Weekend News Recap
Here are some news articles you might have missed over the weekend. There is a lot going on in the cannabis-focused world. We need to look outside the state to ensure we stay ahead of the game to push legalization here in Connecticut. It would appear our legislators are not educating themselves.
Let’s normalize cannabis, it’s ok to talk about it. Cannabis does not make you a bad person.
April 15, 2018
Trump says he’ll support protections for legal marijuana. Here’s what politicians and cannabis insiders are saying.
Is Trump further paving the way for legal cannabis on the Federal level as well. First step would to ensure that State right’s won’t be infringed. – Dabbin Dad.
Alex Pasquariello
Politicians and cannabis industry insiders, alike, were surprised Friday morning by Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner’s announcement that he has struck a deal with President Donald J. Trump that would protect states’ marijuana laws from federal interference.
In a statement that summarized much of the reaction, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), the co-founder of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, in a statement called the announcement “another head spinning moment.”
“We should hope for the best, but not take anything for granted. Trump changes his mind constantly, and Republican leadership is still in our way,” he said. “Momentum is clearly building in the states and here in DC. The tide is changing. Now is the time to redouble our efforts.”
He followed up with at tweet that asked, “can you feel the earth shifting for lasting marijuana reform??” Read more
GOP Lawmakers Hope To Help Cannabis Company With Their Advocacy
Wow, here is a big flip-flop if there ever was one. Some could say that this is proof that money talks. Either way, having his support is not a bad thing. – Dabbin Dad
Mona Zhang
It was the flip-flop heard ’round the internet: Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner announced that he is joining the advisory board of marijuana company Acreage Holdings after once saying that he was “unalterably opposed” to legalization. “I remain concerned that legalization will result in increased abuse of all varieties of drugs,” he once wrote to a pro-cannabis constituent in 2011.
Now, the prospect of Boehner and former Governor of Massachusetts Bill Weld (a Republican-turned Libertarian) is causing some hand-wringing among marijuana advocates. While Weld has been a longtime proponent of medical marijuana, Boehner was decidedly anti-cannabis during his time in office.
Cynics are calling him out for changing his mind so late, foregoing the opportunity to push the issue when he was still serving as Speaker.
“Men like John Boehner who have allowed horrific injustices to occur to our communities should not be allowed to make a dime from this industry until every American in jail for marijuana is freed and their records are wiped clean,” New Mexico Congressional candidate Deb Haaland said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Acreage declined to discuss Boehner and Weld’s compensation to The Washington Post. Meanwhile, Quartz pointed out that 420,000 people were arrested for selling marijuana during Boehner’s time as Speaker of the House.
Others welcomed him to the movement. “Regardless of motive, former Speaker Boehner is still held in high regard by a large percentage of the GOP membership and voter base,” Erik Altieri, executive director of NORML, said in a statement. “We look forward to his voice joining the growing chorus calling for an end to cannabis criminalization.” Read More
Louisiana veterans advocate for medical cannabis
No one, especially our veterans should have to fight for the right to medicine. Cannabis can save lives. The least the State of Louisiana can do for it’s veterans is to make sure they have support when they return home from their service. No one should have to move in order to have an opportunity to live. – Dabbin Dad
Rachel Steffan, The Sun Herald (Louisiana) via AP
Four veterans representing countless others have been sticking their necks out to advocate for the legalization of medical cannabis in Louisiana.
Bud Clark of Longville served in the US Navy from 1972 to 1975, Paul Bonial of Alexandria served in the Louisiana Army National Guard and then the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1992, Tony Landry of Jennings served in the U.S. Navy from 1988 to 1994, and Brian Greer of Lafayette served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 1987 to 1991.
The four of them on March 27 participated in a rally for the legalization of medical cannabis in Baton Rouge. “We are being the voice for many people who contact us,” Landry said. “We aren’t just advocating for veterans but for all people in Louisiana.”
Landry moderates a Facebook page called Louisiana Veterans for Medical Cannabis.
They also strive to educate and break down stigma and misinformation surrounding the medical use of cannabis.
“There is empirical evidence showing cannabis is effective for both of these issues,” said Bonial, who is a practicing counselor, mostly for addiction treatment.
Many veterans with chronic pain are prescribed addictive opioid medications. These come with a whole host of issues — one being that the body eventually builds a tolerance to opioids.
“The opioid epidemic is a national scourge,” said Landry, who injured his back while serving in the US Navy.
He went through two back surgeries and started on a “20-year odyssey with pain meds.” Landry turned to alcohol when his prescribed opioid drugs no longer remedied his chronic pain. Read More
H/T: TheCannabist, Forbes, Military Times