Marijuana supporters are launching a new "Buy American" theme in their campaign to legalize the drug for recreational use in Arizona. On Tuesday, the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol plans to unveil a billboard in Tempe lauding how Arizonans would be able to "Buy American and Support Schools, Not Cartels," if voters approve their legalization proposal in 2016. A retired U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agent who investigated Mexican drug cartels will speak at a 10 a.m. news conference at the Tempe Marketplace shopping center. [continues 346 words]
I used to support full marijuana legalization. I have nagging doubts these days. Arizona's medical marijuana law is a farce that's disproportionately used by young men who claim more pain than their years would justify in order to gain a steady supply of high. Chronic pain is the ailment of choice for 80 percent of Arizona "patients" with medical marijuana cards, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Sure. Some of them may be legitimate. But 80 percent? [continues 609 words]
A store displays two identical TVs: One costs $575, the other is on sale for $533. Which do you choose? I know this is a dumb question. However, this is the precise choice some Arizona residents will face if citizens pass the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act - the state initiative seeking to decriminalize marijuana for recreational purposes. Proponents arguing that Arizonans should vote for this initiative dangle before voters the prospect that marijuana, once "regulated like alcohol," will bring in massive tax revenues: between $40 million and $113 million, as reported by The Arizona Republic, if the act goes into effect. But these estimates fail to account for the undercutting effect of Arizona's medical-marijuana market on the sale of recreational marijuana. [continues 1150 words]
In October 2014, Ashley Cervantes crossed from Nogales, Arizona, to Nogales, Sonora, to have breakfast at one of her favorite restaurants. But on the way back home, the U.S. citizen was confronted at a port of entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers who accused her of carrying drugs. Over the next seven hours while in custody of CBP officers, she was handcuffed to a chair, checked by drug-sniffing dogs, asked to squat so a female investigator could visually inspect her, and then taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where a male physician probed her vagina and anus for drugs as part of an unwarranted body-cavity search, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court on June 8. [continues 713 words]
Bloom Dispensary Offers Smokin' Deals for First-Time Customers and Quality Bud The Bloom medical marijuana dispensary, which has outlets across the state, has a local operation on Oracle Road across from the Tucson Mall. It's easy to find and offers plenty of parking. Upon entering Bloom, I was immediately impressed. The waiting area was very open, clean and comfortable. There was a large TV in the lobby where, at the time, South Park was playing. Maybe it is my love of South Park that helped to create this feeling, but I believe that it just added to the comfortable vibe. [continues 499 words]
I was disappointed to read last month's column from usually sensible and forward-thinking Laurie Roberts ("$113 million for legalizing pot? Sorry, I'm not sold"). She dismissed the $113 million in tax revenue this state could benefit from if voters pass the proposed initiative to regulate marijuana this November. What's holding her and many opponents back? Misinformation, a lack of information, and politics. In other words: "reefer madness." As a parent and law professional, I am concerned that the conversation on marijuana is more about political gains and less about the safety of our communities and children. Clearly, Roberts and the local prohibition advocates are held up by anti-marijuana sentiments, but Arizona voters should look past their scare tactics by getting the proper and right information they need to make an informed and intelligent decision. [continues 466 words]
The My Turn writer's article concerning marijauna (June 6) was unfortunately a bit dishonest, coming from a supposedly scientific background. The impression left is that marijauna is causing more traffic deaths in, for example, Colorado, since more people involved in accidents are testing positive for marijauna. It would therefore be honest for the writer to point out that the metabolites of marijauna can be detected in the blood of a person for at least several days after use, up to several weeks. [continues 113 words]
Todd Griffith, Sheila Polk, Mark Brnovich: Before preaching to me about the evils of marijuana, please put down your beer, vodka martini or glass of chardonnay. Pick up a mirror and look at the reflection you see. That is the face of a hypocrite. And once you've done that, look again at the name of the group that is behind the ballot measure being advanced for the legalization of marijuana: The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. That's it. [continues 99 words]
Legalizing recreational marijuana is just hard to swallow - or inhale - - politically and personally. For some, the issue may come down to moral values. For others, it's a matter of compromise for the greater good of society. And to many others, it's about a justice system that unfairly targets marijuana users, especially minorities. As the debate over taxing and regulating the sale of cannabis gains steam in Arizona, I framed some questions to help me shape my stance - - and perhaps yours as well. [continues 698 words]
In my profession, I have seen too much death, injury and damage caused by individuals driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Marijuana is the most prevalent drug causing impairment after alcohol. It contributes substantially to DUI carnage even though statistics indicate only about 8 percent of the population regularly uses marijuana. This can only mean that Arizona will also face major increases in death and injury from marijuana DUI crashes if marijuana becomes a legal recreational drug here. [continues 453 words]
Scientist: Why would Arizona voters approve an initiative that protects drivers stoned on marijuana, even if they cause crashes and deaths? In my profession, I have seen too much death, injury and damage caused by individuals driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Marijuana is the most prevalent drug causing impairment after alcohol. It contributes substantially to DUI carnage, even though statistics indicate only about 8 percent of the population regularly uses marijuana. This can only mean that Arizona will also face major increases in death and injury from marijuana DUI crashes if marijuana becomes a legal recreational drug here. [continues 516 words]
Legalizing recreational marijuana is just hard to swallow - or inhale - - politically and personally. For some of you, the issue may come down to moral values. For others, it's a matter of compromise for the greater good of society. And to many others, it's about a justice system that unfairly targets marijuana users, especially minorities. As the debate over taxing and regulating the sale of cannabis gains steam in Arizona, I framed some questions to help me shape my stance - -- and perhaps yours as well. [continues 881 words]
A dispute over whether a medical-marijuana facility can locate across from Arizona State University property in Tempe is headed toward a showdown in Maricopa County Superior Court. The dispensary, Healing Healthcare Inc., claims city officials wrongly invoked an ordinance that prevents dispensaries from locating within 500 feet of residential zoning districts when it sought to open in a building across from ASU's Karsten Golf Course, on McClintock Drive just south of Rio Salado Parkway. The Karsten Golf Course is zoned as an agricultural area but it is included in the residential district category and could be rezoned for houses or apartments, the city said. [continues 693 words]
Almost every day we hear news of drunken drivers causing accidents and killing or maiming other drivers and families. Why is this tolerated? We give them a slap on the wrist and let them go to do it over and over again. We need to demand that our laws be changed so that on the second offense their vehicle is forfeited to the state and is sold and the money used toward enforcement and budget etc. If the vehicle is taken then there is a little more incentive not to drink and drive. If the vehicle is borrowed it should still be forfeited in the same way. Not many will loan cars to drunks and word will spread fast. Give them a bike to get around on. [continues 72 words]
A doctor is upset after the Veterans Affairs hospital in Phoenix blocked her from giving a lecture about marijuana's effect on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Sue Sisley has been conducting a study on PTSD and medical marijuana this summer. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved her work, the Phoenix VA Medical Center told Sisley she couldn't give a presentation there. "The notion that the Phoenix VA hospital refuses to allow that information to be shared with their medical staff is really shameful," Sisley told KTAR-FM (92.3). [continues 155 words]
Whether You Are Looking for a Location With Easy Access or Just High Quality Product at a Good Price, the Green Halo Doesn't Disappoint. My first experience at a dispensary was based on location. When I received my green card in the mail, I asked my phone to locate the closest dispensary. The Green Halo came up and was less than five miles away. Located near the I-10 at 7710 S. Wilmot Road, The Green Halo offers easy access even if it is not close to you. [continues 478 words]
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - An Albuquerque police narcotics operation in which undercover detectives haggled with transient drug addicts in some cases accepting the clothes off their backs in exchange for drugs, then arresting them is raising broader questions about the agency's approach to drug crimes, especially when using stings. APD says a court order allowing them to sell drugs on the streets, then arrest people is a valuable tool that lowers crime, while the public defender's office contends that police are targeting the poor and that the tactic has done nothing to battle drug crime in the city. The district attorney said the value of the operations is minimal. [continues 873 words]
Celebrity endorsements are common. We see and hear them daily. It is part of our culture and does bring some benefits to the consumer. Whoopi Goldberg recently announced the launch of her company. Whoopi & Maya hopes reduce menstrual pain and cramps. The new line will sell in California. Their website advertises their four initial products. "Even Queen Victoria found relief once a month with her favorite THC infused tincture," the website states. Is this an example of someone using their money and stature to help others find the help they did or someone using their name to make a buck? Probably the former. Goldberg has written and spoken about the benefits of marijuana for years, but there will be those looking to do the latter. [continues 451 words]
Re: April 27 letter about potential harm of using of marijuana while driving. Having just returned from Washington state, where marijuana is legal, I can assure the writer he would never know it is legal based on driving habits. In fact, Washington drivers are FAR more considerate than Arizona drivers, and if that is due to widespread use of marijuana, then maybe we should just put it in the water here. It was nice to be able to drive for a few days without nearly getting killed by a red-light runner. Steve Hartland - - Scottsdale [end]
When it comes to the concept of legalizing marijuana, I am on the side that this should not happen. It is likely to end up just as much of a problem as alcohol and phones are with driving. Sure, there would be laws restricting that, but people will still do it, thus creating another form of "intoxication" for all the drivers who wish to use it. There are many other downsides to its legalization, and this is just one of them. Taylor Stern - - Phoenix [end]
Inside Arizona
