Salem-News.com Prohibition articles

Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Marijuana Trafficking Conspiracy

The Justice Department (OCDETF) works with state and local law enforcement, even against non-lethal marijuana.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - According to court documents, 38-year old Paul Eugene Thomas and 33-year old Raleigh Dragon Lau, of Portland, and 29-year old Jody Tremayne Wafer, 30-year old Trent Lamar Knight, and 28-year old Brittany Lesanta Kizzee, conspired to manufacture marijuana in Portland, transport it across state lines, and sell it in Virginia and Texas.

[NOTE: Due to the overwhelming change in support for cannabis (marijuana) legalization by a majority of Americans, it remains to be seen how much longer OCDETF will continue to enforce the failed drug war, established in 1982. It will be a great day when we no longer report such travesties. -Bonnie King, Salem-News.com]

Oregon Medical Marijuana Growers Must Report Inventory or Face Penalties

1,600 medical growers are warned to comply- or else!

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) is warning hundreds of cannabis growers they need to come into compliance with inventory reporting requirements or face stiff penalties.

“Reporting to OMMOS is crucial in that it requires growers to report cannabis products going into or out of their site, or remaining onsite, which helps to prevent diversion to the black market,” said Megan Lockwood, OMMP manager.

Oregon Justice League Files Legalization Justice Act of 2020

This may serve as a model for other states to implement a more just version of cannabis legalization.

(SALEM, Ore.) - “Patients, renters, the poor, people of color and women are still marginalized for their cannabis use, despite legalization,” said Martinez.

Chief Petitioners Madeline Martinez, Leia Flynn and Angela Bacca filed the Legalization Justice Act of 2020 at the Oregon State Capitol on Monday, March 18. All three women are longtime West Coast cannabis advocates.

Teens Report Using Cannabis Less Often After Legalization

Teens who work 11+ hours a week use more often than non‑working teens.

(SPOKANE, Wash.) - According to a WSU study, marijuana (cannabis) use went down significantly among 8th and 10th graders after legalization, and among 12th graders who didn’t work. It stayed nearly even for high school seniors who work less than 11 hours per week.

No matter what grade the students were in, those who worked 11 or more hours per week reported using marijuana more often than their non‑working peers.

Cannabis Cafe Owner says Oregon Should Pass Anti-Discriminatory Cannabis Consumption Legislation

Unlike tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke is not associated with cancer

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Portland cannabis social consumption cafe owner Leia Flynn is urging Oregon legislators to pass a social consumption bill this year in order to legalize and regulate businesses like hers.

However, with conflicting bills being heard in both the House and the Senate, Flynn, who is also a board member of the Oregon chapter of the National Organization for Marijuana Laws (NORML), says she doesn’t support the house bill as written because it is “discriminatory”.

Bill to Provide Greater Access for Virginia Medical Cannabis Patients Succeeds

The Governor's Action Deadline for signature is Midnight, March 25, 2019.

(RICHMOND, Va.) - SB1719 allows “registered agents” for those patients physically unable to pick up or receive delivery of their medical cannabis, like those in hospice, assisted living facilities, and those who rely on home healthcare providers.

“This law will ensure that patients who may be physically incapable of picking up these life-changing medicines on their own will have access to them from throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Marsden, of Fairfax County.

WHO Changes Position on Medical Cannabis After 60 Years

A major breakthrough in international Cannabis policy is a clear victory of evidence over politics

(GENEVA, Switzerland) - For the first time since Cannabis was included in the Single Convention drug treaty, the scheduling status of Cannabis within International law is being updated.

The very positive outcome clearly acknowledges medical applications of Cannabis and cannabinoids, re-integrates them into pharmacopeias, balances harms, and de facto repeals the WHO position from 1954

Oregon`s Cannabis Social Consumption Bill SB 639 is Civil Rights Issue

"Whenever you pick a certain group and treat them differently that is discrimination." -Madeline Martinez (NORML)

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Nearly ten years after opening the first cannabis cafe in the U.S., Oregon NORML executive director Madeline Martinez is appealing to legislators to pass a bill sponsored by Senator Lew Frederick (D-Portland) that would finally legalize her trademark business, The World Famous Cannabis Cafe.

If passed, S.B. 639 would require the OLCC to regulate social consumption businesses and event spaces, allow for the sale of cannabis in these clubs, tasting tours on farms (i.e. wine) and expanded legal cannabis delivery.

Oregon Officials Say Medical Marijuana Audit Results Require State Law Change

Secretary of State recommendations mirror 2018 OHA internal study findings

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Officials at the Oregon Health Authority agree with a Secretary of State audit that found the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program needs improvements to ensure grow sites comply with reporting requirements.

Health officials also accept changes auditors recommended at the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program to ensure cannabis testing labs meet national quality assurance standards.

Legal Home Growing of Marijuana Proposed in Washington State

Positive changes are afoot for adults in Washington....finally.

(OLYMPIA, Wash.) - Legislation in Washington State has been pre-filed which would legalize home growing of marijuana by adults age 21 and older.

The bills, HB 1131 and SB 5155, would legalize small home grows of 6 plants per adult 21+ to a maximum of 15 plants per housing unit as defined in Washington law. Landlords could prohibit home growing by their tenants.