Second Annual Earth Day Celebration of Cannabis, Health, & Ecology with music by The Luminaries, The Dogon Lights, Jillian Ann, Señor Oz, DJ Feral, Chlorophil, more
Website: http://www.deepgreenfest.com
Price: $12-$25 for festival only, $40-$60 for conference, or $50-$75 for joint festival/conference tickets
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Cannabis Facts
Marijuana
It's a plant, so it's natural, and natural is always good-right? Think again, because both natural and synthetic versions of marijuana can cause a long-lasting, negative impact on your developing brain.
AKA
Blunt, dope, ganja, grass, herb, joint, bud, Mary Jane, pot, reefer, green, trees, smoke, sinsemilla, skunk, weed, hash, tea, chronic, 420
What is it?
A green and brown mix of dried flowers, stems, seeds and leaves from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa.39 The main active chemical is THC (tretrahydrocannabinol), which moves quickly through the bloodstream to the brain and other organs throughout the body.39 Marijuana is a mild hallucinogen that can also act as a depressant or a stimulant.
The Risks
You may hear people ask, "If it's dangerous, why do so many people have medical marijuana cards?"40 It's true that scientists have determined that the cannabis plant has the potential for addressing a range of medical conditions. But it's also true that when you're young and your body is still growing, marijuana actually has the potential of inflicting a long-lasting, negative impact on your developing brain.
Using marijuana at a young age can result in structural and functional deficits of the brain. This could cause you to develop weakened verbal and communication skills, lowered learning capabilities and a shortened attention span.40
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
In addition to the possible effects on your brain, smoking marijuana may also be hazardous to your developing lungs. Marijuana smoke contains 50% to 70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke.41
You may have heard people argue that marijuana is a "gateway drug" to harder drug use. Some say this is a myth, others insist it is a fact. The truth is that there is a link. Research shows that the earlier you start using marijuana, the more likely you are to become dependent on it or other types of drugs later in life.42
THE BOTTOM LINE
Some movies and music make "stoner" culture seem cool, natural and like it's not a big deal. But if being fit and getting good grades are some of your goals, using marijuana can become a big deal, fast. Marijuana limits your brain's effectiveness, slows your thinking and impairs your coordination. A number of studies have also shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. 41
It's a plant, so it's natural, and natural is always good-right? Think again, because both natural and synthetic versions of marijuana can cause a long-lasting, negative impact on your developing brain.
AKA
Blunt, dope, ganja, grass, herb, joint, bud, Mary Jane, pot, reefer, green, trees, smoke, sinsemilla, skunk, weed, hash, tea, chronic, 420
What is it?
A green and brown mix of dried flowers, stems, seeds and leaves from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa.39 The main active chemical is THC (tretrahydrocannabinol), which moves quickly through the bloodstream to the brain and other organs throughout the body.39 Marijuana is a mild hallucinogen that can also act as a depressant or a stimulant.
The Risks
You may hear people ask, "If it's dangerous, why do so many people have medical marijuana cards?"40 It's true that scientists have determined that the cannabis plant has the potential for addressing a range of medical conditions. But it's also true that when you're young and your body is still growing, marijuana actually has the potential of inflicting a long-lasting, negative impact on your developing brain.
Using marijuana at a young age can result in structural and functional deficits of the brain. This could cause you to develop weakened verbal and communication skills, lowered learning capabilities and a shortened attention span.40
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
In addition to the possible effects on your brain, smoking marijuana may also be hazardous to your developing lungs. Marijuana smoke contains 50% to 70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke.41
You may have heard people argue that marijuana is a "gateway drug" to harder drug use. Some say this is a myth, others insist it is a fact. The truth is that there is a link. Research shows that the earlier you start using marijuana, the more likely you are to become dependent on it or other types of drugs later in life.42
THE BOTTOM LINE
Some movies and music make "stoner" culture seem cool, natural and like it's not a big deal. But if being fit and getting good grades are some of your goals, using marijuana can become a big deal, fast. Marijuana limits your brain's effectiveness, slows your thinking and impairs your coordination. A number of studies have also shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. 41
Keep supporting the Cause!!!
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Stay Open Despite Federal Deadline
Here today. And probably tomorrow.
On the day the federal government wished HopeNet to close, the operators of San Francisco's oldest licensed and taxpaying medical marijuana dispensary prepared accordingly: They grilled hot dogs.
"We made about 220," said Catherine Smith, whose Ninth Street medical cannabis dispensary is in line to be shut down by the federal Justice Department.
But for now, it's chow down -- and dispense medical marijuana. The wieners went to some of the people who were getting cannabis in flower, concentrate, and edible form until the dispensary closed at 9 p.m.
HopeNet was one of three dispensaries -- along with 208 Valencia Caregivers and Shambhala Healing Center on Mission Street -- whose landlords received warning letters from Melinda Haag, the United States Attorney for Northern California. Dated Feb. 21, the letters gave the landlords 45 days -- or until Friday, April 6 -- to shut the dispensaries down or face stiff prison terms and property forfeitures.
Thus far, Haag's office had been batting a perfect five-for-five in San Francisco. But while both HopeNet and Shambhala remained open on Friday (and 208 Valencia, we were told), the Justice Department's perfect streak might be coming to an end.
The letters sent to the landlords of Shambhala, 208 Valencia, and HopeNet -- private property-owners in Beverley Hills and San Francisco -- advise that the properties are housing pot clubs that are operating too close to schools or parks.
The fact that the pot clubs follow state and local medical marijuana law and zoning codes are irrelevant. Marijuana is illegal under federal law, the letters advise, and the proximity to areas where children play trigger stiff penalty enhancements.
Similar letters forced other dispensaries to shut down, including two in the Tenderloin, two in the Mission District, and one on Market Street, all since November. Similar actions by Haag's counterparts in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego have shut down hundreds of California medical marijuana dispensaries since a statewide crackdown was announced Oct. 7, 2011. In her office's sole interview since the crackdown began, Haag told California Watch's Michael Montgomery that she's "drawn a line" against dispensaries that operate near children.
But while both HopeNet and Shambhala remained open on the deadline date given in the letters, there may not be much reason to celebrate. Shambhala's landlord received a one-month extension from Haag's office so that the owner, Ebrahim Poura of Beverly Hills, can work out a deal to terminate the dispensary's "15-year lease," according to dispensary manager Al Shawa.
No such extensions were granted to the landlords of Medithrive, Divinity Tree Cooperative, Mr. Nice Guy, Sanctuary, or Market Street Cooperative. Then again, they might not have asked.
In HopeNet's case, landlord Clay Investments, LLC -- which is connected to a Marina District realty firm -- served its tenant eviction papers on Thursday, April 5, Smith said. The dispensary is held in a tenancy-in-common, and is trickier to evict than a property held by a sole owner. There's that, and there's also the possibility that the dispensary could win an eviction case.
While HopeNet and other San Francisco medical marijuana dispensaries were raided in the Bush era, the Justice Department's offensive has, to date, been raid-free. Last Monday's raid of Oaksterdam University in Oakland was led by agents from the Internal Revenue Service, which seized records, computers, and marijuana plants.
The IRS audited Oaksterdam founder Richard Lee and used a section of tax code called 280e -- which prevents businesses that sell illegal substances from claiming certain expenses on their federal taxes -- to put the de facto leader of the marijuana legalization movement out of business.
By contrast, eviction proceedings are held in state court, which recognizes California medical marijuana law. As long as the dispensary is not in violation of its lease, a Superior Court judge or jury may not be able to find a legal a reason to evict the dispensary.
That's the theory anyway. And since the dispensaries swear up and down that they're complying with every law except for the federal Controlled Substances Act, the theory is plausible.
Those keeping score at home may know that it's a legal loophole that didn't work in Marin County. Fairfax-based Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana briefly attempted to fight eviction proceedings filed by its landlord -- following the first steps for property forfeiture filed by Haag's office -- before shutting down and vacating.
So while a legal loophole may not be much, the lights are still on, marijuana's still being sold, and about 20 jobs are still intact. And that, at least, is something.
Follow us on Twitter at @TheSnitchSF and @SFWeekly
Here today. And probably tomorrow.
On the day the federal government wished HopeNet to close, the operators of San Francisco's oldest licensed and taxpaying medical marijuana dispensary prepared accordingly: They grilled hot dogs.
"We made about 220," said Catherine Smith, whose Ninth Street medical cannabis dispensary is in line to be shut down by the federal Justice Department.
But for now, it's chow down -- and dispense medical marijuana. The wieners went to some of the people who were getting cannabis in flower, concentrate, and edible form until the dispensary closed at 9 p.m.
HopeNet was one of three dispensaries -- along with 208 Valencia Caregivers and Shambhala Healing Center on Mission Street -- whose landlords received warning letters from Melinda Haag, the United States Attorney for Northern California. Dated Feb. 21, the letters gave the landlords 45 days -- or until Friday, April 6 -- to shut the dispensaries down or face stiff prison terms and property forfeitures.
Thus far, Haag's office had been batting a perfect five-for-five in San Francisco. But while both HopeNet and Shambhala remained open on Friday (and 208 Valencia, we were told), the Justice Department's perfect streak might be coming to an end.
The letters sent to the landlords of Shambhala, 208 Valencia, and HopeNet -- private property-owners in Beverley Hills and San Francisco -- advise that the properties are housing pot clubs that are operating too close to schools or parks.
The fact that the pot clubs follow state and local medical marijuana law and zoning codes are irrelevant. Marijuana is illegal under federal law, the letters advise, and the proximity to areas where children play trigger stiff penalty enhancements.
Similar letters forced other dispensaries to shut down, including two in the Tenderloin, two in the Mission District, and one on Market Street, all since November. Similar actions by Haag's counterparts in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego have shut down hundreds of California medical marijuana dispensaries since a statewide crackdown was announced Oct. 7, 2011. In her office's sole interview since the crackdown began, Haag told California Watch's Michael Montgomery that she's "drawn a line" against dispensaries that operate near children.
But while both HopeNet and Shambhala remained open on the deadline date given in the letters, there may not be much reason to celebrate. Shambhala's landlord received a one-month extension from Haag's office so that the owner, Ebrahim Poura of Beverly Hills, can work out a deal to terminate the dispensary's "15-year lease," according to dispensary manager Al Shawa.
No such extensions were granted to the landlords of Medithrive, Divinity Tree Cooperative, Mr. Nice Guy, Sanctuary, or Market Street Cooperative. Then again, they might not have asked.
In HopeNet's case, landlord Clay Investments, LLC -- which is connected to a Marina District realty firm -- served its tenant eviction papers on Thursday, April 5, Smith said. The dispensary is held in a tenancy-in-common, and is trickier to evict than a property held by a sole owner. There's that, and there's also the possibility that the dispensary could win an eviction case.
While HopeNet and other San Francisco medical marijuana dispensaries were raided in the Bush era, the Justice Department's offensive has, to date, been raid-free. Last Monday's raid of Oaksterdam University in Oakland was led by agents from the Internal Revenue Service, which seized records, computers, and marijuana plants.
The IRS audited Oaksterdam founder Richard Lee and used a section of tax code called 280e -- which prevents businesses that sell illegal substances from claiming certain expenses on their federal taxes -- to put the de facto leader of the marijuana legalization movement out of business.
By contrast, eviction proceedings are held in state court, which recognizes California medical marijuana law. As long as the dispensary is not in violation of its lease, a Superior Court judge or jury may not be able to find a legal a reason to evict the dispensary.
That's the theory anyway. And since the dispensaries swear up and down that they're complying with every law except for the federal Controlled Substances Act, the theory is plausible.
Those keeping score at home may know that it's a legal loophole that didn't work in Marin County. Fairfax-based Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana briefly attempted to fight eviction proceedings filed by its landlord -- following the first steps for property forfeiture filed by Haag's office -- before shutting down and vacating.
So while a legal loophole may not be much, the lights are still on, marijuana's still being sold, and about 20 jobs are still intact. And that, at least, is something.
Follow us on Twitter at @TheSnitchSF and @SFWeekly
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Updated Cannabis News
Rally Protests Federal Raid on Pot Trade School
Posted by CN Staff on April 04, 2012 at 06:52:44 PT
By Lee Romney, Joe Mozingo and John Hoeffel
Source: Los Angeles Times
San Francisco -- Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at City Hall here Tuesday to demand federal respect for state and local marijuana laws, a day after federal agents raided the state's first pot trade school and a related dispensary across the bay in Oakland.
The San Francisco rally and march to a nearby federal building was planned before Monday's raid. But the sweep on businesses owned by prominent marijuana activist Richard Lee emboldened protesters and brought denunciations from local officials and lawmakers in five states with medical cannabis laws.
Protesters heaped scorn on Melinda Haag, U.S. attorney for Northern California. "We are going to push back," Stephanie Tucker, a San Francisco activist with the Medical Cannabis Task Force, told the whooping crowd Tuesday. "We've had enough after the hostile attack yesterday in Oakland."
As Tucker led protesters in chants of "Our state. Our medicine. Our laws," Lee, a paraplegic, sat quietly in his wheelchair, surrounded by well-wishers.
Monday's federal search warrants targeted numerous properties, including Lee's dispensary, apartment and Oaksterdam University — which since 2007 has taught about the business, cultivation and laws of marijuana. No arrests were made as part of a joint investigation by the IRS and Drug Enforcement Administration. Both agencies have declined to comment, saying records are under seal.
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) said the raids caused her concern. "After the people of the state of California voted to make medicinal cannabis legal, thousands of small businesses have invested millions of dollars in building their businesses, created good-paying jobs and paid millions in taxes," she said in a statement. "The business owners are doing everything they can to comply with the law, and they deserve clarification."
She said she was working on several bills that would align federal law with state medical marijuana statutes.
Federal prosecutors have frequently targeted dispensaries that make profits, arguing that California law requires the stores to run as not-for-profit collectives. In practice, many make millions of dollars.
When Richard Lee spearheaded the legalization initiative, Proposition 19 in 2010, he said Oakland's ordinance and state law were ambiguous enough that he could make money. At the time, Oakland allowed individuals to own dispensaries but allowed only "reasonable compensation," not "excessive profits."
Arturo Sanchez, Oakland deputy city administrator, said he believed from a review of Lee's books that the compensation paid to staff and management was appropriate.
Lee has said he reinvests the income from his operations in efforts to mainstream marijuana. He spent $1.5 million to launch his campaign to pass the 2010 legalization measure.
By Tuesday, his Coffeeshop Blue Sky dispensary had reopened, thanks to emergency supplies from growers. The university is expected to reopen Wednesday.
"One way or another, Oaksterdam will live on," Lee said quietly at the rally.
Lee said the IRS had a heavy presence at the raid, "so I think it was about the money."
Lee's attorney, Laurence Jeffrey Lichter, said in a phone interview his client is in "complete compliance" with state and local laws. He pointed out that federal authorities have made evictions and applied economic pressure in California but have yet to issue any indictments.
"I'm hoping what they did yesterday is like the IRS auditing him — that it's an attempt to change his behavior, or to demonstrate to people surviving on this industry in a terrible economy that it's Russian roulette," said Lichter, who serves as Oaksterdam's law dean.
Five members of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors and representatives of state Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), state Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), and state Board of Equalization member Betty Yee told the crowd at City Hall that they would continue to press the cause with federal officials.
Dispensaries have brought "over $100 million to California's coffers every year," Yee's chief deputy, Alan LoFaso, said to cheers.
In and outside of California, the raid riled state lawmakers who have worked on medical marijuana laws. Ammiano, who has written legislation that would permit and regulate sales statewide, joined Assemblyman Chris Norby (R-Fullerton) and legislators from Washington, New Mexico, Maine and Colorado in signing an open letter to federal officials.
"States with medical marijuana laws have chosen to embrace an approach that is based on science, reason and compassion," the lawmakers wrote. "Unfortunately, these laws face a mounting level of federal hostility and confusing mixed messages from the Obama administration, the Department of Justice and the various United States attorneys.
"We call on the federal government not to interfere with our ability to control and regulate how medical marijuana is grown and distributed. Let us seek clarity rather than chaos. Don't force patients underground, to fuel the illegal drug market."
Posted by CN Staff on April 04, 2012 at 06:52:44 PT
By Lee Romney, Joe Mozingo and John Hoeffel
Source: Los Angeles Times
San Francisco -- Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at City Hall here Tuesday to demand federal respect for state and local marijuana laws, a day after federal agents raided the state's first pot trade school and a related dispensary across the bay in Oakland.
The San Francisco rally and march to a nearby federal building was planned before Monday's raid. But the sweep on businesses owned by prominent marijuana activist Richard Lee emboldened protesters and brought denunciations from local officials and lawmakers in five states with medical cannabis laws.
Protesters heaped scorn on Melinda Haag, U.S. attorney for Northern California. "We are going to push back," Stephanie Tucker, a San Francisco activist with the Medical Cannabis Task Force, told the whooping crowd Tuesday. "We've had enough after the hostile attack yesterday in Oakland."
As Tucker led protesters in chants of "Our state. Our medicine. Our laws," Lee, a paraplegic, sat quietly in his wheelchair, surrounded by well-wishers.
Monday's federal search warrants targeted numerous properties, including Lee's dispensary, apartment and Oaksterdam University — which since 2007 has taught about the business, cultivation and laws of marijuana. No arrests were made as part of a joint investigation by the IRS and Drug Enforcement Administration. Both agencies have declined to comment, saying records are under seal.
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) said the raids caused her concern. "After the people of the state of California voted to make medicinal cannabis legal, thousands of small businesses have invested millions of dollars in building their businesses, created good-paying jobs and paid millions in taxes," she said in a statement. "The business owners are doing everything they can to comply with the law, and they deserve clarification."
She said she was working on several bills that would align federal law with state medical marijuana statutes.
Federal prosecutors have frequently targeted dispensaries that make profits, arguing that California law requires the stores to run as not-for-profit collectives. In practice, many make millions of dollars.
When Richard Lee spearheaded the legalization initiative, Proposition 19 in 2010, he said Oakland's ordinance and state law were ambiguous enough that he could make money. At the time, Oakland allowed individuals to own dispensaries but allowed only "reasonable compensation," not "excessive profits."
Arturo Sanchez, Oakland deputy city administrator, said he believed from a review of Lee's books that the compensation paid to staff and management was appropriate.
Lee has said he reinvests the income from his operations in efforts to mainstream marijuana. He spent $1.5 million to launch his campaign to pass the 2010 legalization measure.
By Tuesday, his Coffeeshop Blue Sky dispensary had reopened, thanks to emergency supplies from growers. The university is expected to reopen Wednesday.
"One way or another, Oaksterdam will live on," Lee said quietly at the rally.
Lee said the IRS had a heavy presence at the raid, "so I think it was about the money."
Lee's attorney, Laurence Jeffrey Lichter, said in a phone interview his client is in "complete compliance" with state and local laws. He pointed out that federal authorities have made evictions and applied economic pressure in California but have yet to issue any indictments.
"I'm hoping what they did yesterday is like the IRS auditing him — that it's an attempt to change his behavior, or to demonstrate to people surviving on this industry in a terrible economy that it's Russian roulette," said Lichter, who serves as Oaksterdam's law dean.
Five members of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors and representatives of state Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), state Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), and state Board of Equalization member Betty Yee told the crowd at City Hall that they would continue to press the cause with federal officials.
Dispensaries have brought "over $100 million to California's coffers every year," Yee's chief deputy, Alan LoFaso, said to cheers.
In and outside of California, the raid riled state lawmakers who have worked on medical marijuana laws. Ammiano, who has written legislation that would permit and regulate sales statewide, joined Assemblyman Chris Norby (R-Fullerton) and legislators from Washington, New Mexico, Maine and Colorado in signing an open letter to federal officials.
"States with medical marijuana laws have chosen to embrace an approach that is based on science, reason and compassion," the lawmakers wrote. "Unfortunately, these laws face a mounting level of federal hostility and confusing mixed messages from the Obama administration, the Department of Justice and the various United States attorneys.
"We call on the federal government not to interfere with our ability to control and regulate how medical marijuana is grown and distributed. Let us seek clarity rather than chaos. Don't force patients underground, to fuel the illegal drug market."
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