http://news.nuggetry.com Fri, 24 May 2013 15:09:35 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/new-york-marijuana-arrests-predicted-to-drop-20-in-2013/ http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/new-york-marijuana-arrests-predicted-to-drop-20-in-2013/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 15:23:16 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4534 New York police and lawmakers have faced backlash in recent months over the city's stop and frisk procedures, which many claim unfairly target minorities who are in compliance with the state's marijuana laws. Under state law, if you're caught in public view with marijuana or in possession of 25 grams or more of marijuana in New York City, you will be issued a violation.  This is part of the reason why NYC accounted for 99.2% of the entire state of New York's marijuana arrests last year. New pressures against the city's allegedly unfair practices for marijuana arrests have led to shifts in policy.  NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly has told his officers to lay off on marijuana arrests, while Governor Cuomo is trying to outlaw the public view provision. The New York Post reports that as a result of these shifts in policy, New Yorkers can expect to see a 20% reduction in marijuana-related arrests this year.  Since January, just over 10,000 individuals have been arrested on marijuana-related charges, which is a significant drop from this time last year.   [Source]]]> New York police and lawmakers have faced backlash in recent months over the city's stop and frisk procedures, which many claim unfairly target minorities who are in compliance with the state's marijuana laws. Under state law, if you're caught in public view with marijuana or in possession of 25 grams or more of marijuana in New York City, you will be issued a violation.  This is part of the reason why NYC accounted for 99.2% of the entire state of New York's marijuana arrests last year. New pressures against the city's allegedly unfair practices for marijuana arrests have led to shifts in policy.  NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly has told his officers to lay off on marijuana arrests, while Governor Cuomo is trying to outlaw the public view provision. The New York Post reports that as a result of these shifts in policy, New Yorkers can expect to see a 20% reduction in marijuana-related arrests this year.  Since January, just over 10,000 individuals have been arrested on marijuana-related charges, which is a significant drop from this time last year.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/new-york-marijuana-arrests-predicted-to-drop-20-in-2013/feed/ 0 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-medical-marijuana-bill-introduced-in-new-york/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-medical-marijuana-bill-introduced-in-new-york/#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:20:35 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4165 The new bill would establish a  medical marijuana program in New York that is regulated by the Health Department.  A small number of medical marijuana collectives would be able to grow and distribute medical marijuana to patients with treatment plans approved by a physician. Eligible patients would have to suffer from a "serious'' health condition, including cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, epilepsy, diabetes, post-traumatic stress syndrome and others. The patient would have to be under a doctor's supervision. Patients who a doctor believes have less than a year to live would also be eligible to buy medical marijuana. Marijuana could be grown and dispensed by hospitals, for-profit companies and not-for-profit corporations, and an excise tax would be imposed on the facilities with part of the proceeds shared with local "host'' communities. Patients would not be allowed to grow their own medical marijuana. The measure was introduced by Assemblyman Richard Gottfried and Senator Diane Savino, who had submitted medical marijuana measures in the past.  The bill has 68 co-sponsors. Gottfried told the press, "The bill is much more restrictive than the New York laws regulating highly dangerous drug like morphine, Oxycontin or Valium." Savino added, "Anybody who ever had a family member suffer from a debilitating disease learns very quickly the limitations of modern medicine at treating pain."   [Source]]]> The new bill would establish a  medical marijuana program in New York that is regulated by the Health Department.  A small number of medical marijuana collectives would be able to grow and distribute medical marijuana to patients with treatment plans approved by a physician. Eligible patients would have to suffer from a "serious'' health condition, including cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, epilepsy, diabetes, post-traumatic stress syndrome and others. The patient would have to be under a doctor's supervision. Patients who a doctor believes have less than a year to live would also be eligible to buy medical marijuana. Marijuana could be grown and dispensed by hospitals, for-profit companies and not-for-profit corporations, and an excise tax would be imposed on the facilities with part of the proceeds shared with local "host'' communities. Patients would not be allowed to grow their own medical marijuana. The measure was introduced by Assemblyman Richard Gottfried and Senator Diane Savino, who had submitted medical marijuana measures in the past.  The bill has 68 co-sponsors. Gottfried told the press, "The bill is much more restrictive than the New York laws regulating highly dangerous drug like morphine, Oxycontin or Valium." Savino added, "Anybody who ever had a family member suffer from a debilitating disease learns very quickly the limitations of modern medicine at treating pain."   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-medical-marijuana-bill-introduced-in-new-york/feed/ 3 http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/new-york-police-spent-1-million-hours-on-marijuana-arrests/ http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/new-york-police-spent-1-million-hours-on-marijuana-arrests/#comments Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:19:15 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4126 A new report released by the Drug Policy Alliance and Marijuana Arrest Research Project, shows that between 2002 and 2012, the New York Police Department spent over 1 million man hours on arresting and processing individuals for low level marijuana arrests. Those one million hours were used to make approximately 440,000 arrests.  The 10 year span covers the time that Michael Bloomberg has been mayor.  Under Mayor Bloomberg, New York has seen more marijuana arrests than under mayors Giuliani, Dinkins, and Koch combined. One million hours is the equivalent of  the NYPD assigning 31 police officers to work full time, 8 hours per day, 365 days per year, only making and working on marijuana arrests. The group was asked by the New York City Council and the New York State Legislature to calculate the amount of time spent on marijuana arrests.  The group found that the basic misdemeanor arrest for marijuana in New York City varied from two to three hours for one officer, to four or five hours for multiple officers. Time spent on the arrests includes returning to the police station with the handcuffed arrestees, booking them, taking photographs and fingerprints, gathering information, taking the suspects to central booking, and reviewing their criminal records. Because the times vary depending on the case, the DPA used a minimum average of 2.5 hours as an estimate for the amount of time spent by officers on each marijuana arrest. The figures do not include time spent by officers searching for people to arrest, or time spent by supervisors, or corrections, court, and prosecutor staff. The report makes it clear that an emphasis on marijuana arrests has kept New York police officers from focusing on other, more serious, types of crime. Read the full DPA report.]]> A new report released by the Drug Policy Alliance and Marijuana Arrest Research Project, shows that between 2002 and 2012, the New York Police Department spent over 1 million man hours on arresting and processing individuals for low level marijuana arrests. Those one million hours were used to make approximately 440,000 arrests.  The 10 year span covers the time that Michael Bloomberg has been mayor.  Under Mayor Bloomberg, New York has seen more marijuana arrests than under mayors Giuliani, Dinkins, and Koch combined. One million hours is the equivalent of  the NYPD assigning 31 police officers to work full time, 8 hours per day, 365 days per year, only making and working on marijuana arrests. The group was asked by the New York City Council and the New York State Legislature to calculate the amount of time spent on marijuana arrests.  The group found that the basic misdemeanor arrest for marijuana in New York City varied from two to three hours for one officer, to four or five hours for multiple officers. Time spent on the arrests includes returning to the police station with the handcuffed arrestees, booking them, taking photographs and fingerprints, gathering information, taking the suspects to central booking, and reviewing their criminal records. Because the times vary depending on the case, the DPA used a minimum average of 2.5 hours as an estimate for the amount of time spent by officers on each marijuana arrest. The figures do not include time spent by officers searching for people to arrest, or time spent by supervisors, or corrections, court, and prosecutor staff. The report makes it clear that an emphasis on marijuana arrests has kept New York police officers from focusing on other, more serious, types of crime. Read the full DPA report.]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/new-york-police-spent-1-million-hours-on-marijuana-arrests/feed/ 2 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-activism/new-york-stop-and-frisk-trial-starts-this-week/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-activism/new-york-stop-and-frisk-trial-starts-this-week/#comments Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:13:53 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4100 Under the policy, police may stop and frisk anyone they believe to look suspicious.  One of the isues with stop and frisk is how it conflicts with NY's marijuana policy.  In New York, it is a crime to have marijuana out in public view.  During the frisking, police would require individuals to empty their pockets, at which time their marijuana would come into public view and they would be arrested for it. The lawsuit is aiming to have a court-appointed monitor oversee changes to the policy. Many critics are arguing that this is an abuse of police power, and that Latino and Black males are being unfairly targeted.  There are over a dozen people who say they were stopped by police solely because of their race. According to the New York Civil Liberties Union, over 530,000 people were stopped by police in 2012 and 89% were "totally innocent."  Of those stopped, 55% were black, 32% were Latino, and 10% were white. Both the NY police commissioner and mayor believe that stop and frisk is a necessary policy.  They believe that is is a necessary, life saving, crime stopping policy that keeps illegal guns off the streets.  The mayor attributes New York's lowering crime rates to the policy.   [Source]]]> Under the policy, police may stop and frisk anyone they believe to look suspicious.  One of the isues with stop and frisk is how it conflicts with NY's marijuana policy.  In New York, it is a crime to have marijuana out in public view.  During the frisking, police would require individuals to empty their pockets, at which time their marijuana would come into public view and they would be arrested for it. The lawsuit is aiming to have a court-appointed monitor oversee changes to the policy. Many critics are arguing that this is an abuse of police power, and that Latino and Black males are being unfairly targeted.  There are over a dozen people who say they were stopped by police solely because of their race. According to the New York Civil Liberties Union, over 530,000 people were stopped by police in 2012 and 89% were "totally innocent."  Of those stopped, 55% were black, 32% were Latino, and 10% were white. Both the NY police commissioner and mayor believe that stop and frisk is a necessary policy.  They believe that is is a necessary, life saving, crime stopping policy that keeps illegal guns off the streets.  The mayor attributes New York's lowering crime rates to the policy.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-activism/new-york-stop-and-frisk-trial-starts-this-week/feed/ 2 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/anti-medical-marijuana-new-york-assemblyman-arrested-for-marijuana-possession/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/anti-medical-marijuana-new-york-assemblyman-arrested-for-marijuana-possession/#comments Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:14:58 +0000 Tokeahontas http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4084 Katz, a Republican, has a reputation for being outspoken.  He is a member of the chamber's Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and has voted against medical marijuana legalization in New York as recently as last year. Katz released the following statement, "This should not overshadow the work I have done over the years for the public and my constituency.  I am confident that once the facts are presented that this will clearly be put to rest." The situation seems pretty clear cut.  On Thursday morning Katz was pulled over after he was detected to be driving 80 MPH on the New York State Thruway, where the speed limit if 65 MPH.  The State Police said in a statement that the trooper who approached the vehicle smelled marijuana and then found Mr. Katz to be in possession of a small baggie of marijuana. The Assemblyman was released and will appear in court on March 28th.   [Source]]]> Katz, a Republican, has a reputation for being outspoken.  He is a member of the chamber's Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and has voted against medical marijuana legalization in New York as recently as last year. Katz released the following statement, "This should not overshadow the work I have done over the years for the public and my constituency.  I am confident that once the facts are presented that this will clearly be put to rest." The situation seems pretty clear cut.  On Thursday morning Katz was pulled over after he was detected to be driving 80 MPH on the New York State Thruway, where the speed limit if 65 MPH.  The State Police said in a statement that the trooper who approached the vehicle smelled marijuana and then found Mr. Katz to be in possession of a small baggie of marijuana. The Assemblyman was released and will appear in court on March 28th.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/anti-medical-marijuana-new-york-assemblyman-arrested-for-marijuana-possession/feed/ 14 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/marijuana-grow-discovered-below-flower-shop-in-new-york/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/marijuana-grow-discovered-below-flower-shop-in-new-york/#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:23:04 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3704 The incident started when a neighboring business called the Fire Department to report a water leak around 4 PM.  When officers arrived, water was flowing from the building.  Firefighters prepared to break in to stop the leak, but a passerby told firefighters they had seen someone inside the building. According to Deputy Fire Chief Al Everett, "Two people came out and saw the firefighters and left the scene.  They didn't hang around to be identified." Police have still not found the two men. Once they went inside the building, firefighters discovered an elaborate marijuana grow with over 300 plants inside. Officers also discovered tools for growing marijuana as well as paraphernalia for packaging it. The marijuana is estimated to be worth approximately $250,000. Mount Vernon detectives did not have anywhere to store the marijuana plants, so they called in the DEA.  The DEA is now helping the police department in the investigation.   [Source]]]> The incident started when a neighboring business called the Fire Department to report a water leak around 4 PM.  When officers arrived, water was flowing from the building.  Firefighters prepared to break in to stop the leak, but a passerby told firefighters they had seen someone inside the building. According to Deputy Fire Chief Al Everett, "Two people came out and saw the firefighters and left the scene.  They didn't hang around to be identified." Police have still not found the two men. Once they went inside the building, firefighters discovered an elaborate marijuana grow with over 300 plants inside. Officers also discovered tools for growing marijuana as well as paraphernalia for packaging it. The marijuana is estimated to be worth approximately $250,000. Mount Vernon detectives did not have anywhere to store the marijuana plants, so they called in the DEA.  The DEA is now helping the police department in the investigation.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/marijuana-grow-discovered-below-flower-shop-in-new-york/feed/ 4 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/proposed-marijuana-bills-headed-for-new-york/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/proposed-marijuana-bills-headed-for-new-york/#comments Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:24:17 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3618 In his State of the State address last week, Cuomo outlined a policy to decriminalize possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana in public view.  New York has come under fire over the past year or so due to their "stop and frisk" policies; Cuomo knows this new decriminalization would help limit unfair arrests. "Decriminalize the public view with 15 grams or less so there is fairness and parity in the system and we stop stigmatizing these people, making it harder to find a job, making it harder to get into to school, making it harder to turn their lives around at a very young age,” he explained during his address. Gov. Cuomo has proposed marijuana decriminalization before, but he initially would have allowed possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana to be decriminalized.  It was passed by the Democratic majority in the Assembly, but the GOP-controlled Senate found the limit to be too high.  Cuomo hopes that by lowering the limit to 15 grams this time around, more lawmakers may be on board. In addition to Governor Cuomo's decriminalization efforts, there are also New York lawmakers pushing for medical marijuana legalization.  Senator Diane Savino is currently drafting a medical marijuana bill. Savino believes she has secured enough votes to get her medical marijuana bill to pass in the Senate. Democratic Assemblyman Richard Gottfried is also drafting medical marijuana legislation in the Assembly.  He also believes he has enough votes secured to pass his medical marijuana bill. Despite Governor Cuomo's support of marijuana decriminalization, his stance on medical marijuana remains unclear.  "The governor's been cautious in his comments," Savino explained.  "He's not there yet.  It's not an issue that he's focused on and I'm sure he has a lot of questions."   [Source]]]> In his State of the State address last week, Cuomo outlined a policy to decriminalize possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana in public view.  New York has come under fire over the past year or so due to their "stop and frisk" policies; Cuomo knows this new decriminalization would help limit unfair arrests. "Decriminalize the public view with 15 grams or less so there is fairness and parity in the system and we stop stigmatizing these people, making it harder to find a job, making it harder to get into to school, making it harder to turn their lives around at a very young age,” he explained during his address. Gov. Cuomo has proposed marijuana decriminalization before, but he initially would have allowed possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana to be decriminalized.  It was passed by the Democratic majority in the Assembly, but the GOP-controlled Senate found the limit to be too high.  Cuomo hopes that by lowering the limit to 15 grams this time around, more lawmakers may be on board. In addition to Governor Cuomo's decriminalization efforts, there are also New York lawmakers pushing for medical marijuana legalization.  Senator Diane Savino is currently drafting a medical marijuana bill. Savino believes she has secured enough votes to get her medical marijuana bill to pass in the Senate. Democratic Assemblyman Richard Gottfried is also drafting medical marijuana legislation in the Assembly.  He also believes he has enough votes secured to pass his medical marijuana bill. Despite Governor Cuomo's support of marijuana decriminalization, his stance on medical marijuana remains unclear.  "The governor's been cautious in his comments," Savino explained.  "He's not there yet.  It's not an issue that he's focused on and I'm sure he has a lot of questions."   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/proposed-marijuana-bills-headed-for-new-york/feed/ 6 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-york-could-be-next-to-legalize-medical-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-york-could-be-next-to-legalize-medical-marijuana/#comments Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:26:18 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3143 The New York Post, New York lobbyists are starting to push for medical marijuana legalization in the state. Patricia Lynch Associates is a lobbyist group that is representing medical marijuana advocates from Colorado. The group is using its connections to both Republicans and Democrats to try to encourage change for patients who could benefit from using medical marijuana. With a medical marijuana law passing in Massachusetts last week, New York is now surrounded by the drug and its patients.  Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut have all legalized medical marijuana as well.  It seems fitting that New York would be next. The Empire State has pending medical marijuana legislation that was first submitted by Senator Diane Savino in May 2012.  The New York Assembly's legislative session ended early on June 21, 2012 before the Assembly bill could be passed.  But that does not mean the bill does not have hope in the future. Senator Savino explained, "We're going to negotiate this bill with the wind at our backs.  There's tremendous support to legalize medical marijuana in New York."  She added, "It's inevitable." Savino is confident that legalizing medical marijuana could benefit patients, but also benefit the state financially.  She estimates that licensing and taxing medical marijuana growers, dispensaries, and sales could generate over $1 billion annually for the state. A Siena College poll taken in June showed that 61% of New York voters were in support of legalizing medical marijuana.  Additionally, the New York State Medical Society has already spoken out in favor of medical marijuana. New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo has been skeptical about medical marijuana, though he hasn't vowed to veto legislation.  Earlier this year he stated, "I understand the benefits, but there are also risks -- and I think the risks outweigh the benefits at this point."  Governor Cuomo did put an end to pending marijuana decriminalization legislation earlier this year.     [Source]]]> The New York Post, New York lobbyists are starting to push for medical marijuana legalization in the state. Patricia Lynch Associates is a lobbyist group that is representing medical marijuana advocates from Colorado. The group is using its connections to both Republicans and Democrats to try to encourage change for patients who could benefit from using medical marijuana. With a medical marijuana law passing in Massachusetts last week, New York is now surrounded by the drug and its patients.  Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut have all legalized medical marijuana as well.  It seems fitting that New York would be next. The Empire State has pending medical marijuana legislation that was first submitted by Senator Diane Savino in May 2012.  The New York Assembly's legislative session ended early on June 21, 2012 before the Assembly bill could be passed.  But that does not mean the bill does not have hope in the future. Senator Savino explained, "We're going to negotiate this bill with the wind at our backs.  There's tremendous support to legalize medical marijuana in New York."  She added, "It's inevitable." Savino is confident that legalizing medical marijuana could benefit patients, but also benefit the state financially.  She estimates that licensing and taxing medical marijuana growers, dispensaries, and sales could generate over $1 billion annually for the state. A Siena College poll taken in June showed that 61% of New York voters were in support of legalizing medical marijuana.  Additionally, the New York State Medical Society has already spoken out in favor of medical marijuana. New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo has been skeptical about medical marijuana, though he hasn't vowed to veto legislation.  Earlier this year he stated, "I understand the benefits, but there are also risks -- and I think the risks outweigh the benefits at this point."  Governor Cuomo did put an end to pending marijuana decriminalization legislation earlier this year.     [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-york-could-be-next-to-legalize-medical-marijuana/feed/ 5 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/judge-in-favor-of-medical-marijuana-passes-away/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/judge-in-favor-of-medical-marijuana-passes-away/#comments Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:48:28 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=2344 During his time as a judge, Reichbach was known for pushing the limits.  He was dubbed "the pot-smoking judge" for his use and support of medical marijuana, and "the condom judge" for handing out free condoms and STD testing to prostitutes in the city. Reichbach was an avid medical marijuana supporter, and cited in a New York Times op-ed piece that the drug helped him manage the pain, nausea, and difficulty eating he experienced as symptoms of his pancreatic cancer.  After sharing his own story, Reichbach urged lawmakers to support medical marijuana legalization for patients suffering similar hardships to his own. After his cancer diagnosis, Reichbach was only given four to six months to live.  He beat the odds, living for an additional three and a half years.  The last years of his life were filled with travel, family, and activism for the causes he cared about.   [Source/Photo Source]  ]]> During his time as a judge, Reichbach was known for pushing the limits.  He was dubbed "the pot-smoking judge" for his use and support of medical marijuana, and "the condom judge" for handing out free condoms and STD testing to prostitutes in the city. Reichbach was an avid medical marijuana supporter, and cited in a New York Times op-ed piece that the drug helped him manage the pain, nausea, and difficulty eating he experienced as symptoms of his pancreatic cancer.  After sharing his own story, Reichbach urged lawmakers to support medical marijuana legalization for patients suffering similar hardships to his own. After his cancer diagnosis, Reichbach was only given four to six months to live.  He beat the odds, living for an additional three and a half years.  The last years of his life were filled with travel, family, and activism for the causes he cared about.   [Source/Photo Source]  ]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/judge-in-favor-of-medical-marijuana-passes-away/feed/ 3 http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/new-york-mayor-supports-plan-to-curb-marijuana-arrests-2/ http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/new-york-mayor-supports-plan-to-curb-marijuana-arrests-2/#comments Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:04:51 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=2076 decriminalize minor marijuana possession in public-view.  The fact that having marijuana in plain view is currently an arrest-worthy offense has been a point of contention for some in New York.  It has been insinuated that police frequently trick people into emptying their pockets or bringing their marijuana out into the open, which then leads them to be arrested and jailed.  This “stop and frisk” method has become more common under the Bloomberg administration, and costs the city and state thousands. In the past, Mayor Bloomberg had supported such arrests because he believed that they led to a decrease in more serious crimes.  However, the Mayor has now changed his stance, stating that Cuomo’s proposal “strikes the right balance” because it would still make it illegal for people to smoke marijuana in public places. Governor Cuomo is set to hold a press conference at the Capitol today to announce his plans to work to change the current law.  According to administration officials, the Governor is looking to make marijuana possession of 25 grams or less in public view a violation.  This would be a fineable offense, rather than a misdemeanor which could lead to jail time. Mayor Bloomberg stated, “We look forward to working with legislative leaders to help pass a bill before the end of session.”  The legislative session in Albany is set to finish in only three weeks, which means that New York residents could be seeing changes to marijuana laws in the very near future.]]> decriminalize minor marijuana possession in public-view.  The fact that having marijuana in plain view is currently an arrest-worthy offense has been a point of contention for some in New York.  It has been insinuated that police frequently trick people into emptying their pockets or bringing their marijuana out into the open, which then leads them to be arrested and jailed.  This “stop and frisk” method has become more common under the Bloomberg administration, and costs the city and state thousands. In the past, Mayor Bloomberg had supported such arrests because he believed that they led to a decrease in more serious crimes.  However, the Mayor has now changed his stance, stating that Cuomo’s proposal “strikes the right balance” because it would still make it illegal for people to smoke marijuana in public places. Governor Cuomo is set to hold a press conference at the Capitol today to announce his plans to work to change the current law.  According to administration officials, the Governor is looking to make marijuana possession of 25 grams or less in public view a violation.  This would be a fineable offense, rather than a misdemeanor which could lead to jail time. Mayor Bloomberg stated, “We look forward to working with legislative leaders to help pass a bill before the end of session.”  The legislative session in Albany is set to finish in only three weeks, which means that New York residents could be seeing changes to marijuana laws in the very near future.]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/new-york-mayor-supports-plan-to-curb-marijuana-arrests-2/feed/ 3 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-york-judge-comes-out-about-medical-marijuana-use/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-york-judge-comes-out-about-medical-marijuana-use/#comments Fri, 18 May 2012 20:07:22 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=1967 The New York Times. Reichbach shared that he uses marijuana to help manage side effects that he experiences as a result of cancer treatment.  In addition to revealing that he uses the drug, Reichbach also pleaded for lawmakers to consider medical marijuana legalization for the state. In the article he wrote, "Given my position as a sitting judge still hearing cases, well-meaning friends question the wisdom of my coming out on this issue.  But I recognize that fellow cancer sufferers may be unable, for a host of reasons, to give voice to our plight.  It is another heartbreaking aporia in the world of cancer that the one drug that gives relief without deleterious side effects remains classified as a narcotic with no medicinal value." Judge Reichbach tried using the FDA approved drug Marinol, a synthetic alternative to THC, to treat his symptoms, but found it completely ineffective.  In contrast, using marijuana has alleviated his symptoms such as nausea, sleeplessness, and pain. A recently released Siena poll showed that 57% of New Yorkers approved of legalizing marijuana for medical use, while 33% of residents were opposed to it.  A Gallup poll published in late 2011 showed that about 74% of Americans think that doctors should be able to prescribe marijuana. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has spoken out against medical marijuana, and it is unlikely that he will support any proposed medical marijuana legislation.   [Source]]]> The New York Times. Reichbach shared that he uses marijuana to help manage side effects that he experiences as a result of cancer treatment.  In addition to revealing that he uses the drug, Reichbach also pleaded for lawmakers to consider medical marijuana legalization for the state. In the article he wrote, "Given my position as a sitting judge still hearing cases, well-meaning friends question the wisdom of my coming out on this issue.  But I recognize that fellow cancer sufferers may be unable, for a host of reasons, to give voice to our plight.  It is another heartbreaking aporia in the world of cancer that the one drug that gives relief without deleterious side effects remains classified as a narcotic with no medicinal value." Judge Reichbach tried using the FDA approved drug Marinol, a synthetic alternative to THC, to treat his symptoms, but found it completely ineffective.  In contrast, using marijuana has alleviated his symptoms such as nausea, sleeplessness, and pain. A recently released Siena poll showed that 57% of New Yorkers approved of legalizing marijuana for medical use, while 33% of residents were opposed to it.  A Gallup poll published in late 2011 showed that about 74% of Americans think that doctors should be able to prescribe marijuana. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has spoken out against medical marijuana, and it is unlikely that he will support any proposed medical marijuana legislation.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-york-judge-comes-out-about-medical-marijuana-use/feed/ 3 http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-york-medical-marijuana-bill-gains-supporters/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-york-medical-marijuana-bill-gains-supporters/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 20:30:52 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=1951 On Wednesday, a Siena poll was released that showed 57% of New Yorkers are in support of legalizing marijuana for medical use.  33% of New Yorkers were opposed to passing the medical marijuana bill.  Also notable, Republican disapproval of the bill dropped below 50%, which is a large jump from a similar poll 2 years ago that showed 59% of New York Republicans disapproved of passing medical marijuana legalization legislation. The medical marijuana bill that is currently being discussed would establish one of the most restrictive medical marijuana programs in the country, according to Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, who is the chair of the Assembly Health Committee. Should the bill pass, it would require potential medical marijuana patients to acquire a certification from a physician.  Then, the patient would send that certification to the state Department of Health, where it would be reviewed and a card would be issued for a patient to use at a registered pharmacy or hospital.  Patients would only be allowed to cultivate their own medical marijuana if there were not a hospital within 20 miles of their home.  For all patients, the possession limit would be 2.5 ounces. Gottfried added in a press conference Wednesday that four of the seven Republicans in the Health Committee have shown support of the potential bill. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is opposed to the legalization of medical marijuana, which likely means that the bill has little chance of being passed into law, even if it were to make it through the House and Senate.   [Source]]]> On Wednesday, a Siena poll was released that showed 57% of New Yorkers are in support of legalizing marijuana for medical use.  33% of New Yorkers were opposed to passing the medical marijuana bill.  Also notable, Republican disapproval of the bill dropped below 50%, which is a large jump from a similar poll 2 years ago that showed 59% of New York Republicans disapproved of passing medical marijuana legalization legislation. The medical marijuana bill that is currently being discussed would establish one of the most restrictive medical marijuana programs in the country, according to Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, who is the chair of the Assembly Health Committee. Should the bill pass, it would require potential medical marijuana patients to acquire a certification from a physician.  Then, the patient would send that certification to the state Department of Health, where it would be reviewed and a card would be issued for a patient to use at a registered pharmacy or hospital.  Patients would only be allowed to cultivate their own medical marijuana if there were not a hospital within 20 miles of their home.  For all patients, the possession limit would be 2.5 ounces. Gottfried added in a press conference Wednesday that four of the seven Republicans in the Health Committee have shown support of the potential bill. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is opposed to the legalization of medical marijuana, which likely means that the bill has little chance of being passed into law, even if it were to make it through the House and Senate.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/new-york-medical-marijuana-bill-gains-supporters/feed/ 4 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-activism/new-york-marijuana-activists-protest-over-racist-marijuana-enforcement/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-activism/new-york-marijuana-activists-protest-over-racist-marijuana-enforcement/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 20:38:46 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=1888 In New York City, marijuana activists and some elected officials are coming together this Saturday, May 12, to protest marijuana enforcement practices by the city's police force, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  Advocates believe that the enforcement practices are racist, discriminating against people of color. The Drug Policy Alliance is speaking out against city officials because they believe that white residents frequently get away with marijuana possession, while black residents are thrown in jail for the same offense. ARTICLE: Over 50k Marijuana Arrests in 2011 in NY, Despite NYPD Order Whether or not the racism is intentional, the DPA may be on to something.  Data released by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services shows that white residents accounted for the highest use of marijuana, but the lowest amount of marijuana related arrests in 2007.  Black residents had slightly lower levels of marijuana use than whites, but almost 10 times more black residents were arrested for marijuana related offenses that white residents in 2007. Advocates believe that police are targeting minorities for illegal searches, which sometimes leads to them displaying marijuana that they had in their pockets.  According to a New York Times editorial, 87% of those arrested for low-level marijuana offenses are black or Hispanic. Marijuana was decriminalized in New York in 1977.  However, if someone is seen with marijuana in public, they can be charged with a misdemeanor and jailed.  Marijuana-related arrests have skyrocketed since Mayor Bloomberg became mayor in 2002-- there have been more marijuana-related arrests in his ten years as mayor than in the prior 24 years combined. Marijuana advocates in who are against illegal arrests and biased police practices in New York are gathering on Saturday May 12th at noon at Foley Square between Lafayette St. and Center Street. [Source]]]> In New York City, marijuana activists and some elected officials are coming together this Saturday, May 12, to protest marijuana enforcement practices by the city's police force, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  Advocates believe that the enforcement practices are racist, discriminating against people of color. The Drug Policy Alliance is speaking out against city officials because they believe that white residents frequently get away with marijuana possession, while black residents are thrown in jail for the same offense. ARTICLE: Over 50k Marijuana Arrests in 2011 in NY, Despite NYPD Order Whether or not the racism is intentional, the DPA may be on to something.  Data released by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services shows that white residents accounted for the highest use of marijuana, but the lowest amount of marijuana related arrests in 2007.  Black residents had slightly lower levels of marijuana use than whites, but almost 10 times more black residents were arrested for marijuana related offenses that white residents in 2007. Advocates believe that police are targeting minorities for illegal searches, which sometimes leads to them displaying marijuana that they had in their pockets.  According to a New York Times editorial, 87% of those arrested for low-level marijuana offenses are black or Hispanic. Marijuana was decriminalized in New York in 1977.  However, if someone is seen with marijuana in public, they can be charged with a misdemeanor and jailed.  Marijuana-related arrests have skyrocketed since Mayor Bloomberg became mayor in 2002-- there have been more marijuana-related arrests in his ten years as mayor than in the prior 24 years combined. Marijuana advocates in who are against illegal arrests and biased police practices in New York are gathering on Saturday May 12th at noon at Foley Square between Lafayette St. and Center Street. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-activism/new-york-marijuana-activists-protest-over-racist-marijuana-enforcement/feed/ 0 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/new-york-state-bans-synthetic-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/new-york-state-bans-synthetic-marijuana/#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:30:38 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=1507 Synthetic marijuana has been linked to negative reactions such as paranoia, increased heart rate, agitation, nausea, and even death. While it is called "synthetic marijuana," the drug actually shares very few qualities with marijuana itself.  The plant matter in synthetic marijuana is coated with chemicals that mimic the effect of THC on the brain. New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley told Fox News, "Reports from poison control centers show that they are toxic and can be very dangerous." Thirty-six states have outlawed synthetic marijuana.  Poison control center calls from synthetic marijuana use have risen from 13 calls in 2009 to 6,900 calls in 2011.   Source]]> Synthetic marijuana has been linked to negative reactions such as paranoia, increased heart rate, agitation, nausea, and even death. While it is called "synthetic marijuana," the drug actually shares very few qualities with marijuana itself.  The plant matter in synthetic marijuana is coated with chemicals that mimic the effect of THC on the brain. New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley told Fox News, "Reports from poison control centers show that they are toxic and can be very dangerous." Thirty-six states have outlawed synthetic marijuana.  Poison control center calls from synthetic marijuana use have risen from 13 calls in 2009 to 6,900 calls in 2011.   Source]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/new-york-state-bans-synthetic-marijuana/feed/ 2 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/high-times-magazine-ad-executive-charged-with-wholesale-selling-of-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/high-times-magazine-ad-executive-charged-with-wholesale-selling-of-marijuana/#comments Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:20:49 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=1389 The marijuana that Stang allegedly sold was grown in Miami, Florida in an indoor operation as a part of a multi-million dollar drug ring operation.  This pot-ring is the same one that Roc-A-Fella Records founder Kareem Burke was allegedly involved in. ARTICLE: Roc-A-Fella Co-Founder Pleads Guilty in Marijuana Case, Could Get 6 Years in Prison According to the Inquisitir, the drug ring was led by Geovanny Rodriguez Perez, who had the marijuana shipped up to New York from Miami in tractor trailers.  In addition to the mass distribution of illegal drugs, the ring and its leaders are also allegedly responsible for multiple counts of violence related to their drug operation. Stang was arrested in late 2010 in connection with the drug ring, but was released on $500,000 bail and required to wear an ankle bracelet to monitor his whereabouts.  The charges against Stang of wholesaling marijuana could lead him to serve 10 years to life in prison, should he be convicted. Stang's attorneys are currently in negotiations with the District Attorney's office.   Source  ]]> The marijuana that Stang allegedly sold was grown in Miami, Florida in an indoor operation as a part of a multi-million dollar drug ring operation.  This pot-ring is the same one that Roc-A-Fella Records founder Kareem Burke was allegedly involved in. ARTICLE: Roc-A-Fella Co-Founder Pleads Guilty in Marijuana Case, Could Get 6 Years in Prison According to the Inquisitir, the drug ring was led by Geovanny Rodriguez Perez, who had the marijuana shipped up to New York from Miami in tractor trailers.  In addition to the mass distribution of illegal drugs, the ring and its leaders are also allegedly responsible for multiple counts of violence related to their drug operation. Stang was arrested in late 2010 in connection with the drug ring, but was released on $500,000 bail and required to wear an ankle bracelet to monitor his whereabouts.  The charges against Stang of wholesaling marijuana could lead him to serve 10 years to life in prison, should he be convicted. Stang's attorneys are currently in negotiations with the District Attorney's office.   Source  ]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/high-times-magazine-ad-executive-charged-with-wholesale-selling-of-marijuana/feed/ 5