Reefer Madless: RYME's official Marijuana Law Reform blog

The Marijuana Dictionary, A-Z definitions, slang terms, and more!

2011-03-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

If your looking to boost your knowledge of marijuana slang, terms, definitions, or you have a new one to add to the books. Check out the Marijuana Dictionary for your MJ linguistical needs.

I had a lot of fun looking up words and reading definitions. A few of my favorites are; little green friends, joy stick, and laughing grass.

Oakland Becomes the FIRST in the Nation to Approve The Regulation of Industrial Marijuana Facilities

2010-08-03T02:03:00.000-07:00

The City of Oakland last week became the first City in the Nation to approve the creation and regulation of 4 Industrial Marijuana production facilities. Marijuana would be grown, packaged, and processed for the 4 Medical Marijuana Dispensary's in the City. This measure was also enacted by keeping in mind Proposition 19, which is the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010. The Proposition if passed, will Legalize Marijuana and allow state and local governments to regulate and tax the plant. It will be on the Statewide ballot this November 2nd, 2010. The City of Oakland will also require the privately owned Warehouses they license, to have $3 million dollars worth of insurance, hire Security Staff, and pay $211,000 in a permit fee each year. The City of Oakland will also vote this Fall on similar regulations to regulate small scale grow facilities. Other cities like Berkley, Sacramento, and Long Beach are discussing similar proposals. First the Oaksterdam District and now this. Oakland seems to embrace that Marijuana is not very harmful and will be legalized soon, rather then later. So they are Cashing in. Way to go Oakland.

Say Hello...and YES to California Proposition 19, Regulate & Tax Cannabis 2010

2010-06-28T16:38:00.001-07:00

Proposition 19
Initiative Statute
1377. (09-0024. Amdt. #1S) - Final Random Sample Update - 03/24/10

Changes California Law to Legalize Marijuana and Allow It to Be Regulated and Taxed.

Qualified: 03/24/10

Proponents: Richard Seib Lee and Jeffrey Wayne Jones (510) 208-4554

Allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use. Permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of marijuana to people 21 years old or older. Prohibits people from possessing marijuana on school grounds, using it in public, smoking it while minors are present, or providing it to anyone under 21 years old. Maintains current prohibitions against driving while impaired. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Savings of up to several tens of millions of dollars annually to state and local governments on the costs of incarcerating and supervising certain marijuana offenders. Unknown but potentially major tax, fee, and benefit assessment revenues to state and local government related to the production and sale of marijuana products. (09-0024.) (Full Text)

Read more about the Qualified Ballot Measures here

Sacramento mulls marijuana tax, higher business fees

2010-06-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

The City of Sacramento, California has recently been making waves and headlines similar to Los Angeles with an attempt to regulate medical cannabis collectives. The proposal, which was delayed until the end of the year for more inquiries into the local industry, would have limited the number of medicinal cannabis dispensaries to 12. A number randomly chosen by council members. Now, the city is looking at another city in California, a bit closer to home than L.A., Oakland. Sacramento is looking into the taxation of cannabis in general as we move topward possible legalization in California for responsible adults. The complete story can be found at the link below.

Sacramento mulls marijuana tax, higher business fees

The Hemperor, Jack Herer, has Died

2010-04-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

The Hemperor, Jack Herer, has Died | Cannabis Culture Magazine

Afghanistan High

2010-04-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan High: "Famous for leading the world in opium cultivation, now Afghanistan is the world leader in cannabis cultivation too. A UN report says the country produced upwards of 3,500 tons last year. All of it was made into hash."

Huge Medical Marijuana Convention in Denver

2010-04-03T01:08:00.000-07:00

Huge Medical Marijuana Convention in Denver: "

It is being billed as the largest cannabis gathering in the country bringing in visitors from Maine to California. The organizers say Denver is the perfect city to host it.

The Colorado Cannabis Convention is open on Friday and Saturday at the Colorado Convention Center.

Michael Lerner is putting on the event.

'There is something for everybody and every age here; so come and enjoy yourself and have fun,' he said.

West Hollywood Councilman is first politician in Southern California to endorse statewide initiative to legalize Marijuana

2010-03-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

Check this Article Out from the LA Weekly. West Hollywood Councilman John Duran is the first politician of Southern California to publicly Endorse the state-wide initiative, The Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010. This initiative got the 430,000 plus required signatures from registered voters in order to get the initiative on the November 2010 Ballot. They shattered the requirement by getting 680,000 plus signatures. The count is not official, but it is safe to say that in November 2010 we will be voting on the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes and taxing it just like we do with the regulation of alcohol and Tobacco. Lets go California and lets be the first in our Nation to legalize Marijuana!

-Miguel Garcia

*Thanks to taxcannabis.org, laweekly.com for the articles.

Politics Daily: California Insurer Offers Medical Marijuana Coverage

2010-03-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

A California Insurance company is now offering medical Marijuana coverage to Dispensary operators in all 5o states according the Sacramento Bee. Only 14 states have legalized Medical Marijuana but the coverage extends to all 5o states to avoid any delay once that day comes where Marijuana will be legalized in all 5o states. So this is good news for those who hope to operate a Dispensary/collective one day and for those who already do. Now I wonder if other insurance companies will follow suit.

Norml: Medical marijuana’s not getting any better – the time for RE-legalization is NOW!

2010-03-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting article from Norml.org. I'm a Medical Marijuana patient myself, so this is very interesting information regarding the 14 States to date, that have legalized Medical Marijuana and the states that have decriminalized Marijuana. Here is some interesting information from the article that I found to be really important:

California legalized medical marijuana in 1996. That initiative, Prop-215, established what is clearly the most liberal medical marijuana statute to date:

A doctor can recommend for any condition;
You needn’t have a “bona fide” doctor/patient relationship;
Dispensaries are allowed;
Self cultivation is allowed;
Patients are protected from arrest

Though this is not new news regarding California, the article goes on to mention that if we consider these 5 attributes as the basis of Medical Marijuana law (MM's Bill of Rights per se) the 13 states to follow California that legalized Medical Marijuana, fail to meet all 5 attributes in its legislation. All in all, the only way to have full protection under the law for even Medical purposes, is full on legalization. The time is now to stop this Prohibition!

MAPS' 2010 Conference

2010-03-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

MAPS' The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century

April 15-18, 2010 • San Jose, California

Open to physicians, healthcare professionals, and the general public

MAPS' 2010 Conference

HIGH TIMES MEDICAL CANNABIS CUP

2010-02-18T15:59:00.000-08:00

HTTP://MEDCANCUP.COM

June 19-20, 2010 in San Francisco, CA, USA

Let Mandalay Bay Hotel Know What You Think About Cancelling Cannapalooza! | Cannabis Culture Magazine

2010-02-16T15:48:00.002-08:00

Let Mandalay Bay Hotel Know What You Think About Cancelling Cannapalooza! | Cannabis Culture Magazine

Group Urging Legalization of Medical Marijuana Rallies in Alabama | Cannabis Culture Magazine

2010-02-16T15:48:00.001-08:00

Group Urging Legalization of Medical Marijuana Rallies in Alabama | Cannabis Culture Magazine

High Times Banned From eBay? | Cannabis Culture Magazine

2010-02-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

High Times Banned From eBay? | Cannabis Culture Magazine

Cheryl Shuman, Director of Beverly Hills NORML Speaks!

2010-01-23T16:06:00.000-08:00

This story is just one that hurt and at the same time, after listening to Cheryl speak, I knew how much care, love and appreciation for human life many of us Marijuana activists actually have. Listen to Cheryl's brief, yet stunning and to the point, speech about her bout with Cancer, surgeries and more.

How's That Drug War Working Out for Y'all? | Cannabis Culture Magazine

2009-12-31T13:06:00.000-08:00

How's That Drug War Working Out for Y'all? | Cannabis Culture Magazine: "How's That Drug War Working Out for Y'all?"

Allison Margolin - LA's Dopest Attorney

2009-12-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while, but I really have something good for everyone this day. A promotional video, rather, educational and inviting video featuring Criminal Defense Attorney, Allison B. Margolin aka "L.A.'s Dopest Attorney", as well as her father Defense Attorney, Bruce Margolin. If you or someone you know requires counsel in a marijuana, drug or other case type requiring proper representation, these are your people. Allison attended Harvard Law School after stints at Beverly Hills High and Columbia University. Watch the video, do your own research. You can find her and her law firm at LAsDopestAttorney.com and check out Bruce Margolin's book, titled the "Margolin Guide to Marijuana Law."

YouTube - Allison Margolin LA's Dopest Attorney

Written Testimony In Support Of Alternative Marijuana Regulatory Schemes and Assembly Bill 390 - NORML

2009-10-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

Written Testimony In Support Of Alternative Marijuana Regulatory Schemes and Assembly Bill 390 - NORML

BREAKING NEWS: California Lawmakers To Debate Marijuana Legalization Tomorrow! | NORML Blog

2009-10-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS: California Lawmakers To Debate Marijuana Legalization Tomorrow! | NORML Blog

LAPD Blog: Medical Marijuana Clinic Robbery Suspect Arrested

2009-10-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Medical Marijuana Clinic Robbery Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Area detectives have identified three people in connection with a robbery of a marijuana clinic in April of this year. All three suspects are currently in custody...

LAPD Blog: Medical Marijuana Clinic Robbery Suspect Arrested: "Medical Marijuana Clinic Robbery Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Area detectives have identified three people in connection with a robbery of a marijuana clinic in April of this year. All three suspects are currently in custody."

High Times > Massachusetts First to Legalize?

2009-10-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

This is great news, especially if this first line grabs you: "The governor and the representatives of the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging that previous efforts have not succeeded in eliminating or curtailing marijuana use and abuse; determined to exercise some measure of control over the use of cannabis consistent with respect for individual freedom and responsibility."

High Times > Massachusetts First to Legalize?

All L.A. County medical pot dispensaries face prosecution, district attorney says | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times

2009-10-09T01:31:00.000-07:00

All L.A. County medical pot dispensaries face prosecution, district attorney says | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times

High Times > California Closing In on Legalization

2009-10-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

High Times > California Closing In on Legalization

Pot smoking 'saved' Kevin Smith

2009-10-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

Reefer Madless supports Kevin Smith's decision to begin smoking weed.

Pot smoking 'saved' Kevin Smith

Jack Herer Suffers Heart Attack, Still Hospitalized « The Audio Hustlaz

2009-10-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Jack Herer Suffers Heart Attack, Still Hospitalized « The Audio Hustlaz

From Amsterdam with Bud Pt. 2 - A Hash Tactic « The Audio Hustlaz

2009-10-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

From Amsterdam with Bud Pt. 2 - A Hash Tactic « The Audio Hustlaz

Because Women Are NORML Too! | NORML Blog

2009-10-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

Because Women Are NORML Too! | NORML Blog

High Times > HT News Hit - Emery in Custody, Macho Cali Cops & Stiletto Stoners

2009-09-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

High Times > HT News Hit - Emery in Custody, Macho Cali Cops & Stiletto Stoners

High Times > HT News Hit - California Leading The Way

2009-09-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

High Times > HT News Hit - California Leading The Way

Conference 2009: Yes We Cannabis! - NORML

2009-09-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Somehow, this got past me. I did not know it was happening, but I can't make it, so mayeb you can. Check out NORML's conference in San Francisco, happening NOW!

Conference 2009: Yes We Cannabis! - NORML

ø Medical Marijuana Dispensary & Cannabis Club Directory ø - WeedMaps.com

2009-09-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is something all patients can use. Find a dispensary near you.

ø Medical Marijuana Dispensary & Cannabis Club Directory ø - WeedMaps.com

Profiles In Cannabis: Tom Ammiano | NORML Blog

2009-09-20T23:52:00.000-07:00

Profiles In Cannabis: Tom Ammiano | NORML Blog

So apparently, "Norml is launching a Marijuana Talk Radio show!"

2009-07-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

According to my cousins Miggs' FB posts and a confirmation by yours truly - the news is not a rumor. The official post on NORMLs blog (NORML blog post) states that the talk formatted show will be called "NORML SHOW LIVE: Marijuana Nation". NORML has asked everyday citizens to help them win the struggle against Marijuana prohibition and law reform, and by doing so with their recently broadcast television ad campaign, it has come to this.

"Russ Belville – the voice of NORML’s daily podcast, the Audio Stash" will serve as host and they are urging American students, homemakers, lawmakers, teachers, smokers, users, stoners and abusers alike to donate to their cause and in turn have your voice heard. Below is more information on the show and its backing in case you do not want to click the above link and just read the whole article for yourself.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following was taken directly from NORMLs blog and credit should be given as such.
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NORML SHOW LIVE intends to be the voice of the marijuana nation for the students, homemakers, retirees, soldiers, patients, professionals, and working people who demand equal treatment under the law and for an end to America’s longest and costliest war. For a one-time donation here of $100, $25, or even just $10, you can assure that your voice will heard by millions. Marijuana law reformers will no longer have to be dependent on the mainstream media; we can be a part of the mainstream media.

Finally, NORML SHOW LIVE is seeking advertisers! If you have a business or a product, and would like to utilize and cost-effective way to reach millions of listeners each week, please contact russ@norml.org or call toll-free 888-772-3422 to inquire about our discounted introductory ad rates.

NORML would like to thank you in advance for helping us make history — again.

Legalizing Marijuana for the Right Reasons

2009-05-17T14:06:00.001-07:00

This is an essay written by yours truly for a college course. Not my greatest writing, but worth a read. Just so there is no confusion, I am for the legalization of marijuana. This essay, however, is not intended to sway anyone to become an advocate or opponent of the legalization of marijuana, rather it is intended to get people off their asses and conduct their own research, find the truth and learn about marijuana directly from users and evidence, as apposed to old fashioned parental advice, politicians and advertising.

Legalizing Marijuana for the Right Reasons

The current debate, in which the citizens of the State of California and the United States of America in general, are engaged in, seems to be exhausting. The medicinal debate appears to be over, now replaced with the seemingly more desperate search for an easy way out of our current economic state. Taxpayers, with the weight of the budget on their shoulders should be reminded of the old video clip of, current California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger lifting weights and weighing in on his feelings on the controversial drug. Now, that word, drug, is a word which does not accurately define marijuana for many. Perhaps, the purpose of the current debates should shift and instead focus not on making up for lost money, but toward studying closely what we know and do not know about marijuana. What facts and myths are influencing society and how it perceives marijuana? How has legal reform affected other countries? Is marijuana like other drugs or a gateway to other drugs? The answers are out there.

Tobacco, Alcohol and countless other daily use substances such as caffeine, appear to be the focus for a majority of the folks who would have you and I believe that marijuana is unhealthful and immoral. Claims of marijuana degrading the socialization of teens, sucking them dry of any ambition or desire of success are extreme at minimum. This viewpoint is old fashioned at best, quite possibly racist in foundation and exceptionally limited in any backing with substance. History will show, quite accurately, the process in which marijuana became illegal in this country.

In the book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” by Jack Herer, there is the factual story of Harry J. Anslinger, first Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (now defunct) and how his influence allowed for the racist-driven illegalization of a substance associated with Mexicans and African-Americans. Police reports and other claims of rape and murder by individuals under the influence of marijuana were used to strike fear into the hearts of citizens. The claim, however, that these awful crimes were directly attributed to use of marijuana as apposed to good old fashioned sociopathy is obviously unwarranted.

Looking closely at marijuana users and the culture they are involved in may show many outsiders exactly the difference between what society believes and accepts as truth and the reality of the situation. Potheads, stoners, dopers – so many names to describe unsavory marijuana smokers and their entourage circle of smoker friends. The truth is, not all marijuana smokers are low-lifes, but many are highly respected members of society (pun intended). From law, business and marketing to the usual music, movies and the like, the positions marijuana users hold in society varies. Students of high school and college, even the unfortunate junior high and elementary children have been exposed to marijuana. Remember one thing we know about one person in particular, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This individual who has recently spoke about opening a discussion on the subject, has used marijuana in the past and has been a successful former body-builder, an actor, and now, politician. Anyone from any walk of life, involved in any type of occupation, could be a marijuana smoker, well user at least. Wait, is there a difference between a marijuana smoker and a marijuana user? Well, yes and no. Marijuana smokers are users, however not all users are smokers. How could that be?

Smoking is the most common and popular usage of marijuana consumption, but it is not the only one. Recently, vaporization of marijuana or actually of the THC within the plant matter has become increasingly popular. Vaporization eliminates many of the harmful carcinogens created when combustion of the plant material occurs. This creates a much safer and healthier method of using marijuana. Many of us have also heard of laced brownies and space-cakes, which are baked goods with marijuana as a key ingredient. Does eating marijuana do harm to an individuals body or mental state? Not many studies I have read through ever even mention this. Information. That is the near equivalent of the age-old question of marijuana being harmful to people who consume marijuana at all. Debates have stirred, studies have been conducted, yet it seems we are nowhere near the answers to these questions. Do we lack the technology or understanding of marijuana to study it appropriately? I believe that is impossible at this juncture, since marijuana has been around for approximately 4,000-5,000 years, which we know of.

Users and non-users alike can agree that substance abuse affects, not only those who do the abusing, but those around them as well. But it is the abuse, not the substance, which lends a hand in disruptive and destructive behavior. The abuse is the responsibility of the individual partaking in such substances, and in some cases, anyone else who is enabling the abuse to continue. This has been evident in codependent family systems studied in the past and is still recognized today. These are the real issues with marijuana.

A person with the hopes of truly becoming informed on the subject of marijuana law need only research the history of prohibition in the United States. Research the violence related to alcohol before, during, and after prohibition. Investigate the numerous health problems and legal ramifications of the legalization and regulation of tobacco, including marketing limits. Research the many examples of marijuana law reform in the United States and overseas. By conducting research within your own community, as well as others, you may find real people with real voices who may not have been heard by everyone. The point is to research on your own, to get involved and most importantly, focus on marijuana - not every other substance that is legal or otherwise. Focus on the people who use and do not use marijuana. Those affected by its existence, positively or negatively. No death of a human has ever been documented in the history of this plant. Yes, it's just a plant. Can a plant be immoral? Can a plant be irresponsible? I hope the focus can be shifted back to the people. All people. We are all responsible to be active and involved in the debate as well as the social implications. Are you ready? I am.

California, the Governator and Pot!

2009-05-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems the decriminalization or legalization of Marijuana, as well as the taxing of it (knew that was in there, didn't ya?) has finally come into focus as California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, agreed to begin a discussion on the topic. This comes soon after a recent call from Mexican officials to the US government regarding an open discussion regarding Marijuana policy, specifically to alleviate the growing cartel wars in along many US-Mexico border cities. Reefer Madless expected as much in California, especially after a visit by President Obama to the neighbor country following a highly publicized debate on ending marijuana prohibition, held by Mexico's Congress. Mexico’s Ambassador is known to have stated, regarding Marijuana prohibition “Needs to Be Taken Seriously”.

Schwarzenegger stated "I think it's time for a debate", bringing a much needed call for discussion, especially after recent polls show 56% of Californians agreed, Marijuana should soon be legalized and taxed. With the state of the economy and violent criminal activities stemming from illegal drug trade operations between California and Mexico, we here at Reefer Madless say - "Why not?"

James P. Gray, a retired Orange County Superior Court judge and a member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition), had this to say "Once people allow themselves to discuss the issue of treating marijuana like alcohol, the result is pre-ordained. Today marijuana is fully available for anyone that wants it -- expressly including our children -- so why not regulate and control it, and tax it as well? That will reduce the violence in its distribution, and bring in needed revenue for government"

Read the full article found here on HuffingtonPost.com:
Arnold: Time To Talk About Legalizing Pot

PEACE

Reefer Madless is here!

2009-05-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

This blog is just a start up now, but I would like to address issues of Marijuana law reform, usage, urban myths and other information related to Marijuana. The focal point of this blog will be to acknowledge the ever growing demand for Marijuana law reform in the United States. This blog hails form California, Northern California to be more exact.

Because of the medical marijuana laws in our great Golden state, I will occasionally do an overview of what strains are going around and maybe give a review of the strains that cross my path.

I hope to add a continual stream of information, opinions, editorials, interviews and more with the help of my Business major cousin who lives in Southern California. Additional support may come from my Sociology/Ethnic Studies major girlfriend who lives here in Nor.Cal. with me.

Until next time when we really begin, this is Grey Matter posting for RYME/RYMEdesign.com

Welcome to REEFER MADLESS! Where we debunk the junk in the governments trunk!

PEACE