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Things continued to move ahead in Tallahassee for the new medical marijuana resolution. Representative Jeff Clemens held a press conference last week and the media coverage began.  Here are some of the mainstream stories: “Rep. Clemens is Fired Up About Medical Marijuana, Wants Floridians to Vote on It” or “Medical Weed Proposed by Lawmakers.”

Headline writers in news media just can’t resist snarky headlines with new cannabis legislation.

Here at freedomisgreen.com we were part of the breaking coverage, bringing our readers the story of how local Florida NORML Chapters and senior activist Robert Platshorn helped get the resolution introduced.

BREAKING: Florida gets medical marijuana bill

Exclusive interview-Florida: Robert Platshorn moves medical marijuana

Cannabidiol

5/25/2011 – Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic compound found in the Cannabis plant that is currently being exploited by researchers for its therapeutic properties. CBD is usually the second most abundant compound found in the plant.

A research team devoted to studying the effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on the immune system has made a series of breakthroughs that may have uncovered a mechanism of CBD’s actions (Kozela 2009, Rimmerman 2011, Juknat 2011). The team may have discovered the specific genes responsible for some of CBD’s therapeutic effects. This type of research could be a big leap forward.

Previously the same team had shown that CBD can effectively treat the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis in mice. This is in agreement with earlier research published by other labs throughout the world.

This collective body of research demonstrates that CBD that is isolated from the plant (as well as Cannabis preparations containing CBD) have been shown to ameliorate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in animal models and clinical trials. The effects of CBD on disease progression include decreased inflammation, neuronal protection, and decreased immune cell activity.

In other words, this is even more science that shows how CBD from natural cannabis plants works to treat MS in animals and humans.

Now for the interesting genetic details. CBD can affect the genes Soat2 andCyp27a1, which control sterol metabolism (Ex. Cholesterol). These are part of a larger group of genes, known as stress genes. The well-known cannabinoid THC does not appear to have any effect on these genes.

Anandamide is a natural compound made by mammals from lipids, in a sense it is the “natural THC” found in our brains and throughout the human body. Anandamide and THC act through the cannabinoid receptors and have similar effects. For example THC and Anandamide have similar effects on pain, appetite, and memory.

Special receptors allow THC and Anandamide to work, but CBD does not interact directly with cannabinoid receptors.

Additionally, this research team found that CBD can increase the amount of Anandamide and other important lipids.

There are dozens of cannabinoids in the Cannabis plant. Much attention has been paid to THC over the years because of its euphoric side-effect. Researchers are now very interested in the abilities of CBD because it works so effectively without causing impairment.

Jahan Marcu is currently investigating the pharmacology of cannabinoid receptors. He was working at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute when exciting discoveries were made showing enhanced anti-cancer effects with THC and CBD from the Cannabis plant. The findings were published in the Journal of Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. In 2009 he received the Billy Martin Award from the International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS). Jahan is currently the vice-chair the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board at Americans for Safe Access (ASA).   Contact:  science { at } freedomisgreen.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent any University, business or affiliates. While the information provided in this blog is from published scientific studies it is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease.

5/5/2011 – Despite the recent flurry of paper threats from several US Attorneys against medical marijuana programs, more states are moving ahead with bills to legalize them. Last month the Delaware Senate passed compassionate use legislation and now the House has followed suit. Both floor votes showed strong support. The bill must return to the Senate to finalize some last-minute amendments but the House vote tonight is a good sign that “The First State” may become the 16th with a working medical marijuana law.

From The News Journal

The Delaware House approved use of marijuana for medical purposes today, but tacked on additional restrictions to require the drug is distributed in tamper-proof containers and prohibit smoking cannabis in buses and vehicles.

The House voted 24-17 on Senate Bill 17, which must go back to the Senate for the upper chamber to consider the changes.

The legislation allows Delawareans with cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder and other debilitating diseases to get a doctor’s recommendation to use marijuana to treat their pain, nausea or illness.
Qualified patients would be issued a state identification card.

Three state-regulated not-for-profit dispensaries would be established in each county to sell and distribute medical marijuana to qualified patients and caregivers. READ FULL ARTICLE

Medical marijuana legislation is also pending in New Hampshire, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida and Connecticut … and that’s just on the East Coast.

Activism links:

http://www.mpp.org/states/delaware/

http://www.delawareansformedicalmarijuana.org/

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Dr. "Mollie" Fry – Photo by Sharon Letts

On May 2nd, 2011, two medical marijuana heroes – Dr. Marion “Mollie” Fry and her husband Dale Schafer, Esq. will begin five year federal jail terms for manufacturing marijuana and conspiracy to ‘manufacture and distribute cannabis. ‘

Fry, who is a breast cancer survivor, grew her own medicine throughout her chemotherapy and mastectomy. Schafer suffers from complications due to failed back syndrome and hemophilia. Unfortunately, Fry and Schafer will likely endure further medical complications in prison. Obviously, they will be unable to use the most effective therapy, cannabis, and will be at the mercy of the prison healthcare system for pharmaceuticals without an organic choice.

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) has created a form where concerned citizens can ask President Obama to grant clemency to both Mollie and her dear husband, Dale. The Online Action Center also urges the same compassion and sensibility for all medical marijuana patients:

“On Monday, May 2, 2011 our community will lose two more members to the failed war on drugs. Dale Schafer and Dr. Mollie Fry, both patients, must remand themselves into federal custody for participating in bringing medical cannabis to themselves, and to other sick and debilitated community members. How many more will become prisoners of war in the name of medical cannabis? We must urge the federal government to end the raids on our community, but in the meantime we must ask for clemency to be granted to those most affected.”

On the same day, ASA is also holding a Sick and Tired Campaign with a rally at the Department of Justice in Washington DC: “Participation in this campaign will send a clear message to President Obama from the medical cannabis community: We are sick and tired. We are suffering from chronic or debilitating conditions, and we are weary of false promises that do nothing to protect our rights as patients.”

More on Dr. Mollie Cry and Dale Schafer, Esq.’s plight:
Medical Marijuana Providers Dr. Mollie Fry and Dale Schafer Prepare for Prison

Sick and Tired Campaign Poster

Diane Fornbacher has been a cannabis law reform activist for 15 years. Fornbacher is the current Vice Chair of the NORML Women’s Alliance and serves on the board of The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ). When she isn’t working to change the cannabis laws she enjoys photography, writing poetry being a mother and performing spoken word with local bands.

Contact: grassroots { at } freedomisgreen.com

State Rep. Diane Russell of Maine (D-Portland)

4/8/2011 – Representative Diane Russell (D-Portland) has introduced a new bill in Maine that would cover all aspects of cannabis legalization. HP1067/ LD 1453 An Act To Legalize and Tax Marijuana sets out to carefully do everything in the title. Recreational marijuana can be sold and grown, medical cannabis caregivers will be grandfathered into larger growing spaces and industrial hemp will be farmed for profit.

Russell sat down with Freedomisgreen.com for an interview last month:

So the revenue will be coming from two areas with this bill, increasing the positive financial impact…

Well that’s what I’m looking for to be honest Chris is the economic impact of this. As a state lawmaker I have a fiduciary responsibility to my state. I really feel strongly that we need to build a long-term sustainable economy. I’m part of a younger generation I’m 34 and my dad always said in his thick Maine accent, “Jeez Diane we should just legalize it and tax the hell out of it.” And so I’m sort of doing this in honor of my Dad. He’s right. Why are we letting this market go to waste? We’re one of the states where marijuana is already the top cash crop… this is so basic.

Support the effort in Maine with this online petition:  http://signon.org/sign/support-mj-legalization

Full text of the new bill here: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_125th/billtexts/HP106701.asp

NCIA logo

3/30/2011 – The National Cannabis Industry Association held a media event in Washington DC today that showcased a powerful new lobbying effort: Medical Marijuana.  Colorado’s new House Representative, Jared Polis, joined several prominent canna-business owners at the National Press Club.

From The Washington Times:

“It is time for the federal government to take this industry seriously,” said Steve Fox, NCIA director of public affairs. “[The government has] blocked research at every step. [Medical marijuana] should be recognized as medicine already, and it is a crime that it isn’t.” read full

Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO)

The media seemed to be very attentive to the remarks of Congressman Polis (D-CO) who called for an end to marijuana prohibition overall. The Raw Story reports:

“Ending the failed policy of prohibition with regard to marijuana will strike a major blow against the criminal cartels that are terrorizing Americans and Mexicans on both sides of the border,” Polis said at the National Press Club, in response to a question from Raw Story.

“It’s been estimated that the drug cartels drive about half of their revenue from marijuana, so I think it would reduce the violence by half, and reduce the money that fuels the criminal enterprises by half.” read full

Several pieces of legislation for federal marijuana reforms are expected this year. Congressmen Barney Frank (D-MA), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Ron Paul (R-TX) have been the leaders on this issue. In the past they helped co-sponsor a medical cannabis patient protection act and a hemp farming bill.

Rep. Polis is taking on a front-and-center role in national cannabis reform. He will speak at the 40th National NORML Conference in Denver Colorado on April 21, 2011.

CT State House from WikiMedia

5/10/2011 –Medical use of marijuana is not the only prohibition policy that states are changing.  Legislators in Connecticut continue their drive to make the adult possession of cannabis a civil offense. The General Assembly’s powerful Finance Committee passed a bill today to decriminalize adult marijuana possession. The measure passed the Judiciary Committee last month and now heads to the state Senate. 

More from the Hartford Courant

On a vote of 31 to 20, the committee approved the measure after about 45 minutes of discussion. The bill would make the penalty for possession of a half-ounce of marijuana or less akin to receiving a speeding ticket. Those charged would be assessed fines instead of facing criminal penalties.

State Sen. Toni Boucher, a Republican from Wilton who is one of the leading critics of decriminalization, offered up several amendments, including one that would have toughen the penalties. But she failed to garner enough support to amend the bill.

The bill would set the penalty for a first offense of possession of less than an ounce of pot at no more than $90, less than the fines for littering, illegal fishing, having a defective muffler or damaging trees on state property, Boucher said. READ FULL ARTICLE

Massachusetts decriminalized adult marijuana possession by a voter referendum in 2008.  Adults caught with one ounce (28 grams) of pot or less are now issued a ticket for $100 without a custodial arrest. Reports have shown the shift was successful for municipalities and the state

New York decriminalized marijuana in 1977 with legislation that includes provisions for a $250 fine and $100 court fee in cases where adults are caught with 25 grams or less. But in New York City police practices have seen pot possession arrests soar in recent years to over 50,000 annually, flouting state law.

Connecticut legislators passed a bill in 2009 to decriminalize marijuana only to have it vetoed by the previous governor Jodi Rell (R). But the issue has found a stronger path in 2011 with  Governor Daniel Malloy sponsoring the bill and a group of legislators eager to see the concept finally become a law.

Decriminalizing cannabis is a pragmatic option for the state because it frees up a massive amount tax dollars needed for law enforcement.

‘Decrim’ is also a tangible and positive shift for cannabis consumers; no more arrest, bail, court, parole or probation.  Even better, the civil citation means there is never a criminal record.

CONTACT LEGISLATORS IN CT HERE

Questions?  [email protected]

Chris Goldstein is a respected marijuana reform advocate. As a writer and radio broadcaster he has been covering cannabis news for over a decade. He volunteers with local groups to change prohibition laws including PhillyNORML and The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey.

7/4/2011 – This week the residents of the Constitution State are gaining back some of the liberty that was created 235 years ago. Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed a law that removes criminal penalties for possession of up to 1/2 ounce of marijuana. Adults caught with 14 grams of pot or less are now given a $150 fine on the first occasion and $200-$500 for additional offenses. Those between the ages of 18-21 will need to appear in court and will also have their drivers’ license suspended for 60 days.