Ok Pot.com

by matteo_dudek

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Medical marijuana and medical marijuana dispensaries have become a hot topic recently, and in recent years fourteen states have enacted laws legalizing medical marijuana in one form or another. While the best known is California, states like Colorado, Hawaii, Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and New Jersey have legalized medical marijuana and have several dispensaries serving patients on a regular basis. There are even medical marijuana dispensaries in our nation’s capitol, Washington, DC.

A medical marijuana dispensary is a location where a patient or a patient’s caregiver, only with a doctor’s prescription and proper identification card, can obtain medical grade marijuana from a reliable and legal source. Marijuana has been used medicinally for centuries across many diverse cultures, but it was not until recent times that organized dispensaries and marijuana’s medicinal benefits were taken seriously.

Marijuana has been used to treat a wide range of ailments and conditions from anxiety and depression to insomnia and Crohn’s disease. Marijuana has long been known to relieve pain and sickness associated with cancer, HIV, AIDS, and their treatments.

Each state has enacted its own laws to govern and regulate the medical marijuana dispensaries, their income, and the management of the marijuana itself. In general, to obtain a medical marijuana identification card, one must first visit with a board certified physician in the respective state and be recommended by that physician for marijuana therapy. The doctor will write a prescription for marijuana treatment, and the patient will then need to obtain their medical marijuana identification card, which is typically granted through the local department of health for that state. Many doctors specialize in marijuana therapy and often assist their patients in obtaining their card and finding a medical marijuana dispensary.

There are hundreds of dispensaries across the country and some located in Oregon and Montana even accept out of state cards at their dispensaries. Many dispensaries can now even deliver directly to their patients in certain states, as well as having lounges and common areas where the product can be sampled. There are several resources on the internet that specialize in helping medical marijuana patients locate doctors, dispensaries, and even social networking with other patients. You can check by county also, example, marijuana orange county has over 200 clinics, over 50 doctors and over 10 lawyers.

by Sunfrog1

Is it Possible to Legally Invest in Marijuana

A few decades ago, research into the medical benefits of marijuana was common, and was funded by both private and public grants. Almost every major university had some program underway for studying the subject. But as government began a more aggressive approach to regulating or prohibiting drug use, marijuana research fell by the wayside. Many of the same studies became illegal, and those found to be doing such research faced harsh penalties, including extensive jail time.

But during recent years, scientists and medical doctors – as well as their own patients and groups dedicated to legalizing marijuana for medical use – have made headway, and now marijuana use is officially sanctioned in many jurisdictions. In places like California, for example, it is possible to obtain prescriptions to use it for medical purposes. Many who use this medicinal pot claim that it works well for treatment of chronic pain, treatment of glaucoma, and other maladies. Because of the increase in popularity of marijuana as a medical drug, many companies are hoping to profit from this drug, by growing, distributing, or otherwise providing marijuana to consumers who need it as a prescription medication.

The global healthcare company Bayer – known mostly for its household name aspirin products – for example, recently signed licensing agreements with a small biotech company in the United Kingdom that specializes in efficient deliver of the active ingredient in marijuana. By providing this active chemical component in an aerosol spray, the company hopes to attract those users who are concerned about the bad health effects of smoking pot. Other mega corporations are experimenting with ways to provide medical marijuana on a large scale. If the drug ever becomes legal, they want to be ready to capitalize on the new market and get the jump on their potential competition.

By buying stock in companies that are positioned to benefit from the future of medical marijuana, you can get in on the ground floor of any potential breakthrough in this biotech and healthcare sector. But because the drugs are not yet profitable – at least to those selling them legally – many investors who put money into backing companies that are primarily in the marijuana business may not see earnings for many years, if ever.

A safer bet is to buy into companies that are already profitable by selling prescription medicines. If marijuana research convinces legislators to allow it to be sold like ordinary medicine, these companies will surely get a piece of the action. They may get their market share of the business by packaging and distributing it, by coming up with new medicines based on it or by growing the raw product and converting it into usable prescription medicine. But in the meantime, if you have invested in these companies in order to take advantage of the profits that might come from marijuana, you don’t have to simply sit and wait for the future. By investing in solid, profitable companies, you will benefit immediately. And if the future is bright for medical pot, you’ll be positioned to take full advantage of the new and revolutionary products.

MOXNews.com March 25, 2010 News Corp
Video Rating: 4 / 5

by matteo_dudek

Illegal to Destroy Paper Money ? But Legal to Destroy Marijuana Money

The haul: 150-200,000 plants, up to two-and-one-half tons of marijuana, sling-baled and lifted out by helicopter, 4-600 pounds per load.  Plants range from knee-high to chest-high. All are bushy; typical, agents say, of Mexican-grown marijuana. Jordan places the street value at well more than 0 million. The cost of this entire operation to seize 0 million dollars in marijuana, one can only fathom.  Officers think they are actually serving and protecting the community in these situations but they are only adding to the black market economy, rather than our own.

“DEA will no longer raid medical marijuana outlets.” said Barack Obama (Inauguration).  September 10th, 2009; Authorities say 31 people have been arrested in a sting that targeted medical marijuana distributors in San Diego County. Just another raid conducted after Obama’s inauguration, when will it stop? The facts are in and marijuana’s benefit on a medical community is very promising. From cancers to multiple sclerosis marijuana seems to aid, reducing tumor growth to just the simplicity of enjoying the every day things.

As we cross into the economical benefit of legalizing marijuana we begin to see green, and I’m not talking about marijuana, I’m talking about money! Marijuana and hemp are both HUGE cash crops that can be taxed like alcohol bringing in billions of dollars. Officers in California, the nation’s biggest hotbeds for marijuana production, have chopped down plants with a combined street value of around billion in the first eight months of this year. While national numbers aren’t yet available this year, officers around the country increased their haul from 7 million plants in 2007 to 8 million in 2008. What a waste of time, money, and effort. TAX IT! Instead of spending billions on preventing marijuana use, billions on eliminating marijuana grows, billions on jail systems and court fees, but instead, make money by simply taxing it.

Just like the TARP bailout (October 3rd, 2008) Obama must do this in order to protect our National Security against the invasion of this country by Mexican Drug Cartels that have infiltrated over 230 major American cities. By doing these two things the Drug Cartels will be destroyed within weeks without the expenditure of any further blood or treasure, on the part of the American People. You see each year the Mexican Drug Cartels grow ever more dangerous because Marijuana Prohibition constitutes nearly 70 percent of their annual drug profits: about 27 Billion dollars each year. So by simply allowing adult Americans to “grow their own” Marijuana the Mexican Drug Cartels will cease to exist and we can focus on other more serious socio-economic issues.

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by dooq

Marijuana and the ?European Model?

Proponents for legalizing marijuana cite Europe as a good model for America to emulate.  However, there is no uniform policy in Europe about the use of drugs.  Although some countries in Europe have relaxed their laws regarding marijuana and other drugs, others have strict regulations in effect.  Here are some examples of how individual countries in Europe are handling drug related issues and how successful their policies are.

The country many consider to have “led the way in the liberalization of drug policy” is the Netherlands.  As early as 1976, “coffee shops” began selling marijuana in small doses.  Officially possessing and selling marijuana is illegal, but shops are allowed to offer marijuana with some restrictions, such as no more than three grams, no minors, no alcohol, and no advertising.  Proponents of legalized drugs often claim that drug dealers would lose all their business once marijuana is legalized, but this has not been the case for the Netherlands.  The illegal drug trade is still thriving, since coffee shops must purchase their marijuana from illegal sources.  Another popular argument is that if marijuana were legalized the demand would decrease.  Since the relaxation of regulations in the Netherlands, marijuana use has doubled.

Switzerland also has liberal drug policies.  “In late 1980s, Zurich experimented with what became known as Needle Park, where addicts could openly purchase drugs and inject heroin without police intervention.”  The number of drug dealers and addicts quickly went from a few hundred to several thousand and crime in the area skyrocketed until officials and law enforcement closed down the park and reinstituted drug restrictions.

Portugal has also been highly publicized for their decision in 2001 to legalize “minor possession of all drugs”.  Critics and skeptics alike prophesied huge increases in addiction and drug use.  The Cato Institute recently published a study they did on the results of the policy.  “[N]one of the nightmare scenarios from rampant increases in drug usage among the young to the transformation of Lisbon into a haven for ‘drug tourists’ has occurred.”  Instead, drug use, deaths, and sexually transmitted diseases have all decreased.  Although possession is no longer illegal, drug use remains so and people may still be stopped for having drugs.  If they have less than a ten day supply however, they go before a “health commission” who recommends them to treatment rather than jail time.  In short, Portugal has chosen to treat drug addiction as a disease rather than a criminal act.

“Like America, the various countries of Europe are looking for new ways to combat the worldwide problem of drug abuse.”  Some policies have been more successful than others.  Proponents for American legalization are right to suggest the US look to Europe for examples.  With the variety of policies and multitudes of research into whether those policies are successful, America has the unique opportunity of observing many examples of possible drug regulations and can emulate the ones that are proven to work.

by matteo_dudek

Medical Marijuana ? Necessity Rather Than An Option

Once known as a recreational drug or gateway drug, Marijuana now is widely known for its medicinal values. Controversial however, the medicinal benefits of marijuana can not be ignored by simply blaming the drug for causing addiction or a dependency for its users. Marijuana is not only very effective in treating a number of illnesses and diseases but it also has become a drug which is extraordinarily safe — safer than most medicines prescribed every day.

Marijuana effectively provide relief in many medical conditions and symptoms like – nausea, vomiting, glaucoma, seizure disorders, cancer, diabetes, muscle spasms, spasticity, appetite loss, certain types of pain include chronic pain, and much more including relief in Alzheimer’s disease, brain cancer, lung cancer, HIV/AIDS and alleviating addiction issues related to alcohol abuse and opiate dependency. Globally accepted by the medical fraternity as an option to cure those who are suffering from certain chronic ailments, marijuana has become a necessity for those the only effective treatment available is marijuana.

However Medical Marijuana is available in market for purchase, it is essential for a patient to have a Medical Marijuana card in order to purchase a drug from a seller.Most states that have passed laws legalizing marijuana for medical use have some type of registration program and require patients and caregivers to obtain a medical marijuana card. Using cannabis without a medical marijuana card could be blamed as a legal offence in many states and counties and there are strict laws for breaking the rules.

It is legally essential for patients to have Medical Marijuana cards first so that they don’t have to face legal hassles later. One of the best parts about being a card-carrying medical marijuana patient is that you are afforded full legal protection under the states medical marijuana laws. Obtaining Medical Marijuana card could be a tough task, the one which may require a recommendation from a licensed doctor, Contact the Hemp and Cannabis Foundation, Check with the county office where you reside to see what other documentation is required besides a doctor’s recommendation, and also a visit to a marijuana dispensary located in your state.

Although it may take some time and efforts to obtain a card to use marijuana it is worth while for the only substance on Earth that is all available naturally to cure the painful nausea caused by chemotherapy, greatly retard the onset of blindness from glaucoma and relieve depression without destroying your bodies’ chemical balance – all with zero negative long-term side effects.

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by matteo_dudek

Legalizing Cannabis in California

In November, 2010, the State of California will be adding an initiative to the ballot to legalize marijuana. If the measure passes, California will become the first state to legalize the possession and sale of marijuana for general use. Currently, California has instituted measures to allow the use of medical marijuana. As well, since 1975, possession of an ounce or less of marijuana has been a misdemeanor that is accompanied by a 0 fine.

If the ballot to legalize cannabis passes, it would mean California residents could grow limited amounts of marijuana, and local governments would have the option to permit the sale of marijuana in retail outlets. Known as the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010, the November 2010 ballot includes the following measures:

1. Adults 21 years and older will be legally permitted to possess up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use.

2. Adults will be permitted to grow their own marijuana plants on a plot up to 5 feet by 5 feet per home or land parcel.

3. Counties and cities in California will be legally permitted to tax the cultivation, transportation, and sale of marijuana.

This November 2010 ballot measure comes with its share of controversy. There are opponents and proponents lining up on each side of the issue. Proponents of the measure make the following arguments:

1. There are financial benefits to legalizing marijuana in the state of California. Taxing marijuana would bring a considerable amount of revenue. Many experts, including California State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco, estimate over a billion dollars a year in revenue which would help California’s budget crisis. Also, many experts estimate that billion would be saved annually in government spending on enforcement which includes border security.

2. Legalizing marijuana has a number of law enforcement benefits. Law enforcement officers will be able to focus on serious crimes. The costs of law enforcement would be greatly reduced. The courts would not be tied up with marijuana cases. The overcrowded prison population would decline.  Crime and violence at the U.S.-Mexico border would be reduced. The lives of youth would not be ruined because they would not receive a permanent criminal record and prison time if they were caught with marijuana.

3. Many health experts say marijuana is not anymore detrimental to a person’s health than tobacco or alcohol. As well, marijuana has been shown to benefit patients with such conditions Cancer, AIDS, and Glaucoma.

Most opponents of the November 2010 ballot measure argue on the basis of their own personal moral beliefs. They believe the use of marijuana is immoral. Others argue that there are long term health consequences when using marijuana and it can also lead to more people moving to more hardcore drugs.

No matter how you view the issue, one thing most people can agree on is that marijuana is here to stay in American society. It would seem that those reflecting on which way to vote on the measure in November should look at both arguments and decide which one makes the most sense. It is also helpful to look at various cannabis websites such as CannabisSearch.com.

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by matteo_dudek

Dancing in the Politics ? Legalizing Marijuana to Improve Lives of Millions

The active ingredient in marijuana appears to reduce tumor growth, according to a Spanish study published on Wednesday. The researchers demonstrated giving THC to mice with cancer decreased tumor growth and killed cells off in a process called autophagy.“ The findings support that safe, therapeutically efficacious doses of THC may be reached in cancer patients,” Guillermo Velasco of Complutense University in Madrid and colleagues reported in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Other research has shown benefits, such as staving off Alzheimer’s, and many doctors view THC as a valuable way to treat weight loss associated with AIDS, and nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients. Velasco and his team’s study included an analysis of two tumors from two people with a highly aggressive brain cancer which showed signs of autophagy after receiving THC. The researchers said the findings could pave the way for cannabinoid-based drugs to treat cancer.

It has been made clear by President Obama’s Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowaske what the federal government position is on the matter. Gil said: “marijuana is dangerous and has no medicinal benefit” and that “legalization is not in the president’s vocabulary, and it’s not in mine.” When will the ignorance stop? You are worried about gang activity all over the United States; legalizing marijuana would practically banish gang funds from marijuana. Several automotive companies like BMW use hemp in there door panels, yet it’s illegal to grow hemp in the United States. Instead of spending millions to import hemp, and spending millions to pay farmers in the bread basket not to grow crops, we can grow fields of marijuana and hemp to help not only the economy, but the environment. Hemp can be utilized in thousands of industries, marijuana can lower healthcare costs, and may even prove to be helpful in many other diseases / illnesses.  Instead of feeding people arrogant statements about legalizing marijuana, look at the facts and do what’s right for our country.

It’s kind of nauseating to think that not only our political advisers, financial advisers, and economic advisers, but the president of the United States is too caught up in the politics of legalizing marijuana that they don’t take the time to look at the facts. Studies done about the toxins in marijuana were done on samples that included all leaves, stems, and seeds. So of course the toxins would be comparable to cigarettes.  Until the government provides us proper testing supplies, it’s hard to get a sturdy case.  Looking around the market, everyone seems to be convinced that they have ADD, ADHD, Anxiety, or some sort of Depression.  If you take a second to look at the side of effects of every medication used for these fairy tale conditions, you’ll see things like nausea, vomiting, depression, anxiety, active behavior, suicidal thoughts, and acts of aggression or anger. Now let’s take a look at the side effects of smoking out of a vaporizer, or consuming thc, hungry, happy, and sleepy. THC is the only known substance to cure nausea while at the same time causing hunger. Studies done on mice and rats shows that the hungry like feeling from marijuana comes from the breast feeding stage of your life, natural body cannabinoids are consumed from the breast milk and are delivered to the natural cannabinoid receptors found in almost all mammals.  So as you smoke marijuana this is being triggered, causing the emotional and physical ability to eat comes into play. As we look at recent studies done on thc and cancer, we notice tumors, and cancer cells being reduced, if not eliminated.

While we dance in the politics of legalizing marijuana… why is it so hard to accept marijuana and hemp used at a sophisticated level could revolutionize this country. Instead of taxing the shit out of the Americans responsible for keeping this country alive, tax hemp and marijuana like alcohol, making millions while saving the environment and improving the life of millions. Using hemp for paper, clothing, and rope alone would help the environment significantly.  As far as recreational use of marijuana, the only side effects are moderate if any; a little euphoria never hurt anyone.

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