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Toke Radio 110: Congress Tells DOJ Hands Off Marijuana States! No Increase In Teen Pot Use Under Legalization! Decrim In Delaware!

Find out what you need to know about the week in cannabis / marijuana news, in just 20 minutes!

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Toke Signals Bud Pick of the Week

Toke Signals Stories of the Week

DOJ Will Continue To Be Prohibited From Interfering In State Medical Marijuana Laws

(Hemp News)

The Justice Department will continue to be prohibited from interfering in state medical marijuana laws under the new federal spending bill unveiled late Tuesday night.

 

 

DOJ Asks Supreme Court To Dismiss Suit Against Colorado Legalization

(Hemp News)

The U.S. Solicitor General, on behalf of the federal Department of Justice, on Wednesday filed a brief urging the Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit that the neighboring states of Nebraska and Oklahoma filed against Colorado's marijuana legalization law.

 

 

Survey Of Teens Finds No Change In Pot Usage Rates For Past 5 Years

(Hemp News)

The results of an annual survey of U.S. middle and high school students released Wednesday refute claims that reforming marijuana laws and debating legalization will lead to increased marijuana use among teens.

 

 

Washington Board To Increase Number Of Retail Cannabis Stores

(Hemp News)

Following an analysis of the entire marijuana marketplace in Washington state, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) on Wednesday heard a recommendation from staff to increase the number of retail marijuana stores from the current cap of 334 to a new cap of 556.

 

 

Terminally Ill N.H. Woman Will Finally Access Medical Marijuana

(Hemp News)

A terminally ill woman who successfully sued the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to obtain the state’s first medical marijuana patient ID card will visit a medical marijuana dispensary in Portland, Maine on Friday.

 

 

Delaware: Marijuana Decrim Law To Take Effect Friday

(Hemp News)

Marijuana decriminalization legislation adopted earlier this year in Delaware will officially take effect on Friday, making it the 19th state in the nation to remove the threat of jail for simple marijuana possession. (A 20th state, Missouri, has a similar law on the books that goes into effect in 2017.)

 

 

Kentucky: Cannabis Freedom Act Filed To Legalize Marijuana

(Hemp News)

State Senator Perry B. Clark of Louisville on Friday said he has pre-filed the Cannabis Freedom Act, which would legalize and regulate the use of marijuana in Kentucky similarly to alcohol.

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Toke Radio 109: Cops Put Young People At Risk! Chile Takes Weed Off Hard Drug List! Decrim Bill Introduced In Illinois!

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Toke Signals Bud Pick of the Week 

Toke Signals Stories of the Week

Law Enforcement's Use Of Young Drug Informants Ignites Controversy

(Hemp News)

The use of young people by law enforcement as confidential informants in drug cases is more controversial than ever before after the practice was spotlighted Sunday night on TV news show 60 Minutes.

 

 

Chile's President Removes Marijuana From List Of Hard Drugs

(Hemp News)

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has signed into law an executive order that removes marijuana from the South American nation's list of hard drugs.

 

 

Illinois: Bill Introduced To Remove Criminal Penalties For Marijuana Possession

(Hemp News)

Rep. Kelly Cassidy on Thursday announced that she is introducing new legislation for 2016 that would replace criminal penalties with a civil fine for possession of a personal amount of marijuana in Illinois.

 

Missouri Medical Marijuana Petition Approved For Signatures

(Hemp News)

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander on Tuesday announced an initiative petition to legalize marijuana for medical purposes meets state standards and may be circulated for signatures.

 

 

Marijuana Possession Could Soon Get Tickets, Not Arrests, In Dallas

(Hemp News)

Dallas Police Chief David Brown said he has mixed feelings about allowing his officers to write tickets instead of arresting people who are caught with small amounts of marijuana. But he said the approach is "just so damn practical."

 

 

Indiana: Sheriff's Deputy Arrested For Meth, Selling Marijuana

(Hemp News)

A Marion County, Indiana sheriff's deputy was arrested on charges of possessing methamphetamine and dealing marijuana with the help of a confidential informant, police said last month.

 

 

Uruguay: 3 Types Of Marijuana To Be Available In Pharmacies Next Year

(Hemp News)

Adults in Uruguay will be able to choose from three varieties of marijuana when it starts being sold in state-licensed pharmacies next year, the National Drug Board announced on Saturday.

 

 

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Toke Radio 108: Congress Tired of War On Pot! Alabama Mom Fights Marijuana Charges! Legalization Closer In Mass.!

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U.S.: Some Members of Congress Ready To Call It Quits On Marijuana Eradication

(Hemp Ne

 

Massachusetts: Marijuana Legalization Drive Gets A Little Clearer

(Hemp News)

The push to legalize marijuana in Massachusetts got a little less complicated this week. Voters had faced the possibility of two separate pro-legalization questions on next year's ballot, but now only one group's initiative is still standing.

 

 

Alabama: Epileptic Mom Who Used Medical Marijuana Raising Funds To Fight Charges

(Hemp News)

An Alabama mother who faces up to 10 years in prison after using marijuana to treat her seizures while pregnant has started a funding campaign for her criminal defense.

 

 

Minnesota: Intractable Pain Added As Qualifying Condition For Medical Marijuana

(Hemp News)

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Ed Ehlinger on Wednesday announced that intractable pain, as defined in Minnesota law, will be added to the list of qualifying conditions for which patients can legally access medical marijuana.

 

 

Nebraska: Tribe Interested In Growing Marijuana

(Hemp News)

The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa, with a 300-square-mile reservation about 90 minutes north of the city of Omaha, is interested in growing marijuana.

 

 

Chile: Mother Restricted From Access To Baby For Smoking Marijuana

(Hemp News)

A Chilean mother says a hospital is restricting her from seeing her newborn daughter because she admitted smoking marijuana a few days before she gave birth.

 

 

California: Leaders Call For DOJ To Halt Enforcement Against Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

(Hemp News)

California Representatives, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA13) and Congressmen Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA48) and Sam Farr (D-CA20) on Tuesday urged Attorney General Loretta Lynch to reconsider enforcement actions against California’s medical cannabis dispensaries following comprehensive, stringent and enforceable industry regulations recently signed into law.

 

 

Toke Signals Must Read of the Week

Cannabis POW Craig Cesal: A Life Sentence For Repairing Trucks

(Hemp News)

When Craig Cesal heard the judge condemn him to a sentence of life without the possibility of parole, he felt relief. Despite the ludicrous prosecution he had just endured, Cesal thought there was no possible way a judge on appeal could ever let a first time offender, who did nothing more than repair trucks that had been used to transport marijuana, serve a life sentence. Craig Cesal was wrong.

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Toke Radio 107: Senate OKs Medical Marijuana For Veterans! DEA Chief Calls MMJ A Joke! First Dispensaries Open In Illinois!

Find out what you need to know about the week in cannabis / marijuana news, in just 25 minutes!

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Toke Signals Bud Pick of the Week 

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U.S.: Senate Approves Funding Bilal Allowing Veterans Access To Medical Marijuana

(Hemp News)

The Senate on Tuesday passed the FY2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Bill, which includes language to allow Veterans Administration (VA) doctors to recommend medical marijuana to their patients in states where medical marijuana is legal. The language was included as an amendment in the Senate Appropriations committee in May.

 

 

DEA Chief Called Medical Marijuana A Joke; Patients Calling For His Resignation

(Hemp News)

Last week, acting administrator Chuck Rosenberg of the Drug Enforcement Administration called medical marijuana "a joke" while talking with reporters. Medicinal cannabis patients are now calling for Rosenberg's resignation, with an online petition getting more than 16,000 signatures on Change.org.

 

 

Oregon Federal Lawmakers Say University, Dept. of Agriculture Resisting Hemp

(Hemp News)

Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Agriculture have screwed up a chance to make the state a leader in the production of industrial hemp, according to Democrats in the state's Congressional delegation.

 

New York: Gov. Cuomo Signs Medical Marijuana Emergency Access Bill

(Hemp News)

After months of pressure from patients and advocates, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday signed a bill that will expedite access to medical marijuana for critically ill patients.

 

 

Hempseed Oil Production Hobbled By Low THC Limits

(Hemp News)

What if I told you that every legal hemp field in the world is being artificially limited in its productivity?

 

 

Illinois: First Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Open

(Hemp News)

Illinois’ first medical marijuana dispensaries have opened across the state, with five opening on Monday, including locations in Addison, Canton, Marion, Mundelein, and Quincy.

 

 

Toke Signals Stories of the Week

Cannabis POW of the Month: Andy Cox Is Serving Life For Pot

(Toke Signals)

When the media talks about harsh sentencing for nonviolent drug crimes, we often hear about mandatory minimums as the culprit.  While it’s true these sentences that take away the judge’s ability to “judge” are often the culprit, the biggest reason people get egregiously long sentences, even life, is usually ignored, and that is America’s conspiracy laws.

 

 

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Toke Radio 106: Sanders Intros Federal Repeal In Senate! Mexico Supreme Court Opens Door To Legalization! Ohio Rejects Marijuana Monopoly!

Find out what you need to know about the week in cannabis / marijuana news, in just 19 minutes!

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Toke Signals Bud Pick of the Week

Bernie Sanders Introduces First-Ever Senate Bill To End Marijuana Prohibition

(Hemp News)

Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) on Wednesday introduced a bill that would repeal all federal penalties for possessing and growing marijuana, allowing states to establish their own marijuana laws.

 

 

Mexico Supreme Court Opens Door To Legalizing Marijuana

(Hemp News)

The Mexican Supreme Court on Wednesday opened the door to legalizing marijuana, delivering a direct challenge to the nation's harsh drug laws and adding to the debate in Latin America over the costs of the War On Drugs.

 

Flawed Marijuana Legalization Bill Rejected By Ohio Voters

(Hemp News)

Ohio voters have rejected a controversial marijuana legalization initiative that would have set aside all of the state's cultivation licenses for the drafters themselves. Issue 3 would have restricted commercial marijuana production to the 10 properties owned by the principal investors in the initiative.

 

Steps Being Taken Towards Legalizing Marijuana and Opium in Iran

(Hemp News)

Iran has an image as a hardline conservative nation, but drug policy is one of the areas in which the Islamic Republic has produced some paradoxically progressive policies. During a recent conference on addiction held in Tehran, a prominent Iranian official outlined what could become alternative to the country's current drug policy, including the legalization of cannabis and opium.

 

California Secretary of State Clears Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016 For Signatures

(Hemp News)

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla this week announced that the organizers of the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative (CCHI) 2016 can begin collecting signatures to qualify the initiative for the November 8, 2016 California state election.

 

 

New Medical Marijuana Petition Would Amend Missouri Constitution

(Hemp News)

A pro-marijuana coalition called New Approach Missouri filed an initiative petition last week to get a proposed constitutional amendment on the 2016 ballot to legalize cannabis for medicinal use.

 

 

Washington: Feds Spend Week On Farmer Tom's Cannabis Farm

(Hemp News)

Federal researchers spent most of the week on a working medical marijuana farm in Vancouver, Washington, studying the working conditions and occupational hazards of cultivating and processing cannabis.

 

 

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Toke Radio 105: Bernie Intros Federal Marijuana Legalization Bill! Canada Prepares To Legalize Cannabis! Croatia Goes Medical!

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U.S.: Sen. Bernie Sanders Introduces Legislation To End Federal Marijuana Prohibition

(Hemp News)

Democratic Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders announced at a Wednesday town hall meeting that he is introducing legislation in the Senate that would remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances, end federal marijuana prohibition, and let states set their own policies without federal interference.

 

National Cannabis Industry Association Applauds Sanders' Legalization Move

(Hemp News)

The National Cannabis Industry Association on Thursday applauded new legislation to be introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) which would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and allow it to be regulated similarly to alcohol.

 

GOP Candidates Out Of Touch On Marijuana Legalization

(Hemp News)

This week's Republican presidential debate in Colorado showed that the GOP candidates are out of touch with the majority of American voters when it comes to marijuana legalization, according to a leading financial advisor.

 

 

Canada: Trudeau Prepares To Legalize Cannabis

(Hemp News)

As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prepares to legalize marijuana as part of his Liberal government's legislative agenda, experts say he'll be able to access a world-class cannabis framework set up under the previous Conservative government.

 

Croatia: Marijuana Legalized For Medical Use (With Tight Restrictions)

(Hemp News)

Croatia has legalized the sale and use of marijuana for medical use, following a campaign sparked by the arrest of a multiple sclerosis patient who grew the plant to ease his pain.

 

South Carolina: Marijuana Charges Dropped After Cop Kills Teen In Parking Lot

(Hemp News)

In a horrific abuse of police power, 19-year-old Zachary Hammond was shot and killed in July in a Hardee's parking lot by an officer after an undercover narc lured 23-year-old Toni Morton, Hammond's date, there to sell marijuana. After Hammond was shot and killed, Morton was charged with possession of 10 grams of marijuana.

 

 

Ohio Poll Shows Support For Legalization, But Not Issue 3

(Hemp News)

A new public opinion poll shows that nearly half of Northeast Ohio residents have tried marijuana, and most support some form of legalization -- but they aren't so sure about Issue 3.

Medical marijuana receives overwhelming support at 83 percent, according to the Baldwin Wallace University Community Research Institute poll released on Monday, reports Jackie Borchardt of the Northeast Ohio Media Group. A smaller majority, 55 percent, favor legalizing possession of marijuana for personal use.

 

Toke Signals Must Read of the Week

Anonymous Marijuana Activist Comes Out of the Closet

(Toke Signals)

By Miguel AKA Miggy420

Everyone remembers their first time, whether it’s sex or trying a taboo plant that’s been demonized for 100 years by the corporate elite because it doesn’t affect them. If you know your small town politics, you know the world. Marijuana, weed, cannabis, whatever word you want to use this year has always been a part of my life; I’ve always known that its properties aren’t evil.

 

 

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Toke Radio 104: Record Support For Marijuana In USA! Canada Plans To Legalize! Huge Victory For Cali Dispensary!

Find out what you need to know about the week in cannabis / marijuana news, in just 22 minutes!

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New Gallup Poll Shows Record 58% Support For Marijuana Legalization

(Hemp News)

A majority of Americans continue to say marijuana should be legal in the United States, with 58 percent now holding that opinion, equaling the highest-ever support in Gallup's 46-year trend.

 

 

Canada: New Prime Minister Plans To Legalize Marijuana

(Hemp News)

Canada on Monday voted in Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party in a general election, which will have outstanding implications for drug policy reform in the country. The Liberal Party plans to legalize cannabis.

 

 

California: HUGE VICTORY For Medical Marijuana Dispensary In Federal Court

(Hemp News)

Medical marijuana providers across the United States scored a major victory in federal court on Monday.

 

 

Australian Government Introducing Law To Legalize Medical Marijuana

(Hemp News)

The Australian government, under Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, wants to legalize medical marijuana in Australia this year.

 

 

Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer Calls For End To Failed Marijuana Prohibition

(Hemp News)

As representatives from the Oregon Cannabis Association visited Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) on the House floor called for an end to the federal government’s failed approach of marijuana prohibition.

 

 

Pennsylvania Religious Leaders Announce Support For Medical Marijuana

(Hemp News)

A group of Pennsylvania religious leaders announced their support for medical marijuana legislation at a Wednesday news conference on the Lt. Governor’s Balcony in the Pennsylvania State Capitol. They then visited with lawmakers to convey their support in person.

 

 

80-Year-Old Marijuana Dealer Pleads Guilty In Federal Court

(Hemp News)

The dramatic exploits of a lifetime of smuggling came to an end on Thursday when 80-year-old Marshall Herbert Dion entered his guilty plea in federal court to running a huge marijuana-dealing and money-laundering operation.

 

 

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Toke Radio 103: Bernie Supports Legalization! Hillary Says Feds Shouldn't Interfere! Cali Gets Medical Marijuana Regulations!

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Sanders Becomes 1st Major Party Presidential Candidate To Support Legalization

(Hemp News)

Candidate Bernie Sanders, for the first time in this campaign, on Tuesday night indicated at the Democratic presidential debate that he supports marijuana legalization.

 

Hillary Clinton Says Feds Shouldn't Interfere With Legal Marijuana

(Hemp News)

Hillary Clinton is feeling the heat when it comes to federal marijuana policy. Just after her first primary debate with fellow Democrats who want to be President, Clinton is finally giving some answers about how she'd handle states which have legalized cannabis.

Clinton had declined to take a position on marijuana legalization in Tuesday's CNN

California Gov. Jerry Brown Signs Medical Cannabis Regulation Bill

(Hemp News)

Governor Jerry Brown on Friday signed the trio of bills known as the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act that will establish regulation of commercial medical cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and transportation, as well as create a state-level licensing system in California for the first time since the medical cannabis program was enacted in 1996.

 

Washington Troopers Remind Drivers of Marijuana 'Open Container' Law

(Hemp News)

You can't legally drive around in Washington state with an "open container" of marijuana. The state, thanks to a law passed by the Legislature last summer, now bans open cannabis containers in vehicles.

Oregon Medical Dispensaries Struggle While Recreational Pot Skyrockets

(Hemp News)

A gold-rush mentality after recreational marijuana legalization in Oregon is part of what's leading medical cannabis dispensaries to close faster than ever.

 

Denmark Hippie Wonderland Boasts World's Largest Hash Market

(Hemp News)

When Americans think of cannabis destinations in Europe, that usually means Amsterdam. Those a bit more in the know might even mention the nascent cannabis clubs of Spain. But many haven't heard of the biggest green-light district of all: Christiania, in the heart of Denmark's capital city, Copenhagen.

Guy Calls Cops To Complain He's Too High On Marijuana

(Hemp News)

File this one under "I'll have some of what he had, but without the stupidity, please."

Toke Signals Must Read of the Week

Gamers and Ganja: Does Marijuana Make You Better At Video Games?

(Toke Signals)

Most of those in the industry — and in da couch on indica — seem to agree.

 

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Toke Radio 102: Major Marijuana Law Reforms! Florida, Ohio Support Legalization! Huge Sales In Oregon!

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U.S. Senate Spending Package Includes Major Marijuana Law Reforms

(Hemp News)

A new package of spending bills from the Senate, intended to keep the federal government operational for the next year, includes several positive changes in marijuana law.

 

 

Poll: Florida, Ohio Voters Support Marijuana Legalization; Pennsylvania Divided

(Hemp News)

Voters in Florida and Ohio back legalization of marijuana for personal recreational use, while Pennsylvania voters are divided on the subject, according to a Quinnipiac University Swing State Poll released on Thursday.

n, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.

 

California Gov. Jerry Brown Vetoes New Hash Crimes Bill

(Hemp News)

California Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday vetoed a bill which would have created new penalties for making hash oil with flammable chemicals like butane. Brown said the state already has enough laws, and a prison overcrowding problem, and doesn't need to make the problem worse.

 

 

Union Negotiates First Cannabis Worker Contract In Oregon

(Hemp News)

At least one labor union has begun to organize workers in Oregon's marijuana industry.

 

 

Massachusetts Doctors Use Marijuana As Opioid Substitute

(Hemp News)

Hundreds of opioid addicts in Massachusetts are being treated with medical marijuana, and advocates say the new therapy is a life-changing alternative to the deadly epidemic of painkiller addiction.

 

 

Illinois: Legal Medical Marijuana Smells Like Money And Jobs

(Hemp News)

The skunky aroma of marijuana in a rural southeastern Illinois town isn't a source of complaints... in fact, to most residents, it smells like money and jobs.

 

 

Oregon Marijuana Dispensaries Report Massive Recreational Sales

(Hemp News)

Medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon remained busy throughout the weekend after opening their doors to recreational customers on Thursday. The Oregon Legislature approved tax-free recreational sales through medicinal cannabis dispensaries through the end of the year.

 

 

Former Marine Billy Dekle Is Serving Life For Pot

(Toke Signals)

Cannabis POW of the Month: Billy Dekle

By Cheri Sicard
Cannabis Cheri

After growing up on a farm and serving in the marines, north Florida native Billy Dekle found his true passion in aviation. His early career in the 70s and 80s flying planeloads of marijuana into south Florida is the stuff of Carl Hiaasen novels and Jimmy Buffett songs, with hair-raising flights and narrow escapes from unsavory characters. While he never hurt anyone, the activity earned him one federal and two state felony convictions for marijuana before his real trouble began in 1990 when Billy Dekle was arrested for the marijuana conspiracy case that would land him a life sentence.

 

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Toke Radio 101: Legalization Doesn't Turn Kids Into Potheads! Washington Opens Up Marijuana Licensing! Legalization In Florida?

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Evidence Shows Legalizing Marijuana Unlikely To Turn Kids Into Potheads

(Hemp News)

Supporters of the War On Drugs often claim that loosening restrictions on marijuana use -- such as decriminalization, allowing medicinal use, legalizing it completely, or even discussing legalization -- will "send the wrong message" to young people and lead to increased teen drug use. But the evidence has repeatedly shown this notion to be inaccurate.

 

 

Washington To Open Retail Marijuana License Applications; No Initial Cap

(Hemp News)

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) on Wednesday announced that beginning October 12, it will accept new retail applications "using the priority criteria set forth in the law." According to the Board, there will not be an initial cap on the number of licenses issued.

 

 

Seattle IRS Agent Charged With Bribing Marijuana Store Owner

(Hemp News)

A Seattle-based Internal Revenue Service agent was charged on Monday with soliciting a bribe and accepting payment from a local recreational-marijuana business owner.

 

 

Pakistan Military Conflict Threatens Marijuana Crop

(Hemp News)

Pakistan's traditional marijuana crop, basis of its thriving hashish industry, is being threatened by Pakistan's decade-long war against terrorism and Islamist militancy.

 

 

Florida Cannabis Act Would Legalize Marijuana, Regulate Like Alcohol

(Hemp News)

A new drive to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida was launched last week. West Palm Beach attorney Michael Minardi is proposing to regulate marijuana like alcohol.

 

 

Oregon Legal Marijuana Sales Begin Oct. 12; Past Convictions Can Be Cleared

(Hemp News)

Oregon wasn't the first state, or the largest, to legalize marijuana. But when it begins retail cannabis sales next month, the state will blaze a new trail, because it will consider applications to clear the record of past marijuana convictions.

 

 

Willie Nelson's New Marijuana Brand Willies Reserve Gets Funding

(Hemp News)

Country music legend Willie Nelson is teaming up with private investors looking to cash in on a celebrity-endorsed brand of marijuana.

 

 

Toke Signals Must Read of the Week

Hemp In The Hinterlands Can Save Brazil's Economy
By Sergio Vidal

(Toke Signals)

Anyone who has deepened a little more in the history of Brazil that do not have schools know that since the beginning of colonization until the early 20th century, many Brazilians have cultivated legally marijuana in various regions of the country, including the government, through the Real Feitoria Hemp and other initiatives. This had as the main objective the extraction of plant fibers at the time leading textile crop in the world.

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Toke Radio 100: Parliament To Debate Legalization! Tourists Can Buy Medical Weed In Vegas! 67 Men Serving Life For Pot!

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U.K.: Parliament To Debate Cannabis Legalization Next Month

(Hemp News)

In what looks to be a first for the United Kingdom, Parliament will debate the legalization of cannabis next month, House of Commons authorities announced on Wednesday.

Nevada: Tourists Can Now Buy Medical Marijuana In Las Vegas

(Hemp News)

Fifteen years after Nevada voters approved the legalization of medical marijuana, the first dispensary opened its doors August 24 in Clark County. The southwest Las Vegas shop is allowed, under state law, to serve tourists who are registered medical marijuana patients in their home states, as well as Nevada residents.

U.S.: At Least 67 People Are Serving Life Sentences For Marijuana

(Hemp News)

At least 67 people are serving life sentences in prison right now for marijuana in the United States.

The plight of marijuana lifers has received new attention since the release last week of Jeff Mizanskey, who had been one of them, reports Tony Dokoupil at MSNBC.

U.S.: Controlled By Prison Lobby? Hillary Clinton Unlikely To End War On Drugs

(Hemp News)

More and more Americans have come to realize that the War On Drugs is a colossal failure -- but presidential contender Hillary Clinton doesn't seem to be one of those. Hillary seems unlikely to end that futile war and the mass incarceration which results from it, due to her ties to the prison lobby.

U.S.: DEA Chief Says Marijuana Is Dangerous, Should Stay In Schedule I

(Hemp News)

New federal Drug Enforcement Administration head Chuck Rosenberg in a TV interview last week called marijuana "dangerous" and added, "If we come up with a medical use for it, that would be wonderful. But we haven't."

Kansas: Vietnam Veteran, 65, Denied Pain Pills After Testing Positive For Marijuana

(Hemp News)

A nationwide argument between the Veterans Administration and groups which protect the rights of veterans emerged in Kansas on Tuesday.

Seniors Seeking Out States Where Marijuana Is Legal

(Hemp News)

There's a new factor playing a big role when seniors choose retirement locales these days: marijuana laws.

Toke Signals Must Read of the Week

Meet Antonio Bascaro, The Nation's Longest Serving Marijuana Prisoner

(Toke Signals)

Cannabis POW of the Month
By Cheri Sicard (Cannabis Cheri)

 

Antonio Bascaro, who has served more than 35 years behind bars for a nonviolent marijuana conspiracy offense, holds the dubious honor of being the nation’s — and perhaps the world’s — longest serving marijuana prisoner. A former Cuban naval pilot who participated in the Bay of Pigs invasion, Bascaro fled Castro’s Cuba shortly thereafter.

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Toke Radio 99: Marijuana Lifer Walks Free After 20 Years! Marijuana Monopoly In Ohio? Legalization Drive Advances In Mass.!

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Missouri: Jeff Mizanskey Walks Free After Serving 2 Decades In Prison For Pot

(Hemp News)

Jeff Mizanskey walked out of prison Tuesday morning a free man after spending 21 years behind bars because of a minor, nonviolent marijuana offense. Mizanskey walked into the arms of more than a dozen family, friends and supporters, including his son, who had fought for years for his dad's release from prison.

Denver Cracks Down On Pesticides In Marijuana Products

(Hemp News)

Denver health officials on Tuesday started inspecting and quarantining hundreds of cannabis products because their labels listed pesticides not approved by the state for use on marijuana.

Fears Of Marijuana Monopoly Undercut Support For Ohio Legalization Measure

(Hemp News)

If a ballot measure says "legalization" on it, it's always good, right? RIGHT? Maybe not.

Canada Revenue Agency Confirms Medical Marijuana As Allowable Medical Expense

(Hemp News)

The Canada Revenue Agency has officially confirmed that medical marijuana to be purchased by an individual patient from a licensed producer under Health Canada's Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) is an allowable medical expense under the Income Tax Act.

Massachusetts Initiative To Legalize Marijuana Moves Closer To Ballot

(Hemp News)

A proposed initiative to regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol in Massachusetts moved another step closer to the 2016 ballot Wednesday when the state Attorney General’s office certified the petition in support of the measure.

Wisconsin Marijuana Decriminalization Movement Taking Off Across State

(Hemp News)

More and more cities across Wisconsin are relaxing penalties against people caught with small amounts of marijuana, as the decriminalization movement sweeps across the state.

Uruguay Recommends Marijuana Legalization To The Rest Of The World

(Hemp News)

Uruguay isn't just defending its own national sovereignty regarding its legalization of marijuana. The small South American country is now recommending that the rest of the world adopt its policies as an alternative to the War On Drugs.

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Toke Radio 98: Ohio Could Be 1st To Legalize In Midwest! Oregon Sets Rules For Marijuana Sales! Alaska Wants To Sell Homegrown!

Find out what you need to know about the week in cannabis / marijuana news, in just 17 minutes!

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Ohio Could Become First State In Midwest To Legalize Marijuana

(Hemp News)

Ohio could become the fifth state, and the first in the Midwest, to legalize marijuana under a measure that qualified on Wednesday for the state's November 2015 ballot. The measure itself, however, remains controversial, as it basically hands control of the state's legal cannabis industry to a handful of entrepreneurs.

Oregon: Draft Rules Issued For Recreational Marijuana Sales

(Hemp News)

Oregon marijuana dispensaries that plan to make recreational sales to people 21 and older must first tell the state health authority and record the birthdates of shoppers, along with the quantities of cannabis they buy, under draft rules issued Wednesday.

Alaska Advocates Call For Home Growers To Be Able To Legally Sell Weed

(Hemp News)

Home cannabis growers in Alaska need a way to enter the legal marijuana market, a group of advocates said Tuesday at the first public hearing dealing with legal marijuana businesses in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

Washington: Top Marijuana Advisor Steps Down

(Hemp News)

The bureaucrat who helped implement Washington state's recreational marijuana law -- and dismantle the state's medical marijuana program -- is stepping down.

 

 

Israel: Medical Cannabis Could Be Worth More Than Natural Gas

(Hemp News)

Israel's natural gas reserves off its shores are considered a boon for the nation's economy. But the general consensus Thursday at a Thursday conference was that Israel is missing an even bigger opportunity -- in the field of medicinal cannabis.

The conference, on how Israel's farmers could benefit from the global market for medical marijuana, was hosted by the Israel Loss Adjusters Association (ILAA), reports Niv Elis at The Jerusalem Post. The cannabis market in the United States alone stands at $35 billion a year, according to Doron Havkin, chairman of the ILAA.

Backroom Deals Prevail As Marijuana Goes Mainstream

(Toke Signals)

It’s no secret there’s lots of green gravitating to the cannabis business, and we’re not just talking herbs. The scent of money has led to some sketchy deals and the welfare of mom-and-pop businesses, along with that of medical marijuana patients, has more often been taking a back seat to financial considerations (hello, Washington state).

Unfortunately, the playing field is not level.

Kentucky: Sheriff's Office Asks Drug Dealers To Turn In Rivals

(Hemp News)

Is it the American way? A sheriff's office in Kentucky is encouraging drug dealers to turn in their rivals, counting on old-fashioned greed to help them make arrests.

Toke Signals Must Read of the Week

This Booth Was Openly Vending Weed At Seattle Hempfest

(Toke Signals)

 

I’ve attended Seattle Hempfest for a decade now, but yesterday I saw something I hadn’t seen before: marijuana being openly dealt from a booth at the event.

Make no mistake about it — it’s been easy to score weed at Hempfest every time I’ve gone, and I’ve written about that before (to the irritation of those who’d prefer to keep such things stuffed tightly in the closet). I got some pretty good herb, for instance, during Vivian McPeak’s “Don’t buy weed at Hempfest speech” in 2013.

 

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Toke Radio 97: Lt. Gov. Says Cali Will Legalize Next Year! Texas Cops Search Woman's Vagina In Public! Marijuana Lifer Granted Parole!

Find out what you need to know about the week in cannabis / marijuana news, in just 20 minutes!

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Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom Says California Will Legalize Marijuana In 2016

(Hemp News)

California voters will legalize, tax and regulate marijuana for adults in the 2016 general election, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom predicted on Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday. "I'm leading the effort," Newsom added.

California Cannabis Hemp Initiative Signature Drive To Begin Oct. 31

(Hemp News)

The California Cannabis Hemp Initiative (CCHI 2016) is organizing a statewide infrastructure of volunteers and activists in a drive to qualify for the November 8, 2016 ballot.

Texas Police Search Woman's Vagina For Marijuana - In Parking Lot

(Hemp News)

A Texas woman says sheriff's deputies violated constitutional protections by conducting a body cavity search in the parking lot of a gas station during a routine traffic stop last June.

Missouri Man Serving Life In Prison For Marijuana Granted Parole

(Hemp News)

In a case of justice long delayed, a Missouri man serving life without parole for marijuana will be released from a maximum security prison, according to the man's son.

Federal Lawmakers Urge Oregon To Speed Up Industrial Hemp Program

(Hemp News)

U.S. Congress members from Oregon on Monday urged state agriculture officials to speed up a pilot project allowing farmers to begin cultivating industrial hemp crops in time for next year's growing season.

Colorado Cannabis Chamber Warns Against Overregulation of Edible Products

(Hemp News)

The Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday urged against a culture of dangerous potential overregulation of legal cannabis edibles in Colorado.

Activist Group Exposes Secret Law Enforcement Meetings on Medical Marijuana

(Hemp News)

A group of Washington state medical marijuana patient/activists has exposed secret law enforcement meetings on medical marijuana, held by Washington State Liquor Control Board officials as they prepared to extend their authority to medicinal cannabis in the state as they implemented I-502, the recreational marijuana legalization initiative approved by state voters back in 2012.

The announcement, from the Board of Directors of the Viper’s Club, is reproduced in its entirety here.

Toke Signals Must Read of the Week

If The Truth Hurts, Censor It: Seattle Hempfest Has Journalist's Facebook Account Shut Down

(Toke Signals)

 

Seattle Hempfest REALLY doesn’t want you to know about Hempfest Vice President John Davis’s support for legislation which ended medical marijuana as we’ve known it in Washington state for 17 years.

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Toke Radio 96: States Want Their Own Pot Laws! Congressman Calls On DOJ To Reclassify Weed! Legalization Initiative In Mass.!

Find out what you need to know about the week in cannabis / marijuana news, in just 24 minutes!

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State Legislatures Demand Federal Govt. Allow States To Set Marijuana Policies

(Hemp News)

The National Conference of State Legislatures on Thursday passed a resolution demanding that federal laws "be amended to explicitly allow states to set their own marijuana and hemp policies."

U.S. Rep. Blumenauer Calls On DOJ To Reclassify Marijuana Under Controlled Substances Act

(Hemp News)

U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) on Thursday welcomed Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg’s acknowledgement that “heroin is clearly more dangerous than marijuana,” and called on the Department of Justice to reclassify or de-schedule marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act.

Massachusetts: Ballot Initiative Filed To Legalize Marijuana

(Hemp News)

A statewide ballot initiative to regulate marijuana like alcohol in Massachusetts was filed on Wednesday with the office of state Attorney General Maura Healy. The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CRMLA) is behind the measure.

California: Santa Cruz County Medical Marijuana Cultivation Ban Repealed

(Hemp News)

A historic vote in medical marijuana history took place on Wednesday at the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting. The County Board of Supervisors voted 4 to 1 to repeal Ordinance 5201, the ban on cannabis cultivation, and approved appointments to a 13-member Cannabis Cultivation Choices Committee.

Health Canada Plans Crackdown On Marijuana Advertising

(Hemp News)

Canadian Health Minister Rona Ambrose on Saturday ordered a crackdown on groups that illegally advertise marijuana, and repeated the Conservative Party's promise to keep storefront dispensaries illegal on the eve of the launch of a federal election campaign.

ASA Makes Statement on DOJ Memo Regarding Medical Cannabis Amendment

(Hemp News)

Press reports on Wednesday revealed a February 2015 memorandum from the United States Department of Justice on the Rohrabacher-Farr Medical Cannabis Amendment’s impact on federal law enforcement actions related to the Controlled Substances Act. The memorandum argues that federal prosecutions against private citizens participating in state-level medical cannabis programs would not be impacted by the amendment.

Georgia Man Arrested On Drug Charges Claims Marijuana Is Salad

(Hemp News)

A 26-year-old Georgia man was arrested Friday after police found a pound of marijuana during a traffic stop. Richard Relliford was unable to convince the cops that he was just heading home planning to salad, according to a Facebook post from the St. Mary's Police Department.

Toke Signals Must Read of the Week

Michael Pelletier Is Serving Life In Prison For Marijuana

(Toke Signals)

Michael Pelletier, a wheelchair bound paraplegic since the age of 11, sits in federal prison serving a sentence of life without parole for a nonviolent, victimless marijuana conspiracy offense. To listen to prosecutors and press reports at the time of trial, Pelletier was a calculating kingpin behind a multi-million dollar drug ring, living a lavish, opulent lifestyle off his ill-gotten gains. That narrative is vastly different from the reality.

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Toke Radio 95: Is Smoking Weed At Hempfest A Felony? OR Gov OKs Recreational Pot Sales! South Dakota Tribes To Sell Cannabis!

Find out what you need to know about the week in cannabis / marijuana news, in just 22 minutes!

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Ah, Seattle Hempfest. A carefree weekend of getting high the park, a little bit of heaven on Earth, where…
IT’S A FELONY TO GET HIGH IN THE PARK?

(Toke Signals)

In the most painful of ironies, under Washington state’s anemic brand of “legalization,” smoking marijuana at Seattle Hempfest is now a felony offense, at least according to a Thursday afternoon post from Hempfest head honcho Vivian McPeak.

Oregon: Early Recreational Marijuana Sales Bill Signed By Governor

(Hemp News)

Oregon Governor Kate Brown on Tuesday signed legislation allowing medical marijuana dispensaries in the state to start selling recreational cannabis to adult consumers on October 1.

South Dakota: Native American Tribe Set To Begin Marijuana Sales

(Hemp News)

Tourists in South Dakota may soon be able to go to a Native American reservation, buy a joint of marijuana for $10 to $15, then try their luck at the nearby casino.

Washington: Open Container Law Passed For Marijuana

(Hemp News)

Don't keep those roaches in the ashtray! Drivers in Washington state, where recreational marijuana is legal, after September 26 will be required to keep all cannabis in the trunk of a vehicle, in an unopened container, or behind the rearmost row of seats.

New DEA Leader Admits Marijuana 'Probably' Not As Bad As Heroin

(Hemp News)

It's progress -- of a sort.

The new head of the Drug Enforcement Administration admitted on Tuesday that heroin "probably" is more dangerous than marijuana, an admission his predecessor, the embattled Michele Leonhart, would not make, reports Steven Nelson at U.S. News.

Neuroscientist Says THC Level In Sandra Bland's System Was Negligible

(Hemp News)

The amount of THC in Sandra Bland's system was negligible, and equal to placebo, according to neuroscientist Dr. Carl Hart, who has spent nearly 20 years researching the neurophysiological, psychological and behavioral effects of marijuana.

Florida: Charges Dropped Against Injured Veteran Accused of Growing Marijuana

(Hemp News)

Charges have been dropped against an injured Iraq war veteran in Florida who was arrested after deputies said they found marijuana plants in his home.

Toke TV/Toke Radio = a joint production
of Toke Signals and Indie Media Weekly

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