By Jonah Bennett The House voted Wednesday to approve a measure that blocks the Department of Justice from cracking down on states where medical marijuana is legal. Sponsored by Democratic Rep. Sam Farr and GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, the amendment to the fiscal 2016 Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill passed by a 242-186 vote….
Ulbricht Wasn’t Convicted On Murder-For-Hire by Avens O’Brien On Friday, 31-year-old Ross Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison without parole following his February conviction of the following seven counts: Distributing OR aiding and abetting the distribution of narcotics. (Aiding and abetting means knowingly assisting in the commission of a crime, even if he didn’t…
By Jonah Bennett A panel discussion at the National Press Club Wednesday brought together experts in the field to discuss public health hazards as marijuana legalization unfolds across the country. More than 50 percent of states in the U.S. have legalized marijuana, whether for medicinal or recreational use, and many governors and lawmakers in other…
By Jonah Bennett Last year, Philadelphia decided to decriminalize marijuana, dropping the consequences to a simple fine for possession. That decision appears to have saved the city $1 million dollars over a very short period of time. On October 20, 2014, legislation signed by Mayor Michael Nutter officially came into effect, making marijuana a civil…
Actor Morgan Freeman discussed his use of marijuana to ease his pain after a traumatic injury seven years ago. In an interview with the Daily Beast, the Hollywood star compared alcohol to marijuana, arguing that the plant has actual medical benefits, while alcohol does not. From the Daily Beast: Seven years ago, he was driving…
By Jonah Bennett The Drug Enforcement Administration says the federal government needs to produce 400,000 grams of marijuana for 2015—three times the amount originally proposed for this year. The agency will begin accepting public comment for 30 days starting on Wednesday, when the proposal is officially published in the Federal Register, Marijuana.com reports. According to DEA administrator Michele Leonhart,…
By Jonah Bennett Published: April 6, 2015 Voters in three crucial presidential swing states support legalizing medical marijuana by at least a 5-to-1 margin, according to a new poll published by Quinnipiac University Monday. Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania are considered swing states because since 1960, no candidate has succeeded without winning support from at least two of…
By Jonah Bennett Defense Secretary Ash Carter is considering recruitment changes to help attract and retain cyber personnel as the Pentagon prepares to boost its recruitment efforts. According to leaders, it’s difficult to bring in top cyber talent into the service because minor drug offenses, age restrictions and physical fitness issues continue to disqualify recruits….
By Jonah Bennett Colorado replied Friday to the lawsuit Nebraska and Oklahoma filed last year against the state’s legal marijuana. Oregon and Washington joined in, filing a joint brief in support of Colorado. “My office remains committed to defending Colorado’s law,” Colorado Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman said in a press release. “At the same time,…
by Grant Phillips Drug zealots often proliferate images of back alley drug deals and the respective dangers as justification for government intervention. In spite of prohibition, the drug market continues to flourish. Current policy perpetuates the distrust of buyers and sellers – resulting in damages to both parties. As government efforts prove futile, market forces…