Weekend News Recap
February 19th, 2018
Here are some news articles you might have missed over the weekend. Stay informed by checking out Dabbin Dad each week for all of your cannabis information.
In case you missed this first article, this is a classic example of the type of politicians we need to voted out of the legislature. People like, Rep. Vincent Candelora, are the reason we are in such a problem here in Connecticut. His backwards ideals are the reason we as a state will not be able to move forward towards a prosperous future. How can a politician in this day and age, sit there and lie to people, specifically his own constituents. This spectacle was emotionally driven and outright false!
Great move by the way to have children in attendance to discuss the legalization and regulation of Adult Consumption of cannabis. Mr. Candelora, maybe instead of involving impressionable children into your lies, you should try to research the topic and back up your claims with actual facts. It is obvious, this gentleman does not have what it takes to be a true leader. Maybe we should outlaw sugar next… -Dabbin Dad
Marijuana legalization debate continues at State Capitol
The debate over legalizing marijuana is heating up at the State Capitol. State Representative Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford) and a group of anti-pot legalization advocates held a news conference on Thursday morning.
They argued that legalizing marijuana would not bring in the revenues to the state that some are promising.
They also say it would lead to an increase in traffic accidents and young users.
“As we all know, there is a lot of money involved with marijuana, but when we talk about the science and the health risks, people start to back off,” Rep. Candelora said.
Legalization supporters tell News 8 that if the law is changed, it would still be illegal for teens to smoke and for anyone to smoke and drive while high. Read and check out video here
Pot regulators face decision on ‘cannabis cafes’
I can drink in a bar, why can’t I smoke a joint in a cafe? It’s already being done around the world. Are we not responsible enough? -Dabbin Dad
Could Massachusetts become the first U.S. state where adults can gather and use legal recreational marijuana at so-called “cannabis cafes?”
The Cannabis Control Commission, the five-member panel set up to regulate the state’s marijuana industry, is expected to decide later this month whether to approve draft regulations that would allow for the licensing of social consumption establishments.
The idea has received strong opposition from Republican Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration and from law enforcement officials who warn of public safety and public health risks if such facilities were to open.
Baker has suggested the Commission at the very least hold off on licensing social operations until after the commercial pot industry is up and running later this year.
Some questions and answers about the controversy: Read More
Dear Abby Tells It Like It Is: The Week in Cannabis Quotes
Thank you Dear Abby!!! -Dabbin Dad
From lawyers in landmark cases to sanctuary-friendly mayors to Dear Abby and Chelsea Handler, here are the week’s most notable cannabis quotables.
“It’s the first time a young child who needs lifesaving medicine has stood up to the government to be able to use it. It’s the first time that a group of young millennials of color has stood up to the government and said the marijuana law is wrong and has destroyed their communities.”
—Joseph A. Bondy, one of the lawyers behind Washington v. Sessions, which challenges the listing of marijuana as a Schedule I drug and names the Department of Justice, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the DEA as defendants, to the New York Times
“Among drivers younger than 21 years of age, the risk of crash involvement was 38% higher.”
—Dr. John Staples, assistant professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia, speaking about the elevated driving dangers that come on April 20, AKA the unofficial cannabis holiday 4/20, to CBS News
“Medical and recreational marijuana are legal for adults in the state of Nevada. That it is being used as an excuse to isolate you is cruel.”
—Dear Abby, aka Abigal Van Buren, in response to the medical marijuana patient in Nevada, who wrote of being shunned by her husband’s family for her “drug use”
“I believe we can balance public safety and resisting the Trump administration.”
—Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, declared Berkeley a sanctuary city for cannabis users and cementing a policy prohibiting city employees from assisting federal officials in the enforcement of federal marijuana laws
Lawsuit Argues That Feds’ Cannabis Ban Violates Our Constitutional Rights
Hopefully the dominoes will start to fall. Amazing work!!! – Dabbin Dad
By Janet Burns
A diverse group of cannabis patients and activists is seeking to end the plant’s inclusion in the United States Controlled Substances Act (CSA), calling it unconstitutional; if they succeed, the suit could end prohibition without Congress’ help.
Yesterday, plaintiffs in the federal case of Washington, et.al v. Sessions, et.al provided oral arguments in response to the federal government’s motion to dismiss their suit, which challenges the constitutionality of cannabis’ classification under the CSA.
Originally filed last July, the lawsuit argues that cannabis’ controlled status violates plaintiffs’ constitutional rights as established by the 1st, 5th, 9th, 10th and 14th amendments, pertaining — among other things — to their fundamental rights to travel, engage in commerce, and enjoy equal protection under federal law.
Plaintiffs include retired NFL player and Super Bowl champ Marvin Washington, Iraq War veteran Jose Belen, 12-year-old medical patient Alexis Bortell, seven-year-old patient Jagger Cotte, and the New York-based Cannabis Cultural Association, which promotes inclusion and leadership for people of color and other marginalized groups within the cannabis industry.
On Wednesday, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York heard oral arguments from plaintiffs and reserved his decision rather than ruling from the bench. He also acknowledged cannabis’ medicinal value before the court. A decision on which if any of the plaintiffs’ claims will be dismissed is expected within the next few weeks. Read more
H/T: WTNH, Boston.com, Leafly, Forbes
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