Thank You For Your Support

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Running a non-profit is a lot of hard work everyday.  PAN is not supported by any large donors, but we piece it together with many small contributions from patients, advocates and providers like yourself.  We can’t do it without you.

From time to time we experience unexpected expenses and shortfalls.  This is one of those times and we need your support.  I’m asking that you please click the donate button and contribute whatever you can.  Your contribution is always tax-deductible and a receipt will be emailed to you.  

Thank You!

PAN Medical Cannabis News Digest - Spring 2019

Patient Advocacy Network Medical Cannabis News Digest – 

For more news updates and current information -

Follow us on twitter:

@PAN4Compassion

Watch The Compassion Flower Report at:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnlm6Hrk6cK8ujvxE6Dtkhc6fC33A7FZ2

Please subscribe and like.

--------

Medical Cannabis News Around California

California’s Cannabis Marketplace is a Mess. Here’s How to Fix It

https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php/420-file-news-2-views/17305-california-s-cannabis-marketplace-is-a-mess-here-s-how-to-fix-it

Lawmakers look to slash cannabis taxes

https://www.turlockjournal.com/news/government/lawmakers-look-slash-cannabis-taxes/

Judge halts licensing process for 7 commercial cannabis businesses in San Bernardino

https://www.sbsun.com/2019/02/27/judge-halts-licensing-process-for-7-commercial-cannabis-businesses-in-san-bernardino/

Prosecutors Move to Clear 54,000 Marijuana Convictions in California

https://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/tns-california-marijuana-convictions-cleared.html

More Than 9,300 Marijuana-Related Convictions Will Be Expunged in San Francisco

https://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/tns-san-francisco-marijuana-convictions.html

Los Angeles Set to Reduce or Expunge 50,000 Marijuana Convictions

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/los-angeles-marijuana-convictions-816796/

Medical Cannabis News Around The U.S.

Medical Marijuana ‘Can Help Everyone,’ Says Director at Maryland Cannabis Facility

https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/2019/02/07/medical-marijuana-can-help-everyone-says-director-at-maryland-cannabis-facility/

Teen Pot Use Fell in States That Legalized Medical Marijuana: Study

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2019-02-14/teen-pot-use-fell-in-states-that-legalized-medical-marijuana-study

Veterans urge Congress, VA to catch up on expanding access to medical marijuana

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medical-marijuana-veterans-urge-congress-va-to-catch-up-on-expanding-access-to-medical-marijuana/

NFL Considers Options for Medical Use of Marijuana

https://www.greenentrepreneur.com/article/331140

Arizonans Consumed 61 Tons of Medical-Marijuana Products in 2018 – a Record High

https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/arizona-consumed-61-tons-medical-marijuana-2018-cannabis-11105736

Arkansas approves 32 medical marijuana dispensaries in state

https://wreg.com/2019/01/10/arkansas-approves-32-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-in-state/

Smoking medical marijuana is now legal in Florida

https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2019/03/18/smoking-medical-marijuana-is-now-legal-in-florida

Georgia bill seeks in-state cultivation, sale of medical marijuana

https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-bill-seeks-state-cultivation-sale-medical-marijuana/mwOAJlw8vi2JGynk44nalK/

Hawaii opens medical marijuana registration to visitors

https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/marijuana/2019/03/06/hawaii-opens-medical-marijuana-registration-visitors/Wzoeg4wKuaa3ubluvJQ3eP/story.html

Kentucky - Smoking a joint opened gateway for Republican on medical marijuana

https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2019/01/09/medical-marijuana-kentucky-lawmakers-introduce-bill-2019/2522934002/

Medical marijuana approved by Kentucky House panel. More legislative hurdles remain.

https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article227177759.html

Here’s why medical marijuana in Louisiana still isn’t available

https://www.nola.com/news/2019/02/heres-why-medical-marijuana-in-louisiana-still-isnt-available.html

Medical Marijuana Sales Slump In Maine

https://www.mainepublic.org/post/medical-marijuana-sales-slump-maine

Medical cannabis is a high priority in Md. Legislature

https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/economy_and_business/medical-cannabis-is-a-high-priority-in-md-legislature/article_f1350945-a4c8-5d3c-88c8-ca79f977c216.html

Caregiver-produced medical marijuana recalled in Michigan

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/caregiver-produced-medical-marijuana-recalled-michigan-60832840

Minnesota medical marijuana program nearly doubled in 2018

https://kstp.com/medical/minnesota-medicinal-marijuana-program-nearly-doubled-in-2018/5244138/

Missouri gets ready to grow medical marijuana

https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2019/01/11/cover-story-missouri-grow-medical-marijuana.html

More than 400 file to grow or sell medical pot in Missouri

https://krcgtv.com/news/local/more-than-400-file-to-grow-or-sell-medical-pot-in-missouri

Montana legislature takes up revisions to medical marijuana law

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-legislature-takes-up-medical-marijuana-bill

New Mexico raises cap for medical marijuana producers

https://www.abqjournal.com/1288000/new-mexico-raises-cap-for-medical-marijuana-producers.html

North Dakota’s First Medical Cannabis Dispensary Is Open for Business

https://www.leafly.com/news/industry/north-dakotas-first-medical-cannabis-dispensary-is-open-for-business

Medical marijuana means new education for Ohio law enforcement

https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/e-team/medical-marijuana-means-new-education-for-ohio-law-enforcement

Ohio Sold $75,000 Worth of Medical Marijuana on Its First Legal Day

https://www.civilized.life/articles/ohio-sold-75000-worth-of-medical-marijuana-on-its-first-legal-day/

More than 100 medical marijuana dispensaries have opened in Tulsa

https://www.fox23.com/news/more-than-100-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-have-opened-in-tulsa/912287474

Rhode Island demand for medical marijuana skyrocketing

https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20190328/ri-demand-for-medical-marijuana-skyrocketing

New bill would expand medical cannabis use for Texans

https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/new-bill-would-expand-medical-cannabis-use-for-texans/1758338672

Utah medical marijuana proponents say patients running into trouble with police, prosecutors under new law

https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900059075/utah-medical-marijuana-proponents-say-patients-running-into-trouble-with-police-prosecutors-under-new-law.html

New bill would double number of medical cannabis dispensaries in Virginia

https://www.dailypress.com/news/southside/vp-bz-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-0111-20190112-story.html

West Virginia Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Banking Bill

https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/west-virginia-governor-signs-medical-marijuana-banking-bill/

Wisconsin Governor Puts Marijuana Decriminalization And Medical Cannabis In Budget

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/wisconsin-governor-puts-marijuana-decriminalization-and-medical-cannabis-in-budget/

New governor of the US Virgin Islands signs bill legalizing medical marijuana

https://www.potnetwork.com/news/new-governor-us-virgin-islands-signs-bill-legalizing-medical-marijuana

International Medical Cannabis News

After A Decade Of Testing, Israeli Medical Cannabis Comes To The US

https://www.forbes.com/sites/julieweed/2019/02/03/tested-with-20000-patients-israeli-medical-cannabis-comes-to-the-united-states/#5b3561366d7e

Israel - Ex-police chief takes post pushing medical cannabis worldwide

https://www.timesofisrael.com/former-israel-police-chief-takes-job-pushing-medical-cannabis-worldwide/

Uruguay Betting on Exports of Medical Marijuana

https://www.voanews.com/a/uruguay-betting-on-exports-of-medical-marijuana/4774748.html

Medical cannabis is now in the UK, but nobody can get a prescription

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/medical-cannabis-nhs-prescription

UK receives initial ‘bulk’ shipment of medical cannabis

https://mjbizdaily.com/united-kingdom-receives-first-bulk-shipment-of-medical-cannabis/

Cyprus legalises medical cannabis

https://www.france24.com/en/20190215-cyprus-legalises-medical-cannabis

Medical cannabis imports allowed only through orphan drug center

http://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=5185

Growing our own: Inside an Australian medical cannabis farm

https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/inside-an-australian-medical-cannabis-farm/10839006

First medical cannabis clinic opens in the UK

https://www.euronews.com/2019/03/09/first-medical-cannabis-clinic-opens-in-the-uk

Germany cautiously embraces medical cannabis regulation

https://www.healtheuropa.eu/germany-medical-cannabis-regulation/91019/

-----

Please support our work.  Patient Advocacy Network is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization.  

We defend patients’ safe, affordable access medical cannabis and promote workable regulations for providers.  We teach patients and providers how to effectively engage the democratic process and have a voice in policy.

100% of your donation goes toward PAN’s education, advocacy and direct action programs. Your contribution is tax-deductible, a receipt will be provided.  Regular monthly contributions help PAN be most effective. 

You can click the donate button on this page or at: https://www.cannabissaveslives.org

California Cannabis Bill Watch – Spring 2019

Final Regulations for cannabis businesses were released earlier this year, but there may be more changes coming.  Below are some of the bills being watched by the California cannabis industry this legislative session.  

AB 1530 reverses the policy adopted by the BCC allowing cannabis deliveries anywhere in the state regardless of local bans. This bill states that a ‘local jurisdiction may adopt an ordinance or resolution that permits, restricts, limits, or bans the delivery of cannabis or cannabis products to a location within its jurisdictional boundaries.’  PAN supports statewide delivery as an option for patients.  The bill would also establish a grant program to expand enforcement against unlicensed cannabis businesses and increase consumer education.

PAN is closely following these tax bills:

SB 34 is the re-filed ‘Compassionate Care’ bill that was vetoed by then Gov. Brown last year.  This amended version now called ‘Cannabis Donations’ exempts from the use tax cannabis products expressly intended for compassion programs.  Strict track and trace measures will apply.  

AB 286 is the ‘Taxation: cannabis’ bill and is currently in the Assembly Revenue & Taxation Committee. This bill is intended to offer temporary relief to cannabis businesses by lowering the excise tax from 15 to 11%, and eliminating the cultivation tax until July 1, 2022.  The bill also requires reports from the various departments involved on licensing and tax revenue numbers to measure the bill’s success. The legislature wants to see if lowing taxes gets more people to apply for licenses and gets more customers to the regulated shops.  

AB 37, the ‘Personal income taxes: deductions: business expenses: commercial cannabis activity’ bill would help offset the federal 280E tax burden by allowing business deductions in California’s personal income tax for state-licensed cannabis businesses.  The bill’s authors address tax equity for licensed cannabis businesses.

Other bills that would help cannabis businesses:

AB 1420 prohibits state regulators from raising application and licensing fees past what is already established.  The nice part of this bill is that it lists every fee for every license type together in one section.

SB 51 allows for the establishment of “cannabis limited charter banks and credit unions” to serve the cannabis industry.

AB 1525 codifies that financial institutions such as banks and credit unions that work with licensed cannabis businesses are not in violation of state law.

SB 67 extends temporary business licenses until the end of 2019, for those that have already submitted Annual License Applications.

AB 953 allows licensees to pay state and local taxes with a cryptocurrency method called “stablecoin.”

Some proposed inventory, track and trace changes:

AB 1288 requires additional sales data be uploaded into California’s track-and-trace system, specifically the date of every sale and whether each sale was conducted at a shop or via delivery.

SB 475 allows the sharing of free-trade samples of cannabis products between licensees exempt of the cultivation tax.

To look up and track any of these bills, visit https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml

and type in the bill number.

To find your California representatives, visit

http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov

Constituents can contact their representatives by phone or by using the contact page on the representative’s website to SUPPORT or OPPOSE any of these bills.

Contact PAN if you have any questions about contacting your elected representatives. Your voice matters.

California's Cannabis Taxes Drive Unregulated Market, Harms Patients And Providers

Earlier this month PAN reached out to each member of the California legislature, as well as department heads, seeking amendments to current cannabis regulations that will make medical cannabis more affordable for patients.

PAN has received some feedback from the legislature and at least one bill aims to reduce the excise tax but only temporarily.  There is still a lot of work to be done.  Below is PAN's letter to the California legislature.  We will continue to demand patient-friendly amendments.

-----

Patient Advocacy Network

Degé Coutee, President

P.O. Box 93845

Los Angeles, CA 90093

(323) 334-5282

patientadvocates@riseup.net

Office of the Governor

Governor Gavin Newsom

State Capitol, Suite 1173

Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: My letter to the California Senate and Assembly Regarding Medical Cannabis

February 4, 2019

I write to you regarding the current state of medical cannabis in California. Since 1992, I have advocated for safe, affordable access for medical cannabis patients, provided social services and education to patients and their caregivers, and became a compliance expert in the medical cannabis industry where I have worked with nearly 3,500 cannabis business operators since 2003.  

January of last year I began asking patients about their experiences at cannabis outlets as the new rules came into effect.  After several dozen inquiries I got the same answer from all of them. None of the patients I spoke with are purchasing medical cannabis from licensed cannabis businesses.  They all said they found more affordable options and could no longer pay the prices at the regulated shops.  

I asked cannabis business operators if they still saw their patient members and one operator stated, “before I got my ‘A’ license I had 8,000 patient members – after January (2018) I haven’t seen any of them.”  Another operator told me he can’t blame patients for finding other means because his low-income patients are suffering under the new rules.

There are numerous ways in which the current regulations make medical cannabis unaffordable.  The fees and over-taxation from seed to sale and every process in between is currently driving the underground market, and this market appears to be expanding as is the demand for it.  No amount of enforcement will alleviate this unless the prices in the regulated market can come down.  Prices have increased under the current regulations 28% - 36% more than patients were paying a little over a year ago, and many have taken their business elsewhere.

I ask the California State Legislature to please make reasonable amendments to our medical cannabis regulations so that the price can return to what the patient market will bear, $30 - $55 per eight of an ounce of flower after tax.  Please make the rules reasonable for businesses that want to provide free and low-cost medical cannabis products to indigent patients. 

During the 2016 Election patient advocates were told repeatedly that Prop 64 would NOT interfere with Prop 215.  The lack of affordability that is pushing  patients to the black market, and the lack of compassion programs were not the intent of Prop 64.  California can have a lucrative cannabis industry and still take care of patients; this is what the voters intended. 

I thank you for your time and consideration and look forward to working the California legislature to restore Compassion to our state’s medical cannabis regulations. 

Sincerely,

Degé Coutee

President, Executive & Program Director

Patient Advocacy Network

@PAN4Compassion

www.CannabisSavesLives.org

PAN is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization

Reform 64 - New Session In Sacramento Begins With Compassionate Care & Will Continue With More Reforms

California Senate Chamber

This week the California legislature re-introduced the Compassionate Care bill – SB 829, which will receive a new bill number next session.  This marks the legislature’s test of California’s newly elected governor, Gavin Newsom, who is predicted to be more reasonable that outgoing Jerry Brown who vetoed that Compassionate Care bill this past session.

There are many provisions and taxes within Prop. 64 that need to be amended.  PAN covers a story here that highlights everything our organization has been reporting regarding the problems with Prop. 64 and how it encourages a thriving unregulated market.  

Compassion Flower Report - Episode 15

Those most affected are patients that are overwhelmingly using the unregulated market because we can no longer afford the taxes at licensed shops.  

PAN is asking all patients and providers to list those provisions or issues you are having with accessing the regulated market or the barriers to becoming a legitimate cannabis business in California, and share them with PAN.  PAN is working with the legislature now to improve our laws.  California deserves to have the best cannabis laws in the country and we, collectively, are only ones that can make it happen.  We look forward to hearing from you.   

Give Thanks To The Patients That Made It Possible

This past election we saw two more states become medical: Utah and Missouri; and the first state in the mid-west to adopt recreational: Michigan.  

Thailand is eyeing being the first Asian country to approve medical cannabis laws. Canada is concerned about its dwindling medical cannabis supply since the implementation of adult use and is teaming up Jamaica for product.  

As we watch the industry take on challenges from city to city, state to state, and country to country, one thing remains the same, patients are concerned about cost and availability of medical cannabis in every regulated jurisdiction.

Over-regulation and hyper-taxation is putting a stranglehold on patients. Affordability and availability is an issue everywhere medical cannabis is approved.  Patient advocates hoped that adult recreational would help, not harm, access to medical, but it has made things worse for patients.

Unfortunately, licensed providers, or those hoping to become licensed are silent to the plight of patients for fear of losing authorized approval.  Defending patients often means advocating for affordability, lower-taxation, and compassion programs.  State and local governments don’t want to hear about programs that lower the potential revenue and therefore, providers don’t bring it up.  In some cases, license applicants that have solely wanted to serve patients have had their applications denied over those proposing large adult recreational outlets.  

As a result the basic greed by business owners and government officials has thrown patients under the bus.  Compassion was vetoed in California because the overall projected revenue is down and the governor would not approve a program that would eliminate some taxation, even for the poorest, sickest patients that aren’t even buying it retail anyway.  The revenue is down because the taxation and fees are too high and the underground market is thriving.  California’s legislature seems to be too blind to figure this out and/or too impotent to act.  The recent MJ Biz Conference didn’t even acknowledge medical cannabis or patients with any speakers or panels.  

So, hopefully, all of the profiteers in the industry this Thanksgiving will say ‘Thank You’ to all of the patients and advocates that took to the streets, took to city halls and statehouse chambers to expose themselves publicly as people that use cannabis, people that are regularly in possession of the cannabis, people that always have cannabis in their systems, people that may be cultivating cannabis, people with a disease that they may not have shared with others.  

This was the level of exposure that patients, providers and caregivers had to offer to get elected officials to listen and take action.  These were the people that experienced the DEA raids, had their bank accounts closed, lost jobs, had children taken away and lost housing for being a medical cannabis patient.  Some went on to federal prison for following state law.  

So, all of you CEO’s, COO’s, VP’s, and others of major cannabis companies, please thank poor, disabled patients brave enough to expose themselves to their governments, the media and law enforcement about some of the most private and sensitive parts of their lives during a very dangerous time to help pass laws long before you now get to exploit them for profit.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Recent Headlines

Medical Cannabis News Around California

Four Palm Springs area pot shops are among the first in California to get annual licenses

https://www.desertsun.com/story/money/2018/11/05/palm-springs-cathedral-city-pot-shops-among-first-california-get-annual-weed-licenses/1892094002/

California needs more time to vet and license marijuana businesses

https://www.ocregister.com/2018/10/09/california-needs-more-time-to-vet-and-license-marijuana-businesses/

Palm Springs Airport clears up confusion for pot on planes

https://www.kesq.com/news/palm-springs-airport-clears-up-confusion-for-pot-on-planes/806083745

California Court Says Police Have to Give Back Marijuana They Seize During Arrests

https://www.civilized.life/articles/police-give-back-seized-legal-marijuana/

Money laundering claims linked to illegal out-of-state marijuana sales

https://calcoastnews.com/2018/10/money-laundering-claims-linked-to-illegal-out-of-state-marijuana-sales/

The Eruption Of Illegal Weed Dispensaries In L.A. Is A Problem Of The City's Own Making

https://psmag.com/economics/the-eruption-of-illegal-weed-dispensaries-in-l-a-is-a-problem-of-the-citys-own-making

Kern County voters reject all cannabis measures

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/politics/election-2018/kern-county-voters-reject-all-cannabis-measures/article_cffac25c-e23a-11e8-af64-abde4dc7793c.html

Voters give thumbs up to cannabis taxes in Lake, Mendocino, Solano counties

https://www.sonomanews.com/business/8929947-181/voters-give-thumbs-up-to

Medical Cannabis News Around The U.S.

The future is bright for medical cannabis

https://www.thegrowthop.com/cannabis-business/the-future-is-bright-for-medical-cannabis

Guns and Medical Marijuana: An Illegal Mix, According to Feds

https://foxbaltimore.com/features/operation-crime-justice/guns-and-medical-marijuana-an-illegal-mix-according-to-feds

Marijuana Stocks Spiked After Jeff Sessions Resigned

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/11/jeff-sessions-resignation-weed-stocks/575296/

AG Brnovich seeks to outlaw hashish for medical-marijuana patients in Arizona

https://tucson.com/news/local/arizona-attorney-general-wants-state-high-court-to-outlaw-hashish/article_f7ad49f2-2199-5190-9e7e-0d3c7b9fb06e.html

Arkansas medical marijuana program well behind other states

https://katv.com/news/local/arkansas-medical-marijuana-program-well-behind-other-states

Florida - Gov. Scott appeals major medical marijuana ruling

https://www.wpbf.com/article/gov-scott-appeals-major-medical-marijuana-ruling/23943055

Florida - Tampa's largest medical marijuana dispensary opens

https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/10/08/tampas-largest-medical-marijuana-dispensary-opens.html

No clear guidelines on testing for medical marijuana in Florida

https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/west-palm-beach/no-clear-guidelines-on-testing-for-medical-marijuana-in-florida

Illinois - Medical marijuana use up 83% in state; PTSD most common condition treated

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-medical-marijuana-illinois-annual-report-20181004-story.html

Illinois - SIU to create medical marijuana certificate program, launch new research into industrial hemp

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-siu-marijuana-course-20181026-story.html

Indiana lawmakers are considering medical marijuana.

One legislator said he tried it.

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2018/10/19/indiana-lawmakers-consider-medical-marijuana-legalization/1688258002/#

Medical Marijuana in Indiana After Jeff Sessions and With New Legislators

https://www.wibc.com/news/local-news/medical-marijuana-indiana-after-jeff-sessions-and-new-legislators

Medical marijuana clinic opening Monday in Louisiana

https://www.knoe.com/content/news/Medical-marijuana-clinic-opening-Monday-in-Louisiana-495901071.html

Louisiana - Medical marijuana plants are ready for harvest, but lack of a testing lab could lead to delays

https://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2018/10/medical_marijuana_held_up_by_l.html

Michigan's medical marijuana patients can now register online

https://www.wilx.com/content/news/Michigans-medical-marihuana-patients-can-now-register-online-498691841.html

Coast mayor backs Mississippi’s medical marijuana campaign, hosts event

https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article219956760.html

Fight To Legalize Medical Marijuana In Missouri Intensifies As Groups Battle Over Tax Rates

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/fight-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-in-missouri-intensifies-as-groups-battle-over-tax-rates/

All about Amendment 2, the medical marijuana proposal approved in Missouri on Tuesday

https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/11/07/missouri-medical-marijuana-amendment-2-approved-what-means/1915973002/

Higher costs, local bans have Montana's small medical marijuana producers scaling up or shutting down

https://billingsgazette.com/news/local/higher-costs-local-bans-have-montana-s-small-medical-marijuana/article_487292d8-7e9e-5b71-8a2e-da444120859d.html

New Jersey - There's a big win for medical marijuana patients in the fine print of new bill

https://www.nj.com/marijuana/2018/10/theres_a_win_for_patients_in_the_fine_print_of_new.html

New York Bill Would Require Medical Marijuana Be Covered By Public Health Insurance

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-york-bill-would-require-medical-marijuana-be-covered-by-public-health-insurance/

North Dakota - UPDATE: Patient applications for medical marijuana available Oct 29

https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Patient-applications-for-medical-marijuana-available-Oct-29-497817491.html

Some things to know about Ohio’s medical marijuana program

https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/health-and-medicine/article220301080.html

Oklahoma gets 600 medical marijuana dispensary applications

https://www.thestate.com/news/article219666495.html

Registered medical marijuana patients dropping fast in Oregon

https://www.oregonlive.com/marijuana/index.ssf/2018/11/oregpm.html

Rhode Island - Autism spectrum disorder now recognized as treatable by medical marijuana in RI

https://news4sanantonio.com/news/nation-world/autism-spectrum-disorder-now-recognized-as-treatable-by-medical-marijuana-in-ri

San Antonio state senator files medical marijuana bill for Texas

https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-state-senator-files-medical-marijuana-bill-for-texas/503-613856509

Utah - Winners and losers from this week’s big medical marijuana deal

https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2018/10/05/winners-losers-this-weeks/

Utah Voters Approve Medical Marijuana

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2018/11/07/utah-voters-approve-medical-marijuana/#5aba04b84140

Medical marijuana backers threaten to sue over LDS Church involvement in compromise bill to replace Prop 2

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2018/11/15/medical-marijuana-backers/

Concerns about deadline being met about medical marijuana in West Virginia

https://www.wtrf.com/news/west-virginia-headlines/concerns-about-deadline-being-met-about-medical-marijuana-in-west-virginia/1536195630

International Medical Cannabis News

Forget Stoners. The Real Money Is in Medical Marijuana

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-12/medical-marijuana-is-where-the-real-money-is

Australia’s cannabis industry set to boom: report

https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/human-body/australias-cannabis-industry-set-to-boom-report/news-story/8900ec761318b3b66f90c254c23d9948

Canada - Medical pot shortage to last 18 months: Medicinal Cannabis Resource Centre  

https://www.citynews1130.com/2018/11/15/medical-pot-shortage-to-last-18-months-medicinal-cannabis-resource-centre/

Canada – OMA president's comments, apology raise questions about stigma around marijuana

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/medical-community-marijuana-divide-1.4853639

Canada - Unlicensed medical pot dispensaries the wildcard in new cannabis landscape

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/sask-unlicensed-dispensaries-marijuana-cannabis-1.4868961

Guam Governor Vetoes Medical Marijuana Bill, Saying it "Reeks of Legislative Arrogance"

http://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/guam-governor-vetoes-medical-marijuana-bill/

Lithuania parliament votes to legalise medicinal cannabis use

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-10-lithuania-parliament-votes-legalise-medicinal.html

Polish government approves import of medical cannabis

https://emerging-europe.com/news/polish-government-approves-import-of-medical-cannabis/

UK - Medical cannabis ‘will be available on prescription within a month’

https://metro.co.uk/2018/10/07/medical-cannabis-will-be-available-on-prescription-within-a-month-8013071/

Medical cannabis will soon be available on prescription in the UK, but who will get it?

https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/medical-cannabis-will-soon-be-available-on-prescription-in-the-uk-but-who-will-get-it/

Republic of Vanuatu Legalizes Medical Cannabis

https://www.ganjapreneur.com/republic-of-vanuatu-legalizes-medical-cannabis/

California Governor Jerry Brown Issues Blow To Medical Cannabis Patients, Compassion

Protections for medical cannabis patients are eroding quickly in the state of California.  Two important medical cannabis bills that passed the legislature were not signed by Governor Jerry Brown this week, SB 829 and SB 1127, leaving what many think is a huge stain on Brown’s political legacy.

On September 11, 2015, the legislature passed MMRSA – Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act.  This set of rules was a clear violation of Proposition 215 as it made huge, sweeping amendments to a voter initiative.  In an act of diabolical genius immediately after MMRSA passed, AUMA – the Adult Use of Marijuana Act – was filed and signature gathering began soon thereafter quashing any effort to sue the State over MMRSA as any judge assigned to the case would suggest waiting until the outcome the election before moving forward with the case.  AUMA neatly umbrella’ed MMRSA making it part of their voter initiative and effectively compromising Prop. 215 – The Compassionate Use Act.  

Despite the diligent, articulate and informed arguments by patient advocates statewide that AUMA – Prop. 64 – greatly jeopardized The Compassionate Use Act, paid proponents of Prop. 64 worked to discredit and undermine decades of hard work by advocates to protect patients’ safe, affordable access to medical cannabis.  AUMA passed. The taxes and fees have skyrocketed.  Patients have stopped visiting licensed retail cannabis shops for unregulated sources.  Now a blow by the Governor to declare that Compassionate Care and allowing children access to their medicine at school are illegal.

As of January 1, 2018, giving cannabis away at no cost to vulnerable patients – the spirit of The Compassionate Use Act – became illegal.  SB 829 would have created a license for this activity to encourage the re-establishment of compassion programs allowing low-income patients and our veterans to have more livable lives.  SB 1127 would’ve allowed children with serious illnesses to have their medical cannabis available at school in case of an emergency. Many of these children suffer from Dravet Syndrome – a severe form of epilepsy that produces violent and debilitating seizures, often several times a day.  Medical cannabis alleviates the duration, frequency and severity of these seizures allowing children to have more livable lives.  Governor Brown is not concerned about the lives of Californians especially of they are poor, ill or use medical cannabis.

So, what are the options for medical cannabis patients, providers and their advocates? Taking the next several legislative sessions to make endless amendments to every part of these flawed laws is one burdensome option.  A legal challenge to Prop. 64, as it pertains to the claim that it doesn’t affect Prop. 215, is another option but not a long-term solution.  It appears more and more that the only way to protect patients and Prop. 215 is through the voter initiative process and specifically a constitutional amendment.  

However, statewide voter initiative campaigns are arduous and expensive.  Is there enough frustration to motivate a campaign?  Are there enough people willing to make a small donation to fund a campaign?  Patient Advocacy Network would like to hear your thoughts. 

Patient Advocacy Network Medical Cannabis News Digest – September 30, 2018

For more news updates and current information -

Follow us on twitter:

@PAN4Compassion

Watch The Compassion Flower Report at:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnlm6Hrk6cK8ujvxE6Dtkhc6fC33A7FZ2

Please subscribe and like.

-----

Please Support PAN

We cannot do this work without your support.  Please become a regular monthly sponsor to ensure that patients have voice in policy.  Any amount you chose is appreciated.  100% of your contribution goes to education, advocacy and direct action. Donations are always tax-deductible and monthly contribution set-up is easy when you make your donation at Cannabis Saves Lives:

http://www.cannabissaveslives.org

-----

Medical Cannabis News Around California

California bill allowing medical marijuana on school grounds reaches Gov. Brown’s desk

https://www.potnetwork.com/news/california-bill-allowing-medical-marijuana-school-grounds-reaches-gov-brown’s-desk

Weed Farmers Are Suing a California County After It Kicked Them Out

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/ev7gda/weed-farmers-are-suing-a-california-county-after-it-kicked-them-out

Santa Clarita Marijuana Delivery Services In ‘Legal Limbo’ As California Regulates Weed

http://www.hometownstation.com/santa-clarita-news/politics/marijuana/santa-clarita-marijuana-delivery-services-in-legal-limbo-as-california-regulates-weed-247746

As California Raids Illicit Pot Shops, Legal Industry Struggles With Safety Testing

https://merryjane.com/news/as-california-raids-illicit-pot-shops-legal-industry-struggles-with-safety-testing

Big safety testing failure rate for California pot products

https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/medical/article/Many-California-marijuana-products-failing-safety-13219785.php

Legal medical marijuana stores could start opening up in Fresno

https://abc30.com/business/legal-medical-marijuana-stores-could-start-opening-up-in-fresno-/4215616/

City Council Could Approve First Medical Cannabis Dispensary

https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/City-Council-Could-Approve-First-Medical-Cannabis-13234064.php

Judge rules Santa Rosa girl taking medical cannabis for seizures can attend public school

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/8765336-181/judge-rules-santa-rosa-girl

After 45 months of planning second cannabis dispensary opens in Santa Barbara

https://www.keyt.com/health/after-45-months-of-planning-second-cannabis-dispensary-opens-in-santa-barbara/799114116

Medical Cannabis News Around The U.S.

Ninth Circuit Cannabis Ruling Gives Biz Owner New Chance to Fight Charges

https://www.law.com/2018/09/13/ninth-circuit-cannabis-ruling-gives-biz-owner-new-chance-to-fight-charges/?slreturn=20180821022603

Legalising medical marijuana shows no effect on crime rates in US states

https://theconversation.com/legalising-medical-marijuana-shows-no-effect-on-crime-rates-in-us-states-102030

Why The Adult Cannabis Market Could Kill Its Medical Counterpart

https://www.forbes.com/sites/irisdorbian/2018/09/11/why-the-adult-cannabis-market-could-kill-its-medical-counterpart/#22f177392a39

Data Shows the Global Medical Cannabis Usage Continues to Grow

https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/data-shows-the-global-medical-cannabis-usage-continues-to-grow/

US scholars back medical cannabis

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/article/2001295343/us-scholars-back-medical-cannabis

Increasing use of Cannabis for Pain Treatment is set to Grow the U.S. Medical Cannabis Market

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/increasing-use-of-cannabis-for-pain-treatment-is-set-to-grow-the-u-s-medical-cannabis-market-881988399.html

Measure to let VA doctors recommend marijuana was again left out of budget bill

https://www.stripes.com/news/measure-to-let-va-doctors-recommend-marijuana-was-again-left-out-of-budget-bill-1.547015

Medical marijuana users are being shut out of public housing

https://news.vice.com/en_us/article/3kezqk/medical-marijuana-users-are-being-shut-out-of-public-housing

Marijuana use among pregnant women is rising, and so are concerns

Solid data on the dangers of the drug to pregnant women and babies are hard to come by

https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/growth-curve/marijuana-use-pregnant-women

The First Medicinal Cannabis Kitchen of Its Kind in the Country Will Debut in Arizona on Friday, Oct. 5

https://tucson.com/business/the-first-medicinal-cannabis-kitchen-of-its-kind-in-the/article_f09b990c-1c1e-5802-8c45-f3994f8a9cf5.html

Connecticut - Federal Court Rules In Favor Of Worker Rejected For Medical Marijuana Use

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-court-rules-in-favor-of-worker-rejected-for-medical-marijuana-use/

Underground network brings medical marijuana to Georgia residents, and it's legal

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/investigations/underground-network-brings-medical-marijuana-to-georgia-residents-and-its-legal/85-592059409

Louisiana lifts limit on patients who can access medical marijuana

https://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2018/09/patient_cap_medical_marijuana.html

Maryland’s medical cannabis program bans food, but plenty of ingestible products are sold

https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/nation/maryland-s-medical-cannabis-program-bans-food-but-plenty-of/article_32686a26-8d29-56f5-96d1-ef40c2a9a70b.html

98 Michigan medical marijuana dispensaries will have to shut down

https://www.freep.com/story/news/marijuana/2018/09/11/medical-marijuana-dispensaries-michigan/1266092002/

Michigan - 98 medical marijuana dispensaries won't have to close due to judge's ruling

https://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/09/98_medical_marijuana_dispensar.html

Michigan plans online registration for medical marijuana

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/article218786300.html

Minnesota - To make medical cannabis more affordable, allow patients access to marijuana flower

https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2018/09/to-make-medical-cannabis-more-affordable-allow-patients-access-to-marijuana-flower/

North Dakota - Medical marijuana law shields manufacturing and dispensary applicants' information

http://www.inforum.com/news/government-and-politics/4496804-medical-marijuana-law-shields-manufacturing-and-dispensary

Fargo, Bismarck locations among first ND medical marijuana dispensaries selected

https://www.inforum.com/news/government-and-politics/4503567-fargo-bismarck-locations-among-first-nd-medical-marijuana

Why Ohio's medical marijuana program is getting a late start and what's next

https://www.cleveland.com/expo/news/erry-2018/09/fc7a88f1fc9531/why-ohios-medical-marijuana-pr.html

Ohio - 'Cannabis regulated like plutonium': Security measures causing delays in marijuana launch date

https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/e-team/ohio-medical-marijuana-system-affected-by-concerns-still-prevalent-in-other-states-systems

Ohio - Medical marijuana roll-out "sloppy," state auditor says

http://www.toledoblade.com/news/State/2018/09/13/Medical-marijuana-roll-out-sloppy-state-auditor-says/stories/20180913153

Oklahoma - More doctors added to medical marijuana registry, over 1,500 patients approved

https://okcfox.com/news/local/more-doctors-added-to-medical-marijuana-registry-over-1500-patients-approved

Patients react to new limits on Oregon medical marijuana

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Patients-react-to-new-limits-on-Oregon-medical-13245520.php

A year after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico’s medical marijuana program back on track

https://mjbizdaily.com/a-year-after-hurricane-maria-puerto-ricos-medical-marijuana-program-back-on-track/

South Carolina - Compassionate Care Alliance launches tour in support of medical cannabis

https://www.aikenstandard.com/news/compassionate-care-alliance-launches-tour-in-support-of-medical-cannabis/article_01448310-b483-11e8-a94d-af6afb66bf88.html

Utah - State lawmaker files bill to address medical marijuana proposition

https://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/state-lawmaker-files-bill-to-address-medical-marijuana-proposition/1434802066

Drug Safe Utah defends radio ad opposing medical marijuana ballot initiative

https://fox13now.com/2018/09/06/group-responsible-for-questionable-political-marijuana-radio-ad-responds-to-criticism/

Utah’s medical marijuana campaign kicks off with a ‘tailwind of support

https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2018/09/16/utahs-medical-marijuana/

Forum panelists support medical marijuana, but some not in favor of Utah’s Prop 2

https://www.parkrecord.com/news/forum-panelists-support-medical-marijuana-but-some-not-in-favor-of-utahs-prop-2/

West Virginia Medical Marijuana Remains in Limbo

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/wv-medical-marijuana-remains-in-limbo/1460289261

International Medical Cannabis News

Windsor doctor worries for medical cannabis once recreational use legalized

Canadian Medical Association wants medical use 'phased out' but local doctor says that's not the way

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-doctor-medical-marijuana-legal-1.4817269

Canada’s Medical Cannabis Program Safe (For Now)

https://www.hempgazette.com/news/canada-medicinal-cannabis-hg0741/

Malaysia in Talks to Become First in Asia to Allow Medical Pot

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-25/malaysia-in-talks-to-become-first-in-asia-to-allow-medical-pot

-----