Should Medical Marijuana Patient Cards be a DUI Defense?

ABC15.com:  “The Arizona Supreme Court recently agreed to review an appeals court decision that decided drivers who have medical marijuana cards can be prosecuted for driving under the influence if they’re found to have marijuana in their system.  In two cases, defendants who had medical marijuana cards argued they should be able to use their medical marijuana cards as defense like other prescription drugs are used.  But, the District One appeals court disagreed.  The court ruled the medical marijuana law doesn’t provide immunity for patients because it’s not prescribed by a doctor, it’s recommended.”

By |2017-10-07T09:56:02-07:00June 4th, 2015|AZ Marijuana Law Lawsuits, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Should Medical Marijuana Patient Cards be a DUI Defense?

ASU Student with Medical Marijuana Card Charged with Possession on Campus

Fox10Phoenix.com:  “An Arizona State University student has a valid Arizona Medical Marijuana Card, but now he’s facing a criminal conviction for using his legal, medical marijuana on campus.  He’s fighting the conviction and says he shouldn’t have been treated differently than any other medical marijuana patient, just because he lives on campus.  Andre Maestas has been using marijuana to relieve his back pain for several years.”

FOX 10 News | fox10phoenix.com

By |2017-02-12T07:40:49-07:00April 16th, 2015|Legal Issues, Marijuana Crimes, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on ASU Student with Medical Marijuana Card Charged with Possession on Campus

Washington Growers Struggle with Glut of Legal Weed

Associated Press:  “Washington’s legal marijuana market opened last summer to a dearth of weed. Some stores periodically closed because they didn’t have pot to sell. Prices were through the roof.  Six months later, the equation has flipped, bringing serious growing pains to the new industry.  A big harvest of sun-grown marijuana from eastern Washington last fall flooded the market. Prices are starting to come down in the state’s licensed pot shops, but due to the glut, growers are — surprisingly — struggling to sell their marijuana.”

By |2015-01-17T07:28:06-07:00January 17th, 2015|Stories & Articles, Video, Washington News|Comments Off on Washington Growers Struggle with Glut of Legal Weed

California – the Make-or-break Marijuana State

USA Today:  “Although state elections are now in the books for another two years, it’s not too early to start thinking about which states could be the next to introduce legal marijuana and medical marijuana legislation in the next election. Though we could theoretically see as many as a dozen states bringing some degree of marijuana vote in front of their citizens in 2016, no state has greater make-or-break potential for the marijuana movement than California.”

By |2014-12-01T07:59:54-07:00November 29th, 2014|California News, Video|Comments Off on California – the Make-or-break Marijuana State

Medical Marijuana Brings Entrepreneurial Boom to Phoenix

Upstart Business Journal:  “Dustin Johnson isn’t your average drug dealer.  Despite a rigorous religious upbringing and an early career in real estate, he found his true calling as president of Monarch Wellness Center, Scottsdale’s only medical marijuana dispensary.”

By |2014-09-17T20:43:06-07:00September 17th, 2014|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Medical Marijuana Brings Entrepreneurial Boom to Phoenix

People Sue to Grow Medical Marijuana w/i 25 Miles of a Dispensary

Yourwestvalley.com:  “State health officials are facing a new legal challenge over a provision in the voter-approved Medical Marijuana Act that bars those who live within 25 miles of a dispensary from growing their own plants.  The lawsuit filed in Maricopa County Superior Court contends giving some the right to grow but not to others is a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Billy B. Hayes, who is not at attorney but filed the legal papers on behalf of himself and others, also contends the system gives dispensary operators a monopoly in violation of state constitutional provisions.”

 

By |2017-10-07T09:56:02-07:00September 4th, 2014|AZ Marijuana Law Lawsuits, Video|Comments Off on People Sue to Grow Medical Marijuana w/i 25 Miles of a Dispensary

States Prep for Marijuana DUIs

Christian Science Monitor:  “As states liberalize their marijuana laws, public officials and safety advocates worry that more drivers high on pot will lead to a big increase in traffic deaths. Researchers who have studied the issue, though, are divided on the question.  Studies of marijuana’s effects show that the drug can slow decision-making, decrease peripheral vision and impede multitasking, all of which are critical driving skills. But unlike with alcohol, drivers high on pot tend to be aware that they are impaired and they try to compensate by driving slowly, avoiding risky actions such as passing other cars, and allowing extra room between vehicles.”

By |2014-09-04T20:01:13-07:00September 1st, 2014|Marijuana Crimes, Video|Comments Off on States Prep for Marijuana DUIs

Medical Marijuana For Your Furry Friends

CBS New York:  “When it comes to sick pets many owners will go to great lengths to help them feel better.  Now, some have started to take matters into their own hands and have turned to a remedy that isn’t even legal in some states, CBS 2′s Maurice Dubois reported Friday.  Rowyn Capers’ dog, “Luna,” was suffering from late-stage lymphoma and was put on an intense schedule of chemotherapy. The treatments came with devastating side effects. . . . Capers gave Luna medical marijuana to help ease her suffering.”

By |2017-02-12T07:40:01-07:00November 24th, 2013|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Medical Marijuana For Your Furry Friends

Unlicensed Marijuana Delivery Services Flood Phoenix Area

CBS5AZ.com:  “A CBS 5 investigation found medical marijuana delivery services operating outside the boundaries of state law, violating guidelines, procedures and potentially opening their sales to buyers who do not carry valid state-issued medical marijuana cards. . . . County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement after CBS 5 Investigates informed his office about the delivery attempt:

‘This is just one more example of how, despite the best efforts to have a ‘medicinal program,’ the ease with which people can circumvent the rules and regulations established by Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Act proves that this is ripe for recreational abuse’.”

CBS 5 – KPHO

By |2019-06-14T08:27:45-07:00November 15th, 2013|Legal Issues, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Unlicensed Marijuana Delivery Services Flood Phoenix Area

Arizona Medical Marijuana Going to Young, Healthy

CBS5AZ:  “Data from the state Department of Health Services show nearly half of the recipients of medical marijuana cards in Arizona are younger than 40. . . . ‘About 90 percent of our qualifying patients have cards because of severe and chronic pain,’ said Will Humble, the director of the Arizona Department of Health Services.”

In this video a reporter for CBS5AZ goes undercover and visits a chiropractor and a doctor and obtains a medical marijuana patient card from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

CBS 5 – KPHO

By |2019-06-14T08:26:17-07:00May 16th, 2013|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Arizona Medical Marijuana Going to Young, Healthy

Cops Bust Oregon Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Longview Daily News:  “Longview police busted a Kelso medical marijuana dispensary last week and arrested four people for allegedly selling pot on the side to non-patients.  Agents from the Longview Police Street Crimes Unit served a search warrant Thursday at the ‘Grass Rootz’ dispensary”

By |2013-03-11T06:35:33-07:00March 11th, 2013|Marijuana Crimes, Video|Comments Off on Cops Bust Oregon Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Company Hopes to Bring 30 Marijuana Dispensing Machines to San Diego

ABC 10 News:  “They dispense snacks and movies, but vending machines in San Diego may soon be kicking out a different product — marijuana.  Those medical marijuana dispensaries shut down during a crackdown in 2011 could soon reappear in San Diego, along with some high-tech help.  ‘It’s armor-coated. Second, it’s 800 pounds,’ said Bruce Bedrick, CEO of Medbox.”

By |2015-04-06T18:56:51-07:00March 11th, 2013|California News, Medbox, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Company Hopes to Bring 30 Marijuana Dispensing Machines to San Diego

Feds to Target Pot Delivery Services

NBC 7 San Diego:  “FBI agents in San Diego are shifting focus from closing down medical marijuana dispensaries to cracking down on marijuana delivery services. NBC 7’s Tony Shin has this exclusive report.”

By |2013-03-03T07:01:24-07:00March 3rd, 2013|California News, Federal Dispensary Attacks, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Feds to Target Pot Delivery Services

Mesa Man Claims He was Evicted for Using Medical Marijuana

azfamily.com:  “Vince Borinski says he generally smokes about one joint every day. . . . He is a medical marijuana card holder, and is legally authorized to use and cultivate medical marijuana in the state of Arizona. . . . Borinski was smoking and growing marijuana in his apartment at the Country Park Villas from April 2011 to October 2011, when he was evicted.”

By |2015-04-06T18:56:50-07:00March 3rd, 2013|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Mesa Man Claims He was Evicted for Using Medical Marijuana

Former U.S. Attorney for Arizona Supports Medical Marijuana

Phoenix New Times:  “On the list of people we’d probably never expect to come out in support of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, we’d probably put an anti-drug crusader U.S. Attorney who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan somewhere near the top of the list. However, we’ve seen that man, A. Melvin McDonald, all over the place in the past couple of weeks, giving a glowing review of medical marijuana.”

httpvh://youtu.be/WkeUPmzg6Cw

By |2013-02-19T06:20:40-07:00February 19th, 2013|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Former U.S. Attorney for Arizona Supports Medical Marijuana

Market Blooms for Medical-marijuana Experts

Arizona Republic:  “Inside the suite of a nondescript industrial park in west Phoenix, an armed security guard in a bulletproof vest guards dozens of tents filled with lush plants that supply medical-marijuana patients throughout the state. . . . When they need pointers on yielding the best harvest, they go to Bruce Barnes, a 32-year-old “master grower” who works for the center and specializes in growing highly potent marijuana that patients use to treat ailments ranging from cancer to chronic pain. Barnes helps patients and caregivers grow high-grade marijuana using sophisticated techniques to manipulate the plants with light, nutrients and air.”

By |2013-02-05T06:58:33-07:00February 5th, 2013|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Market Blooms for Medical-marijuana Experts

Medical Pot Advocates: Target Illegal Clubs, Leave Law Alone

Arizona Republic:  “Dispensary owners, patients and advocates of medical marijuana are asking state lawmakers to reconsider an attempt to repeal the 2010 law that legalized the drug to treat certain medical conditions.  Instead of taking the medical marijuana issue back to voters, they urged the Legislature Thursday to clamp down on unregulated marijuana clubs — often called ‘compassion clubs,’ — to ensure patients receive their recommended drugs within the guidelines of the new law.”

By |2013-01-25T06:55:46-07:00January 25th, 2013|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Medical Pot Advocates: Target Illegal Clubs, Leave Law Alone

Medical-pot Patients Decry How Law Bans Home-growing within 25 Miles of Dispensaries

Arizona Republic:  “Medical-marijuana patients and advocates are decrying state health officials’ interpretation of a rule that bans growth of the plant within 25miles of an operating dispensary.  Authors of the state’s medical-marijuana law intended to limit home growers by forcing people to buy at dispensaries. But amid prolonged legal battles over the law, no dispensaries opened and home-growing flourished.  But the opening of four medical-marijuana dispensaries in Phoenix, Tucson and Cochise County have brought the 25-mile rule to the forefront.  Over time, the vast majority of patients who live within 25 miles of dispensaries will not be permitted to legally cultivate pot”

By |2013-01-06T07:19:31-07:00January 6th, 2013|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Medical-pot Patients Decry How Law Bans Home-growing within 25 Miles of Dispensaries

California Court of Appeals Upholds Medical Marijuana Dispensary Ban Again

The Press-Enterprise:  “Riverside will resume its efforts to shut down the medical marijuana dispensaries still operating within its boundaries now that a state appellate court order has upheld the city’s ban on such storefronts.  About 10 to 12 medical marijuana outlets remain open, City Attorney Greg Priamos said Monday, Dec. 3, as he commented on a Fourth District Court of Appeal order issued Nov. 29. Priamos said 45 dispensaries in the city have closed since a ban was put in place nearly a year ago.  The order from the court’s Division Two, based in Riverside, overturns an August ruling by Superior Court Judge John Vineyard. He said a local government cannot ban medical marijuana stores if they are operating legally under the state laws that authorize them. While Vineyard’s ruling addressed only one store, it affected city’s efforts to complete its ban on all of them.”

httpvh://youtu.be/Ug6WVFg9_30

By |2017-10-07T09:56:00-07:00December 31st, 2012|California News, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on California Court of Appeals Upholds Medical Marijuana Dispensary Ban Again

Arizona Organix in Glendale Becomes First Medical-Marijuana Dispensary Approved by ADHS

Phoenix New Times:  “Arizona Organix at 5301 West Glendale Avenue has become the first medical-marijuana dispensary to be approve by the state. . . . The store can now begin selling marijuana to qualified patients legally, under Arizona law.  Unfortunately for Arizona’s 30,000-plus qualified patients, though, the store has no plan to open immediately.”

Will Humble, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, posted the following on his blog on November 15, 2012:

“Our team just returned from a field inspection for a dispensary applicant in Glendale.  There were no major deficiencies, and we awarded the dispensary an “approval to operate” late this afternoon.  This is the first dispensary approval to operate we’ve issued in the State.  By law, we’re not allowed to publicly disclose the address.

The fact that a dispensary is now licensed in the Valley also means that the “self-grow” part of the law will change on Friday.  Beginning tomorrow we’ll be declining new “requests to cultivate” among new cardholders in most of the metro area…  because self-grow (12 plants) is only allowed when the patient lives more than 25 miles from the nearest dispensary.  The vast majority of the Valley is within 25 miles of this new dispensary.

We’re also adding a new feature to our website to help people figure out if they live within 25 miles of a dispensary.  Because of the changes to the system, we’ just took the it offline.  We’ll work on it over the weekend and most of the application process should be up and running on Monday.”

See also “Medical pot dispensary gets AZ’s first approval to open.”

CBS 5 – KPHO

By |2019-06-14T08:26:16-07:00November 16th, 2012|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Arizona Organix in Glendale Becomes First Medical-Marijuana Dispensary Approved by ADHS

Man Shot During Robbery at Tempe Medical Marijuana Co-op

AZCentral.com:  “Police are searching for three men after a shooting left one injured at a Tempe medical-marijuana co-op [called AzGoGreen Co-op] Thursday evening, authorities said. . . . Tempe police on Friday said the co-op had been under investigation prior to the shooting. Police were investigating whether the dispensary was selling marijuana before it was authorized to do so by the Arizona medical marijuana law”

By |2012-10-27T07:10:37-07:00October 27th, 2012|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Man Shot During Robbery at Tempe Medical Marijuana Co-op

G3 Holistic Dispensary Owner Aaron Sandusky Convicted of Violating Federal Marijuana Laws

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin:  “G3 Holistic owner and Rancho Cucamonga resident Aaron Sandusky, 41, was convicted of two counts of violating federal marijuana laws Friday by a jury which could not reach a decision on four other counts.  Conviction on the two counts could still net him a prison term of 10 years to life . . . . Sandusky, who ran G3 Holistic, Inc. in Upland, Colton and Moreno Valley, was found guilty of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana plants, to possess with intent to distribute marijuana plants, and to maintain a drug-involved premises; and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana plants, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.”

httpvh://youtu.be/sJ2YkCpb9o0

By |2017-10-07T09:54:55-07:00October 14th, 2012|California News, Federal Dispensary Attacks, Marijuana Crimes, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on G3 Holistic Dispensary Owner Aaron Sandusky Convicted of Violating Federal Marijuana Laws

L.A. City Council Repeals Its Ban on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Los Angeles Times:  “The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted 11-2 to repeal its recent ban on medical marijuana dispensaries, averting a March election on the explosive issue of storefront pot sales.”

By |2012-10-03T06:31:25-07:00October 3rd, 2012|California News, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on L.A. City Council Repeals Its Ban on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Aaron Sandusky Discusses His Prosecution for Alleged Violations of Federal Drug Laws

Reason TV produced a six minute video about the recent arrest of California medical marijuana dispensary owner Aaron Sandusky. “This is a Constitutional battle, and we’re going to defend our rights,” says Aaron Sandusky who faces federal drug trafficking charges despite operating his dispensary within California’s medical marijuana laws.  Sandusky was interviewed after his recent release from jail on bail pending his trial.

httpvh://youtu.be/9R7XNPYZ73M

By |2012-08-14T07:16:50-07:00August 14th, 2012|California News, Federal Dispensary Attacks, Marijuana Crimes, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Aaron Sandusky Discusses His Prosecution for Alleged Violations of Federal Drug Laws

Maricopa County Attorney Warns Everybody in Maricopa County Not to Grow, Sell or Distribute Marijuana Because He Will Prosecute Violators for Felonies

The video below should be watched in its entirety by the types of people listed below who personally or in connection with any type of entity grow,  sell  or distribute marijuana (medical or otherwise) in Maricopa County, Arizona:

  • People who have a medical marijuana patient or caregiver card.
  • Owners of medical marijuana dispensaries and collectives.
  • Employees or independent contractors who provide  services to a medical  marijuana dispensary or collective.
  • Medical  directors of medical marijuana dispensaries.
  • Landlords who allow their real property to be used by a medical marijuana dispensary or collective.
  • Professionals  such as attorneys, accountants and tax preparers who provide services to a medical marijuana dispensary or collective.

In the video Maricopa County Attorney William Montgomery states:

Montgomery:  “Rather than allow people to take additional action an put themselves in jeopardy of prosecution at a later point in time it is more prudent now to let people know that their conduct is not authorized.”

Question:  “A patient growing pot at home is that person at risk of being prosecuted?”

Montgomery:  “Yes.  You cannot grow it.”

Question:  “Are employees of a dispensary at risk?

Montgomery:  “Yes”

Question:  “Are the owners of the business at risk?”

Montgomery:  “Yes”

Question:  “Would you open a dispensary right now?  Would you even work there?”

Montgomery:  “Absolutely not. . . . Part of my statements at this point in time is to literally help, help to protect those people from conducting any more business or taking another step in that direction which would jeopardize whatever resources they put into it as well as their own liberty.”

By |2012-08-09T21:06:52-07:00August 9th, 2012|Legal Issues, Marijuana Crimes, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Maricopa County Attorney Warns Everybody in Maricopa County Not to Grow, Sell or Distribute Marijuana Because He Will Prosecute Violators for Felonies

Harborside Health Center’s Steve DeAngelo Video Interview

Fox Business News:  “Feds Crack Down on California Medical Marijuana Clinics, but Harborside Health Center executive director Steve DeAngelo argues his marijuana clinics obey the law.

By |2012-07-18T23:45:02-07:00July 18th, 2012|California News, Federal Dispensary Attacks, Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Harborside Health Center’s Steve DeAngelo Video Interview

Mayor of Small California Town, 2 Others, Charged with Taking Bribes to Support Pot Dispensary

Washington Post:  “If someone wanted to do business in the small Southern California city of Cudahy, federal prosecutors say one-time city manager Angel Perales had some advice.  “Money makes the monkey dance,” Perales told an FBI informant, according to court documents.  Perales, Mayor David Silva and Councilman Osvaldo Conde were arrested Friday and charged with soliciting and accepting cash bribes totaling $17,000 to support the opening of a medical marijuana dispensary.”

See other stories on these arrests:

  • KTLA.com:  “3 Cudahy Officials Arrested in Federal Bribery Probe.”

Will Humble, Director of the Arizona Department of Heatlh Services, Video Interview

Sally Guarino’s June 20, 2012, video interview of the director of the Arizona Department of Health Services Will Humble on the topic of Arizona’s medical marijuana laws.

httpvh://youtu.be/7h5GpyMNEkw

By |2012-06-21T06:28:35-07:00June 21st, 2012|Stories & Articles, Video|Comments Off on Will Humble, Director of the Arizona Department of Heatlh Services, Video Interview
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