http://news.nuggetry.com Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:03:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-crack-down-on-los-angeles-county-dispensaries/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-crack-down-on-los-angeles-county-dispensaries/#comments Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:27:32 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4768 In total, over 100 collective owners received letters-- 71 in Los Angeles, 4 in the Antelope Valley, and 28 in Long Beach. The letters give collective owners and their landlords 14 days to come into compliance with federal law by shutting down their establishments. or risk facing federal action Two forfeiture lawsuits were also filed against property owners in Long Beach, telling them it is illegal to allow the sale of marijuana in buildings they own. Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the city is working with federal officials.  He said, "Marijuana dispensaries have posed significant challenges to the city of Long Beach.  We always welcome the opportunity to partner with federal authorities in an effort to address these illegal operations that affect the quality of life in our community.'' Many Los Angeles collective owners saw this coming, but may have expected the interference to come from local officials, rather than federal ones.  Proposition D was passed last month by LA voters, which says that all except for approximately 135 medical marijuana dispensaries in the city must shut down. These new raids bring the total number of medical marijuana businesses in Central California targeted by the federal government up to 625.  The majority of the businesses that have been targeted have complied and shut down, with some changing their business over to a delivery service, and a small minority fighting the feds.   [Source]]]> In total, over 100 collective owners received letters-- 71 in Los Angeles, 4 in the Antelope Valley, and 28 in Long Beach. The letters give collective owners and their landlords 14 days to come into compliance with federal law by shutting down their establishments. or risk facing federal action Two forfeiture lawsuits were also filed against property owners in Long Beach, telling them it is illegal to allow the sale of marijuana in buildings they own. Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the city is working with federal officials.  He said, "Marijuana dispensaries have posed significant challenges to the city of Long Beach.  We always welcome the opportunity to partner with federal authorities in an effort to address these illegal operations that affect the quality of life in our community.'' Many Los Angeles collective owners saw this coming, but may have expected the interference to come from local officials, rather than federal ones.  Proposition D was passed last month by LA voters, which says that all except for approximately 135 medical marijuana dispensaries in the city must shut down. These new raids bring the total number of medical marijuana businesses in Central California targeted by the federal government up to 625.  The majority of the businesses that have been targeted have complied and shut down, with some changing their business over to a delivery service, and a small minority fighting the feds.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-crack-down-on-los-angeles-county-dispensaries/feed/ 7 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/california-medical-marijuana-regulation-measure-fails/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/california-medical-marijuana-regulation-measure-fails/#comments Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:54:20 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4714 Tom Ammiano, the bill's sponsor, felt as though he was not provided proper voting procedure, as he was not allowed to pause to encourage more votes in favor of the bill halfway through the voting process, which is standard procedure in the Assembly. The bill was supported by the ACLU and the Drug Policy Alliance.  Supporters had hoped that more regulations for a widely unregulated industry could bring an end to federal crackdowns and protect patients who need access to their medicine. Without a statewide regulatory board, cities and towns are left to regulate themselves when it comes to medical marijuana.  Feeling at odds with an ever-growing industry, many cities have opted to ban all medical marijuana dispensaries from operating altogether. Ammiano has pledged to continue to work towards medical marijuana regulation for California.   [Source]]]> Tom Ammiano, the bill's sponsor, felt as though he was not provided proper voting procedure, as he was not allowed to pause to encourage more votes in favor of the bill halfway through the voting process, which is standard procedure in the Assembly. The bill was supported by the ACLU and the Drug Policy Alliance.  Supporters had hoped that more regulations for a widely unregulated industry could bring an end to federal crackdowns and protect patients who need access to their medicine. Without a statewide regulatory board, cities and towns are left to regulate themselves when it comes to medical marijuana.  Feeling at odds with an ever-growing industry, many cities have opted to ban all medical marijuana dispensaries from operating altogether. Ammiano has pledged to continue to work towards medical marijuana regulation for California.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/california-medical-marijuana-regulation-measure-fails/feed/ 3 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-medical-marijuana-regulation-bill-passes-california-senate/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-medical-marijuana-regulation-bill-passes-california-senate/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 14:09:48 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4594 The bill aims to rope in dispensaries and eliminate the aspects that have made California's medical marijuana program a target for federal raids.  The bill would eliminate the "for profit" aspect of collectives and instead require collectives to register under the state's Food and Agricultural Code.  Those operating within the guidelines set forth by SB439 could not be prosecuted under state law. According to Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, the bill "does seek to assure that patients who need medical cannabis have access to it.  It is intended to assure that drug cartels and other criminals do not benefit from the lack of regulation."  He added that the legislation "is intended to come to some sort of an understanding with the federal government." This legislation comes at a time where dozens of cities in California are forcing medical marijuana dispensaries to close, leaving patients without access to their medicine.  Senator Mark Leno said, "The idea that everyone has to have the wherewithal and the ability and the physical stamina as a patient to be able to grow their own is just unreasonable and unworkable.  This is a very sensible step." Higher levels of regulation for California's medical marijuana dispensaries could help to eliminate the gray area which has allowed hundreds of shops to be shut down and thousands of patients to be left without a safe place to get their medical marijuana. [Source]]]> The bill aims to rope in dispensaries and eliminate the aspects that have made California's medical marijuana program a target for federal raids.  The bill would eliminate the "for profit" aspect of collectives and instead require collectives to register under the state's Food and Agricultural Code.  Those operating within the guidelines set forth by SB439 could not be prosecuted under state law. According to Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, the bill "does seek to assure that patients who need medical cannabis have access to it.  It is intended to assure that drug cartels and other criminals do not benefit from the lack of regulation."  He added that the legislation "is intended to come to some sort of an understanding with the federal government." This legislation comes at a time where dozens of cities in California are forcing medical marijuana dispensaries to close, leaving patients without access to their medicine.  Senator Mark Leno said, "The idea that everyone has to have the wherewithal and the ability and the physical stamina as a patient to be able to grow their own is just unreasonable and unworkable.  This is a very sensible step." Higher levels of regulation for California's medical marijuana dispensaries could help to eliminate the gray area which has allowed hundreds of shops to be shut down and thousands of patients to be left without a safe place to get their medical marijuana. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-medical-marijuana-regulation-bill-passes-california-senate/feed/ 8 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/berkeley-targets-greenleaf-wellness-group-medical-marijuana-collective/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/berkeley-targets-greenleaf-wellness-group-medical-marijuana-collective/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:19:12 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4434 The city attests that the collective, located near the corner of Sacramento Street, should not be open because collectives are only allowed in residential areas.  The building where they are located is currently zoned as a commercial building. Nearby residents have complained about litter in the area as well as patients smoking medical marijuana on the sidewalks near the dispensary. Al Antonini, the owner of the building and Greenleaf Wellness Group's landlord, says that if the city finds the collective to be illegal, he will fight the determination in court. That is a bold step from Antonini, as many landlords have been threatened with having their property and any money they have earned from rent from collectives seized if they continue to house a medical marijuana business illegally.   [Source]]]> The city attests that the collective, located near the corner of Sacramento Street, should not be open because collectives are only allowed in residential areas.  The building where they are located is currently zoned as a commercial building. Nearby residents have complained about litter in the area as well as patients smoking medical marijuana on the sidewalks near the dispensary. Al Antonini, the owner of the building and Greenleaf Wellness Group's landlord, says that if the city finds the collective to be illegal, he will fight the determination in court. That is a bold step from Antonini, as many landlords have been threatened with having their property and any money they have earned from rent from collectives seized if they continue to house a medical marijuana business illegally.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/berkeley-targets-greenleaf-wellness-group-medical-marijuana-collective/feed/ 1 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/california-medical-marijuana-regulation-bill-passed-by-panel/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/california-medical-marijuana-regulation-bill-passed-by-panel/#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:43:47 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4390 The bill was written by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano.  In a committee analysis of the bill he wrote, "Greater certainty and uniformity are urgently needed regarding the rights and obligations of medical marijuana facilities, and for the imposition and enforcement of regulations to prevent unlawful cultivation and the diversion of marijuana to nonmedical use." The bill is opposed by the California Narcotic Officers' Association because they believe it will prevent local governments from regulating medical marijuana facilities and keeping them out of their communities. Additionally, they believe that passing AB 473 would create a state agency that promotes drug trafficking and would put state employees at risk of federal prosecution.   [Source]]]> The bill was written by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano.  In a committee analysis of the bill he wrote, "Greater certainty and uniformity are urgently needed regarding the rights and obligations of medical marijuana facilities, and for the imposition and enforcement of regulations to prevent unlawful cultivation and the diversion of marijuana to nonmedical use." The bill is opposed by the California Narcotic Officers' Association because they believe it will prevent local governments from regulating medical marijuana facilities and keeping them out of their communities. Additionally, they believe that passing AB 473 would create a state agency that promotes drug trafficking and would put state employees at risk of federal prosecution.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/california-medical-marijuana-regulation-bill-passed-by-panel/feed/ 5 http://news.nuggetry.com/southern-california-marijuana/marijuana-extraction-causes-anaheim-fire/ http://news.nuggetry.com/southern-california-marijuana/marijuana-extraction-causes-anaheim-fire/#comments Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:04:31 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4211 Stephen Toshiyuka, 23, lives in the apartment.  He was arrested on suspicion of narcotics-related violations.  He was booked in the Anaheim Detention Facility. The fire was reported in a fourth-floor apartment at 10 p.m. Saturday at the Gateway Apartments, said Maria Sabol, a spokeswoman for the Anaheim Fire Department. Witnesses reported that it appeared to be an explosion. The fire triggered the sprinkler system. One resident told the press that he saw a fireball and heard an explosion.  "I literally sprinted to the top level with another guy, and when we got there, there was a female and a male, they already had gone in and they took the fire extinguishers, and they put the fire out on the terrace, and I went right to make sure things were doing OK," said Dave Simon, a resident in the apartment complex. Simon said that, once inside the apartment, he saw drugs and firearms. By the time firefighters had arrived, the fire had already been put out.  No one was injured in the blast and fire, but apartments were damaged by water from sprinkler systems that were set off.  Four residents had to leave their homes for the night.   [Source]]]> Stephen Toshiyuka, 23, lives in the apartment.  He was arrested on suspicion of narcotics-related violations.  He was booked in the Anaheim Detention Facility. The fire was reported in a fourth-floor apartment at 10 p.m. Saturday at the Gateway Apartments, said Maria Sabol, a spokeswoman for the Anaheim Fire Department. Witnesses reported that it appeared to be an explosion. The fire triggered the sprinkler system. One resident told the press that he saw a fireball and heard an explosion.  "I literally sprinted to the top level with another guy, and when we got there, there was a female and a male, they already had gone in and they took the fire extinguishers, and they put the fire out on the terrace, and I went right to make sure things were doing OK," said Dave Simon, a resident in the apartment complex. Simon said that, once inside the apartment, he saw drugs and firearms. By the time firefighters had arrived, the fire had already been put out.  No one was injured in the blast and fire, but apartments were damaged by water from sprinkler systems that were set off.  Four residents had to leave their homes for the night.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/southern-california-marijuana/marijuana-extraction-causes-anaheim-fire/feed/ 4 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/analysts-estimate-legal-marijuana-could-bring-billions-in-revenue/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/analysts-estimate-legal-marijuana-could-bring-billions-in-revenue/#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:26:17 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4175 Colorado Representative Jared Polis told the press, "I've seen some estimates in the high tens of millions, as much as $100 million for Colorado."  He continued to explained that the money could put a "substantial dent in needed school improvements, particularly in poorer districts." It is predicted that California could see more significant revenues, due to the state's population.  California NORML Director Dale Gieringer said that legalizing marijuana could bring $1.2 billion in California from tax revenues alone. The industry as a whole could bring between $12 billion and $18 billion of new business activity in California, he estimated.   [Source]]]> Colorado Representative Jared Polis told the press, "I've seen some estimates in the high tens of millions, as much as $100 million for Colorado."  He continued to explained that the money could put a "substantial dent in needed school improvements, particularly in poorer districts." It is predicted that California could see more significant revenues, due to the state's population.  California NORML Director Dale Gieringer said that legalizing marijuana could bring $1.2 billion in California from tax revenues alone. The industry as a whole could bring between $12 billion and $18 billion of new business activity in California, he estimated.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/analysts-estimate-legal-marijuana-could-bring-billions-in-revenue/feed/ 2 http://news.nuggetry.com/southern-california-marijuana/proposed-reform-bill-would-changes-regulations-for-californias-medical-marijuana-system/ http://news.nuggetry.com/southern-california-marijuana/proposed-reform-bill-would-changes-regulations-for-californias-medical-marijuana-system/#comments Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:03:11 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4117 On Tuesday, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano introduced a reform bill, AB 473, that would change the way California's medical marijuana system is regulated. The proposed bill would create a Division of Medical Cannabis Regulation, which would establish statewide standards and fees for how medical marijuana should be grown, distributed, taxed and sold.  The DMCR would be a division of the Alcoholic Beverage Control division. In a statement, Ammiano explained, "This is a concrete plan that will keep medical marijuana safe.  We will get it into the right hands and keep it out of the wrong hands." Many medical marijuana advocates believe that more clear-cut rules and regulations would actually help protect dispensaries, growers, and patients.  Californians to regulate Medical Marijuana's spokesman Dan Rush told the press, "Having a division that's part of a state agency promulgate and enforce uniform regulation is a good idea." Uniformity is something that California's medical marijuana system currently lacks.  Dispensaries in one city are being raided by officials while dozens are allowed to remain open just across the border. While changes are expected to be made to Ammiano's legislature, it is likely that it would create a system similar to Colorado's, where marijuana is tracked from seed to sale. A similar bill was proposed by Ammiano last year, but it died in Committee.   [Source]]]> On Tuesday, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano introduced a reform bill, AB 473, that would change the way California's medical marijuana system is regulated. The proposed bill would create a Division of Medical Cannabis Regulation, which would establish statewide standards and fees for how medical marijuana should be grown, distributed, taxed and sold.  The DMCR would be a division of the Alcoholic Beverage Control division. In a statement, Ammiano explained, "This is a concrete plan that will keep medical marijuana safe.  We will get it into the right hands and keep it out of the wrong hands." Many medical marijuana advocates believe that more clear-cut rules and regulations would actually help protect dispensaries, growers, and patients.  Californians to regulate Medical Marijuana's spokesman Dan Rush told the press, "Having a division that's part of a state agency promulgate and enforce uniform regulation is a good idea." Uniformity is something that California's medical marijuana system currently lacks.  Dispensaries in one city are being raided by officials while dozens are allowed to remain open just across the border. While changes are expected to be made to Ammiano's legislature, it is likely that it would create a system similar to Colorado's, where marijuana is tracked from seed to sale. A similar bill was proposed by Ammiano last year, but it died in Committee.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/southern-california-marijuana/proposed-reform-bill-would-changes-regulations-for-californias-medical-marijuana-system/feed/ 4 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/4-million-worth-of-marijuana-found-on-beach-in-santa-barbara/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/4-million-worth-of-marijuana-found-on-beach-in-santa-barbara/#comments Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:45:49 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4093 The marijuana weighed approximately 2,000 pounds and was wrapped in plastic bags on the sand. According to a statement from the Santa Barbara County sheriff's office, officials discovered a "30-foot Panga style boat with two outboard engines and 20+ fuel containers on board."  The release also explained that "Sheriff's detectives located a significant amount of evidence that was consistent with marijuana smuggling activities, including trash and debris that was strewn about the beach and nearby coastal access trails." The marijuana and other evidence from the scene has been taken in by the sheriff's department.  They will test the packages to ensure their contents, but police believe it is marijuana. Earlier in March,  a similar scene was discovered at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.  In that case, almost $1 million worth of marijuana was discovered near a boat that had crashed on the beach.   [Source]]]> The marijuana weighed approximately 2,000 pounds and was wrapped in plastic bags on the sand. According to a statement from the Santa Barbara County sheriff's office, officials discovered a "30-foot Panga style boat with two outboard engines and 20+ fuel containers on board."  The release also explained that "Sheriff's detectives located a significant amount of evidence that was consistent with marijuana smuggling activities, including trash and debris that was strewn about the beach and nearby coastal access trails." The marijuana and other evidence from the scene has been taken in by the sheriff's department.  They will test the packages to ensure their contents, but police believe it is marijuana. Earlier in March,  a similar scene was discovered at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.  In that case, almost $1 million worth of marijuana was discovered near a boat that had crashed on the beach.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/4-million-worth-of-marijuana-found-on-beach-in-santa-barbara/feed/ 3 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/record-number-of-californians-support-legalizing-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/record-number-of-californians-support-legalizing-marijuana/#comments Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:12:50 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3953 According to the poll, 54% of Californians support legalizing marijuana, while only 43% oppose it.  That is the highest number in favor of legalizing marijuana since the field poll started asking the question in 1969.  Back then, only 13% of California voters approved of legalizing marijuana. The last time Field Poll conducted a similar survey in early 2010, only 50% of Californians were in favor of marijuana legalization.  However, when voters had the chance to weigh in on a marijuana legalization measure with Proposition 19, it failed, with only 46% of voters in favor of legalization.  It lost by less than 700,000 votes. Similar polls conducted in Washington and Colorado prior to the general election last fall showed less than 54% in favor of marijuana legalization, but the measures still came out victorious.  This should encourage California marijuana advocates who worry whether 54% in a pre-poll is enough. The poll found the most support for legalization in the San Fransisco Bay area, where almost 66% of those polled were in favor of full legalization. The Field Poll also asked about California's current medical marijuana laws to see if voters were still in favor of Prop 215, which was passed more than 16 years ago.  72% of those polled support the medical marijuana law.  When it was originally put to vote in 1996, it only received 55% of the vote, meaning that a significant number of voters have 'come around' on the issue of medical marijuana.  58% of those polled said they would not mind having a dispensary near their homes.  Additionally, 66% of those polled opposed the Obama administration's raids on medical marijuana dispensaries. California officials do not seem to be listening to the people when it comes to medical marijuana, as over 200 cities and counties have banned medical marijuana dispensaries.  California cities continue to take a harsher stance on medical marijuana collectives, while voters and residents are becoming more accepting of them. Marijuana advocates are planning to go back to the ballot with a marijuana legalization initiative in 2014.   [Source]]]> According to the poll, 54% of Californians support legalizing marijuana, while only 43% oppose it.  That is the highest number in favor of legalizing marijuana since the field poll started asking the question in 1969.  Back then, only 13% of California voters approved of legalizing marijuana. The last time Field Poll conducted a similar survey in early 2010, only 50% of Californians were in favor of marijuana legalization.  However, when voters had the chance to weigh in on a marijuana legalization measure with Proposition 19, it failed, with only 46% of voters in favor of legalization.  It lost by less than 700,000 votes. Similar polls conducted in Washington and Colorado prior to the general election last fall showed less than 54% in favor of marijuana legalization, but the measures still came out victorious.  This should encourage California marijuana advocates who worry whether 54% in a pre-poll is enough. The poll found the most support for legalization in the San Fransisco Bay area, where almost 66% of those polled were in favor of full legalization. The Field Poll also asked about California's current medical marijuana laws to see if voters were still in favor of Prop 215, which was passed more than 16 years ago.  72% of those polled support the medical marijuana law.  When it was originally put to vote in 1996, it only received 55% of the vote, meaning that a significant number of voters have 'come around' on the issue of medical marijuana.  58% of those polled said they would not mind having a dispensary near their homes.  Additionally, 66% of those polled opposed the Obama administration's raids on medical marijuana dispensaries. California officials do not seem to be listening to the people when it comes to medical marijuana, as over 200 cities and counties have banned medical marijuana dispensaries.  California cities continue to take a harsher stance on medical marijuana collectives, while voters and residents are becoming more accepting of them. Marijuana advocates are planning to go back to the ballot with a marijuana legalization initiative in 2014.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/record-number-of-californians-support-legalizing-marijuana/feed/ 9 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/court-throws-out-lawsuit-to-stop-oakland-harborside-health-center-closure/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/court-throws-out-lawsuit-to-stop-oakland-harborside-health-center-closure/#comments Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:33:34 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3857 Oakland had argued that by forcing Harborside to close, the federal government would be creating a public safety issue as 100,000 some odd patients would be forced to turn to the black market. US magistrate judge Maria-Elena James ruled that Oakland's intervention could not be carried out via the legal avenue the city had chosen.  The city was suing under the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the way federal agencies establish regulations.  James did not believe that the city met the legal requirements to sue under that act. Oakland City Attorney Barbara Parker said officials were going to consider all of their options, including an appeal.  Appealing would require City Council approval. "We're disappointed," she said Thursday, "but we have strong convictions about the harm Oakland will suffer and is already beginning to suffer as a result of the forfeiture actions." Harborside Health Center's owner, Steve DeAngelo, echoed the sentiments of disappointment.  In spite of it all, though, he is encouraged to have the city on his side.  He said, "The message of Oakland's lawsuit remains powerful and relevant: The city council and mayor have determined that if Harborside Health Center is closed, the entire city will be harmed."   [Source]]]> Oakland had argued that by forcing Harborside to close, the federal government would be creating a public safety issue as 100,000 some odd patients would be forced to turn to the black market. US magistrate judge Maria-Elena James ruled that Oakland's intervention could not be carried out via the legal avenue the city had chosen.  The city was suing under the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the way federal agencies establish regulations.  James did not believe that the city met the legal requirements to sue under that act. Oakland City Attorney Barbara Parker said officials were going to consider all of their options, including an appeal.  Appealing would require City Council approval. "We're disappointed," she said Thursday, "but we have strong convictions about the harm Oakland will suffer and is already beginning to suffer as a result of the forfeiture actions." Harborside Health Center's owner, Steve DeAngelo, echoed the sentiments of disappointment.  In spite of it all, though, he is encouraged to have the city on his side.  He said, "The message of Oakland's lawsuit remains powerful and relevant: The city council and mayor have determined that if Harborside Health Center is closed, the entire city will be harmed."   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/court-throws-out-lawsuit-to-stop-oakland-harborside-health-center-closure/feed/ 12 http://news.nuggetry.com/southern-california-marijuana/city-of-glendale-tries-to-stop-marijuana-convention/ http://news.nuggetry.com/southern-california-marijuana/city-of-glendale-tries-to-stop-marijuana-convention/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:24:46 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3846 Updated: February 15, 2013 High Times has now updated their event website, showing that the Medical Cannabis Cup event will still be held, but now it will take place in San Bernardino at the National Orange Show Events Center. Dan Skye, editorial director of High Times apologized for the changes, stating, "We understand how inconvenient this change in venue will be for vendors and attendees.  I can assure you that we're just as disappointed and dismayed that the Cup, which is a legal event attended by responsible adults, is prohibited on the whim of unelected officials." All planned events, including Redman and The Game performing as well as the awards show are set to happen at their original planned times.  On their website, High Times wrote, "The new location, located at Gate #10 on Arrowhead Avenue, offers a spacious outdoor medication area and a comfortable indoor lounge where seminars attendees can relax or attend several seminars taking place throughout this weekend." The original report appears below. The High Times Medical Cannabis Cup was set to take place this Saturday and Sunday in Glendale, Ca.  However, the city of Glendale, Ca. is now asking a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge to stop the LA Cannabis Cup from taking place.  The city wants to obtain a restraining order against organizers of the event to stop the event from being hosted. An emergency closed session was held on Tuesday to stop the event, based on the argument that the space being used for the event, Glendale Studios, is zoned for broadcast and recording, not for concerts.  Concerts featuring rappers Redman and The Game were slated to be held at the Cup on Saturday night. The city also contested that the event was in violation of Glendale's ban on medical marijuana dispensaries, which are not allowed in any district within the city.  While marijuana would not be sold at the event, City Attorney Michael Garcia explained that their "ordinance defines dispensaries broadly." Whether the city opts to grant the restraining order or not, the people responsible for running Glendale Studios are no longer willing to hold the event.  Steve Makhanian, who runs the studio, said that he will be cancelling the event because the city was "not happy" that the organizers had not received the proper permits.  He explained, "As a studio owner, we can't jeopardize having this event here." Just because Glendale has put the kibosh on the Medical Cannabis Cup does not necessarily mean that the event isn't happening.  Some Cup entrants exclusively revealed to NUGGETRY that they had been contacted by High Times, who were still trying to make the event happen.  The organizers told the entrants that they are considering moving the event to Orange County last minute, but have yet to finalize details. The event was initially planned to be held at LA Center Studios in Los Angeles, but moved to Glendale due to "unforeseen permit difficulties" according to the event's website.  Aside from entertainment from Redman and The Game, the event boasted celebrities and panels, including Tommy Chong receiving a lifetime achievement award. NUGGETRY News will keep you updated on the event as more details emerge.   [Source]]]> Updated: February 15, 2013 High Times has now updated their event website, showing that the Medical Cannabis Cup event will still be held, but now it will take place in San Bernardino at the National Orange Show Events Center. Dan Skye, editorial director of High Times apologized for the changes, stating, "We understand how inconvenient this change in venue will be for vendors and attendees.  I can assure you that we're just as disappointed and dismayed that the Cup, which is a legal event attended by responsible adults, is prohibited on the whim of unelected officials." All planned events, including Redman and The Game performing as well as the awards show are set to happen at their original planned times.  On their website, High Times wrote, "The new location, located at Gate #10 on Arrowhead Avenue, offers a spacious outdoor medication area and a comfortable indoor lounge where seminars attendees can relax or attend several seminars taking place throughout this weekend." The original report appears below. The High Times Medical Cannabis Cup was set to take place this Saturday and Sunday in Glendale, Ca.  However, the city of Glendale, Ca. is now asking a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge to stop the LA Cannabis Cup from taking place.  The city wants to obtain a restraining order against organizers of the event to stop the event from being hosted. An emergency closed session was held on Tuesday to stop the event, based on the argument that the space being used for the event, Glendale Studios, is zoned for broadcast and recording, not for concerts.  Concerts featuring rappers Redman and The Game were slated to be held at the Cup on Saturday night. The city also contested that the event was in violation of Glendale's ban on medical marijuana dispensaries, which are not allowed in any district within the city.  While marijuana would not be sold at the event, City Attorney Michael Garcia explained that their "ordinance defines dispensaries broadly." Whether the city opts to grant the restraining order or not, the people responsible for running Glendale Studios are no longer willing to hold the event.  Steve Makhanian, who runs the studio, said that he will be cancelling the event because the city was "not happy" that the organizers had not received the proper permits.  He explained, "As a studio owner, we can't jeopardize having this event here." Just because Glendale has put the kibosh on the Medical Cannabis Cup does not necessarily mean that the event isn't happening.  Some Cup entrants exclusively revealed to NUGGETRY that they had been contacted by High Times, who were still trying to make the event happen.  The organizers told the entrants that they are considering moving the event to Orange County last minute, but have yet to finalize details. The event was initially planned to be held at LA Center Studios in Los Angeles, but moved to Glendale due to "unforeseen permit difficulties" according to the event's website.  Aside from entertainment from Redman and The Game, the event boasted celebrities and panels, including Tommy Chong receiving a lifetime achievement award. NUGGETRY News will keep you updated on the event as more details emerge.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/southern-california-marijuana/city-of-glendale-tries-to-stop-marijuana-convention/feed/ 5 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/dea-raids-three-medical-marijuana-collectives-in-san-bernardino/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/dea-raids-three-medical-marijuana-collectives-in-san-bernardino/#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:51:52 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3780 In addition to the three warrants served at the Kush Concepts locations, a warrant was also served at a home in the city.  A DEA Spokeswoman told the press, "The search warrants were all served simultaneously without incident.  Once the evidence is processed the US Attorney's office will make the final decision if any criminal charges will be filed against Kush Concepts." Police raided Kush Concepts East around 10:45 am.  During the raid, they escorted a half dozen people out of the collective and off the premises.  At Kush concepts West, two police officers could be seen standing guard outside the collective while DEA agents served the search warrant inside. The dispensaries were targeted, according to Assistant City Attorney Jolena Grider, because they were attracting crime that was making members of the surrounding communities uncomfortable.  "The crime rate has risen within a one mile radius of these businesses," she explained.  "I think everyone is waiting on the state Supreme Court ruling that would decide how much further we can go in these cases." San Bernardino banned medical marijuana dispensaries in April 2011.  Approximately half have stopped operating, but the rest remain open despite warning letters from City Attorney James F. Penman.   [Source]]]> In addition to the three warrants served at the Kush Concepts locations, a warrant was also served at a home in the city.  A DEA Spokeswoman told the press, "The search warrants were all served simultaneously without incident.  Once the evidence is processed the US Attorney's office will make the final decision if any criminal charges will be filed against Kush Concepts." Police raided Kush Concepts East around 10:45 am.  During the raid, they escorted a half dozen people out of the collective and off the premises.  At Kush concepts West, two police officers could be seen standing guard outside the collective while DEA agents served the search warrant inside. The dispensaries were targeted, according to Assistant City Attorney Jolena Grider, because they were attracting crime that was making members of the surrounding communities uncomfortable.  "The crime rate has risen within a one mile radius of these businesses," she explained.  "I think everyone is waiting on the state Supreme Court ruling that would decide how much further we can go in these cases." San Bernardino banned medical marijuana dispensaries in April 2011.  Approximately half have stopped operating, but the rest remain open despite warning letters from City Attorney James F. Penman.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/dea-raids-three-medical-marijuana-collectives-in-san-bernardino/feed/ 17 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/california-supreme-court-to-decide-whether-cities-can-ban-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-tuesday/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/california-supreme-court-to-decide-whether-cities-can-ban-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-tuesday/#comments Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:28:07 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3762 The high court began hearing oral arguments from attorneys representing Inland Empire Patient's Health and Wellness Center (a dispensary) and the city of Riverside. Attorney T. Peter Pierce explained, "The Supreme Court is going to bring clarity and uniformity to the law because we now have some courts of appeal that have ruled in favor of cities in these issues and some that have ruled in favor of medical marijuana dispensaries.  Trial courts are feeling like they don't have concrete guidelines and have been all over the place on this issue." Over 20 counties and 175 cities in California have used zoning laws to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, according to Americans for Safe Access. Riverside officials made the  move to ban collectives in January 2009, when they sent letters to the city's dispensary owners telling them that the establishments were prohibited under the city's zoning laws. The dispensary operators who were told to close maintained that they had always been upfront with the city regarding the intent of their businesses and operated legally under Prop 215. A trial judge sided with the city in November 2011 and the medical marijuana dispensaries were closed.  The dispensary owner filed an appeal with the Fourth District Appellate Court in Riverside, who upheld the use of zoning laws to ban collectives.  The case was then appealed to the state Supreme Court, which then agreed to take on the case. Riverside collective owner Lanny Swerdlow told the press of the importance of this case, stating, "The collective/cooperative system is the only legal way in which a patient can obtain their medicine.  If we lose this case, that means cities can ban and most cities will ban.  That means most patients will have to turn to criminals in order to obtain their medicine." The Supreme Court decided to hear the case in January 2012, along with similar cases from Long Beach and Upland.  "They both raise the same legal issues, which is whether or not cities are preempted under the Compassionate Use Act from enacting bans on medical marijuana dispensaries as a matter of zoning," Pierce explained. This case will hopefully bring a lot of clarity to dispensary owners, city officials, and patients alike.   [Source]]]> The high court began hearing oral arguments from attorneys representing Inland Empire Patient's Health and Wellness Center (a dispensary) and the city of Riverside. Attorney T. Peter Pierce explained, "The Supreme Court is going to bring clarity and uniformity to the law because we now have some courts of appeal that have ruled in favor of cities in these issues and some that have ruled in favor of medical marijuana dispensaries.  Trial courts are feeling like they don't have concrete guidelines and have been all over the place on this issue." Over 20 counties and 175 cities in California have used zoning laws to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, according to Americans for Safe Access. Riverside officials made the  move to ban collectives in January 2009, when they sent letters to the city's dispensary owners telling them that the establishments were prohibited under the city's zoning laws. The dispensary operators who were told to close maintained that they had always been upfront with the city regarding the intent of their businesses and operated legally under Prop 215. A trial judge sided with the city in November 2011 and the medical marijuana dispensaries were closed.  The dispensary owner filed an appeal with the Fourth District Appellate Court in Riverside, who upheld the use of zoning laws to ban collectives.  The case was then appealed to the state Supreme Court, which then agreed to take on the case. Riverside collective owner Lanny Swerdlow told the press of the importance of this case, stating, "The collective/cooperative system is the only legal way in which a patient can obtain their medicine.  If we lose this case, that means cities can ban and most cities will ban.  That means most patients will have to turn to criminals in order to obtain their medicine." The Supreme Court decided to hear the case in January 2012, along with similar cases from Long Beach and Upland.  "They both raise the same legal issues, which is whether or not cities are preempted under the Compassionate Use Act from enacting bans on medical marijuana dispensaries as a matter of zoning," Pierce explained. This case will hopefully bring a lot of clarity to dispensary owners, city officials, and patients alike.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/california-supreme-court-to-decide-whether-cities-can-ban-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-tuesday/feed/ 4 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/tip-leads-san-jose-police-to-over-700k-worth-of-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/tip-leads-san-jose-police-to-over-700k-worth-of-marijuana/#comments Sat, 12 Jan 2013 16:48:58 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3574 Santa Clara County Sheriff's Spokesman Sergeant Jose Cardoza told the press, "We got an anonymous tip a month ago, and from there the Marijuana Enforcement Team investigators started a surveillance operation." The houses were rigged to receive electricity while bypassing the meter in order to avoid suspicion and having to pay the exorbitant costs that can come with a large marijuana grow. "It involved bypassing power lines and more than one home.  It was a sophisticated setup," Cardoza continued.  A PG&E spokeswoman explained that the modifications were made unnecessarily, as the electric company does not investigate usage unless they specifically receive a request from the police. Between the two homes, over 300 marijuana plants and 45 pounds of processed marijuana were discovered.  Cardoza said that each plant equals a pound of marijuana, each of which police put a $2,000 price tag on. That makes the marijuana discovered, according to police, worth over $700,000. The two individuals, both in their 40s, were arrested on suspicion of unlawful marijuana cultivation, possession of marijuana for sale, conspiracy, and theft of utilities.   [Source]  ]]> Santa Clara County Sheriff's Spokesman Sergeant Jose Cardoza told the press, "We got an anonymous tip a month ago, and from there the Marijuana Enforcement Team investigators started a surveillance operation." The houses were rigged to receive electricity while bypassing the meter in order to avoid suspicion and having to pay the exorbitant costs that can come with a large marijuana grow. "It involved bypassing power lines and more than one home.  It was a sophisticated setup," Cardoza continued.  A PG&E spokeswoman explained that the modifications were made unnecessarily, as the electric company does not investigate usage unless they specifically receive a request from the police. Between the two homes, over 300 marijuana plants and 45 pounds of processed marijuana were discovered.  Cardoza said that each plant equals a pound of marijuana, each of which police put a $2,000 price tag on. That makes the marijuana discovered, according to police, worth over $700,000. The two individuals, both in their 40s, were arrested on suspicion of unlawful marijuana cultivation, possession of marijuana for sale, conspiracy, and theft of utilities.   [Source]  ]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/tip-leads-san-jose-police-to-over-700k-worth-of-marijuana/feed/ 6