Compassion Flower Report - Episode 2 & Medical Cannabis News Digest

See Episode 2 here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhF-dZg4psQ&t=14s

Visit the YouTube link above the watch the full episode of Compassion Flower Report.  Below is a recent Medical Cannabis News Digest - headlines of interest to patients and providers.  Patient Advocacy Network has sent these digests out as an email in the past, but will now post these news stories here on Cannabis Patient Voice.  

Please be advised that links may expire overtime.  However, the story title may help you find  it in its archive.

Follow PAN on twitter @PAN4Compassion for regular updates.

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Medical Cannabis News Around California

California family fights school to allow daughter's medical marijuana

http://6abc.com/family/california-family-fights-school-to-allow-daughters-medical-marijuana/3828659/

Rejected La Mesa Marijuana Dispensary Owner Takes Issue to 

file://localhost/Court https/::www.nbcsandiego.com:news:local:Rejected-Marijuana-Dispensary-Owner-Takes-Issue-to-Court-489559871.html

Los Angeles moves to license pot growers after long delay  

https://pilotonline.com/business/consumer/article_424b597b-3b07-57d7-9ef0-fee509e07571.html

San Rafael picks 16 medical cannabis licensees

http://www.marinij.com/article/NO/20180806/NEWS/180809876

California Marijuana Products Delayed by Backlogs in Testing Labs

https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/California-Marijuana-Products-Delayed-by-Backlogs-in-Testing-Labs-490191141.html

Proposed California bill would allow medical marijuana use at school

https://www.kusi.com/proposed-california-bill-would-allow-medical-marijuana-use-at-school/

Santa Rosa girl who takes medical cannabis to treat seizures attends her first day of kindergarten

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/8631450-181/santa-rosa-girl-who-takes?sba=AAS

Judge blocks SLO County from ripping marijuana plants off California Valley farm — for now

https://www.sanluisobispo.com/latest-news/article216829675.html

California Cannabis Tax Hits All-Time High, Still Falls Short Of Expectation

http://www.hometownstation.com/santa-clarita-news/politics/marijuana/california-cannabis-tax-hits-all-time-high-still-falls-short-of-expectation-245612

Medical Cannabis News Around the U.S.

V.A. Shuns Medical Marijuana, Leaving Vets to Improvise

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/25/us/marijuana-veterans.html

One Simple Change To The Tax Code And The Price Of Medical Marijuana Will Drop

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinmurphy/2018/08/21/one-simple-change-to-the-tax-code-and-the-price-of-medical-marijuana-will-drop/ - 39089c067a6e

Arizona - Regulators investigating AZ medical marijuana grow after chemical spill

http://www.azfamily.com/story/38755570/regulators-investigating-az-medical-marijuana-grow-after-chemical-spill-workplace-complaints

Future of 2 Arkansas medical marijuana growing facilities hinges on school definition

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/jul/29/cannabis-question-is-college-a-school-2-1/

Colorado medical marijuana doctors policed by secret state policy, suppressed lawsuit alleges

https://game-leaks.com/colorado-medical-marijuana-doctors-policed-by-secret-state-policy-suppressed-lawsuit-alleges/

Colorado Medical Marijuana Sales Take A Nosedive. Is The End Nigh?

https://www.cpr.org/news/story/colorado-medical-marijuana-sales-take-a-nosedive-is-the-end-nigh

Florida - State medical marijuana director Christian Bax resigns

https://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/07/27/state-medical-marijuana-director-christian-bax-resigns/

Florida - Bill would protect veterans, federal workers who use medical cannabis

http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/bill-would-protect-veterans-federal-workers-who-use-medical-cannabis

Georgia might allow medical marijuana growing and dispensing

https://politics.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-might-allow-medical-marijuana-growing-and-dispensing/Z2axd3LfhEwa8Pof5zb3hJ/

First Hawaii Island Medical Cannabis Licensee Given The Go Ahead

http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2018/08/14/first-hawaii-island-medical-cannabis-licensee-given-the-go-ahead/

Illinois - Rauner signs bill to allow medical marijuana in schools

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180801/rauner-signs-bill-to-allow-medical-marijuana-in-schools

Indiana lawmaker's medical marijuana push to take him to Mile High City

https://www.wishtv.com/news/indiana-news/indiana-lawmaker-s-medical-marijuana-push-to-take-him-to-mile-high-city/1326622699

Indiana - 'Our goal is to save lives.' Medical marijuana advocates hold town hall

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/08/11/medical-marijuana-advocates-hold-town-hall-call-legislation/959328002/

Several Hoosier vets, lawmakers meet at medical marijuana forum

https://fox59.com/2018/08/12/several-hoosier-vets-lawmakers-meet-at-medical-marijuana-forum/

Medical marijuana wait: Regulatory hurdle for Louisiana crop

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/article216666025.html

Maryland medical marijuana users demand action after repeated computer crashes at dispensaries

https://wjla.com/features/7-on-your-side/maryland-medical-marijuana-computer-crashes

More Maryland medical marijuana firms approved as industry continues to grow

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-sun-investigates-marijuana-20180726-story.html

Michigan approves medical marijuana testing labs

https://www.freep.com/story/news/marijuana/2018/08/09/michigan-medical-marijuana/949476002/

Three Medical Marijuana Measures Qualify For Missouri Ballot

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/three-medical-marijuana-measures-qualify-for-missouri-ballot/

Lawsuit seeks to snuff out two of three medical marijuana questions on Missouri ballot

https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lawsuit-seeks-to-snuff-out-two-of-three-medical-marijuana/article_aa8badf4-b12a-52f2-be3b-80019274e732.html

800 turn out for New Jersey medical marijuana application conference

https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/business/turn-out-for-n-j-medical-marijuana-application-conference/article_fc98946a-8641-59d8-bfff-b0fc04fc5a26.html

North Dakota patients may have to wait until 2019 for medical marijuana

http://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/ND-patients-may-have-to-wait-until-2019-for-medical-marijuana-490283941.html

North Dakota receives 19 medical marijuana dispensary applications

http://grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/4483971-north-dakota-receives-19-medical-marijuana-dispensary

Ohio regulators award 7 licenses to medical marijuana processors

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2018/08/ohio_regulators_award_7_licens.html

Ohio officials say no way it can meet September medical marijuana program deadline

https://www.whio.com/news/local/ohio-officials-say-way-can-meet-september-medical-marijuana-program-deadline/nlOjuoQWypa9h9T8M8ihHN/

Oklahoma medical marijuana won’t be available for months

http://www.stwnewspress.com/news/oklahoma-medical-marijuana-won-t-be-available-for-months/article_9510f044-8fa1-11e8-8e62-cfbcc2753f4b.html

Oklahoma - The only draft of full legislation for medical marijuana removes THC limits, allows smokables. What else would it do?

https://www.tulsaworld.com/photovideo/slideshows/the-only-draft-of-full-legislation-for-medical-marijuana-removes/collection_e54fce04-9014-11e8-b6e7-fb02148c3f82.html

How legal cannabis actually made things worse for sick people in Oregon

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jul/31/oregon-cannabis-medical-marijuana-problems-sick-people

Pennsylvania - Medical Marijuana Patients Anxious As They Navigate New System

http://radio.wpsu.org/post/medical-marijuana-patients-anxious-they-navigate-new-system

Dry leaf medical marijuana available to Pennsylvanians next week

https://www.abc27.com/news/local/dry-leaf-medical-marijuana-available-to-pennsylvanians-next-week/1328349405

Rhode Island dispensaries begin selling to out-of-state customers

http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180728/ri-dispensaries-begin-selling-to-out-of-state-customers

International Medical Cannabis News

Medical Cannabis Reform in Britain: Five Things You Need to Know

https://reaction.life/medical-cannabis-reform-britain-five-things-need-know/

Doctors want medical pot phased out after legalization: Canadian Medical Association

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/canadian-medical-association-cannabis-legalization-1.4772000

Medical Cannabis – New Developments in Germany, the EU and Canada

https://labiotech.eu/sponsored/medical-cannabis-new-developments-dentons/

Australian Medical Marijuana Patients Can’t Get Any Cannabis

https://cannabisnow.com/australian-medical-marijuana-patients-cant-get-any-cannabis/

Already 91 per cent of Aussies support medicinal cannabis and over the counter purchases may soon become a reality

https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/already-91-per-cent-of-aussies-support-medicinal-cannabis-and-over-the-counter-purchases-may-soon-become-a-reality/news-story/ebee26fae5c708cf346cf1125b88b87a

Germany Moves to Make Cannabis Available for Medical use in Pharmacies

http://www.chasingmarkets.com/news/15b6096ee89eb1/Germany_Moves_to_Make_Cannabis_Available_for_Medical_use_in_Pharmacies

Israeli firms team up to create kits for growing medical cannabis at home

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-firms-team-up-to-create-kits-for-growing-medical-cannabis-at-home/

Italy’s Health Minister Promises Medical Marijuana Expansion, With Sales In Pharmacies

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/italys-health-minister-promises-medical-marijuana-expansion-with-sales-in-pharmacies/

Lebanon weighs medical cannabis laws as Israel drags feet

https://mjbizdaily.com/lebanon-weighs-medical-cannabis-laws-israel-drags-feet/

Medical cannabis market rallies in New Zealand ahead of move to allow patient access

https://stockhead.com.au/special-report/medical-cannabis-market-rallies-in-new-zealand-ahead-of-move-to-allow-patient-access/

An exclusive look inside the UK’s legal medical cannabis farm

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23931881-900-an-exclusive-look-inside-the-uks-legal-medical-cannabis-farm/

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Advocates In California Urge Protection For Medical Cannabis Patients From Hyper-regulation, Over-taxation, & Corporate Takeover

The Bureau of Cannabis Control is slated to start issuing and processing applications on January 1, 2018.  Further regulations will be presented in November of this year, and the California Department of Consumer Affairs just seated the long-waited Cannabis Advisory Committee mandated by the state’s new cannabis rules.  

What is absent on this committee is any authentic patient voice or social justice advocates.  However, this has been the case in Sacramento during all medical cannabis policy discussions.  Patient advocates have had to demand to be heard or be ignored.  Now that the potential revenue from adult recreational cannabis sales and production is being projected, affordable access to medical cannabis for disabled and low-income patients is the furthest thing on the minds of the new Cannabis Bureaucracy.

Hopefully, the California Cannabis Bureaucracy realizes that we could find ourselves back in a federally hostile environment.  Who did they seat to tackle the possibility that our U.S. Attorney General and Department of Justice may decide to enforce the Controlled Substances Act, again?  Who will deal with the fallout and stand up for the political prisoners?

What is present on this committee is the Drug Policy Alliance.  Members of the Drug Policy Alliance are gaining seats on committees and commissions around the state.  Since DPA’s political action committee donated a significant amount of money to Prop. 64, this would seem to be a conflict.  However, this works out wonderfully for George Soros, who founded and funds DPA, and is heavily vested in Monsanto.   Monsanto stands to win the most from Prop. 64, by acquiring the largest permits and controlling the seeds for recreational, medical and hemp stains.  With Soros’ employees serving around the state the mega-corporate take over of California’s cannabis industry is moving right along.

Despite how the advisory or oversight bodies may be stacked, the regulations themselves equate impractical policy.  Many current businesses will find it burdensome and too expensive to comply.  This creates a monopoly for wealthy, elite players to saturate the marketplace.  True patients and their providers will be priced out and in jeopardy.  Some operations will go deep underground, adding to existing environmental concerns about unregulated cultivation.

Patients are urged to contact:

Department of Consumer Affairs – Bureau of Cannabis Control

Attn: Lori Ajax, Chief, Bureau of Cannabis Control;

Dean R. Grafilo, Director, California Department of Consumer Affairs;

And Members of the Cannabis Advisory Committee

bcc@dca.ca.gov

Or (800) 952-5210

Let them know that you are patient that relies on consistent and affordable access to medical cannabis, and you are concerned that over-regulation, permitting fees and taxes for medical cannabis are going to put your collective out of business or make it so you can no longer afford your medicine. 

Send your comments and concerns to your California state representatives as well:

Find Your California Representative

http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov

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Some related links:

Department of Consumer Affairs Announces Appointments to Cannabis Advisory Committee

http://cannabis.ca.gov/2017/10/04/department-of-consumer-affairs-announces-appointments-to-cannabis-advisory-committee/

L.A. City Council approves new Cannabis Department head

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-la-marijuana-commission-20170815-story.html

George Soros And Big Agriculture Move The Marijuana Movement

http://katehon.com/837-george-soros-and-big-agriculture-move-the-marijuana-movement.html

How Monsanto & Bayer Are Trying To Take Over The Cannabis Industry

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2017/08/31/how-monsanto-bayer-are-trying-to-take-over-the-cannabis-industry/

The Corporate Billionaires’ Hostile Attempt To Take Over The California Cannabis Industry in 2016

http://panorg.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-corporate-billionaires-hostile.html

Legalization, 4 Years Later: What Happened In Washington State?

http://herb.co/2016/11/17/legalization-washington-state/

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How To Contact Your Congressional Representatives - It's Time To End Cannabis Prohibition

January 29, 2013

Representative Adam Schiff

2411 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington D.C. 20515

Phone: (202) 225-4176

Facsimile: (202) 225-5828

Dear Congressmember Adam Schiff,

I write you to about ending cannabis prohibition.  For too long prohibition has denied our business sector the opportunities that come with industrial hemp.  For too long the ‘War On Drugs’ has incarcerated non-violent Americans solely for possession of ‘marihuana.’  For too long America has missed out on the revenue from sales of cannabis products, whether industrial, therapeutic or recreational.  For too long the DEA has interfered with States that already have approved and supported medical cannabis laws on their books.  It’s time for Congress to draft sensible national cannabis policies and stop punishing people over a plant.

I personally have a long history as a cannabis activist and have worked with numerous organizations throughout the country on this issue.  Currently, I am the executive director of Patient Advocacy Network – a charitable 501(c)(3) organization providing education and training to medical cannabis patients and providers, and advocating for patients’ rights and protection.  I have seen first hand the violence and destruction of the DEA’s ‘smash and grab’ tactics here in Los Angeles. 

Please find enclosed a copy of a position paper published by Patient Advocacy Network regarding the issue of ‘rescheduling’ cannabis.  This brief paper explores the Controlled Substances Act highlighting that many of the penalties for cannabis offences under Schedules II – V are more severe than under Schedule I.  However, there are many options for regulating cannabis other than the CSA.

I thank you for your time and consideration.  I look forward to working with you and your staff on this issue until cannabis is safe and legal and all the prisoners of compassion and conscience are free. 

Truly yours,

CC:  President Barack Obama, Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Diane Feinstein

Enclosure: Position Paper (12 pages)

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Removing Cannabis From The Controlled Substances Act Why Rescheduling Marihuana Will Not End The State-Federal Conflict Over Medical Cannabis

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/109706307/Removing-Cannabis-From-The-Controlled-Substances-Act-Why-Rescheduling-Marihuana-Will-Not--End-The-State-Federal-Conflict-Over-Medical-Cannabis

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Position Paper by Patient Advocacy Network

There has been much talk from members of Congress and some Governors to "reschedule" marihuana within the Controlled Substances Act.  However, what they don't tell you  is that moving cannabis to a different schedule does not eliminate any federal criminal jeopardy from patients or their collectives.  In some instances the penalties under Schedule III are more harsh than its current Schedule I.

Please educate yourself and share this paper with your legislative officials.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dGbV4AWkufdXz1mTIGU9ME9IJ3-nQRWsCpgW3kEpQ9U/edit

Patients Speak-out Against Further Federal Interference

On July 18, 2011, medical cannabis patient advocates took to the streets of Los Angeles and San Francisco to express concerns about recent statements from Washington DC including the Cole Memorandum. News is that it will be business as usual with respect to federal enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act. Patients are concerned that there will be more hostile smash and grab raids and selective prosecutions.

Patient Advocacy Network has reached out to nearly 90 Congressional offices to discuss medical marijuana, the Controlled Substances Act and continued federal criminal jeopardy for patients. Governors and State AG’s in all medical cannabis states have also been called upon by PAN to help end the federal criminal jeopardy for patients and their cultivators. It is PAN’s contention that cannabis is inappropriately placed in the CSA and needs to regulated more like beer or wine. This is the only legal model that keeps cultivators safe, as safe as those who grow grapes and hops.

While only a handful of patients participated in the LA rally, PAN got the attention of many media outlets: TV, radio, print and internet. “We feel it’s extremely important to be here and express the fear patients and their collectives have over further federal interference BEFORE there are any federal actions this season,” states Degé Coutee to the media during the rally. “The DEA got their funding today on the heels of some very strong statements from Washington. We fear federal raids and prosecutions on non-violent, otherwise law-abiding citizens, some of which are seriously ill or disabled.”

PAN encourages supporters to get involved with its Legislative Education programs and upcoming rallies and street theater by becoming a sponsor. All monetary and in-kind contributions are tax-deductible.