US IL: Editorial: Therapeutic Pot

Chicago Tribune, 02 May 2011 - The Illinois legislature is close to legalizing medical marijuana. Before you scream in protest, or launch into a Cheech and Chong joke, give this some consideration. Illinois could pass a model law for the rest of the country. The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis act, sponsored by Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), could pass the House this week, thanks in large part to a change in position by House Republican leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego). The timing may finally be right.

US WA: Governor's Veto Deals Blow To Local Medical Marijuana

Federal Way Mirror, 02 May 2011 - After pressure from both the federal and state level, Gov. Chris Gregoire vetoed most of Senate Bill 5073, the bill passed by lawmakers that would have allowed for medical marijuana dispensaries in Washington. While dispensaries have cropped up throughout the state, and so far skirted the issue of their legality, Friday's announcement from Olympia means patients and caregivers must find other means to connect.

US RI: Neronha Says 'Compassion Centers' Violate Federal Law

The Providence Journal, 02 May 2011 - PROVIDENCE - U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha said Sunday that he hopes that Rhode Island's three state-approved medical-marijuana dispensaries don't open and that if they do, "I might have to take some action" against them in court to prevent cultivation and distribution of the cannabis. "I don't think it would be a wise move" for them to start cultivating large amounts of marijuana, or selling it, Neronha said in a telephone interview. Asked if he was going to stage raids on the dispensaries if they opened their doors, Neronha said, "I can't answer that.

US NM: Edu: Prof. Recounts Cannabis History

Daily Lobo, 02 May 2011 - Where does cannabis come from? Assistant professor Chris Duvall discussed on Friday the origins of cannabis sativa, or marijuana, during the Student Organization for Latin American Studies' final Brown Bag Lecture Series.

US CO: Colorado Pot Bill Gets Workover After Fed Warning

Summit Daily News, 02 May 2011 - DENVER - Colorado lawmakers are reducing the permitted size of medical marijuana growing operations following a federal warning that it's still a violation of federal to grow and possess marijuana. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill Monday that changes rules for how the drug can be grown and sold. Changes included the number of plants that can be grown and cutting back on laws banning industry employees from having felony records.

US IL: Medical Marijuana Legalization Getting New Life at Statehouse

State Journal-Register, 01 May 2011 - Illinois House Republican leader Tom Cross' change of heart could mean a change in the prospects for medical marijuana in Illinois. Cross, R-Oswego, had opposed the legislation in the past, but changed his mind after hearing from constituents and members of the medical community, spokeswoman Sara Wojcicki said.

US OR: 2011 Legislature May Destroy the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act

Alternatives, 01 May 2011 - 2011 LEGISLATURE MAY DESTROY THE OREGON MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT After voters passed the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act (OMMA) in 1998, our Department of Human Services (DHS) established the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program to register patients to use medical marijuana. Stormy Ray and I were chief petitioners for the OMMA. I helped write it, filed it, and was spokesperson for Oregonians for Medical Rights, the PAC that sponsored the OMMA.

US OR: Oregon Sheriffs Worry About Medical Marijuana Mixed

Seattle Times, 30 Apr 2011 - A Case Before the Oregon Supreme Court Will Determine Whether Medical-Marijuana Users Are Entitled to the Same Gun-Carrying Privileges As Everyone Else. MEDFORD, Ore. - Cynthia Townsley Willis, a retired school-bus driver and grandmother of four, carries a spray bottle of marijuana-infused skin oil in her purse to treat her frequent, painful muscle spasms.

US HI: Medical Marijuana Bill Dies at the Legislature

Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 30 Apr 2011 - A proposal establishing a medical marijuana pilot project appears dead this year. Lawmakers decided to defer the proposal in Senate Bill 1458, calling on advocates to further study the issues and come up with recommendations for next year.

US HI: Editorial: Fear of Medical Pot Abuse Deserves Full Public Vetting

Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 30 Apr 2011 - Defenders of Hawaii's medical marijuana law were startled this week by a late effort to sharply limit uses of marijuana to reduce severe pain. The proposal carries an assumption that either doctors or patients are being less than candid about whether the pain actually exists. This may be. But the onus should be on Sen. Josh Green, who proposed the last-minute change, to provide evidence of such shenanigans before such changes become law.