An Afghanistan/Iraq vet faces a life sentence for less than an ounce. Thanks, Oklahoma. The Good Oregon has joined Alaska, Colorado, D.C., and our own great state in the Brotherhood of Ganja, officially legalizing marijuana on July 1. In several ways, the Oregonians are doing it better than us, allowing home grows (four plants each), setting the tax at 17 percent (as compared to our newly lowered but still obnoxious 37 percent excise tax), expunging the records of those with cannabis convictions, and even letting citizens fly with weed within the state. Oregon also allows the most pot per person of any of the legal states: up to half a pound of Grade A herb (eight ounces) as compared to our paltry single-ounce (or 28-gram) limit. Adults 21 and over can carry up to an ounce of cannabis and have a pound of edibles in their homes, as well as 72 ounces of cannabis-infused liquids. To get a sense of how much weed you can possess, the Portland Police Bureau's handy reference guide compares chronic quantities to the city's famous Voodoo donuts. [continues 839 words]
Washington state took in $65 million in tax revenue from the recreational marijuana market during the first 12 months since it became legal to produce and sell, according to data released by state regulators last week. The revenue was generated by cannabis sales of more than $260 million from June 2014 to June 2015, according to data released by the Washington State Liquor Control Board. [end]
Wash. State: Still No Useful Data on Usage, Effects After Yearlong Legal Sales Initiative Washington state's first year of legal pot sales has brought in millions in new tax revenue, but critics have raised concerns over how that money's been spent, and what effect legalization could have on public health. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs opposed the legalization initiative from the outset, and at the close of the first year of legal sales, executive director Mitch Barker still says it's "bad public policy." [continues 724 words]
WASHINGTON STATE: Tax Revenue Hits a Whopping $65 Million on Sales of $259 Million, but Critics Have Concerns About the Public Health Toll BELLINGHAM, Wash. - A year ago today, Zack Henifin packed more than 10 pounds of marijuana - about $28,000 worth - into a pickup truck and drove in the small hours of the morning from Bremerton to Whatcom County, a state trooper following him as he headed into his place of business. When the cop, off-duty at the time and there for Henifin's security, and Henifin, manager of Top Shelf Cannabis in Bellingham, arrived at their destination around 3 a.m., customers were already lined up outside the store. [continues 746 words]
"It's either understanding one another, or destruction!" Ricardo, it turns out, is Honduran, but he looks black to me. We've known each other for several years in passing; he plays percussion in Faith Beattie's jazz trio at the Queen City Grill, where I frequently drink heavily. We've exchanged smiles and nods, and I've thrown a few quid into the tip jar on nights I feel flush. Last week we sat outside at adjacent tables to beat the heat and smoke, Ricardo sucking on a cigar and me with my Firefly vaporizer (both illegal, as we were too close to the entrance). I noted Ricardo's swank Panama hat, and we started in on small talk. Eventually we got around to the issues of the day in a week that had some doozies: The Confederate battle flag had come down and same-sex marriage had been approved by a venomously divided Supreme Court, along with key rulings supporting national health care and fair housing. Marijuana, too, had had a major victory thanks to the White House, which lifted a longstanding restriction on research on medical marijuana by eliminating the Public Health Service review imposed in 1999 and allowing scientists to legally investigate the health benefits of cannabis. [continues 790 words]
WHAT HAPPENED? The revenue bonanza predicted by some for recreational marijuana hasn't materialized in the first year; nor have the horrors imagined by opponents. Before Washington voters could decide on legal weed, finance whizzes in state government had to project its tax bounty. The forecasters looked into their Excel tables and shrugged. The state's take, they said, from pot taxes in the first year of sales could be nothing - or could be as much as $249 million. That was the uncertain future facing an untested state-regulated system operating in defiance of the federal ban on all marijuana. [continues 1455 words]
Two New Laws Aim to Give Some Relief to Farmers, Processors and Retailers SEATTLE (AP) - Washington launched its second-in-the-nation legal marijuana market with just a handful of stores selling high-priced pot to long lines of customers. A year later, the state has about 160 shops open, tax revenues have soared past expectations and sales top $1.4 million per day. And, who knows - the industry might even start making some money. Washington pot farmers, processors and retailers have complained all year that heavy state and federal tax burdens, along with competition from an unregulated medical marijuana market, have made it difficult for them to do business. [continues 410 words]
EVERETT - For the first time since the legal marijuana shops opened a year ago, the city of Everett is moving toward a permanent ordinance regulating how and where the new businesses will operate. Everett has been operating under six-month temporary ordinances since November 2013. Since then, three retail stores have opened in the city, but no marijuana production or processing businesses have opened. Businesses and residents have been waiting and lobbying the city to adopt a permanent measure. The current ordinance expires July 27. [continues 209 words]
Five shows commemorate a decade each for the Grateful Dead. In this era of fly-by-night fame, one-hit wonders, and lame-ass reality "stars," any group of artists who can create a true following over half a century needs to be recognized and respected. The Grateful Dead, the legendary improvisational stoner band, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a five-show "Fare Thee Well" tour, which started June 27 in Santa Clara, Calif., and will wrap up July 5 at Soldier's Field, Chicago. The long-sold-out shows (which will be streamed on YouTube) offer a chance to reflect on what makes this band so unique and beloved. [continues 775 words]
NEARLY two-thirds of Americans now live in a state that allows medical marijuana in some form. Just this year, five Southern states, including Texas, allowed limited access to therapies based on cannabis. The revolt against the blanket federal marijuana prohibition has now spread to at least 29 states. Yet using marijuana as medicine - and it clearly can be useful medicine - can get you fired in most of those states (and the District of Columbia), even if the use is off the clock. The Supreme Court of Colorado affirmed that last week, echoing similar cases in Washington, Oregon and California, where there are no mandatory workplace accommodations for therapeutic use of cannabis. [continues 374 words]
The Launch of the the National Cannabis Bar Association, and More Good News. Sooner or later, everything winds up in court. You spilled a scalding cup of java on your nads at the McDonald's drive-through; the insurance company refuses to pay for "water damage"; you're tired of arsenic in the drinking water; ya feel like suing Costco . . . just because. And now that cannabis is entering the mainstream, it's time to lawyer up, in this week's legal round-up. [continues 866 words]
Seattle Dispensaries Included in Study Items From Here Had Less THC Than Indicated Yet another sampling of marijuana products has found inaccurate labeling of potency. A new article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that all but one of the 23 edible products bought in Seattle medical-marijuana dispensaries last year were improperly labeled. Most of the baked goods, beverages and candy contained less THC than their labels said. THC is the main psychoactive chemical in marijuana. [continues 511 words]
SEATTLE (AP) - The federal government is chipping in money for a three-year pilot study using sewage samples to determine levels of marijuana use in two Washington cities - research that could help answer some key questions about pot legalization, the University of Puget Sound announced Monday. The National Institutes of Health has agreed to pay $120,000 so that Dan Burgard, an associate chemistry professor, can conduct a study looking at how per capita pot use changed after Washington's first legal pot shops opened last July. [continues 135 words]
In 2014, Congress quietly ended the federal government's prohibition on medical cannabis with a provision buried in the 1,603-page federal spending bill, The Los Angeles Times reported at the time. The rule says that states where medical cannabis is legal would no longer need to worry about federal drug agents raiding retail operations and prohibits agents from doing so. The change was prompted by bipartisan supporters. The change, however, does nothing to protect patients who use medical cannabis because the scientifically flawed and old federal law, favored by the Drug Enforcement Agency, still considers all cannabis a dangerous, addictive drug, with no medical use. [continues 510 words]
Comparing Pot Use to Something Else That's None of the Government's Business. Before I launch into this analogy, I would like to say that I understand how many will find it inappropriate, and that I came up with the notion while stoned out of my mind. I'm starting to think about cannabis as having a similar journey and backstory to Olympic gold medalist and transgender reality star Caitlyn Jenner. Until recently, like Jenner, trailblazers on the weed front have organized in secret closets and basements, hoping one day to live safely, truthfully, and freely in the great wide open. And, like Jenner, marijuana-aka Mary Jane-has been an accomplished, harmless, and friendly sexpot all along . . . but has recently undergone a full makeover and is beginning to dress things up with PR campaigns, professional packaging, couture oils, and all-important accessories. [continues 778 words]
Imaginative Approaches to Pot Laws. It's no surprise that some of the people working to reform marijuana laws are a little out of the norm, shall we say. And with the era of Reefer Madness waning, it also makes sense that weed advocates and drug-policy reformers would begin to try new-some might even say wacky-approaches. Here are some personal favorites. Hundreds of cities and municipalities in legal states have attempted to ban marijuana with various ordinances, but now there's one related to the smell itself. The city of Pendleton, Ore., recently banned the odor of weed within the city limits. To counter this ridiculous regulation, a man wrote the local paper, the East Oregonian, suggesting that if they are opposed to the aroma of ganja, they should also ban farts-as that dank cloud truly is offensive. "While farting may be legal in Oregon, many (including myself) are offended by the flatulent stench," wrote Peter Walters. "Too often, homeowners and businesses fail to contain farts to their property, forcing the rest of us to put up with the smell. Some habitual farters argue that they need to fart for medical reasons, but that doesn't mean my kids should have to smell their farts. The city council should stop looking the other way and pretending not to notice . . . I call on our city council to set aside all other work and address this problem." [continues 623 words]
A roundup of reefer news. Never thought I'd say this, but there's almost too much marijuana in the news as of late. With cover stories this month in both Time (by local journalist and former Seattle Weekly scribe Bruce Barcott) and National Geographic ("The New Science of Marijuana"), you can't walk by a newsstand or go online without getting a contact high. Of course it's great that mainstream publications are finally treating the subject of cannabis in a more mature manner, rather than continuing to deliver cliched jokes about smokescreens and . . . contact highs. Still, I wish Time and Nat. Geo had saved some for later. Like good ganja, ya gotta space the hits out. [continues 736 words]
DON'T envy Steve Lerch. He is the state official tasked with estimating how much tax revenue Washington's grand experiment with legal marijuana will yield. As Lerch says, decades of sales- and property-tax data inform his predictive algorithms, but when it comes to legal pot, he has only a few quarters of history. Nonetheless, the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council's latest estimates predict the state will yield an eye-popping $1.1 billion - yes, billion - in marijuana tax revenue over the next four years. [continues 449 words]
THE era of flagrantly illegal marijuana storefronts operating under the guise of green-cross dispensaries may finally be coming to an end. Emboldened by the passage - finally - of statewide legislation regulating medical marijuana, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray is proposing to rein in the local dispensary market. This is a step in the right direction for Seattle. City Council members should pass this legislation quickly so enforcement can begin. As any resident knows, medical marijuana dispensaries with green-cross signs seem almost as common as Starbucks. The city estimates there are 99 dispensaries citywide. Many opened before voters authorized recreational marijuana sales in 2012 with Initiative 502, and the stores tried to operate as professional businesses before there were any clear rules governing their business practices. [continues 269 words]
Regarding the letter, "Keep pot shops away from churches," where author invites his readers, "what say you." Well, here's what I say: I don't have a problem with the city of Everett Planning Commission allowing legal "pot shops" next to churches. Also, believe me, I-502 is not flawed. It has been scrutinized by lawyers inside and out. What is now the legal standard is what the voters voted in favor of. By the way, although I am not the most religious person in the world, but last I checked, the Bible said we are all God's children ... that would include those who legally own and run "pot shops." You could, for instance, invite them to church. You just never know. Kathryn Peterson Mountlake Terrace [end]
How Drug Laws Don't Affect Everyone Equally. It's good to be white. For example, as a white guy, I'm statistically more likely to be selling drugs than an African-American man (I've always been too scared of going to jail to actually sell pot, but I'm using this to make my point.) If I were black, however, it would be three times more likely that I'd be arrested for dealing. It gets even better for whitey. Though five times as many of us use drugs, African-Americans are sent to prison 10 times as often for the same crimes. And once ya get to jail? On average, African-Americans serve as much time in prisons for drug offenses (58 months) as white folks do for violent ones (62 months). [continues 827 words]
As State Combines Medical, Recreational Systems License Limits Could Shut More Than 50 Medical Operations Mayor Ed Murray on Tuesday proposed legislation that could shut down more than 50 medical-marijuana dispensaries and give the city a tighter grip on the rest of Seattle's pot industry. The plan would create a new business license specific to the marijuana industry and create priorities for enforcement against medical-marijuana businesses. The mayor's plan follows state lawmakers' effort to fold medical marijuana into the state's recreational system. The new state law, approved last month, calls for the Liquor Control Board (which will be renamed the Liquor and Cannabis Board) to assess the merit of medical-marijuana businesses and license those that qualify by July 2016. [continues 1203 words]
Medical-Marijuana Licenses for Shops, Growers Lottery Unlikely OLYMPIA (AP) - Big changes are coming to the state Liquor Control Board, including a name change. The same law that will change the name July 24 to the "Liquor and Cannabis Board" also directed the agency to decide which unlicensed medical-marijuana shops and grow operations to legitimize by July 1, 2016. The process will involve a merit system, The Olympian reported. The agency assumes 825 unlicensed medical shops will apply for a license and that half will receive one. [continues 407 words]
Before he tried marijuana, he thought of trying suicide. Heavy drinking hadn't helped. Nor had various pills prescribed by Veterans Affairs doctors. He was still angry, still depressed, still could not sleep. But he found that marijuana helped. It took the anger and depression away. It took the sleeplessness away. Most of all, it took the 11-year-old boy away. Pfc. Jared Hunter never knew the boy's name. He was just some Iraqi kid who liked to hang around the Army base outside Baghdad. "He didn't really speak English or nothing. He would just kind of follow us around and would point things out or tell us if there was somebody there who shouldn't have been." The soldiers adopted him as a mascot. Hunter bought him a soccer ball. [continues 560 words]
Before he tried marijuana, he thought of trying suicide. Heavy drinking hadn't helped. Nor had various pills prescribed by Veterans Affairs doctors. He was still angry, still depressed, still could not sleep. But he found that marijuana helped. It took the anger and depression away. It took the sleeplessness away. Most of all, it took the 11-year-old boy away. PFC Jared Hunter never knew the boy's name. He was just some Iraqi kid who liked to hang around the U.S. Army base outside Baghdad. "He didn't really speak English or nothing. He would just kind of follow us around and would point things out or tell us if there was somebody there who shouldn't have been." The soldiers adopted him as a mascot. Hunter bought him a soccer ball. [continues 559 words]
Manspreaders? Screaming Kids? There Are Plenty of Options. Anytime I go to a dive bar or pool hall or rock-'n'-roll show, in the back of my mind it feels like there's something missing. It's not the booze or long-lost jukeboxes, it's not the condom vending machines, filthy bathrooms, or obnoxious, aging, bandana-wearing Axl Rose doppelgaengers. So what exactly is it? Smoke! I'm missing the damn cigarette smoke that for so long provided a hazy backdrop of second-hand nostalgia. [continues 725 words]
In January, the SEC for the first time allowed a company that deals with marijuana cultivation to sell shares of stock. The convention floor at Denver Airport's Crowne Plaza on a recent afternoon could have been the trade show for any well-established industry - gray-haired execs in conservative suits mingling with office park dads in polos and fresh-out-of-college types in brand emblazoned T-shirts. Only this is a new kind of business conference with a special Colorado theme: legal weed. [continues 580 words]
MORE than 500 people die of opioid overdoses in Washington state each year. This death toll has skyrocketed over the past decade as opioid addiction rates have risen, fueled by expanded access to prescription opioids and more potent, inexpensive heroin. Increasingly, public-health advocates and researchers have shone a light on an antidote to overdose death. Naloxone, also known by its brand name Narcan, can be injected or administered intranasally after someone has overdosed. Naloxone quickly binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reversing the overdose, and frequently forces the person into a speedy, but often painfully intense, withdrawal. For many people, naloxone means the difference between life or death. [continues 662 words]
As states open up to marijuana, let's not forget those still serving hard time for possessing a plant. When I talk to my friends about the marijuana movement, most think it's a fun idea that's basically run its course. I mean, everyone agrees pot will eventually be legal, right? So what's left to talk about? While folks in four states can now get high as a kite without consequences, more than 600,000 citizens are arrested each year for marijuana-related offenses, and almost 100,000 men and women currently serve sentences for drug offenses. [continues 789 words]
Howard Wooldridge, a Washington lobbyist, is a former detective and forever Texan on an important mission - trying to persuade the 535 members of Congress to end the federal war on marijuana. Liberals tend to be an easier sell than conservatives. With liberals, Wooldridge dwells on the grossly racist way the war on drugs has been prosecuted. "The war on drugs," he tells them, "has been the most immoral policy since slavery and Jim Crow." Conservatives hear a different argument, but one that Wooldridge holds every bit as dear: "Give it back to the states." [continues 514 words]
Supporter of Medical Marijuana Doesn't Want Cannabis Patients in Same System Seated at a desk inside his downtown Seattle hotel room, Dr. Gil Mobley pulled out a sterile field surgery kit, snapped on latex gloves and pulled a mask over his face. He carefully arranged his medical instruments, grabbed tweezers and went to work. Mobley, 60, wasn't performing hotel-room surgery. He and fellow medical-marijuana activist Brian Stone were carefully preparing two ounces of Blazin's Grapefruit purchased that morning from Uncle Ike's Pot Shop in Seattle's Central District. The pot cost more than $700. [continues 1492 words]
Marijuana Businesses Already Operating and Those in the Permitting Process Before the Vote Are Mostly Unaffected. EVERETT - The Snohomish County Council on Wednesday voted 4-1 to ban new pot businesses in certain rural areas. The decision comes after nine months of public testimony from green-clad marijuana business supporters and neighbors opposed to their operations moving in nearby. The council essentially made permanent a moratorium that was first enacted last fall in response to resident concerns. The ban applies to new recreational marijuana businesses in so-called R-5 zones, rural areas where the county typically allows only one house per five acres. [continues 580 words]
Howard Wooldridge, a Washington lobbyist, is a former detective and forever Texan on an important mission: trying to persuade the 535 members of Congress to end the federal war on marijuana. Liberals tend to be an easier sell than conservatives. With liberals, Wooldridge dwells on the grossly racist way the war on drugs has been prosecuted. "The war on drugs," he tells them, "has been the most immoral policy since slavery and Jim Crow." Conservatives hear a different argument, but one that Wooldridge holds every bit as dear: "Give it back to the states." [continues 514 words]
When deciding what you think about marijuana legalization, it's important to ask, "What's in it for me?" The most recent Pew Research Center poll shows that a majority of Americans nationwide, 53 percent, now support the legalization of cannabis. I'm actually surprised it's that low, but then again, I'm a marijuana columnist. But here is the most interesting stat from that poll: Of those surveyed who now support legalization but changed their minds on the issue (40 percent of the 53 percent), the main reason for the shift was self-interest. "The more that people learn about marijuana and look at the benefits of legalization," noted Tom Angell, Chairman of the Marijuana Policy Project, "the more likely they are to support reform." [continues 759 words]
Unfortunately, I believe that Washington government has equated the "gangland attitude" of profiteering shown by so many so-called medical cannabis "stores" with all of us, i.e., legitimate medical patients and activists. I know that most patients, me and others, care so much more about the value of cannabis as medicine rather than profits, but it appears that those who are not following the true spirit of medical cannabis laws have made so many waves, and so much money, that legitimate patients and activists are being ignored once again. I know many legitimate patients are ignored by those so-called medical cannabis stores unless we can "show them the money." So sad, but true. Tom Hawkins Grand Coulee, Wash. [end]
Howard Wooldridge, a Washington lobbyist, is a former detective and forever Texan on an important mission - trying to persuade the 535 members of Congress to end the federal war on marijuana. Liberals tend to be an easier sell than conservatives. With liberals, Wooldridge dwells on the grossly racist way the war on drugs has been prosecuted. "The war on drugs," he tells them, "has been the most immoral policy since slavery and Jim Crow." Conservatives hear a different argument, but one that Wooldridge holds every bit as dear: "Give it back to the states." [continues 509 words]
Last week, Gov. Inslee signed a bill that will essentially destroy Washington's medical-marijuana system. You might not care, but you should. When the team behind Initiative 502 wrote their marijuana law, they left the already well-established medical dispensaries and collective gardens out of the equation, assuming they'd be dealt with at a later date. Well, they were dealt with, all right-last week the Governor signed a bill to eliminate both entirely. Lawmakers in Olympia had been looking to overhaul the parallel medical- and recreational-marijuana systems, and agreed on a bill (from hell) that will close each and every medical-marijuana dispensary. I'm not going to get all policy-wonky on this and lose my audience in the third sentence. (Still with me?) So lemme just break this down with one simple point: [continues 786 words]
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Nearly two decades after voters passed a medical marijuana law that often left police, prosecutors and even patients confused about what was allowed, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill Friday attempting to clean up that largely unregulated system and harmonize it with Washington's new market for recreational pot. Among the law's many provisions, it creates a voluntary registry of patients and, beginning next year, eliminates what have become in some cases large, legally dubious "collective gardens" providing cannabis to thousands of people. [continues 663 words]
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Nearly two decades after voters passed a medical marijuana law that often left the police, prosecutors and even patients confused about what was allowed, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill on Friday that attempts to clean up that largely unregulated system and to bring it in line with Washington's new recreational marijuana market. Among the law's many provisions, it creates a voluntary registry of patients and, beginning next year, eliminates what have become in some cases large, legally dubious "collective gardens" providing cannabis to thousands of people. Instead, those patients will be able to buy medical-grade products at legal recreational marijuana stores that obtain an endorsement to sell medical marijuana, or they will be able to participate in cooperatives of up to four patients. [continues 192 words]
Recreational Shops to Sell Medical Products Cooperative Grows Limited to No More Than 4 Patients OLYMPIA (AP) - Nearly two decades after voters passed a medical-marijuana law that often left police, prosecutors and even patients confused about what was allowed, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill Friday attempting to clean up that largely unregulated system and harmonize it with Washington's new market for recreational pot. Among the law's many provisions, it creates a voluntary registry of patients and, beginning next year, eliminates what have become in some cases large, legally dubious "collective gardens" providing cannabis to thousands of people. [continues 653 words]
Shooting Down a Few Anti-Legalization Arguments. "They're talking about opening a weed stand, or whatever, right next to my kids' school," the woman began, reaching for a plastic cup of wine during ArtWalk. "I mean, they're already getting drunk. Now this will make a second thing we're allowing for!" I gently reminded her that both of those things were illegal for minors, but she would have none of it. "Seriously. The parties they go to are beyond," she said, gazing at an out-of-this-world painting on the gallery wall. "From eighth grade on, there is alcohol at most of their socials. That's already happening. So to add another drug that can mess up their minds . . . " [continues 876 words]
In November 2012, Washington state voters approved Initiative 502 legalizing recreational marijuana. Part of the appeal of legalization was the potential of a new revenue source for cities. To date, Washington has brought in over $31 million in excise tax revenue from marijuana sales, expected to reach over $362 million by 2019. Yet none of the excise tax revenue is shared with cities, and only a small portion of retail sales tax is retained by cities. Washington state relies on local cities to enforce marijuana laws. Cities need to receive a share of the excise tax revenue to help deal with the additional impacts created by the legalization and sale of marijuana, including enforcing regulations and increased demands on our police. [continues 85 words]
Although it's been two years since Washington State legalized marijuana, the process involved in creating a retail industry for it has not been without its growing pains. Gary Mason weeds through the problems facing strain-potency testing In a fresh white lab coat, his name embroidered atop a chest pocket, Cameron Miller looks and sounds every bit the chemist that he is. When he begins talking about the wonders of terpenes - the organic compounds that give plants their distinct odour - he could be a sommelier discussing the power and influence that tannins have on wine. [continues 1369 words]
Looks like our neighbors in California are taking measures to conserve one of our most valuable resources - water. What are we doing here in the "Pothead State" to conserve our water, I ask? Now that we have an official "Cannabis Chronicles" column in our newspaper I am hoping the leaders of this revolution will answer the problems of where and how the newly appointed czars of the dope agri-business will get their supply of our invaluable moisture. As a taxpayer, I don't intend to share one drop with them nor do I want to pay one extra penny for water so that their businesses might share. The water problem could necessitate sharing on a "priority basis" with other farmers and legitimate growers but I will never consider marijuana a legitimate business since there are many medicines that alleviate pain prescribed by doctors. It's obvious that this horrendous business has no legitimate function except to make some greedy persons rich. [continues 74 words]
Legislature Under the 2012 Voter-Passed Initiative, Revenue From Marijuana Taxes Was to Go to Substance-Abuse Programs and Health Care. But That's Not Exactly What Lawmakers Have in Mind. The initiative approved by voters to legalize recreational marijuana included a specific shopping list for spending the tax revenue, but the state Legislature looks poised to tweak those instructions, or even lose them entirely. To the dismay of public-health officials, that could mean cutting millions in prevention and treatment funds intended to offset the costs to society of legalizing pot. [continues 947 words]
CUSTOMERS are getting smoked out of the Ding How Center in Seattle's Little Saigon neighborhood. While the city is looking into the matter, landlords must do more to protect their properties from bad disreputable medical-marijuana stores. Businesses, employees and patrons should not be constantly overwhelmed by the smell of marijuana. Two dispensaries are now located at 1207 South Jackson Street. Store owners say The Green Door is a good neighbor. But the other, Seattle Caregivers, has become a nuisance. [continues 522 words]
Taxes are too high, competition from medical marijuana is too great, and the bureaucracy is overwhelmed by the volume of applications. As Gary Mason reports, the new regulated system is giving rise to a robust black market Amber McGowan surveys the clutch of customers milling around the three counters in her tiny marijuana retail outlet and nods approvingly - pot is hot. Men and women who appear to be mostly over 50 consider products with names such as Headband, Skunk, Banana Kush and THC Bomb. A five-pack of oatmeal cookies that are nothing like the ones your mother used to make go for $42 (U.S.). Behind a glass enclosure there are bongs of every colour and description. Psychedelic renderings grace the store's wood-panelled walls. [continues 1749 words]
But That Could Change-If You Care About This Issue, Contact These Representatives in Olympia Right Now A few years ago, my friends Monica and Nate got ahold of a few marijuana cuttings, also known as "clones," and planted them in their backyards. Neither of their plants grew into the towering, gawky, bamboo-like stalks you see in stock news photos of professional marijuana grows. Monica pruned hers to grow smaller and bushier, less conspicuous, almost ornamental-the bonsai of marijuana. They were stupidly easy to grow, both said, no more difficult than tomatoes or basil. One year, the wind knocked over Monica's pot planters, breaking one and crunching lots of the stems-but they hurtled back to life. [continues 2092 words]
Spring has sprung, and it's finally time to strap on the running shoes and get stoned out of your mind! There's no doubt that marijuana is good for all kinds of things: stimulating the appetite, creative brainstorming, giggle-fests . . . but exercise? Yes, apparently. According to an article in last month's Runner's World, athletes who use cannabis benefit from stress relief and reduced inflammation. Now I'm no marathoner, but I do understand the pain and nausea that kind of grind might cause; hell, I "hit the wall" on walks from Starbucks to the car. And long-distance runners are now claiming that the pain relief associated with marijuana is also a huge benefit for their grueling efforts, helping athletes achieve an idealized state earlier in their run. [continues 713 words]
MY son Haiden is 6 years old. For him, access to medical cannabis is a matter of life-and-death. Haiden has Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. Haiden used to suffer from frequent seizures of all varieties - sometimes more than 100 a day, despite taking five prescription medications, all at the maximum dose our neurologist would allow. Today, Haiden receives two daily doses of medical cannabis with 100 milligrams of cannabidiol, also called CBD. His medicine has almost no THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. It has dramatically transformed my son, and by extension our entire family. [continues 529 words]
Inside Washington
