{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/legalization/4","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2137-markdown","title":"About Prop 64: What You Should Know","slug":"about-prop-64-what-you-should-know","content":"### Prop 64 is the Vote for Cannabis Legalization\n\nProp 64 is on the ballot for November 8 and if you are wondering how you should vote, I’m going to give you the skinny on what it’s all about. Voting ‘YES’ on 64 is giving your vote for legalization of marijuana for recreational use in California. A survey conducted this past September found that Californians support P64 by about 58%, which is more than at any other time. Of course, unless supporters get to the poll, the Prop may not go through, it’s not a fait accompli.\n\nSupporters of Prop 64 refer to it as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act and use the term AUMA for shorthand. If you choose to vote ‘YES’ for P64 you are in support of legalizing recreational marijuana for persons aged 21 years or older under state law and establishing certain sales and cultivation taxes, among other things to yet be defined. Take note, that if it does pass it will take at least one to two years for most regulations to be fully ironed out and implemented.\n\n### The AIDS Epidemic Got Us Here\n\nA little background on how we got to this point. In 1996 California was the first in the nation to legalize medicinal use of marijuana. The passage of Prop 215 at that time, was exceptionally progressive for where the country stood in time. The passage of P215 was in large part due to the AIDS epidemic. People took note that cannabis helped to keep those suffering from the AIDS virus alive for longer as it helped with cachexia (wasting disease) as well as to alleviate the pain and suffering associated with the disease. The community did the right thing and rallied for Prop 215 to pass and it did.\n\n### Colorado as a Template\n\nOn November 6, 2012, Colorado became the first state to pass a law that legalized recreational use of cannabis. It matters what has happened in Colorado since that time, as many view it as a template to where California is headed. The positive outcomes within Colorado have been that it has ushered in thousands of new jobs, millions of dollars in tax revenue each year, thousands have avoided criminal penalties, and the overall crime rate dropped by 10%. Good stuff.\n\nHowever, opponents of Prop 64 point to Colorado as a cautionary tale. The opponents point to an increase in marijuana related traffic deaths, emergency room visits and poison center calls. Many strongly oppose legalized recreational use due to fears of childhood use and dispensaries opening near neighborhoods and schools. But note, no one has ever died of a marijuana related overdose, ever.\n\nRELATED: [WANT TO KNOW WHY MOMS SHOULD SUPPORT LEGALIZATION?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5716bfd5e1d0c0000c000013/why-moms-should-support-marijuana-legalization)\n\nMore recently there are numerous articles pointing to a backlash within Colorado communities. Pueblo, Colorado is an epic center of one such backlash. A town awash in scrub brush and weed, local officials welcomed the green rush with open arms. It’s brought jobs, revitalization, and a there-there to a small rural town. It also brought a serious down-and-out element according to locals, which has changed the character of their community.\n\n[A Boston Globe article](https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2016/09/05/colorado-revolt-against-legalized-marijuana/BkUOeZOThisG7ASJ56xmIM/story.html) highlights the downside, of one Mom’s perception of life in Pueblo “…she bristles at the potent smell of marijuana when  she drives past some of the cultivation facilities. She hates that her kids’ school is near several dispensaries. She’s frustrated by the full-page ads in the local paper with huge photos of buds and coupons for $1 joints with a purchase of $20 or more. We don’t want our community identified by this anymore.”\n\n### Why Vote YES\n\nSo what may be the positive benefits of voting “YES” on Prop 64? According to the organization [YES on 64](http://www.yeson64.org/about) there are many. Regulation of an unregulated market will protect the everyday consumer. True. Bringing the market into a transparent marketplace similar to alcohol and tobacco will allow for tracking (aka seed to sale), regulation and the ever-important taxation. True. Revenues collected from taxes will go towards drug education, training of law enforcement, protection of small farmers (for a time), and supporting ‘economic development in communities adversely impacted by prohibition'. \n\nThere are built-ins within Prop 64 that go towards stopping large monopoly farms from taking over immediately, which is a very good thing. Without this, the small farming communities would be decimated.  There is also legislation in there that indicates that illegal farming with bad environmental practices aka stealing water and pesticide run off, will be shut down. Good, I think.\n\nWithin the cannabis industry, one of the biggest reasons people seem to be in favor of Prop 64 is based on a moral issue: unjust incarceration. I think this hits home with so many within the community because so many people have either lived in fear of going to jail or have actually gone to jail. \n\nProp 64 allows for re sentencing of prior convictions concerning cannabis and obviously lessens any future offenses for those handling the plant. As Amanda Reiman of Drug Policy Alliance has stated, Prop 64 will “overthrow a crippled system that specifically affected minorities and set them up for an uphill battle, especially after being prosecuted on weed-related charges.”\n\nProp 64 in many people's minds also goes a long way towards de-stigmatizing the use of cannabis in society. This is important as 'Reefer Madness' mentality has dominated for a long time, ever since prohibition began, and was only reinforced during the Reagan years with the 'Just Say No' campaign. From both a recreational and medicinal side, the choice to use cannabis should not be something that places people within the closet. For Californians it's clear at least, it is time to come out.\n\nSo let’s give Prop 64 to you in a nutshell. Here are some of the things that Prop 64 proposes:\n\n> 1. If you are 21 or older, you can obtain marijuana legally for recreational use \n\n> 2. If you are a cultivator or plan to sell cannabis you will need a license\n\n> 3. There will be a 15% sales tax on recreational sales + standard sales taxes \n\n> 4.  Local governments can add additional regulations and taxes\n\n> 5. There will be regulation on packaging, labeling, advertising and marketing\n\n> 6. Re sentencing for prior marijuana convictions and those with prior marijuana convictions will be allowed to apply for a cannabis license\n\n> 7. Prop 64 is meant to leave in place and strengthen the system that protects patients, the Compassionate Care Act, created after Prop 215 in 1996 \n\n> 8. $2 million dollars per year will be earmarked towards medical research on marijuana for medical efficacy within the state\n\n> 9. Existing privileges of patients to possess marijuana up to one ounce of marijuana and eight grams of concentrated marijuana will be maintained\n\n> 10. AUMA will further protect the patients who choose to cultivate up to 6 plants at home \n\n### Taking Baby Steps has Some Downsides\n\nSo, after all of this, what is my opinion? Well, I have heard so many different people with so many different opinions on how Prop 64 will ultimately play out, that it is difficult for me to say. Many insiders say something to the effect of, “We need to take baby steps, and we will fall, but eventually we will walk and then run.” My main concern is to allow government to take over and big industry to step in and run the show. \n\nI am also wary of the notion that local governments who can further tax or regulate within their community. What I have seen to date is that most local governments are incredibly cautious and NIMB-ism (Not In My Backyard) rules the roost. \n\nFurther taxation on 15% or even 20% state taxation will lead to more black market rather than above board transparency. Research has backed up that taxation over 20% drives the cost of cannabis up so much that many patients will opt to buy from their dealer in most cases instead. My take is that most local governments have no idea of the trickle down of their decision making, which in their mind is in the best interest of the community. \n\nI have also already seen how smaller players, that are a bit less savvy, but who have fought the fight, have been edged out. Equally so, I hear a lot about how a unionized distribution channel will take over distribution, and in a similar to how alcohol is run, within the industry. Why is this bad? Because currently, the industry mandates their own distribution for better or worse, and manufacturers are allowed to make their own choices. This does not sound like a big deal but it is not only a competitive advantage for many but also leads to significant cost savings as a consumer. \n\n### Recreational vs Medical\n\nThe other thing that is not talked about enough is the difference between ‘recreational’ and ‘medical’ use and what that means to the consumer. To me the terms recreational vs medical is incredibly confusing. Cannabis by and large in my mind is used by most of the population as a vehicle for health and wellness. Dividing the world into such black and white terms is problematic. Without going into too much detail, this division potentially leads to both different rates of taxation and categorization of product.\n\nIn Colorado, there is a medical side of the dispensary and a recreational side of the dispensary. The medical side has lower taxes and different products. If you enter the medical side you need a doctor’s recommendation issued by your doctor. The recreational side is open to all of legal age and the products are taxed at a much higher rate. The downside in California, if we follow this model, is that you need your doctor’s recommendation to be a medicinal patient AND after 2018 you will need to register with the state of California. Registering as a medical patient will exempt you from a 9.25% added tax. \n\n### Your Privacy Matters, A LOT\n\nOK, so here is where I start stamping my foot and raising a big stink. Being a medicinal patient and being required to register with the state is an infringement of privacy. For twenty years, the decision as to whether one is able to obtain cannabis legally as a medicine has been between the doctor and the patient. Period. It has been completely private. \n\nWhy in the wake of legalization should the government have the right, while cannabis is federally illegal, to know if I have a medical recommendation from my doctor? Well, they shouldn't. Oh, and they plan to charge you for the right to register, which drives up the cost for medicinal patients. \n\nAt HelloMD we have seen thousands upon thousands of patients. What’s their biggest concern? Privacy. Why? Because they are afraid of the government and law enforcement and losing their job, among many other things. The stigma of cannabis is that real. \n\nDoes the government think that by putting into effect this law they will not be driving people back into the shadows?  Lastly, if we do follow the model of Colorado and medical cannabis is significantly cheaper but requires a medical rec, many people will forgo their medicine due to short term price difference in addition to the fear of being found out.\n\nI am decidedly Anti-Prohibition, but I am also someone who does not blindly trust when so much money is at stake. Many in the industry believe that Prop 64 is the first necessary step towards a transparent and healthier system. \nUltimately, the passing of Prop 64 may be the best move for society on the whole and help move our system to full legalization nationwide.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/14b42/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg","srcSet":"/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/f836f/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg 200w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/2244e/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg 400w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/14b42/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg 800w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/47498/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg 1200w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/54ac5/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/58556/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/61e93/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp 200w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/1f5c5/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp 400w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/58556/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp 800w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/99238/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp 1200w,\n/static/adcfb35c30d70f1c4ddbc77e3e55565a/5e0b8/2e4a4490d71f51b63816a83c34a7f5de.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2102-markdown","title":"California Marijuana Legalization: Prop 64","slug":"california-marijuana-legalization-prop-64","content":"In this post, our CEO, [Mark Hadfield](https://www.hellomd.com/people/mark) talks about the impending cannabis legalization vote in November. Will cannabis go legal, and if so, what are the ramifications? Will you need a medical recommendation after the vote? What will happen with taxation? As a true cannabis industry insider, Mark gives his insights on the state of cannabis legalization and where we might find ourselves post November ballot on Prop 64.\r\n\r\n### The Vote is Coming...\r\n\r\nOne thing we hear a lot about, is the impending vote for legal recreational cannabis in California, now on the ballot for 8th November, 2016. This legislation – known as [Prop. 64]( https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_64,_Marijuana_Legalization_(2016)) (Adult Use of Marijuana Act) – would enable any adult over the age of 21, to legally purchase cannabis without a doctor’s recommendation, along with certain tax provisions as well as enacting some restraints on monopoly type business interests.\r\n\r\n### Will Prop 64 Pass?\r\n\r\nThe Yes side is very well funded with over $11m raised as at September 1st, 2016. The opposition has raised just $200,000. At time of writing [60% of Californian’s]( http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/survey/S_516MBS.pdf) support the legalization of recreational marijuana with just 37% against. It’s not guaranteed, but it looks very likely to pass in November.\r\n\r\n### What does Prop 64. Mean to You?\r\n\r\nThere is a misconception that after the November vote, one should just be able to walk into a dispensary and make a purchase (without a doctors note). The truth is that implementing Prop. 64 will be a complex and lengthy process that for the most part, has not yet even been planned for. Regulators have not started the planning, because they don’t know what will be in the final legislation, should it pass. With a state the size of California, along with the various business and lobbying interests fighting for their piece of the pie, the reality is that it will take at least twelve months and perhaps longer before the first legal recreational outlets are available. A good working estimate from most we have talked with, is not before January 2018.\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, you will continue to be able to purchase your cannabis, so long as you are a qualifying medical patient with a valid doctor’s recommendation.\r\n\r\n### Tax Incentives to Maintain your Medical Status\r\n\r\nOne of the reasons lawmakers are interested in recreational cannabis, is because of the opportunity to tax sales, and thus increase budgets for needy projects. Prop. 64 outlines a 15% sales tax, as well as a $9.25 per ounce on growers for flowers, and $2.75 per ounce of leaves. Additional costs may arise through the enforced three tier distribution model, as well as additional taxes which may be levied by local government bodies. All of this could increase the price of recreational marijuana by as much as 30% or more to the consumer, while for the most part medical consumers are largely exempted from taxes (while still may be impacted by other market forces).\r\n\r\nStudies show the that regular users can spend up to $1,800 per year on cannabis today (which could increase by $540 in taxes and fees), or simply reduce the amount that a person could afford. With the price of an annual doctor’s recommendation around $50, there appears to be a strong financial incentive to maintain your medical status, should you have one.  Indeed, this has been the case in Colorado where more than two years since recreational marijuana was implemented, around 40% of people still maintain their medical patient status (where effective taxes are between [15% and 25%]( https://www.brookings.edu/research/qa-legal-marijuana-in-colorado-and-washington)). \r\n\r\n### Product Selection (Med vs Rec)\r\n\r\nLooking again to Colorado for guidance on what might happen in California after the vote, one thing many don’t realize is that you have access to different products (and advice) when you are a medical patient vs a recreational user.\r\n\r\nWhen visiting a dispensary in Colorado, you are immediately asked at the door upon entry whether you are a medical, or a recreational user IE: are you a holder of a medical card? If the answer is yes, you are allowed entry to the ‘medical section’ of the store, where a greater product selection, and one more medically targeted is available to you. Additionally, the advice offered on product selection may be different for medical users.\r\n\r\nRecreational users have to enter through to the recreational side where products tend to be less strong and less varied in terms of consumption methods or options for CBD heavy products, and advice which is more tailored towards recreational users.   \r\n\r\n\r\n### What Defines a Medical Patient?\r\n\r\nUnder the law in California, a medical marijuana patient is one who has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, whereby the therapeutic use of cannabis is recommended by a doctor with a license in good standing with the medical board. \r\n\r\nBeyond the legal definition however, things become a little less clear. If I have a medical recommendation for a qualifying condition that comes and goes, but I like to use cannabis on a Friday night to relieve stress and help me sleep, am I am medical user, or a recreational one?\r\n\r\nWhat if I use cannabis instead of wine when people come over for dinner (because I want to reduce my sugar intake) or I simply want to drink less alcohol. Is this recreational or medical? What if the reason I want to reduce my sugar intake, is because I am overweight? What if it’s because am diabetic? Is this medical?\r\n\r\n### To Conclude\r\n\r\nAt HelloMD, we believe that millions of people could (and will) benefit from the therapeutic use of cannabis for their health & wellness. With 110 million Americans suffering with chronic pain alone, this number could far exceed the number of people who are clearly recreational users. Think about health concerns related to PMS, pre-menopausal symptoms, migraines, anxiety, insomnia; the list goes on and on. \r\n\r\nIf you are someone who identifies with one of the examples given above, you may well value continued access to quality medical advice from a licensed doctor, an excellent medically focused product selection, and lower prices for your medications, regardless of what the law allows after the November vote (and whatever time it take to get implemented) thereafter.   \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.408450704225352,"src":"/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/422ae/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.png","srcSet":"/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/69585/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.png 200w,\n/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/497c6/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.png 400w,\n/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/422ae/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.png 669w","srcWebp":"/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/87da1/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/61e93/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.webp 200w,\n/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/1f5c5/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.webp 400w,\n/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/87da1/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.webp 669w","sizes":"(max-width: 669px) 100vw, 669px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2131-markdown","title":"Q & A with Cannabis Aficionado David Downs","slug":"q-and-a-with-cannabis-aficionado-david-downs","content":"HelloMD got the chance to speak with [David Downs](http://www.davidrdowns.com/), an award winning journalist and the author of the new educational cannabis book [The Medical Marijuana Guide Book: America’s First How-To Guide for Patients and Caregivers](http://www.usmmj.org/). David is an impressive journalist and his work has been published in publications ranging from the New York Times to Rolling Stone. He has become an industry leader in cannabis journalism and has particular insight into the rapidly changing marijuana industry across the country. \r\n\r\n### Why cannabis journalism?\r\n\r\nAs a freelance writer you always want to write something people want to read because that will keep you making money as a freelancer. At first, I thought that was going to be a lot of arts and science writing, but that turned out to be a lot of cannabis writing. People wanted to read about marijuana and publishers wanted to publish articles on cannabis. Between justice issues, drug policy, and politics in general, I had an interest in marijuana journalism. As a citizen, I wanted to know about where my tax money was going and what medical options were out there if I got sick. Also personally, I have family and friends who have found efficacy in medical marijuana. I think it all contributed to this career direction taking off for me. \r\n\r\n### Has your recent book launch been successful?\r\n\r\nAmerica’s readers are really responding to the title The Medical Marijuana Guide Book: America’s First How-To Guide for Patients and Caregivers. They are getting back to me with positive feedback. They are responding with statements like, “this is the book that every bud tender should read,” and, “I am going to give this to this hospice nurse I know.” The book is doing what it is suppose to do by answering questions people have about cannabis and helping them get on track to start helping themselves.\r\n\r\n### What prompted you to write a book about cannabis?\r\n\r\nThis book was requested by patients. I have spent a lot of time in private and in public, through my writing, answering the questions that I cover in the book, such as how to legally get marijuana and how to use it properly.  After years and years of reporting on cannabis, I had a really good sense of what questions people had. I also knew what information was available in the form of books and what information was more questionable. This book was created for utilitarian purposes, I wanted to provide patients with a concise guidebook that condensed all of the information out there. Even though some of the information was just a Google click away, patients wanted that information condensed into a book that was short, factual, and loaded with references. I had been planning on self publishing, but then a publisher expressed their interest and they gave me a little money to help tie it all together.\r\n\r\n### Where do you source most of your information from?\r\n\r\nIt is a fallacy how few formal studies there are on issues like chronic pain, nausea, and vomiting compared to the amount of free clinical information on dozens of websites. There is a lot of information to draw from on sites like PubMed or from interviews, like those by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. A lot of the information comes from being in the industry and talking to patients about what products are out there and what works for them. I also talked to bud tenders because they talk to patients all day about what people should try or what has worked. In medical terms, it was a systematic review of what the patients felt before and an analysis of what they felt after they tried medical marijuana. \r\n\r\n### What's your view on the future of cannabis in the US?\r\n\r\nIt seems like the tide has turned between government policies and medical options. It also seems that the opinion of people has already changed. People have more knowledge available to them now, and there has been a spread in the awareness of cannabinoid science. I think restrictions will lighten up to the point that people 21 and over will have access to cannabis in most places eventually. However, I was just reading about how the Philippines, which is a pretty modern country, and they have declared open season on all drug dealers and drug users. There has been over 2000 killings in the past two weeks because of this new declared War on Drugs. There is a spirit of prosecution, particularly of minorities and people of color, that is still very present in the world.\r\n\r\n### Will the War on Drugs lessen overall within the US?\r\n\r\nI think there may be a decrease, just because of the costliness of the war on drugs, but there will probably be some movement to fight other drugs. The lawyers that currently fight against cannabis will move to another drug because that is what they do. There may also be a push for synthetic cannabinoids over selling marijuana in a whole plant form. We can see from alcohol prohibition that just banning something doesn't reduce problems as was the idea with the war on drugs. \r\n\r\n### Do you see Big Pharma getting more involved with cannabis?\r\n\r\nYes, I think Big Pharma companies will try to get into synthetic cannabinoid therapies. For example, there is a synthetic THC called Marinol or Dronabinol, which is now generic and they can sell it for more than whole plant THC. Pharmaceutical companies will try to pursue single molecule therapies or ones that combine single molecules. Legal policies will likely support that because it is easier for the FDA to regulate these single molecule products.  I see a parallel world of quasi-medical herbal wellness with recreational products and purely medical products that are basically just specified tinctures in a bottle. Creating these pharmaceutical products is a difficult process though. They made a synthetic cannabinoid called Rimonabant and it was a weightless pill that made you want to kill yourself. So, one of the first products they came out with using synthetic cannabinoids was basically an anti-marijuana. Marijuana makes you happy and hungry and this product made you loose your appetite and suicidal. It was eventually pulled off the market because of its psychiatric side effects that prompted suicidal thoughts. \r\n\r\n### Will cannabis ever go across state lines freely? \r\n\r\nYou can’t have the inter-state commerce until marijuana is made federally legal and you are looking at probably 10 or 15 years until that will likely happen. But right now, you do have people getting in their cars and driving to medical marijuana legal states to get the medicine they need. The idea behind drug control is uniformity. Prohibition provided uniformity, but the next step is to try uniformity with legalization. Uniformity in legalization is what we have with alcohol, which has worked well so far. We don’t have a crazy black market economy for alcohol like we currently see for cannabis and other drugs. \r\n\r\n### What's your advice to people considering medical marijuana?\r\n\r\nDon’t listen to your friends or family. Listen to a doctor, like Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who is an informed physician. Medical marijuana is such a personal thing because people don’t normally come to marijuana unless they are very very sick. Most people don't encounter medical marijuana until they experience something calamitous, like a terminal illness, but the people that find the plant the hard way are often the plants biggest advocates. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/14b42/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/f836f/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg 200w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/2244e/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg 400w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/14b42/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg 800w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/47498/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg 1200w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/54ac5/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/58556/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/61e93/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp 200w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/1f5c5/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp 400w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/58556/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp 800w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/99238/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp 1200w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/5e0b8/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2012-markdown","title":"Q & A with Alex Halperin of WeedWeek","slug":"q-and-a-with-alex-halperin-of-weedweek","content":"HelloMD had the chance to speak to Alex Halperin, a top cannabis journalist and the founder of  the popular weekly online newsletter [WeedWeek](http://www.weedweek.net/). Alex has become a mainstay in cannabis journalism, which led to the creation of WeedWeek, a Saturday morning newsletter that covers everything from cannabis culture and business to criminal justice issues related to marijuana.  This past week, an article he wrote regarding the recent DEA decision to not reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I drug was published in [SF Weekly](http://www.sfweekly.com/news/chem-tales/chem-tales-failure-reschedule-cannabis-schedule-1-dea/). We got to speak to Alex his work as a cannabis journalist and where he sees the industry going in the future. \r\n\r\n#### So, how did you get into cannabis journalism?\r\n\r\nI had held various journalism jobs in New York before I got into cannabis journalism. While I was a freelancer, I went to an industry conference in Las Vegas on assignment for Fast Company in November 2014. I wrote a couple of stories about cannabis and very quickly realized that marijuana was a very fascinating and rich genre. Pretty soon after that I started making plans to move to Colorado to specifically focus on it. I moved to Colorado in March of 2015. \r\n\r\n#### What other publications do you write for?\r\n\r\nI write for a bunch of different publications. My cannabis work has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, Fast Company, and several other places. \r\n\r\n#### When and why did you start WeedWeek?\r\n\r\nI started WeedWeek in July of 2015, so about 5 months after I moved out to Colorado. I thought it filled a niche that was vacant and it was an opportunity to boost my profile as a cannabis journalist. \r\n\r\n#### How does WeedWeek differentiate itself?\r\n\r\nMy background is in mainstream journalism, so I try to bring that to WeedWeek. Most of my subscribers, I assume, are pro marijuana and quite a few of them are involved in the industry. I feel like my readers want to absorb information, even if it doesn’t necessarily support their thesis. They want to have a good idea of whats going on, whether or not they are happy about it. I think cannabis reporting has gotten a lot more robust since I started reporting, but there has been a certain shyness in reporting on issues that often paints marijuana in a poor light. \r\n\r\nFor instance, in the most recent issue of WeedWeek I reported that rates of cannabis use among the uneducated are climbing, and they are probably increasing among all different kinds of peoples, and this is interesting. It is something that the industry isn't necessarily bragging about, but it is something that they have to be aware of. I trust that my readers to want to know information like that and that they are openminded enough to accept that information. \r\n\r\n#### Is marijuana coverage different from the coverage on opioids?\r\n\r\nI think there is a lot of pretty friendly coverage. Most journalists don't really have a problem with marijuana and even the ones that do have much more of a problem with an unfair criminal justice system. I think I'm in agreement with most journalists when I say I think that this is much more of a problem. There is a lot of novelty coverage of marijuana, like ‘oh look celebrity chefs are getting involved’ or other style stories that aren't too concerned with legalization. With opioids, the facts on the ground are much more dire and demand a much more critical kind of coverage. Opioids don't get any good coverage, as far as I know, because by any standard the availability of these drugs is a much bigger problem than we see with marijuana. \r\n\r\n#### What are your thoughts on the DEA's decision not to reschedule cannabis?\r\n\r\nI do not have any deeper insight into the DEA than a lot of people, but I guess I would say a few things. There was a potential for rescheduling to really upset the industry by taking a product that is federally unregulated and making it regulated. That raised some red flags from companies who were worried that the federal government could interfere with the growing industry. It is not certain how real of a concern that really was, but I think that a lot of people in the industry were looking to the DEA for some vindication for the work they do, the jobs they create, and of the benefits of medical marijuana. I think they were looking for a little pat on the shoulder and they didn't get it, but ultimately, I don't think it has large consequences for how the industry will expand and grow in the future. \r\n\r\n#### Does the DEA's decision effect the news in states going for legalization?\r\n\r\nI think in the states where there is something on the ballot, especially states that are voting on recreational marijuana, which are Arizona, Nevada, Massachusetts, Maine, and California, there will be a lot of coverage as these states are becoming familiar with the issues. As for coverage in the other states, maybe not as much. An election year also takes up a lot of air, especially with everything that has happened around Trump. It has taken away coverage from marijuana and a lot of other worthy stories. \r\n\r\n#### If California legalizes, does it become the center of the industry nationwide?\r\n\r\nCalifornia is a massive market, it is often called the world’s 8th or 9th largest economy, so there will be some kind of shift. It also considers itself marijuana’s real home in America because it is where the movement started. Marijuana was just always a bigger part of everyday life in California than in other states, so there is definitely going to be some shift. Smaller states are protected by the fact that you cannot sell marijuana across state lines. Should the federal government get involved though, and rules like that begin to dissolve, then it will be interesting to see how other states try to stay competitive to California.  \r\n\r\n#### What are your thoughts on cannabis legalization?\r\n\r\nI think legalization will be very hard to stop for a variety of reasons. One is that unlike other decisive social issues, like abortion or same sex marriage, there are not extremely deep convictions on the right about how these things shouldn't exist. People in the cannabis industry like to talk about how bad the opposition is, but I think it is relatively small. Opponents have some legitimate arguments, but they don't always focus on their best arguments. They over utilize ascetic arguments, like the inherent offensiveness of a store selling marijuana gummy bears even if kids really aren't going to see the gummy bears. There are some issues that are concerning though, like the growing number of new born babies in Colorado that are being born with THC in their system. I think most of what we know about marijuana being dangerous is that it is most dangerous for developing brains. There are medical opponents, law and order opponents, and some status quo opponents, but compared to the side of legalization they lack the money and the motivation. I don't see the opposition being able to get together the money, motivation, or organization to stop the tide of legalization. \r\n\r\n#### As cannabis goes more mainstream where do you see yourself?\r\n\r\nWhen I first got to Colorado it already felt pretty normal. It is even more so now because there are normal business patterns and more and more people are more habituated to it. I think it'll be interesting to see how new states, especially states that aren't as progressive, adapt. The California industry will look very different from the industry in Ohio, in the products they produce and the forms of regulation they implement. It will be interesting to see how different systems evolve and what works best in the long run. \r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/14b42/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/f836f/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.jpg 200w,\n/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/2244e/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.jpg 400w,\n/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/14b42/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.jpg 800w,\n/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/47498/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/54ac5/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/58556/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/61e93/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.webp 200w,\n/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/1f5c5/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.webp 400w,\n/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/58556/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.webp 800w,\n/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/99238/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.webp 1200w,\n/static/948bdd55c7b4a5fa4e88dbd7a2e57ff6/5e0b8/f0c72709843b5642172b2b2e0775493d.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2116-markdown","title":"Ten States to Vote on Legalization in November ","slug":"ten-states-to-vote-on-legalization-in-november","content":"Marijuana legalization is a hot topic across the country and ten different states have cannabis related bills on their ballots this coming November. Five states have recreational cannabis legalization on the agenda and five more have medical marijuana going up for a vote. Four of the states up for recreational legalization have “regulate marijuana like alcohol” campaigns, which proved successful in achieving recreational legalization in Colorado.  The most politically decisive vote could possibly be recreational cannabis legalization in California. If California alone legalized recreational marijuana consumption, it would double the number of people who have access to recreational marijuana across the country. Here’s a preview on what’s on the ballot in three months. \r\n\r\n### California (Proposition 64) - Rec. Legalization\r\n\r\nCalifornia was the first state to legalize medical marijuana nearly 20 years ago. Now, after failing to pass in 2010, recreational legalization is back up for a vote in the state. Proposition 64 would allow for people to possess one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants. The proposition also allows for gifting of up to a quarter ounce of marijuana to a person of legal age and includes stipulations for cannabis cafes. If the proposition is passed, it would prompt the creation of a new Bureau of Marijuana Control, which would take over for the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation that is currently in place in the state. The proposition includes a 15% sales tax, as well as a $9.25 per ounce cultivation tax at the wholesale level. In the spirit of California’s boutique marijuana growing industry, the proposition would only allow for “micro growers”, who grow under 10,000 square feet of product, to operate in the state until 2023 when “mega growers”, who have plots of more than a half acre indoors or an acre outdoors, would be allowed to open. The polls indicate that the vote will come out in favor of legalization.\r\n\r\n### Maine (Question 1) - Rec. Legalization\r\n\r\nMaine’s Question 1 would allow for adults 21 and over to possess two and a half ounces of marijuana as well as six flowering and twelve immature plants. Question 1 also allows for the gifting of two and a half ounces of marijuana or six plants to other adults of legal consumption age. The regulation of the marijuana industry would fall under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Local governments would also have the option to approve or ban commercial marijuana sales within their county lines. Maine would collect a 10% retail tax on cannabis. The question, if passed, would also allow for cannabis cafes. In preliminary polls 53% of Maine voters are in favor of legalization, but it will be a very close race to call. \r\n\r\n### Arizona (Proposition 205) - Rec. Legalization\r\n\r\nProposition 205 would allow people 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, as well as six plants. It would also create a state agency that would oversee and regulate the new state industry. The proposition would also limit the number of dispensaries to one tenth of the number of liquor stores in the state, leaving room for fewer than 180 dispensaries total. Arizona would collect a 15% tax on marijuana products, 80% of which would go towards schools and the other 20% to substance abuse education programs. Arizona's strict drug laws, however, would remain in place. Currently if there is any presence of marijuana metabolites, even if inactive, a person is theoretically driving under the influence. Also, possessing 28 g of marijuana would be legal, but possessing 29 g would still be considered a felony. Current polls indicate that legalization may not be likely this coming November in Arizona. \r\n\r\n### Massachusetts (Question 4) - Rec. Legalization\r\n\r\nQuestion 4 would allow for adults over 21 to possess one ounce of marijuana in public and ten ounces at home. If recreational marijuana is legalized in Massachusetts there would also be the opportunity for cannabis cafes. Massachusetts would put a 3.75% tax on marijuana, coupled with the 6.25% sales tax already in place in the state. Localities can also ban marijuana sale, but if they choose to approve it they are able to add another 2% tax to marijuana products within their county or city lines. Massachusetts currently is a tight race, polls have fluctuated from in favor of to against legalization at various polling times. \r\n\r\n### Nevada (Question 2) - Rec. Legalization\r\n\r\nNevada, who recently got medical marijuana programs moving in the state, is looking into recreational marijuana as well. Question 2 would allow for people 21 and over to possess one ounce of marijuana and six plants, but only if they live more than 25 miles away from a dispensary. Nevada would also collect a 15% wholesale tax on marijuana. The polling in the state is encouraging, but legalization is not inevitable. \r\n\r\n### 5 States for Medical Legalization\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana legalization is up for approval in Florida, Missouri, Michigan, Montana, and North Dakota. Florida's medical marijuana legalization bill lost by the small margin of 2% in 2014, but the use of marijuana for debilitating medical conditions is back on the ballot in November. Missouri does not yet have a formal bill on their ballot, but the correct number of signatures has been collected and it is expected to be put on the ballot after the validation of signatures. Michigan is also waiting for the validation of signatures before a formal bill is put on the ballot for November. Montana is voting on an expansion of their current state approved program. Montana first approved medical marijuana in 2004, but the new bill will add to the list of conditions that qualify, repeal limits on the number of patients doctors can recommend, and end unannounced inspections of prescribing doctors. The North Dakota Compassionate Care Act is up for a vote in November as well. It would allow for patients with qualifying conditions, such as cancer, AIDs, and epilepsy, to get medical marijuana from a dispensary or grow marijuana if they do not live within a 40 mile radius of a dispensary. Some other states are also in the process of collecting signatures to put medical marijuana legalization on the ballot this year.  These states include Arkansas, which has a few more weeks to collect signatures before their deadline. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/1e2020c9a0094739ee8a2778ec050ecf/ee604/7aa6e127b0316fccf18a85f566506699.png","srcSet":"/static/1e2020c9a0094739ee8a2778ec050ecf/69585/7aa6e127b0316fccf18a85f566506699.png 200w,\n/static/1e2020c9a0094739ee8a2778ec050ecf/497c6/7aa6e127b0316fccf18a85f566506699.png 400w,\n/static/1e2020c9a0094739ee8a2778ec050ecf/ee604/7aa6e127b0316fccf18a85f566506699.png 800w,\n/static/1e2020c9a0094739ee8a2778ec050ecf/f596f/7aa6e127b0316fccf18a85f566506699.png 1194w","srcWebp":"/static/1e2020c9a0094739ee8a2778ec050ecf/58556/7aa6e127b0316fccf18a85f566506699.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1e2020c9a0094739ee8a2778ec050ecf/61e93/7aa6e127b0316fccf18a85f566506699.webp 200w,\n/static/1e2020c9a0094739ee8a2778ec050ecf/1f5c5/7aa6e127b0316fccf18a85f566506699.webp 400w,\n/static/1e2020c9a0094739ee8a2778ec050ecf/58556/7aa6e127b0316fccf18a85f566506699.webp 800w,\n/static/1e2020c9a0094739ee8a2778ec050ecf/e4334/7aa6e127b0316fccf18a85f566506699.webp 1194w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1962-markdown","title":"Vote for HelloMD to go to SXSW 2017!","slug":"vote-for-hellomd-to-go-to-sxsw-2017","content":"HelloMD is proud to be considered for a panel at this year's SXSW but we need your help to get there! Please vote a thumbs up to get us there as the 'People's Choice'.\r\n\r\n###[CAST YOUR VOTE HERE](http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/61204)\r\n\r\nOur panel discussion is entitled \"Cannabis Crossroads: Shattering Stigmas\" and Pamela Hadfield of HelloMD will be on the panel with the inspiring Hugh Hempel of Strainz  and Cort Smith of Davinci Vaporizers. Hugh Hempel's recent Ted Talk ['Why I changed my mind about medicinal cannabis'](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N8QMeIsX2c) blows our mind.\r\n\r\nHere is a summary of what we will talk about on the panel:\r\n\r\nAmerica is at a cannabis crossroads. The challenges are seemingly endless, including scaling a new industry with many unknown variables, providing accurate and easily digestible information/education to the public, working with the proper legal/government channels to legitimize the industry. All the while keeping in mind that cannabis is still federally illegal, with vastly varying laws and restrictions from state to state. These variances make scaling a business in this industry nearly impossible. We are standing at the threshold of a New America. A legalized cannabis industry stands to completely disrupt the health and wellness space like nothing we have witnessed before.\r\n\r\n###[CAST YOUR VOTE HERE](http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/61204)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/14b42/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/f836f/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.jpg 200w,\n/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/2244e/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.jpg 400w,\n/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/14b42/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.jpg 800w,\n/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/47498/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/54ac5/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/58556/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/61e93/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.webp 200w,\n/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/1f5c5/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.webp 400w,\n/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/58556/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.webp 800w,\n/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/99238/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.webp 1200w,\n/static/4a51b4739d11742c24e83d92438b38f9/5e0b8/381dd61b78487e30d627bab612b9427d.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2019-markdown","title":"Canadian Prime Minister's Case for Marijuana Legalization","slug":"canadian-prime-ministers-case-for-marijuana-legalization","content":"Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, spoke at an economic conference in early June and provided very sound reasoning for marijuana legalization: marijuana legalization is what is best for the children of Canada. It sounds shocking but Trudeau explains legalization should not be thought of as tax revenue builder or a window into new industry, but an act of safety. His ideas focus on two simple principles, that legalization could decrease the access that young people have to marijuana and that it would prevent billions of dollars from flowing into the hands of gangs and cartels. \r\n\r\n### Protecting Teens Through Legalization\r\n\r\nCanada is already ranked # 1 in the availability of marijuana to the underage population. Trudeau believes that through regulation and control of marijuana, it is possible make it more difficult for young people to obtain cannabis. The legalization of marijuana will not increase accessibility of marijuana, but if it is taken off the streets and put into stores, teens will have a more difficult time getting a hold of it. According to a Monitoring the Future study conducted state-side, nearly 80% of 12th graders said that it would be easy for them to obtain marijuana. \r\n\r\nTrudeau’s idea that legalization could reduce teen marijuana use could hold a lot of clout. A Washington University School of Medicine study showed that the number of teens with marijuana related problems, dependency or trouble with family and school due to cannabis, fell by 24% between 2002-2013, during which 13 states legalized medical marijuana. The overall number of teens using marijuana fell as well. After recreational marijuana legalization in Colorado and Washington, federal data showed no significant increase in marijuana use among teens from year to year. \r\n\r\n### Keeping Money Out of the Hands of Cartels\r\n\r\nTrudeau argues that creating a legal channel for marijuana reduces the underground marijuana market. As is the historical problem with prohibition, the industry has been driven into the hands of illegal cartels. Illegal drug cartels promote violence internally and abroad and can cause issues with border security. The illegal drug trade also comes with added gang violence from turf wars and rivalries, violence that can touch both innocents and gang members in the crossfire. \r\n\r\nPartial legalization has already helped reduce illegal drug trade in the US. A kilo of marijuana has dropped $30 to $50 on the black market in the past few years due to legal production state-side. Cartels have been hard pressed to keep up with the quality of domestically produced marijuana in the US and in Canada, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s national drug threat assessment. US border seizures have also dropped from four million pounds of cannabis in 2009 to one and a half million pounds in 2015. \r\n\r\n### Legalization Can Do What Prohibition Cannot\r\n\r\nKeeping marijuana illegal has only served to magnify many problems. Many of the safety concerns that opponents of marijuana legalization have are coming true while marijuana remains illegal. The increased regulations provided by legalization will increase the safeties of countries as a whole. With the addition of a possible decreased availability for underaged peoples and the reduction of money moving into illegal industries, marijuana legalization looks like the best idea going forward for the future of Canada and the United States.\r\n\r\nInterested in asking a question about this? Go to [HelloMD Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) and ask one of our doctors or community. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/14b42/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/f836f/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.jpg 200w,\n/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/2244e/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.jpg 400w,\n/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/14b42/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.jpg 800w,\n/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/47498/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/54ac5/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/58556/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/61e93/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.webp 200w,\n/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/1f5c5/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.webp 400w,\n/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/58556/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.webp 800w,\n/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/99238/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.webp 1200w,\n/static/ad91a89f6b68264152eac079eda28ba9/5e0b8/45f0d4184f3671f8c1facf562b0f5840.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2140-markdown","title":"Why Moms Should Support Marijuana Legalization","slug":"why-moms-should-support-marijuana-legalization","content":"I’ve written a lot concerning my change of heart regarding marijuana, leading to my pro-legalization stance. Observing the myriad of cannabis users around me both within the industry and outside of it, I see people successfully using cannabis, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, who remain highly functioning, healthy members of society. Additionally, and arguably more important, from a medical perspective cannabis can range from offering hope to those suffering debilitating chronic illnesses, to saving the lives of those who have no other viable medicinal alternative. The road to cannabis legalization is serious stuff, encompassing a variety of issues, and the potential net positive impact on our society in a legalized United States cannot be underestimated. \n\nTo give context of where we stand today, a recent 2015 [Gallop Poll](http://www.gallup.com/poll/186260/back-legal-marijuana.aspx) states “A majority of Americans continue to say marijuana use should be legal in the United States, with 58% holding that view.” As times are changing and overall stigma is reduced, the tide is turning away from a [‘Just Say No’](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Say_No) sentiment. The overwhelming exception to this however are conservative voters, many over the age of 65 who still hold the belief that marijuana is uniformly bad for society. \n\nMy personal belief is that every mom in America should understand the potential positive impact cannabis legalization could have on society overall.  As a mother of three, I clearly understand the issues and stigmas mothers may hold against marijuana. These range from concerns over child welfare, an increase in crime, and a firmly held belief that marijuana is a gateway drug, to name just a handful.  Fortunately, we do have data points to call upon from research and strong anecdotal evidence (clinical trials have been strictly limited due to federal regulation). Both California and Colorado have progressively embraced legalization, and along the way have proven that marijuana legalization does not lead to the degradation of society. The bottom line, supporting the marijuana movement has many positive effects on society. \n\nBelow are my top reasons for supporting cannabis legalization:\n\n# Cannabis Treats Numerous Medical Conditions\n\nIt’s an unfortunate truth that humans get sick and require medical attention. New information and reports are being released almost on a weekly basis on the positive effects cannabis has on such serious conditions as Cancer, Epilepsy, PTSD, Chronic Pain, Crohn’s Disease, Arthritis, as well as many, many more. \n\nThousands of families across America are having to face the tough choice [to pick up and move to Colorado]( http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/marijuana-on-main-street/medical-marijuana-colorado) in order to treat their children with rare and deadly forms of epilepsy. [NFL players are battling the establishment](http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/04/14/ex-nfl-players-rally-behind-medical-marijuana.html) to be allowed to use marijuana to combat their chronic pain, arthritis and brain injuries in lieu of opiates. [Small children with aggressive forms of cancer]( http://cannakids.org/sophies-story/) have been treated successfully (in conjunction with chemo) with cannabis. Twenty-two veterans a day commit suicide in the US and yet all evidence supports that marijuana may be the best treatment for PTSD. This is [backed by research]( http://veteransformedicalmarijuana.org/content/general-use-cannabis-ptsd-symptoms) by the world-renowned Israeli cannabis scientist Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D., who has dedicated his life to studying the effects of marijuana. \n\nOn a daily basis we see patients come to HelloMD who are at the end of their rope, where standard Western medical treatment has failed or has not done enough to help them. Patients should have the access and the choice to try marijuana for their medical condition, because in many cases, it is not only a viable option that improves overall quality of life, it can literally save a life. If you get sick, or a family member gets sick, shouldn’t you be able to legally make this choice yourself or a loved one? It is indisputable at this point that marijuana has far ranging medicinal benefits, which millions of Americans may benefit from.  \n\n[Realm of Caring](https://www.theroc.us/), a medically oriented non profit in Colorado, provides links to information and research on various medical conditions and has established itself as a gold standard for education, advocacy and research in the industry. Additionally, [United Patients Group]( http://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/) in California helps patients with specific conditions. If you would like to learn more about the medicinal benefits of cannabis, this is a great place to start.\n\n# Cannabis Can Replace Addictive Opiates\n\nThis past February, President Obama announced an additional $1.1 billion dollars in new funding to address prescription opioid abuse and heroin addiction. To give an indication of how serious this is 28,648 deaths were attributed to this affliction in 2014 alone. Broken down, 46 people die every single day in the US. During his address, Obama failed to mention cannabis as a possible tool to be used to combat the problem.\n\nMedical cannabis can help combat the symptoms that lead people to start using opiates (and sometimes heroin) to begin with. These can include Chronic Pain, Neuropathic Pain, AIDS, and the list goes on. A [study]( http://media.jamanetwork.com/news-item/lower-opioid-overdose-death-rates-associated-with-state-medical-marijuana-laws/) by the Journal of the America Medical Association says, “States that implemented medical marijuana laws appear to have lower annual opioid analgesic overdose death rates (both from prescription pain killers and illicit drugs such as heroin) than states without such laws.” It’s also important to note that cannabis is not associated with the multitude of negative side effects so often associated with opiates.\n\nIn addition, using medical marijuana shows excellent promise in helping people detox off their addiction from both opiate and heroin use. Although more studies need to be done in this area, an article by [NORML]( http://blog.norml.org/2013/07/16/study-marijuana-use-associated-with-decreased-symptoms-of-opiate-withdrawal-in-methadone-maintenance-treatment-subjects/) states, “Cannabis consumption is associated with mitigated symptoms of opiate withdrawal in subjects undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.”\n\nAnecdotally, at HelloMD we consistently hear from people using marijuana in lieu of opiates for pain and other chronic conditions. Our recent study which included 1400 participants, showed that 66% of participants polled use marijuana as the primary method for treating their medical condition. 84% said they felt it successfully addressed their condition. For us, it creates a sense of hope when patients let us know that cannabis has helped them get off opiates and or avoid them altogether. Patients in our study reported almost zero negative side effects from using marijuana. That is good news.\n\n# Cannabis Legalization Results in Safer Cannabis & Reduces Black Market Trade\n\n42% of American adults admit to having used cannabis. Your child, at some point, will be offered marijuana and he or she may decide to partake. There is an enormous amount of cannabis ingested in the US that is purchased illegally with unknown origins. Unfortunately, cannabis that is not lab tested is often full of nasty chemicals, which can adversely affect your health. This includes microbial material such as ecoli, carcinogenic phospholoads, pesticides, residual solvents and even deadly neurotoxins. An interesting fact is that most of these chemicals can be traced directly back to the chemicals available at your local garden store. A legalized system leads to government-mandated regulation, which equates to safer consumables and responsible growing practices. \n\nBefore the wider spread legalization of marijuana in the U.S., most cannabis bought and sold here had been grown in and smuggled from Mexico. As you know, drug cartels have zero concern about the actual consumer. By taking an anti-cannabis stance you are inadvertently supporting a black market that is foundationally supported by Mexican drug cartels that care about the survival of their crops at any cost and the overall profits to be made. You can be against personal cannabis use while at the same time supporting a regulated system that protects the safety of a vast number of consumers. One of the bright linings on legalization is that the price of marijuana has dropped, leading to much less cannabis crossing the border via Mexican smugglers.\n\n# Cannabis is Less Harmful Than Alcohol\n \nMost people who drink do not like to hear this, but marijuana has less adverse effects on society and your health than alcohol consumption. Fifteen percent of people who drink alcohol will end up addicted. Addiction rates for marijuana stand at about 9%. [Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana are far less severe than those from alcohol]( http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/20/health/marijuana-versus-alcohol/), which includes vomiting and even seizures. \n\nAccording to the [NIH]( http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body), there is plenty to be concerned about with alcohol consumption. While moderate amounts can protect adults from coronary disease and aid in relaxation, chronic use and overuse can lead to stretching and drooping of heart muscle, irregular heartbeat, stroke and high blood pressure. Drinking can also lead to liver dysfunction including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Alcohol is also a known to cause cancer particularly of the mouth, throat, breast, esophagus and liver. Lastly, drinking reduces the power of your immune system to fight off disease.\n\nThe collateral damage of alcohol includes 10,000 road deaths every year, and nearly 1.4 million people arrested for DUIs. According to the [NPAMC]( http://www.alcoholandcrime.org/issues/alcohol-and-crime/), “40% of state prisoners convicted of violent crimes were under the influence of alcohol at the time of their offense − the more violent the crime, the greater the likelihood that alcohol was involved.” Also, “the incidence of other alcohol-involved crimes including domestic violence, underage drinking, and assault has reached staggering proportions.”\n\n88,000 people die every year from alcohol abuse according to the CDC. There is not a recorded incident of a person overdosing on marijuana. To die from marijuana you need to eat 38% of your body weight, and that is a lot of marijuana. Marijuana’s health benefits for medicinal users far outweigh negatives. Cannabis does react differently with different people and typical negative side effects that are reported might be a sense of lethargy, paranoia and possibly anxiety. However, interestingly it also seems to help many people with anxiety as well.\n\n# Marijuana is NOT a Gateway Drug - Alcohol IS\n\nA recent article in [Newsweek]( http://www.newsweek.com/marijuana-not-gateway-drug-325358) elaborates on findings that conclude that marijuana is NOT a gateway drug. However, new evidence supports that alcohol IS a gateway drug. “[The common government stance within the US is that alcohol is a gateway drug]( http://alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/connection-between-alcohol-and-drugs/). This means that a user first starts drinking and then moves on to harder substances, such as cannabis and heroin, later on in life.” We grew up being told a very different story than this, so mentally it is hard for many people to absorb this new finding.\n\n# Cannabis Legalization Results in Enormous Revenue for States & A Lot of Jobs\n\nColorado has been the biggest proving ground as one of the first truly legalized states. In the first 18 months of legalization [CNN Money]( http://money.cnn.com/2014/02/20/news/economy/marijuana-taxes-colorado/) reports, $610 million dollars was generated, $184 million of which resulted from tax revenue. Much of this money resulted in programs to teach kids how to stay away from marijuana. Other uses for the money went towards public health, regulatory oversight, enforcement and general education.\n\nChildren’s education in regards to cannabis is important whether cannabis is legalized in your state or not. Kids, especially teenagers, have access to cannabis more frequently than is regularly acknowledged. Having state run programs that create a thoughtful dialogue is of the utmost importance.\n\nCannabis also creates jobs, and lots of them. Legal cannabis states, such as Colorado, experienced a bump in overall employment, correlating directly to the growth of the industry. [Colorado Pot Guide](https://www.coloradopotguide.com/colorado-marijuana-blog/2015/march/27/canna-businesses-good-for-the-economy/) noted that “Colorado job growth increased more than the national average by about one percent in 2014. This growth is largely accounted for by newly-developed cannabis positions such as bud tenders, trimmers and edible manufactures, but also includes an increase in construction, engineering and marketing jobs.” An estimated 200,000 new jobs were projected from 2015 through 2016 in the state of Colorado. Drug Policy Alliance states “Estimated annual revenue that California would raise if it taxed and regulated the sale of marijuana: $1,400,000,000”.\n\n# Illegal Cannabis Wastes Police Resources\n\nThe ‘War on Drugs’, which includes cannabis, has been a costly failure and resulting in more than $51,000,000,000 spent annually, with little to show for it. According to [Drug Policy Alliance](http://www.drugpolicy.org/drug-facts/10-facts-about-marijuana) our states collectively spent an estimated $3.6 billion enforcing marijuana possession laws. In 2014 there were 700,993 marijuana drug arrests made in the US, which comprises almost half of all drug arrests made. 87% of those arrests were for simple possession. These is a dramatic drain on our police task force, which takes police away from serious crimes such as murder, rape, and first call response. When people are arrested for marijuana, they are handcuffed and taken to the police station where more churn occurs including the creation of a permanent criminal record, which often affects a person’s employment. All of this for a drug that has never caused an overdose and which anecdotally, does not seem to spur on any type of violent crime.\n\nKeeping cannabis illegal also has a disproportionately negative impact on the minority populations. It is no secret that our jails are filled to the brim with young African American males. According to a  [2012 ACLU report](https://www.aclu.org/news/new-aclu-report-finds-overwhelming-racial-bias-marijuana-arrests?redirect=criminal-law-reform/new-aclu-report-finds-overwhelming-racial-bias-marijuana-arrests) “Black people are 3.7 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people despite comparable usage rates. Furthermore, in counties with the worst disparities, Blacks were as much as 30 times more likely to be arrested.” \n\n[Alternet](http://www.alternet.org/drugs/increased-access-cannabis-associated-reductions-violent-crimes) states “Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas reported that the enactment of laws legalizing people’s access to medical marijuana is not associated with any rise in statewide criminal activity, and that it may even be related to reductions in incidences of violent crime.”\n\n# You Can Use Cannabis & Not Get Stoned or be a “Stoner”\n\nThis last point is an important one and part of general education surrounding cannabis use. There are many ways to receive medicinal benefits from cannabis without having the effect of being high or stoned. There is only one cannabinoid within cannabis that creates the psychedelic effect known as ‘getting high’ and this is THC. There are over 80 cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, including the well-known CBD (Cannabidiol) and none of them will get you high. Many cannabis products on the market today contain small amounts of THC or even no THC. A common misconception is that you must smoke cannabis, & many people still choose to do so. There are many alternatives to smoking which includes topicals, transdermal patches, drinks, edibles, sub lingual sprays, suppositories, tinctures and even bath soaks. This is often hard for people to understand, given what they have been taught to believe historically. I ingest cannabis on a daily basis and I almost never choose to get ‘head high’, as I like to say. Said differently, I don't get stoned.\n\nMany people voice concern that by legalizing recreational use we will pave the way to a 'doped up' society. Colorado though has been an interesting proving ground on this. In Colorado, recreation/retail sales are split from medicinal sales. Stats have shown that medicinal sales easily outpace recreational sales. A [Wired](http://www.wired.com/2015/03/five-charts-explain-colorados-first-year-recreational-weed/) article gives some interesting stats on this and states, \"Medicinal dispensaries sold nearly three times the amount of bud: 109,600 pounds, compared to the nearly 37,000 pounds sold to recreational buyers.\" At HelloMD, our research leads us to believe that the recreational market will ultimately hover at around 13% of the total market, the other consumers will primarily be medicinal users.\n\n# The Mess That Illegal Cannabis Creates\n\nA recent [Brookings Essay]( http://www.brookings.edu/research/essays/2016/the-medical-marijuana-mess?utm_campaign=Brookings+Brief&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=27719230&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8F-VSED5hvkpAFhcslKQxowzUzmDxktZDzFX_U1IrIzcYhGZ9j7jWBn2lWXNvKUPkfj8fvryJxIdW7UQoC02uDjmrOTw&_hsmi=27719230) sums up the mess that is created by keeping cannabis illegal: \n\n>“Reform should take government out of the doctor‐patient relationship entirely. It should also ensure that when a doctor decides that medical marijuana could help a patient, the government would not obstruct safe access to the drug. Medical marijuana policy in the United States is putting Americans at risk. The federal government keeps people who live in states that don’t have medical marijuana programs from accessing a product that could benefit their health. And even as it prevents some people from having it, it erects barriers against research into the safety and efficacy of a product used by tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people who do live in states that have legalized it.”\n\nMany pro cannabis folks will say that legalization is a fait accompli, as more and more states continue to lean towards legalization. Seeing the mercurial nature of how laws and regulations are enacted state to state today though, this is not necessarily the case. As we watch states legalize to one extent or another, each state behaves and reacts differently, creating wildly different implementations. Many states, such as New York, take such timid steps towards medical legalization that the end result are impotent laws and regulations that serve no one.\n\nMy belief is that all moms should be educated on the positive aspects of cannabis legalization. Cannabis is not a panacea but neither is it the demon that so many portray it to be. I realize not everyone will agree with my pro legalization stance, and that is OK. Our society is in the midst of an extreme shift and not everyone will be on board with these progressive changes. Ultimately though, if mothers across the United States were to be pro-cannabis, legalization would happen even more quickly leading to rapid and wide spread legalization across the US. My hope is that you will join me.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuanahttps://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/rocketboom/6817806698/in/photolist-bot3pm-bBo2gx-bosZ7w-VJqWT-bosYe5-bot6Td-bot8h3-2sDrX1-bBo4pt-bot5ju-bBnRHc-bosUaL-bBo2UX-bBnTAT-bosUyy-bBo1Np-dZEhxw-bosUVW-bot6P3-bosZaw-7Y1ozi-bBnTpa-9EiNGG-bBo8q4-bBo6ha-botbkC-bBo6iZ-botd8J-botdaL-4z9NDQ-bBo8ER-bBo8nH-botdfd-botd3w-botaWb-botaMq-bBo6Ha-aDxXN3-botbNb-botdh9-botdjE-botcpN-botd1C-6bCoJd-bBnTCM-9Ef3Tk-bosVjE-bBnUva-bBo3tB-bosZFy)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4705882352941178,"src":"/static/2667aff69008f6c0a68d7a326943a7fe/ee604/0704b378f6621c1c1c730c741aea6c39.png","srcSet":"/static/2667aff69008f6c0a68d7a326943a7fe/69585/0704b378f6621c1c1c730c741aea6c39.png 200w,\n/static/2667aff69008f6c0a68d7a326943a7fe/497c6/0704b378f6621c1c1c730c741aea6c39.png 400w,\n/static/2667aff69008f6c0a68d7a326943a7fe/ee604/0704b378f6621c1c1c730c741aea6c39.png 800w,\n/static/2667aff69008f6c0a68d7a326943a7fe/9a85a/0704b378f6621c1c1c730c741aea6c39.png 1182w","srcWebp":"/static/2667aff69008f6c0a68d7a326943a7fe/58556/0704b378f6621c1c1c730c741aea6c39.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2667aff69008f6c0a68d7a326943a7fe/61e93/0704b378f6621c1c1c730c741aea6c39.webp 200w,\n/static/2667aff69008f6c0a68d7a326943a7fe/1f5c5/0704b378f6621c1c1c730c741aea6c39.webp 400w,\n/static/2667aff69008f6c0a68d7a326943a7fe/58556/0704b378f6621c1c1c730c741aea6c39.webp 800w,\n/static/2667aff69008f6c0a68d7a326943a7fe/34d2c/0704b378f6621c1c1c730c741aea6c39.webp 1182w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2136-markdown","title":"The History of Marijuana Propaganda","slug":"the-history-of-marijuana-propaganda","content":"The history of marijuana propaganda follows an interesting trajectory,\r\nfrom moral outrage to a seemingly objective and measured scientific\r\ncensure. In the arguments, certain themes and tropes appear again and\r\nagain, as the narrative has built on its own stories, refined its\r\napproach and responded to criticisms.\r\n\r\n**Reefer Madness**\r\n\r\nThis [1936 film](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbjHOBJzhb0) depicts\r\nthe anti-marijuana propaganda movement in its first frenzied iteration.\r\nThe narrative follows the plight of a young man who smokes the \"vicious\r\nweed\" and finds himself plunged in short order into a nightmare of\r\nviolence and murder that culminates in suicide and insanity. In the\r\n1930s, cannabis and hemp, which had been grown for hundreds of years in\r\nthe US, even by the founding fathers, began being referred to as\r\n\"marijuana,\" perhaps to associate it more closely with Mexican\r\nimmigrants, who were accused of taking American jobs during the\r\nDepression.\r\n\r\n**Marijuana, Assassin of Youth**\r\n\r\nThis [1937 screed](http://druglibrary.org/mags/assassinofyouth.htm) was\r\npenned by H.F. Anslinger, U.S. Commissioner of Narcotics, together with\r\nCourtney Ryley Cooper. Published in the American Magazine, the article\r\ncould easily be a synopsis of \"Reefer Madness,\" suggesting that the\r\nNarcotics Czar didn't look too far for his inspiration. Its notable\r\ntheme is marijuana's unpredictable quality, presumably responding to\r\npeople who had tried the plant and discovered it to be quite benign. One\r\nnever knew how the brain would react, and \"whether he will become a\r\nphilosopher, a joyous reveler, a mad insensate or a murderer.\" This work\r\ncontained a potent theme that would appear again and again in the annals\r\nof drug prohibition literature: of young people, completely detached\r\nfrom material reality, flinging themselves from windows to their death.\r\n\r\n**Marihuana -- The Evil Weed**\r\n\r\nPublished in Detective World in 1947 and written by Judge Carl F.\r\nDieffenbach, Jr, [this\r\narticle](http://druglibrary.org/mags/detectiveworld.htm) built on the\r\nassassin theme and began to associate the plant with everything foreign\r\nand strange to the American mind. The notable use of the Anglicized\r\nspelling variation -- with \"h\" replacing \"j\" -- was very likely a\r\ndeliberate choice to make the plant sound more unAmerican and menacing.\r\nHinting that \"hashish\" is related to the Arabic word \"assassin,\" the\r\narticle depicts the plant as a snake that originated in the Orient and\r\ntraveled through Mexico, then wound itself in a serpentine fashion\r\nthrough the social world of American life, determined to destroy not\r\njust the mind but also our collective culture. The article goes on to\r\nindulge in blatantly racist insinuations, associating \"reefers\" with\r\n\"jazz\" halls and \"juke joints.\" In this reprehensible but masterly\r\nexample of period propaganda, even the poet Homer is evoked to denounce\r\nthe deadly plant, which had apparently invested the ancient Persians\r\nwith their devilish power.\r\n\r\n**Dare Smokes a Reefer**\r\n\r\nPublished in 1953, [Dare\r\nMagazine](http://druglibrary.org/mags/dare_smokes_a_reefer.htm)\r\nconcocted a scary composite picture of drug users turned into criminals\r\nand murderers from smoking \"reefers.\" Beyond these cautionary tales, the\r\nreader was told that nearly all heroin and cocaine users started with\r\nmarijuana, and only graduated to harder drugs when the thrill wore off,\r\nestablishing marijuana as a \"gateway\" drug to harder stuff. One\r\nconsequence of marijuana depicted in these case studies is tied back to\r\nits very illegality. This circular reasoning -- marijuana users suffer\r\nwhen they get arrested for possessing it -- became very popular in\r\nfuture messaging.\r\n\r\n**The Surgeon General's Warning on Marijuana**\r\n\r\nBy 1982, [the\r\nstory](http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001143.htm) had\r\nchanged quite a bit. Marijuana was linked to \"amotivational syndrome,\"\r\ncharacterized by low energy, diminished performance and lack of drive --\r\nalmost exactly the opposite of the manic, super-human claims of the\r\nprevious decades. Along with these effects, the literature warned of low\r\nsperm count, cancer and an impaired immune system.\r\n\r\n**Marijuana -- National Drug Threat Assessment**\r\n\r\n[This official\r\nreport](https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3300/marijuan.htm),\r\npublished as recently as 2003, positioned marijuana as the leading drug\r\nthreat to the country. It focused heavily on crime reports in framing\r\nthe argument, which was heavily skewed to the perceptions of law\r\nenforcement agencies. Again, this problem arises from the fact that\r\nmarijuana is illegal. It suggested that marijuana might be physically\r\naddictive and posited that decriminalization would increase usage.\r\n\r\nToday, marijuana still tops the federal list of dangerous and addictive\r\ndrugs. Since 1970, cannabis has been classified as a schedule I\r\nprohibited substance, the most restrictive category. However, there are\r\nsignals coming from the DEA that changes may be coming soon. Maybe it's\r\ntime to hear the other side of the story.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/invisibleinkweb/4267823492/in/photolist-7v8HeE-7v8J1u-6FJtKG-ERy2K-o7J8bN-o7K9Ar-onbC11-6W7GBW-7Q6qWh-7Q6r2j-9Af8yo-BZVYA-2UNycr-2SHXM-zxrbN-5Dya21-bdZEmk-sSivV-Czt7X-7Q6qN9-6t1ydA-8adKGF-f37iq-33RSKY-9zPgo3-4rLJGj-4rGFvp-4rLJjh-dhBszY-bPakS2-5jod4v-7Tg5Hx-8fJGNT-8qrkvj-B9tYQr-A7HGEr-e5N2FG-aoVWhb-AxPr8H-4rLKp9-B9tYP4-AxPr9e-7v8HvJ-yLvBR3-A9LYSK-5jJAGR-AvvAzA-ACxmbs-AoyvPE-AvvErc)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5625,"src":"/static/c0e1ef437177a3a84bd01bdb9c0e8316/a2255/d7dd7e666a4adfe85efffe9f769bbfbd.png","srcSet":"/static/c0e1ef437177a3a84bd01bdb9c0e8316/69585/d7dd7e666a4adfe85efffe9f769bbfbd.png 200w,\n/static/c0e1ef437177a3a84bd01bdb9c0e8316/497c6/d7dd7e666a4adfe85efffe9f769bbfbd.png 400w,\n/static/c0e1ef437177a3a84bd01bdb9c0e8316/a2255/d7dd7e666a4adfe85efffe9f769bbfbd.png 578w","srcWebp":"/static/c0e1ef437177a3a84bd01bdb9c0e8316/45990/d7dd7e666a4adfe85efffe9f769bbfbd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c0e1ef437177a3a84bd01bdb9c0e8316/61e93/d7dd7e666a4adfe85efffe9f769bbfbd.webp 200w,\n/static/c0e1ef437177a3a84bd01bdb9c0e8316/1f5c5/d7dd7e666a4adfe85efffe9f769bbfbd.webp 400w,\n/static/c0e1ef437177a3a84bd01bdb9c0e8316/45990/d7dd7e666a4adfe85efffe9f769bbfbd.webp 578w","sizes":"(max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2212-markdown","title":"Debbie Wasserman Schultz: on the Wrong Side of Marijuana Issues","slug":"debbie-wasserman-schultz-on-the-wrong-side-of-marijuana-issues","content":"I've recently noticed that Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair of the\nDemocratic National Committee and a Florida representative, stands in\nopposition to medical-marijuana adoption in Florida, but 58 percent of\nthe state voted in support of a 2014 medical-marijuana bill. Florida\nrequires a 60-percent majority to pass the bill, so widespread medical\nmarijuana is not legal yet in this state. Even though I know medical\nmarijuana can treat a wide range of conditions, Florida only permits\nlimited use for cancer patients and those with epilepsy and Lou Gehrig's\ndisease. These medical marijuana users are restricted to a single strain\ncalled Charlotte's Web, which is administered as a low-THC cannabis oil.\nThe issue goes up for a vote again in November 2016, [according to the\nObserver](https://observer.com/2016/03/more-reason-to-hate-debbie-wasserman-schultz-her-ridiculous-war-on-medical-marijuana/),\nbut Schultz is taking measures to prevent the bill from passing again.\n\n**Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Position on Marijuana**\n\nSchultz holds a position that marijuana dispensaries over-prescribe and\nover-treat patients. She used the term \"pill mills\" to describe\ndispensaries during her opposition to the 2014 Florida bill. She has a\nstrong belief that legalizing \"mind-altering\" substances such as\nmarijuana lead to further drug use. [Sun Times\nreports](https://extract.suntimes.com/news/10/153/11412/debbie-wasserman-schultz-opposes-marijuana-legalization-links-to-hard-drugs)\nSchultz is worried about a \"huge heroin epidemic\" in Florida, but I've\nfound no evidence supporting this claim. She says she felt bothered by\nthe drug culture she encountered where she grew up in Long Island.\nHowever, I discovered that Schultz grew up in an affluent neighborhood\nin the region, so the basis of her life experience is uncertain.\n\nStill, she avoided questions asking why she was not opposed to\nopiate-painkiller prescriptions on the same grounds. I see the gateway\ntheory frequently used by opponents of medical marijuana, but science\nhas debunked this position since 1999. A [Congress\nreport](https://www.nap.edu/read/6376/chapter/2# 2) found no link between\nmarijuana use and harder drug use. However, there is a strong link\nbetween opiate-painkiller prescriptions and moving into harder drugs.\nThese painkillers can lead to addiction, many negative medical side\neffects and a tendency to try drugs such as heroin.\n\nSchultz receives significant campaign contributions from alcohol\ncompanies, [according to High\nTimes](https://www.hightimes.com/read/dnc-chair-accepts-huge-donations-alcohol-pacs-claims-pot-gateway-drug),\nsuch as Bacardi USA and Southern Wine and Spirits. Alcohol and tobacco\ncompanies are strongly opposed to marijuana legalization and\ndecriminalization, based on perceived revenue loss. These contributors\nmay influence Schultz's position on medical marijuana. She stands in\nopposition to many other Democrats on this matter, which has led to some\nconfusion about her motives.\n\n**The Benefits of Medical Marijuana**\n\nMedical-marijuana access can bring many benefits to Florida residents if\nthe 2016 bill gains approval.\n[HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey) conducted\na survey to find out how medical-marijuana patients benefited from\nlegalization. The typical conditions treated with marijuana include\n[anxiety](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/anxiety),\n[stress](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99f8b3f24d1300077ccb74/how-to-manage-stress-with-cannabis),\n[insomnia](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/insomnia)\nand [chronic\npain](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/chronic-pain), but\nmany conditions respond well to this treatment method. In fact, [84\npercent of\npatients](https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey) reported\nimprovements in their symptoms and had limited negative side effects.\nPatients mentioned beneficial side effects, such as better moods and\nsleep, compared to using other treatment options.\n\nOther medications used to treat these conditions often come with many\ndetrimental side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, mood swings and\nconstipation. Non-medical marijuana patients sometimes face a situation\nwhere they're taking a primary medication to treat a problem; then they\ntake supplementary medication to manage the many side effects. Medical\nmarijuana's lack of negative side effects helps avoid this situation and\nhelps patients achieve positive medical outcomes.\n\nOne of the biggest benefits of treating chronic pain and other pain\nconditions with medical marijuana is the decrease of pain-killer related\ndeaths. [Opiate painkiller overdoses kill 44 people\ndaily](https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey), but\ncannabis has not caused any overdose-related deaths.\n\n**Ways Florida Voters Can Support Medical Marijuana**\n\nThe next medical-marijuana bill goes on the Florida ballot in November\n2016 as Amendment 2. I recommend Florida voters take several steps to\ngrow support for the medical-marijuana amendment so that it passes into\nlaw. Opponents of the amendment such as Schultz put considerable effort\ninto preventing medical-marijuana adoption, but here are some ways that\nvoters can get more attention and support:\n\nShowing up to vote for Amendment 2 is one of the most important ways to\nsupport medical marijuana in Florida. Voter turnout may be higher than\naverage due to the Senate race, so every vote counts. Another way\nFlorida voters can help is by contributing to medical-marijuana\ncampaigns helping to build awareness on the benefits and advantages of\nlegalization. [United For Care](https://www.unitedforcare.org/) is one\nsuch organization building support for Amendment two in Florida.\n\nFlorida voters with the time to volunteer can help these organizations\nwith more hands-on methods like collecting petitions, getting on the\nphone to build support and encourage voting, staffing medical-marijuana\nawareness events, doing door-to-door canvassing or assisting in\nadministrative work. Voters can also write to their representatives to\nfind out their medical-marijuana positions and learn whether they're for\nor against the measure.\n\nMedical marijuana treats many conditions that currently require\nmedication with opiates or prescriptions with many negative side\neffects. More states are legalizing marijuana and taking advantage of\nthe benefits it brings to patients. Florida has another chance to pass a\nmedical-marijuana amendment in 2016, but it requires voter effort to\novercome opposition by Schultz and others standing against the bill.\nShe's on the wrong side of the issue, but I know the popular vote can\nchange the medical-marijuana landscape in this state.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortunelivemedia/10316396713/in/photolist-gHCejR-gHBDmH-bu5qpy-bvoeyE-bJi2De-bJi2iH-eoXAZg-nby8HE-cPKpXd-gHBH8i-aZhByz-omTT1J-o5BcwC-gHB4KV-gY21Jo-ndCWPS-gHBsuw-gHB8eN-gHBaYq-dhKA39-dhJRme-gHB6YH-5gNzX1-gHBaWH-gHBo1x-gHB6EC-gWjPY9-ok53gb-ooRQ9T-gVgLWD-gHBnTE-gHB4W5-gHAGdW-gHCg6X-gHBxwX-on5kRq-o5Cj3t-gHBkgo-o5Bcbs-dhJY8A-gHCabR-6v7cvp-o5BaWy-gHAX9t-on5mHW-on6WqM-gHBFdj-o5BmWs-o5BaFd-bvofAd)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAOCAIAAACgpqunAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADYUlEQVQozwFWA6n8AEEn2FIu60Im1EIm4XNS2YZmbVk8M1pBOywjKAYBDg0HHgsFFwkEDQkFDAoFCQoFCgwHDA4IDxEKFBMLFwBmPPZrPfVZL+5jO+KVbHRzRiukalmYalNpU1UQBzcJAxkIBQwIBREIBQ0IBQwJBQ0LBg8MCBAOChEOChEAaz/3eEf4c0D/kV/DaEErjVdTwIRxil9ObE9USTLIHQ5pBgQNBAMFBwUNBwUNCAYPCggQDAkTDQoTDgsTAG8992w59Ws7/YdcjHE/LcJ4bbZ6bpVmXWBAN1c6yUMn6j8lwBwNVAsFGgcDBQgDBAkFBgoFCQwIDQ4JDwCGSviCTPmFVvGBVl1pOC25YmCfVVabYllqST9fP8VMK+1EKt49G8kvE5kYDVkXDk4UCz4TCzYRCSoRCSYAjVn5f0v8jFvxgVVbZj4yunRrkVlUQSokYUQqdlLQSy30PyfSNxayNxa2MSjYMy7hKyXONCvaNivUNCbJAIpb95V16Yp5sWtbXYRoWL5/ZY5iVT4iF4FUX3hQ2Egt7U0t5D8avjQWrzMmzTMs1iwlyjMs1j0y5jsw4gCed/XmxLzCx74yMjljZ2zMt6uVY15STkhzYJ5qR/5QL+5MLOM6F7Y2F7Y4Ktg+Neg4Lt43L905L+A7MeEArpnW98CozLitXGFss7vAgoyQjWpnq6uvgpSRu7b0VS/vTS3mMRShKxKcNirXPTboOzPlPDbpOzLkPDPlAI56rfrBo8akkCwtOJafpq6xt6BsZsOgln56edCupmlD51Qw9SgUkyEQjzAozzQt2jIq1To26Twz5jwz5QDFtL/ys5mpjX4lJS9ZX2iAhI1OKS5oP0Csg2vMl5BiOuhSMPAyGa8vGbU5L946MuM3L905NOY8M+ZAOO0Aj3ix5qCKvJqNWFdecHF4i5ObhIKKcktNyJqB05+Xc1TlWzr4NRnFMhzCPjToPjrvOTTlPD/yPDXpPzjtAKyWuOOXhJNoWigoK3h+fnyDhLzJypN7fJNkWMiainRkqmBSu007rzwlwTkx5D899Do26Tg67Ts26T457gC8rKfQh322cF99VU9wWlQ9KSyYeXKNb25pQj2Ya193cKlYVaBDOXRBMohCN+I7OPA6N+o4PPE/Pe9FQ/eObE3mqSjp2QAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","aspectRatio":1.4492753623188406,"src":"/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/ee604/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.png","srcSet":"/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/69585/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.png 200w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/497c6/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.png 400w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/ee604/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.png 800w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/86756/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.png 997w","srcWebp":"/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/58556/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/61e93/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.webp 200w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/1f5c5/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.webp 400w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/58556/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.webp 800w,\n/static/0085d1cb71c2138312b98d070cdab88e/a2a2c/8a588ee70c93a008e2269733364f6a02.webp 997w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2080-markdown","title":"Hillary Clinton Should Up Her Game on Medical Marijuana","slug":"hillary-clinton-should-up-her-game-on-medical-marijuana","content":"As the November presidential election approaches, the issue of medical\nmarijuana has come to the political debate. The Democratic candidate\nHillary Clinton has presented a liberal-leaning, yet cautious\nstand on medical marijuana.\n\nClinton supports legal access to medical marijuana. She would like to\nsee more research into the medical benefits of cannabis, and has stated\nthat she would support the reclassification of marijuana to increase\nsuch research.\n\n\"I do think on the federal level we need to remove marijuana from the\nSchedule I of drugs, move it to Schedule II, which will permit it to be\nthe basis for medical research,\" said Clinton in an interview with [WBZ\nNewsRadio in\nBoston](http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/01/25/hillary-clinton-wbz-newsradio-1030-boston-interview-joe-mathieu-new-hampshire-primary/)\nin January 2016.\n\nWhile this support is encouraging, I feel it doesn't go far enough. She\nneeds a more thorough exposure to the current cannabis environment to\nunderstand why she needs to \"up her game.\" In particular, she needs more\nknowledge about:\n\n-   Changes in marijuana attitudes\n-   Who is using medical marijuana and why\n-   The implications of federal narcotic classification\n-   Unequal access\n-   Economic sense\n\n**Changing Attitudes**\n\nSupport for legalizing marijuana for both recreational and medicinal use\nis at an all-time high. In 1969, at the height of the counterculture\nmovement, Woodstock and Vietnam War protests, fewer than 12 percent of\nAmericans supported marijuana legalization, and only about [four\npercent](http://www.gallup.com/poll/184298/four-americans-say-tried-marijuana.aspx)\nreported that they had tried marijuana. Research focused on marijuana as\na [gateway\ndrug](http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v228/n5277/abs/2281227a0.html),\non its psychological effects such as\n[psychosis](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1970.tb03956.x/abstract)\nand physiological\n[intoxication](http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=490322).\n\nJump ahead nearly 50 years. A 2015 [Gallup\npoll](http://www.gallup.com/poll/186260/back-legal-marijuana.aspx)\nreport that 58 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization, a\n2015 [Harris\nPoll](http://www.theharrispoll.com/health-and-life/Americans-Ready-for-Legal-Marijuana.html)\nreport that 81 percent support medical marijuana usage and access, and\nabout [76\npercent](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55e5c9333236300006380000/who-is-taking-medical-marijuana)\nof doctors support medical cannabis. In addition, nearly [49\npercent](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends)\nof Americans admit to having tried marijuana and [12\npercent](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends)\nare current, regular users.\n\nThis growing support for legalized marijuana is a cultural change, which\nI believe is based on the growing idea that cannabis is safer than\nalcohol, the recognition that cannabis has specific medical effects that\nshould be explored and the complete failure of the \"[war on\ndrugs](https://news.vice.com/article/americas-top-cops-just-called-the-war-on-drugs-a-tremendous-failure)\"\nto curtail illicit drug use. Support is highest among younger\nindividuals (18 to 34 years) and those who typically support Democratic\nor Independent party candidates and platforms.\n\n**Medical Cannabis Users**\n\nApproximately [2.6 million\nAmericans](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005889)\nuse medical cannabis currently. According to a recent and comprehensive\nsurvey of\nmedical cannabis users, most are:\n\n-   Male (64 percent)\n-   College educated (84 percent)\n-   Live in or near a major city (84 percent)\n-   Between 25 and 54 years of age (61 percent)\n\nAmong the survey respondents:\n\n-   84 percent strongly agree that cannabis provides symptom relief\n-   66 percent use it as the primary method of treatment for their\n    medical issue\n-   64 percent use cannabis daily and 28 percent at least weekly\n\n**Federal Narcotic Classification Implications**\n\nMarijuana is currently classified as a [Schedule 1\nnarcotic](http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml), which by definition\nmeans it has \"no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for\nabuse.\" As such, research is difficult to conduct. It requires a complex\napplication process for a highly restrictive license from the Drug\nEnforcement Agency. In addition, funding for Schedule I drug research\ntypically comes from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which tends\nto limit such studies to the effects of abuse, and not medical\napplications.\n\nIn addition to research roadblocks, cannabis distribution, possession\nand use remains a criminal offense, and federal laws could supersede\nstate laws. Although the [US Justice\nDepartment](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-update-marijuana-enforcement-policy)\nupdated its marijuana enforcement policy in 2013 to defer their right to\nchallenge state legislation as long as states actively ensure a policy\nof strict regulatory control, in my opinion, the threat of federal\nprosecution remains.\n\nI believe that this threat would be reduced if Clinton's proposed\nreclassification of marijuana to a Schedule II drug occurs. Marijuana\nwould be downgraded to \"dangerous,\" which would put it in the same\ncategory as cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and Adderall. However,\nthis classification is still misleading. Evidence shows that cannabis is\na [much\nsafer](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c91db33934390006220000/cannabis-may-be-safer-than-opioids-for-managing-pain)\ndrug compared to these other Schedule II drugs.\n\n**Unequal Access**\n\nAs of 2015, 23 states, the District of Columbia (DC) and Guam have\npassed medical cannabis legislation. Clinton is on record for supporting\nstate-level legislation for medical cannabis.\n\n\"I think that the states moving forward is appropriate and I think the\nfederal government has to move to make this more available for research\nthat they can then distribute to interested people across our country,\"\nsaid\n[Clinton](http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/01/25/hillary-clinton-wbz-newsradio-1030-boston-interview-joe-mathieu-new-hampshire-primary/).\n\nLeaving it up to the states, however, means unequal access as more than\nhalf of the states continue to block medical cannabis. Patients who\ncould benefit from medical cannabis are unable to legally obtain or use\nthe medication because of where they live. Those who cross state lines\ncould be subject to prosecution upon returning home with their\nmedication.\n\n**Economic Sense**\n\nAnother argument for the liberalization of marijuana legislation is\nfinancial. According to \"The State of Marijuana Marketing,\" by [ArcView\nMarket Research](http://www.arcviewmarketresearch.com/), \"The cannabis\nindustry is growing at a compounded annual rate of 30%, making it one of\nthe fastest growing sectors in the economy.\" States that have legalized\ncannabis have received an [economic\ninflux](http://www.arcviewmarketresearch.com/): Colorado generated $135\nmillion and Washington generated $70 million in cannabis taxes and\nlicense fees in 2015. These numbers are expected to grow.\n\nContrast that with the cost of enforcing federal marijuana laws. A [2010\nstudy](https://www.aclu.org/files/assets/1114413-mj-report-rfs-rel1.pdf# 77)\nestimated that the cost of prohibiting marijuana was $3.4 billion in\n2008. By contrast, legalization would have generated $8.7 billion in\nannual revenue.\n\nThis information makes it is clear that Clinton needs to become a\nstronger supporter of medical cannabis. In my opinion, it's just good\npolitics.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/us-mission/7474207144/in/photolist-cotgoq-rJL2we-8RDKvn-9swt8u-9nvwp8-GzTZ2-a5JcrW-cotgGJ-GzTXG-9nvvyP-8RDLS8-bWk3oS-GzTph-8REqRx-9nyvcE-8QFKVJ-76EqzS-8RH41u-6M3iYF-8RH36G-8RHx9m-8RDGPx-7z58Nd-adwGWY-8XAkRa-9swsAS-4sDp2E-bHpkVe-8BcHK6-a5sPVJ-8ZN74w-bLRf3a-9swtgy-9noJB1-67REN2-HpWks-8RH697-7yYgc7-a5h7ju-ritmfB-bjVm7m-scZ6zq-d5yjmJ-8RDV5X-9oUBKL-d5ykus-psrCpp-8REeri-4KJPrV-brsQm2)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/ee604/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png","srcSet":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/69585/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 200w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/497c6/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 400w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/ee604/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 800w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/fbaeb/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 1134w","srcWebp":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/58556/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/61e93/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 200w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/1f5c5/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 400w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/58556/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 800w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/bb5cc/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 1134w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2155-markdown","title":"Legalization of Marijuana is Destroying Mexico's Drug Cartel ","slug":"legalization-of-marijuana-is-destroying-mexicos-drug-cartel","content":"The \"War on Drugs\" has been a massive failure. But there is a new force in the market, marijuana legalization. The war on drugs was a massive campaign that began stirring in\r\nAmerican politics way back in 1914 and was [popularized by President\r\nNixon](http://www.drugpolicy.org/new-solutions-drug-policy/brief-history-drug-war)\r\nand, later, President George H. W. Bush. This war on drugs has been an\r\nexpensive and [tragically ineffective\r\nprogram](http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/06/opinion/branson-end-war-on-drugs/)\r\nthat costs the American people approximately $500 *[each\r\nsecond](http://www.drugsense.org/cms/wodclock)*.\r\n\r\nWhile the war on drugs has historically been meant to discourage and\r\nblock the distribution and use of recreational drugs, it has actually\r\n[had the reverse\r\neffect](http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/28/opinions/winslow-drug-war-folly/).\r\nAs the war on drugs has escalated in both expense and intensity, the\r\nprice placed on illegal drugs has skyrocketed in places like Mexico.\r\n\r\nThis has resulted in more drug-related fighting resulting in [85,000\r\npeople](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/02/us-mexico-drug-cartel_n_7707136.html)\r\nbeing killed in Mexico alone since 2006 when then-President Felipe\r\nCalderón signed-off on a military response to drug cartels. It has also\r\nresulted in no fewer drugs crossing the American border - with one\r\nnotable exception. The exception is marijuana and the reason for this is\r\nthe widespread legalization of the plant throughout the United States.\r\n\r\nSo, is it possible that we're actually discouraging smugglers from\r\ntransporting and growing marijuana... by legalizing it? The answer is\r\nyes and, so far, legalization has proven to be a far more effective\r\nstrategy to discourage illegal drug cartels than the War on Drugs has\r\never been.\r\n\r\nHere's what you need to know.\r\n\r\n**Legalization and Crashing Drug Prices**\r\n\r\nBefore the legalization of marijuana in the U.S., most cannabis bought\r\nand sold here had been grown in and smuggled from Mexico. This drove the\r\nprice of marijuana in Mexico to historic heights - at one time up to\r\n[\\$90 for a\r\nkilogram](http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2014/12/01/367802425/legal-pot-in-the-u-s-may-be-undercutting-mexican-marijuana).\r\n\r\nThose exorbitant cannabis prices had a wider effect than many people\r\nthink. In addition to encouraging Mexican drug lords to continue in\r\ntheir brutal and illegal industries, high cannabis prices also torpedoed\r\nthe Mexican government's attempt to help citizens build local economies\r\nby growing legal crops. Because the financial prospect of growing and\r\nselling marijuana was so appealing, many Mexican citizens gravitated\r\ntoward it (and, ergo, toward the dangerous job of working for the\r\nCartels).\r\n\r\nToday, however, the price of marijuana has dropped, which has thrown the\r\nMexican cartels into dire straits. This, in turn, has led to much less\r\ncannabis crossing the border via Mexican smugglers. According to a\r\n[report by Time\r\nMagazine](http://time.com/3801889/us-legalization-marijuana-trade/), the\r\nU.S. Border Patrol seized 2.5 million pounds of Marijuana in 2011. By\r\n2014, that number had dipped to 1.9 million pounds. This decline doesn't\r\nhave much to do with the War on Drugs, however. Instead, it's due to the\r\nlegalization of marijuana across the U.S.\r\n\r\n**How American Legalization has Destroyed Mexican Demand**\r\n\r\nAs affordable, legal marijuana becomes more prevalent in the U.S., the\r\ndemand for smuggled marijuana from Mexico has fallen flat on its face.\r\nIn 2008, roughly\r\n[two-thirds](http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP325.html) of\r\nall the cannabis consumed by U.S. citizens was imported from Mexico.\r\nToday, that number has fallen to roughly one-third. Likewise, cannabis\r\naccounted for 20%-30% of the Mexican drug cartels' revenue as recently\r\nas 2008.\r\n\r\nAs legalization has swept the U.S., though, these numbers have\r\nplummeted. Now that there is plenty of quality, affordable marijuana\r\navailable legally to consumers in the U.S., there's virtually no need to\r\npurchase expensive varieties from Mexico which are almost certainly\r\nlinked to violent cartel activity.\r\n\r\nIn what is possibly one of the largest victories linked to the American\r\nlegalization of cannabis, Mexico itself is now considering adopting laws\r\nlike the U.S. has, which would [decriminalize or legalize\r\ncannabis](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-34731182) in\r\ncertain settings. If these laws go through, it would represent the final\r\nstraw for the powerful and dangerous cartels in Mexico - decimating\r\ntheir profits and obliterating the demand for their products.\r\n\r\n**The Future of Legalization and Mexican Marijuana: Why Pending States Should Follow California's Lead**\r\n\r\nAs waves of legalization continue to sweep the U.S., it stands to reason\r\nthat we'll keep seeing a decline in the price of, and demand for,\r\nmarijuana from Mexico. Despite the fact that the Federal Government has\r\nspent upwards of $15 billion on the War on Drugs since 2010 alone, it's\r\nclear that this approach has never been the most effective one.\r\n\r\nIn addition to making marijuana rare, and thus increasing the demand and\r\nprice of the product, the War on Drugs has only allowed the Mexican\r\ncartels to be more brutal than ever before.\r\n\r\nBecause of this, legalization is the only thing that truly has the\r\npotential to put the cartels out of business. When quality cannabis is\r\navailable to consumers from right here in the U.S., the demand for\r\nMexican products falls sharply. Because of this, [states like\r\nIllinois](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/03/medical-marijuana-business-licenses-illinois_n_6608060.html),\r\nFlorida, Georgia, Kansas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin (all of\r\nwhich have [pending marijuana\r\nlegislation](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002481)\r\non the ballot for 2016) would be well-served to follow California's lead\r\nto make medicinal cannabis easily accessible to consumers. This year\r\nCalifornia too has legalization as a initiative on the November ballot.\r\n\r\nIn addition to being the most common-sense approach to destroying the\r\ndrug crime that's been running rampant in Mexico for the last several\r\nyears, improving consumer access to legalized marijuana is one of the\r\nbest ways for U.S. lawmakers and citizens to further deplete the Mexican\r\nmarijuana market. With California as a model to follow, legalizing\r\nmarijuana throughout all states is an efficient way for U.S. lawmakers\r\nto ensure that drug crime, high marijuana prices, violence, and\r\ndestroyed economies become a thing of the past in Mexico.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/degu_andre/5819199737/in/photolist-9SdVkX-9SdVJB-9SgP5q-9fWxC3-9RXtgT-9SgLxy-9S1oMu-9fWzky-bqGdsv-b7pABe-9S1oxY-9fWwUG-9SdTLa-bznfy5-9SdUm4-9SgL1w-63tkzx-8YX5rc-f7HJ24-6PXWY7-9SgM69-9fWyMo-aocW8E-9S1ne5-bEYxur-bAnr7S-aqwCkb-7NMvHT-9fTqEP-62CZHV-9SgMRJ-f7TXi1-f7DJ6T-f7DJ1e-f7XX6Y-9fTsFa-f7WYVQ-8HRe4b-f7WZeQ-f7WZbh-6G2fFr-f7GLdV-f7GLrn-E2KhMo-5HCV5w-f7DHrK-f7TXmN-f7WYZG-hX48WJ-cugpnL)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4705882352941178,"src":"/static/82fb35fb0657aea3f4756322dc7cc80f/ee604/89d78c1a3ad5c201d0eb880e46dc0b10.png","srcSet":"/static/82fb35fb0657aea3f4756322dc7cc80f/69585/89d78c1a3ad5c201d0eb880e46dc0b10.png 200w,\n/static/82fb35fb0657aea3f4756322dc7cc80f/497c6/89d78c1a3ad5c201d0eb880e46dc0b10.png 400w,\n/static/82fb35fb0657aea3f4756322dc7cc80f/ee604/89d78c1a3ad5c201d0eb880e46dc0b10.png 800w,\n/static/82fb35fb0657aea3f4756322dc7cc80f/a9ac2/89d78c1a3ad5c201d0eb880e46dc0b10.png 945w","srcWebp":"/static/82fb35fb0657aea3f4756322dc7cc80f/58556/89d78c1a3ad5c201d0eb880e46dc0b10.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/82fb35fb0657aea3f4756322dc7cc80f/61e93/89d78c1a3ad5c201d0eb880e46dc0b10.webp 200w,\n/static/82fb35fb0657aea3f4756322dc7cc80f/1f5c5/89d78c1a3ad5c201d0eb880e46dc0b10.webp 400w,\n/static/82fb35fb0657aea3f4756322dc7cc80f/58556/89d78c1a3ad5c201d0eb880e46dc0b10.webp 800w,\n/static/82fb35fb0657aea3f4756322dc7cc80f/57e2d/89d78c1a3ad5c201d0eb880e46dc0b10.webp 945w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":36,"numPages":5,"currentPage":4,"id":5436,"name":"Legalization","slug":"legalization","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}