of cannabis would make the city a healthier environment but it is entirely possible that regulating the environment will make cannabis less available.”

It comes after new research shows seven people a day are being approved for medicinal cannabis and the $18 million industry in Australia could be worth billions within a decade.

A recreational market worth up to $8.8 billion annually in a decade if it is legalised soon. Picture: iStockSource:Supplied

Access to the drug is still severely restricted two years after its medicinal use was legalised nationally but a new online application system has increased approvals in recent months.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration approved 469 applications for the drug under the Special Access Scheme between August and September. That’s up from just 97 between January and February.

The TGA notes it is unable to calculate patient numbers accurately and it’s possible for one patient to have multiple applications approved.

Australia’s cannabis industry could grow even more with a recreational market worth up to $8.8 billion annually in a decade if it is legalised soon, the report says.