Anthony, a longtime cannabis law reform advocate, was Chief Petitioner and co-author of Measure 91, Oregon's cannabis legalization effort. He served as director of both the New Approach Oregon and Vote Yes on 91 PACs, the political action committees responsible for the state's legalization campaign.
As director of New Approach Oregon, Anthony continues to work towards effectively implementing the cannabis legalization system while protecting small business owners and the rights of patients. He sits on the Oregon Marijuana Rules Advisory Committee and fights for sensible rules at the legislature as well as city councils and county commissions across the state.
Anthony helps cannabis business comply with Oregon's laws and advises advocates across the country. He also serves as content director of both the International Cannabis Business Conference and the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference, helping share the vision of moving the cannabis industry forward in a way that maintains the focus on keeping people out of prison and protecting patients.
He was a member of the Oregon Health Authority Rules Advisory Committee, assisting the drafting of the administrative rules governing Oregon’s state-licensed medical marijuana facilities. He first co-authored and helped pass successful marijuana law reform measures while a law student at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. He passed the Oregon Bar in 2005 and practiced criminal defense for two years before transitioning to working full-time in the political advocacy realm.
His blogs on Marijuana Politics are personal in nature and don't speak for or reflect the opinions of any group or organization.
The highly respected site fivethirtyeight.com, while projecting a Sanders’ victory, projected around a 3% victory and Sanders added 10 points to that projection. The Vermont Senator relied upon a huge victory with independent voters that could participate in the open Democratic primary. Young voters, once again, overwhelmingly backed Senator Sanders as well. The large number of non-Democrats supporting Sanders, along with polling results showing that he polls better against Donald Trump and the rest of the Republican candidates, are some of the reasons supporters contend he is the better Democratic standard bearer in the general election.
Bernie Sanders has now won 7 out of the last 8 contests and his prospects of making it 8 out of 9 are very good as he is certainly the favorite in the Wyoming caucus on Saturday. The momentum is clearly behind Senator Sanders and he, amazingly, raised more money than the Clinton political machine over the last three months, keeps the hope alive for a political revolution that is exceeding all expectations. While the closed primaries in New York and throughout the northeast will pose big challenges for the Sanders campaign, the political revolutionaries supporting the insurgent candidate can celebrate another big victory knowing that hope is still alive.
The Sanders campaign unveiled an ad in New York featuring Erica Garner, whose unarmed father was killed during an encounter with police:
The latest Emerson College poll now has Bernie Sanders defeating Hillary Clinton by 8 points in Wisconsin after its previous poll, released just two weeks ago, had Clinton leading by 6 points. This remarkable 14 point swing bodes well for Senator Sanders, giving hope to those that have invested in the political revolution that the anti-establishment candidate has called for. Wisconsin voters appear to be flocking to the Bernie Sanders revolution despite being insulted by both Hillary Clinton and top surrogates like Barney Frank, who mischaracterize Sanders’ supporters as not doing “their own research” and having “a lack of information.”
What’s Behind the Wisconsin Surge?
The Wisconsin surge for Sanders is likely the result of Badger State voters doing more of their own research and garnering more information, the opposite of what Clinton and Barney Frank are claiming. Former Secretary of State Clinton started the presidential race with a huge lead, partly based on name recognition, with many voters unaware of Sen. Sanders’ political positions and history. For the most part, polling and electoral results, have shown that Democratic voters like Sanders the more they learn about him.
Wisconsin voters may have found the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s editorial against the former First Lady lack of transparency convincing, when the paper concluded that, “Her horrible track record on transparency raises serious concerns for open government under a Clinton administration.”Wisconsin’s largest newspaper joined Bernie Sanders and The New York Times in calling for Hillary Clinton to release the transcripts from her speeches to Goldman Sachs. Many Badger State voters likely aren’t too enthusiastic to support a candidate that the Journal Sentinel argues, has a “long record of obfuscation, secrecy and working in the shadows.”
Bernie Sanders’ Motivated Supporters Have Plenty of Information
Matt Taibbi, writing in Rolling Stone, defended the young Democratic voters (the future of the party) that are overwhelmingly supporting Bernie Sanders. Taibbi notes that young voters look at important issues such as “the Iraq invasion, the financial crisis, free trade, mass incarceration, domestic surveillance, police brutality, debt and income inequality, among others” and “are making a carefully reasoned, even reluctant calculation about the limits of the insider politics.” Taibbi goes onto describe Sanders’ young backers:
They’ve seen in the last decades that politicians who promise they can deliver change while also taking the money, mostly just end up taking the money.
And they’re voting for Sanders because his idea of an entirely voter-funded electoral “revolution” that bars corporate money is, no matter what its objective chances of success, the only practical road left to break what they perceive to be an inexorable pattern of corruption.
Young people aren’t dreaming. They’re thinking. And we should listen to them.
While cynicism runs rampant in today’s culture and the idea that gridlock prevents real change is the status quo, the internet provides an opportunity to gather information on how change occurred in the past and what is stifling change today. Voters today can quickly learn about New Deal economic policies, the passage of Medicare and Social Security, health care for all in most industrialized nations and the Civil Rights Movement. It wasn’t that long ago when young people were told that marijuana legalization and marriage equality were both “pie in the sky,” but laws and political support has drastically changed across the nation, thanks to advocates. Progressive change does occur in this nation, often led by young people who are criticized as naive by older generations; young voters don’t seem discouraged by such criticism, as they are doubling down on the political revolution, with their time and money.
#BernieMadeMeWhite, #ToneDownForWhat and #HillaryResearch
Bernie Sanders’ supporters aren’t only using the internet to learn about the presidential hopefuls, but also to mobilize and counter insulting claims made against them and Senator Sanders. After Sanders swept Washington, Hawaii and Alaska with more than 70% of the vote, #BernieMadeMeWhite trended on social media as the mainstream media erroneously portrayed these states as “overwhelmingly white.”
#ToneDownForWhat trended after Hillary Clinton’s campaign stated that there would only be a debate in New York if Senator Sanders changed his tone. The demand that Bernie Sanders alter his tone struck many as absurd, as this Democratic primary has been very cordial compared to the 2008 primary when Clinton said, “Shame on you Barack Obama,” claiming that Obama was using the “worst kind of tactics” and undermining “core Democratic values,” let alone this year’s GOP primary.
The claims that Sanders voters need to do “their own research” and have a “lack of information” has also backfired on the Clinton campaign as now #HillaryResearch is trending on social media, with voters detailing many issues that are likely to favor Senator Sanders. For instance, Politifact has given three Hillary Clinton misstatements the dreaded “Pants on Fire!” rating: her claim that she is the only candidate attacked by Wall Street; that she landed under sniper fire in Bosnia; and that Barack Obama “threatened to bomb Pakistan.”
Senator Sanders has made an amazing surge in Wisconsin and is now favored to win the state after being a large underdog just a week ago. We shall see if Bernie Sanders can match the margin of victory that the Badger State gave Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton in 2008, but it is clear that his political revolution has the momentum in Wisconsin. Candidates and their supporters should be very careful before claiming that internet savvy voters don’t “do their own research” and have a “lack of information.”
Even though political pundits and mainstream media talking heads buried Bernie Sanders campaign long ago, never really giving him any chance at all, the Vermont Senator is surging in Wisconsin after winning 6 out of the last 7 Democratic primary contests. Most of the recent Wisconsin polling has Sanders ahead of Hillary Clinton by a few points. This is a rather remarkable turnaround in Wisconsin as Sanders trailed the Democratic front-runner by over 40% a year ago.
On one hand, Bernie Sanders’ surge in Wisconsin makes perfect sense as Wisconsin is the birthplace of the progressive political movement, with a history of accommodating anti-establishment candidates. The political upset felt across the nation in Michigan is a good omen for the Sanders’ campaign in neighboring Wisconsin as both states utilize open primaries that allow independents to vote in the Democratic primary and independents overwhelmingly favor Sanders.
On the other hand, the fact that Sanders is remotely viable in Wisconsin, or any state for that matter, is rather amazing as most wrote the anti-establishment campaign off for good after former Secretary of State Clinton won all five of the March 15th contests and pushed her delegate lead above 300. However, the political revolution that Sanders has called for, didn’t go quietly into the night and funds from the army of small donors he has cultivated kept coming in. The insurgent candidate then rallied off big wins in Utah, Idaho, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii and Democrats abroad, with only one setback in Arizona.
A pledged delegate deficit that once was above 300, has now shrunk to under 230 with Wisconsin and Wyoming the next contests. Also, Sanders will apparently pick up a few extra delegates in Nevada, potentially even winning the state outright after his delegates outpaced Hillary Clinton’s at recent county conventions. For instance, while Clinton defeated Sanders by 10% in Clark County in the February state caucus, Sanders actually won more delegates from the county’s convention.
2386 final for Clinton. 2964 final delegates for Sanders. Total delegates: 5357 #ccdp2016
Fivethirtyeight.com now gives Sanders about a 70% chance of winning Wisconsin based upon the latest polls, after Clinton had about a 70% chance just a few days ago. Wyoming is likely to be another Utah-or-Idaho-like landslide. With 86 delegates at stake in Wisconsin and 14 in Wyoming, Sanders is likely to cut into Clinton’s delegate lead heading into the ever-so-crucial New York primary.
New York, with a closed primary and home to Hillary Clinton’s residence following her tenure as the state’s junior senator, is an uphill battle for Senator Sanders, but he was born in Brooklyn and plans on campaigning as if he is running for governor of the state. While Sanders won’t benefit from any independents’ votes, there was an upswing in New Yorkers registering as Democrats and voters have tended to like Sen. Sanders the more they get to know him.
Reining in Wall Street corruption and outlawing fracking will likely resonate with Wisconsin and New York voters, and of course, ending federal marijuana prohibition appeals to Democrats. One notable revelation from the Wisconsin Public Policy Polling survey was that Sanders was actually leading Clinton among black voters; if anything like that occurs in Wisconsin and future states, then the future is very bright for Bernie Sanders’ political revolution.
“It’s a Revolution” ad released by the Sanders campaign (whoever has developed this ad and the “America” ad, have done very well, in my opinion):
Following through with a protest that has split the cannabis law reform movement, activists marched in Washington, D.C., and, in an act of civil disobedience, smoked marijuana in front of the White House. The smoke-out was supposed to start at 4:20pm Eastern Time, but according to Twitter, protesters may have gotten about a four minute jump on the smoke-out. I got word from activist Adam Eidinger, who led the successful effort to legalize cannabis in Washington, D.C., and was the primary organizer of the protest, that there were two $25 tickets levied at the protest. Eidinger feels that the event was a success and that “a message was sent to the President.”
I previously caught up with Mr. Eidinger, who I respect greatly, on a phone call for a previous blog, where he mentioned that he was inspired by Bill Maher’s call to legalize nationwide and he expounded on why advocates planned the public smoke-out: “We won’t be ignored anymore. I’m not the biggest advocate of public use, but for now, this is a tactic that we need because we have been ignored too long. Frankly, we don’t have anything to lose. President Obama should reschedule immediately to Schedule 3 at the worst and immediately pardon all marijuana growers. All of a sudden Democrats have discovered states’ rights on cannabis laws, but that isn’t good enough, we need legalization across the nation.”
Marijuana Majority’sTom Angell, another activist that I greatly respect, also gave me his point of view: “While there’s certainly a role for civil disobedience in social justice movements, you usually protest by committing acts that you think should be legal but aren’t. Allowing the smoking of marijuana in public parks would not be good public policy.”
Shucking aside any criticisms of the public White House smoke-out, activists carried around a 50-foot inflatable joint, urging President Obama to remove marijuana from the list of controlled substances (as a bill filed by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders would accomplish):
President Obama, while not perfect by any means on marijuana policy and greater criminal justice reform, has made progress on the issues and it does seem that our nation is making great strides in improving the failed and harmful policy of cannabis prohibition. The future of the movement is certainly bright, with more states likely to legalize marijuana in 2016 (and beyond), along with bipartisan momentum generated for national reforms. We shall see whether today’s White House smoke-out helps or hurts the cause, but it is clear that the cannabis community is sick and tired of being treated as 2nd-class citizens and will continue to take the fight for equality to the ballot box, the Halls of Congress and the White House.
I assumed that it was a cruel April Fool’s Day joke, but Andrew Sullivan assured his readers that he wasn’t pulling our chain in an email to us. Still, it was nice to get confirmation that Sullivan will be writing again, albeit, not blogging daily for us, but providing long-form content for New York Magazine; his first piece on Donald Trump. I’m guessing that Sullivan won’t be too keen on the Republican front-runner’s authoritarian tendencies, and I can’t wait to read it.
As a subscriber of the Dish, I have been a long-time reader of Andrew Sullivan and proud to call myself a Dishhead. Sullivan’s voice has been missed by his readers and our national political dialogue needs his voice. An English conservative with libertarian leanings, Sullivan doesn’t fit nicely into any American political labeling box, but he has always brought his conservative voice to important issues like marriage equality, cannabis legalization and civil liberties in general, in a way that makes people a more critical thinker, even when disagreeing with him.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Andrew when he delivered keynote addresses at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Portland in 2014 and San Francisco last February, and can attest that he is as genuine and authentic as he portrayed himself on his blog or on his TV appearances. With our nation facing a crossroads in many ways politically, I am so looking forward to reading Sullivan’s take on the issues of the day. As more states will be voting on legalizing marijuana in 2016, hopefully, Sullivan will have the opportunity to articulate to New York Magazine readers why ending cannabis prohibition is a conservative ideal.
I know that thousands of Dishheads and joining me in welcoming back one of the best writers and political commentators of our time. I hope that a whole new audience will get to enjoy his writing and spread the word.
Some of Andrew Sullivan’s email to his readers:
Dear Dishheads
It’s now been over a year since we ended the Dish, and I’d be lying if I told you there hadn’t been a few moments this year when I have had one hell of a blogging itch. So many story arcs that the Dish covered have subsequently progressed and evolved – Obama’s long game as the liberal Reagan, the degeneracy of American conservatism, the Palin farce which paved the way for the Trump excrescence, the breakthrough with Iran, and the return of torture and grim advance of sponsored content.
So am I going back to blogging? Nuh-huh. The year off was revelatory. It’s only when you stop being pathologically attached to each ripple in the web-stream that you see most clearly how ephemeral so much of it is, how emotionally and nervously draining it can be, and how our discourse can be fatally distorted as well as deeply informed by the onslaught of the social web. I hope to write about what I learned in detox – it culminated in ten days of silent meditation last fall – soon.
This email is to let you know that I’m going back to long-form journalism, as I hoped to, at New York Magazine, edited by the incomparable Adam Moss (with whom I’ve worked, on and off, since the late 1980s). I start today and am already working on an essay on Trump. I’ll also be blogging the Democratic and Republican conventions – two discrete, unmissable moments for bloggery in real time. I know, I know. But if I keep the blogging restricted to two bouts of four days each, I’m hoping I won’t relapse.
Ohio’s marijuana legalization attempt last year went down in flames as the ResponsibleOhio measure that split the cannabis law reform movement garnered only 36% of the vote in 2015. Now that ResponsibleOhio is officially dead, a new group, Ohioans for Medical Marijuana, led by the national Marijuana Policy Project, is attempting to place a medicinally measure on the November 2016 ballot.
A 2015 Quinnipiac University poll found that a whopping 84% of Ohio voters support the legalization of medical marijuana, demonstrating that the Ohioans for Medical Marijuana measure has a great chance of passing at the ballot box this year. Qualifying for the ballot is likely going to be more difficult than winning at the ballot box as over 300,000 valid signatures must be collected in just a few months. The Marijuana Policy Project has a lot of experience qualifying for statewide ballot initiatives, so if any group can help lead the effort, it is MPP. For the sake of Ohio’s sick and disabled patients, here’s hoping that the medical measure is successful.
Here’s the press release just issued by Ohioans for Medical Marijuana on the certification of their initiative:
Ohio Ballot Board Certifies Medical Marijuana Initiative; Supporters Prepare to Launch Petition Drive
Ohioans for Medical Marijuana must collect 305,591 valid signatures of Ohio voters by early July to qualify for the November ballot; the proposed measure would allow patients with debilitating medical conditions to legally access medical marijuana if their doctors recommend it
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Ballot Board certified an initiative on Thursday that would establish a comprehensive medical marijuana program in Ohio. The five-member board reviews proposed ballot measures to ensure they represent only one issue.
Ohioans for Medical Marijuana must now collect 305,591 valid signatures of Ohio voters by early July to qualify for the November 2016 ballot. Last week, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine confirmed the group submitted at least 1,000 valid signatures of Ohio voters and determined their initiative summary “is a fair and truthful statement of the proposed law.”
“We plan to mobilize a large group of volunteers, and we’ll be enlisting the help of paid petitioners to meet the state’s sizeable signature requirement in the short amount of time we have,” said Mason Tvert, communications director for the Marijuana Policy Project, which is supporting the initiative. “A lot of our volunteers are family members of patients or patients themselves, so they’re incredibly motivated. The initiative process isn’t easy, but it pales in comparison to undergoing chemotherapy or witnessing your child have seizures on a daily basis.”
“I’m excited to let voters know about this initiative and why it’s so important to me,” said Amanda Candow, a multiple sclerosis patient in Mentor who plans to volunteer for the campaign. “I’m particularly interested in sharing my story with folks who are still skeptical about medical marijuana. My friends and neighbors already know how much this law would help patients like me.”
# # #
Ohioans for Medical Marijuana is supporting a 2016 ballot initiative to establish a comprehensive medical marijuana program in Ohio. For more information, visit https://OhioansForMMJ.org.
President Obama added to his criminal justice reform legacy by commuting the sentences of 61 federal drug offenders, bringing his total number of commutations to 248, more than the previous 6 presidents combines. Criminal justice policy reformers had high hopes upon President Obama, with many backing him over Hillary Clinton in 2008.
Elections have consequences as they say and then-Senator Barack Obama was more progressive than Clinton on a few key criminal justice policy changes, including the review of mandatory minimum sentences, marijuana law reform, and ending the sentencing disparity between crack and cocaine. President hasn’t fulfilled all of his criminal justice reform promises, but when graded on a curve compared to his predecessors, President Obama’s domestic criminal justice legacy should be commended, not just on what he has accomplished, but where he has helped move the national debate, particularly among the Democratic Party.
Bernie Sanders’ criminal justice platform is extremely progressive and Hillary Clinton is more progressive on than she was 2008. Republicans are also moving more towards sensible law reforms, making the issue much more bipartisan, although, of course, political gridlock is slowing down progress.
President Obama, after his electoral victory, had some of his hope boiled out of him and his permanent reforms have been moderate comprises, instead of dramatic changes: crack versus cocaine sentencing disparity was improved, but not completely fixed; mandatory minimum reforms have been studied, but not widely improved; and his Justice Department stopped federal raids of state-legal marijuana businesses (after a rocky start), but no movement towards federal decriminalization. Even though President Obama was much more moderate than candidate Barack Obama, his commutations, and his impact upon our national political discourse, have cemented his criminal justice reform legacy. The great news is that the president has indicated that more commutations will follow and our nation seems poised for more good reforms.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders needed huge winning margins in Washington and Alaska over Democratic establishment front-runner Hillary Clinton and he got those much-needed wins thanks to record turnout. Many supporters of Bernie Sanders playfully dubbed themselves as “Birdiecrats” after a sparrow flew onto his podium as he spoke before thousands of supporters in Portland, Oregon, on Good Friday, kicking off his campaign swing through the Great Northwest ahead of crucial caucuses for the anti-establishment campaign. (Of course, I have to mention that both Alaska and Washington have legalized cannabis and Bernie Sanders is the only Democratic or Republican candidate calling for an end to federal marijuana prohibition. As more states will legalize cannabis in the coming years, politicians should take notice.)
With 100% of the vote counted, Alaska Democrats overwhelmingly supported Sanders with 81% of the vote, his largest margin of victory except for his home state of Vermont. Record-breaking turnout helped propel Sen. Sanders to victory as over twice as many Democrats flocked to vote in the 2016 primary as they did in 2008 when Barack Obama also defeated Hillary Clinton. Bernie Sanders was awarded 13 of the state’s 16 delegates for his dominating 60 point victory.
Thank you, Alaska! Together we are sending a message that this government belongs to all of us. https://t.co/igIyUhWlrs
Washington, the biggest prize of the weekend, with 101 delegates, was called for Bernie Sanders after about 30% of the vote was counted and Senator Sanders winning with more than 70% of the vote. Turnout seemed extremely high in Washington State, where Senator Sanders urged supporters at Safeco Field in Seattle Friday night to help provide the big voter turnout his campaign needs to be successful. Sanders securing 70% of Washington’s delegates would earn him 70 delegates or so to Clinton’s 30.
Washington, thank you for your huge support! It is hard for anybody to deny that our campaign has the momentum. https://t.co/WceryuCx6B
After Alaska and Washington’s caucuses, Bernie Sanders will trail former Secretary of State Clinton by about 250 delegates, with Hawaii results still to come. Senator Sanders has been expected to perform well in Hawaii as well, with Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard stumping for him in the state. Fivethirtyeight.com has previously projected Sanders to win Hawaii with 58% of the vote, but he has already out-performed the websites projections for Alaska (63%) and Washington(60%) by at least 10 points.
The mainstream media has long discounted the Bernie Sanders campaign and his victories this weekend will largely be ignored while political pundits point to her delegate and superdelegate leads. The insurgency candidacy will likely garner a boost of enthusiasm as Sanders’ supporters continue to donate and volunteer for the upstart candidate.
Bernie Sanders wins Alaska and leads big in Washington caucus – campaign live https://t.co/KdKVwUCLj7
Next up is Wisconsin, whose open primary should provide an opening for Senator Sanders to perform very well. Polls have had Clinton winning by about 5 points or so, but fivethirtyeight.com projects a 52% to 48% victory for Sanders. Sanders supporters will be tweeting about his victories in Washington and Alaska for a while, but if he can pull off another huge victory in Wisconsin, naysayers that have ignored and ridiculed Senator Sanders and his Birdiecrats may have to eat some crow.
Sanders supporters have seized upon the symbolism of the sparrow flying up to Bernie in Portland, Oregon.
It is safe to say that Portland, Oregon, voters #FeelTheBern as Bernie Sanders packed more than 20,000 of people into the Moda Center once again today. Sanders started his day in Portland, which is the major media market for Vancouver, Washington State’s fourth most populous city, before heading north for other events, culminating in a rally at Safeco Field in Seattle. The anti-establishment Sanders really needs to win Washington’s Saturday caucus by a large margin to shake up the Democratic race, and signs do point to a huge (or even YUGE) victory ahead for the Vermont Senator.
If any city can claim to love the anti-establishment Sanders more than Portland, it is Seatlle, as Washington’s largest city has donated more per capita to Sanders than any other city. Portland actually ranks third, with San Francisco 2nd. Oakland and Washington, D.C., round out the top 5. Of course, the cannabis law reformer in me notices that the top 5 cities all have progressive cannabis cultures (c’mon Denver).
Washington State is the big prize Saturday with 101 delegates at stake. Hawaii, where Sanders got a big boost from Representative Tulsi Gabbard quitting DNC vice-chair to stump for Bernie has 25 delegates up for grabs while Alaska’s caucus will split up 16 delegates. Down by about 300 delegates, Sanders needs to make up a lot of ground this weekend, but the caucus election format and state demographics look very promising for the insurgent candidate.
Nate Silver over at fivethirtyeight.com projected Sanders to carry Washinton 60% to 39% back on March 15th, based upon demographics and primary results at that time. The predictions of the well-respected Silver did occur before the open caucuses in Idaho and Utah, where Sanders garnered nearly 80% of the vote. Silver projected Sanders to get just under 60% in both Idaho and Utah, so nearing 80% isn’t out of the question in Washington State.
If Sanders can come close to his Idaho and Utah performances in Washington, Hawaii and Alaska, he can decrease his delegate deficit by more than 60, even up to 80 if he really dominates the caucuses. The three states voting this weekend all have liberal marijuana laws, so the cannabis community and other progressives have the opportunity to change the narrative of the race significantly if they come out in the big numbers that usually signify a good electoral performance for Bernie Sanders.
Bernie Sanders was joined onstage by a bird. (Photo credit: Alicia Rose)
The racist Drug War, especially the war waged upon the cannabis community, is clearly losing support from the American people. The success of the cannabis law reform movement is evident at the ballot box, public polls and the 2016 presidential election, especially on the Democratic side. On the Republican, side the three remaining candidates are states’ rights supporters, but the Democratic candidates seem more willing to support positive change.
Bernie Sanders is the most progressive on the issue as he supports ending the federal marijuana prohibition altogether. The Vermont Senator has surprised the political establishment, winning 11 states outright (along with Democrats voting abroad) and “virtually tying” in four others, while setting records for the number of individual contributions. Sanders’ success thus far is already a victory for cannabis legalization advocates. Front-runner Hillary Clinton’s position on cannabis has already moved more progressive from her previous stance during her 2008 primary run and she seems to have even evolved a bit more during the 2016 campaign.
Hillary Clinton isn’t as progressive as Bernie Sanders on cannabis, but she seems to be evolving.
In 2008, Clinton openly stated her opposition to decriminalization, but supported medical research and was open to states moving forward with their own medical laws. At the beginning of the 2016 presidential primary, Clinton stated that it’s important to allow states to implement their own cannabis laws and that she supported rescheduling marijuana from a Schedule I federally controlled substance down to Schedule II.
When asked about why she didn’t agree with Bernie Sanders on decriminalizing marijuana federally, Clinton seemed to have evolved a bit, in her rhetoric at least, in that she comments that states that have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use need “to be supported” and that she favors lowering the schedule classification of marijuana (NOT pigeon-holing marijuana at Schedule II). While these comments may seem subtle, or even irrelevant to many, they could mean a significant step in the right direction.
Allowing states to legalize marijuana without federal interference in 2008 was about as good a policy as cannabis law reformers could expect from a mainstream political candidate. In 2016, while the time has come to end prohibition altogether, supporting states that have legalized marijuana by changing tax and banking laws would be a great move in the right direction. Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule II has some benefits, it is mostly a symbolic gesture, while lowering marijuana even further, to Schedule V, or potentially off the list altogether, is much more valuable.
Like most politicians, Hillary Clinton has evolved on issues before, marriage equality is a recent example, so it is good to see her seemingly moving more progressive on cannabis. Now, her interview was just ahead of states that have legalized marijuana, Washington and Alaska, and many other states with liberalized marijuana laws are up ahead, such as Oregon and the delegate-rich state of California, so we always have to be wary of politicians pandering. Also, marijuana legalization is extremely popular with younger voters that have thus far flocked to Sanders’ campaign. As advocates we should welcome positive statements AND hold our elected officials to those statements.
There is a good chance that Hillary Clinton will be the next president of the United States. And if so, it is imperative that voters hold her accountable to her progressive statements on cannabis, and a whole host of issues. It has been pointed out that Hillary Clinton sounds more and more like Bernie Sanders as the campaign progresses, and if she could join him in supporting the repeal of the racist (and classist) policy of cannabis prohibition, then that would be a very positive evolution.
Does it seem that Hillary Clinton is evolving on cannabis? Check out her latest statements on marijuana on the Jimmy Kimmel show and see for yourself:
The Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC) returns to Eugene with the most important and best event yet. The Oregon cannabis industry and patient community are going through dramatic changes, many reforms are for the better, while others have created difficulties. However, it is clear that the future of the cannabis industry is lucrative and those that are informed and can seize opportunities, will have the opportunity to thrive. The fact that the state outlawed cannabis extracts, but then just announced that processing license applications would start on April 1st, re-starting the industry, is just one example of the way the Oregon marijuana law is ever-changing.
Currently, the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) is the basis for not only providing for the needs of patients, but also for the recreational market as well. The state collected $3.5 million after just the first month of taxes collected from licensed dispensaries selling cannabis flower to non-patients. Those sales will only increase as the “early” sale of other marijuana products, such as infused edibles, begins. The OMBC will have the latest information on the changes to the medical program as well as provide information on how advocates can help ensure that the OMMP program can adequately meet the needs of Oregon’s patients.
A majority of cannabis businesses are likely to eventually transition to the recreational system regulated by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) and the state agency is currently accepting applications. Licensed recreational retail stores, that will be able to sell tax-free cannabis to patients, should be online in early October. The OMBC is bringing in a panel of OLCC staffers to help walk folks through the application process and prepare you for the statewide regulations.
Unlike most business conferences, the OMBC always emphasizes activism and this year will be no different. Not only is cannabis activism that helps ensure that we keep out of prison and provide safe access to patients, the right thing to do, it is also good business. We will have advocates on hand that are working to end bans cities and counties have placed on marijuana businesses as well as on the front line of passing policies that work for consumers, patients, the industry and our entire state. Senator Floyd Prozanski, a longtime advocate for sensible cannabis policies will be on hand to provide a legislative review and give insight into what is upcoming and how we can help protect the industry and our patients.
No matter your interest in the cannabis industry and community, the OMBC is THE Oregon marijuana conference for you. Not only do we provide the latest information and a great networking opportunities, but you are sure to be engaged and entertained. This year’s conference kicks off with the amazing Dr. Carl Hart, one of the most brilliant researchers studying drugs and the brain. You may have seen Dr. Carl Hart dismantling prohibitionists on cable news shows and he is on the cutting edge of our knowledge about how our brains interact with drugs. We conclude the event with the iconic Tommy Chong, whose celebrity interview will have you laughing and learning about his career in entertainment and business.
Dr. Carl Hart is a neuropsychopharmacologist at Columbia University, where he conducts research and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in neuroscience, psychology, and pharmacology.
10:00 AM Local Ordinances & Activism
While we have made many gains statewide, local regulations can threaten our medical patients and burgeoning cannabis businesses. 100 cities and counties have placed bans on marijuana businesses, with 47 of those communities holding elections on the issue. Overturning the ban on marijuana businesses is on the ballot in Klamath and Grant counties this May and more bans will be voted on this November. The Jackson County cannabis community has dealt with a multitude of interference from local politicians, from proposed bans to egregious land-use regulations. Even in supposedly progressive Portland, the local cannabis industry is dealing with exorbitant licensing fees and arbitrary regulations. This panel will provide an update on what is happening in Klamath, Grant, Multnomah and Jackson counties and how we can all help make a positive difference in these and other local communities.
11:00 AM OLCC Licensing & Compliance
A wide variety of topics will be covered from initial licensing- including the different levels of licensing-as well as requirements for farming, retail, wholesale, manufacturing and processing. Also covered will be the new micro canopy license that allows medical growers to join the recreational market but continue to care and provide for their patients. We are excited to provide this hands on Q and A opportunity with these regulatory bodies. The business compliance panel will be made up of OLCC specialists as well as a representative of Framwell, the company responsible for tracing marijuana products in Oregon. This panel will present an excellent view for people to know how to move forward in this blossoming industry.
12:00 PM Break
1:15pm Federal Update (Aaron Smith)
While states are moving forward with reforms, much-needed action is also occurring at the federal level. Aaron Smith, director of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) will provide the latest on potential national reforms from taxes to banking to ensuring that federal officials don’t interfere with state’s marijuana systems.
1:30pm Matt Rowe- Mayor of Coquille
Mayor of Coquille, Matt Rowe is the youngest serving Mayor in Oregon. He is currently running for Treasurer of Coos County. This rising political star holds a fresh take on cannabis policy reform and is always an extremely informative and entertaining speaker.
1:45pm Legislative update (Floyd Prozanski)
The Oregon Legislature has made numerous changes to Oregon’s marijuana laws. We have made progress on reducing criminal penalties, expunging past offenses and allowing medical growers to cultivate an adequate number of immature plants. However, some changes have had serious unintended consequences, posing issues for patients, extract processors and Jackson County rural residential farmers. Longtime ally Senator Floyd Prozanski will review what has occurred, talk about what is on the horizon and answer your burning questions.
2:15pm Growers and Retailers
The foundation of the Oregon cannabis industry has been growers cultivating for patients. Large grow sites have cultivated for multiple patients, but new medical rules have placed limits on how many plants can be on one grow site. Growers are now able to license with the OLCC and will soon cultivate canopy limits for recreational customers. New rules also allow growers to grow for the recreational system while continuing go grow for patients and the rules are still being worked out. Here from an experienced grower who will discuss how things are now and how growers must transition to the new system. A cannabis industry attorney will also be on hand to answer your questions about how to comply now and into the future.
More than 400 retailers are licensed to sell medical cannabis, showing both great possibility for the industry, but also a saturation on the market. Most dispensaries will likely move into the OLCC recreational market, but new rules will allow retailers to serve both patients and non-patients alike. This panel will include a dispensary owner surviving the current system and looking forward to thrive in the upcoming system, and as usual, we’ll have an industry attorney on hand to answer your questions.
3pm Processors
Oils, edibles and other products will be a huge market for Oregon, but new rules and regulations have thrown a wrench into the system. Currently retailers aren’t allowed to purchase new medical products extracts that aren’t already on the shelves since the Oregon Health Authority has licensed processors yet while we can’t expect OLCC stores open until October. Hear from experienced processors and lawyers as they discuss the muddled situation now and how the industry will move forward.
3:45pm Testing, Labeling and Branding
Oregon is moving beyond just accepting any testing lab’s results that marijuana products have passed a test for mold, mildew and pesticides. New testing lab regulations are in place and while branding is so very important, businesses must be sure to follow state labeling laws. Our panel will have the latest on all of the news rules and regulations to help you ensure that marijuana products are tested and labeled properly.
4:30 PM Tommy Chong Celebrity Interview
The legendary stoner known best for his comedy act Cheech & Chong and string of movies beginning with “Up in Smoke” in 1978 will sit down with CelebStoner publisher and Freedom Leaf editor-in-chief Steve Bloom for a lively discussion about his life and career.
The Oregon Health Authority’s interpretation of recent legal changes rocked the Oregon cannabis industry and community, halting the legal production and sale of cannabis extracts. Processing companies were starting to boom in Oregon, employing people, increasing revenue generated by dispensaries and helping patients that have relied upon their medicine. Representative Ann Lininger and Senator Ginny Burdick, the co-chairs of the Marijuana Legalization Committee sent an email to the Oregon Health Authority Director today, urging OHA to take measures that could alleviate the issue.
It appears that OHA has listened and has developed a policy that will exempt processors from criminal liability so long as they have applied for an OHA processor license (instead of having to actually have received the license.) The agency will start accepting applications on April 1st (no joke) and those that have applied can process extracts and provide them to licensed dispensaries. Dispensaries will be able to sell extracts made by these provisionally-licensed processors. While the extracts industry has been been on hold for a few weeks, this new policy will greatly improve the situation as business can resume at the start of April.
While this has been understandably frightening for many and there are still some more issues to be worked out, Oregon lawmakers and OHA policy makers should be commended for addressing the concerns of extractors and patients.
A medical marijuana processing site that has submitted a complete application for registration with OHA is exempted from criminal liability pursuant to ORS 475B.475. The registration process with OHA opens on April 1, 2016.
The letter from Marijuana Legalization co-chairs Representative Ann Lininger and Senator Ginny Burdick that spurred the new change:
OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION: lynne.saxton@state.or.us
March 23, 2016
Ms. Lynne Saxton
Director, Oregon Health Authority
500 Summer Street, NE
Salem, OR 97301-1097
Dear Director Saxton:
We are writing to express concern over the possibility of a gap in the production of cannabis extracts that could deprive patients of medicinal marijuana and undermine the viability of numerous Oregon small businesses. Specifically, we urge the Oregon Health Authority (“OHA”) to find a path forward that would enable safe production of cannabis extracts to continue without undue interruption during the licensure start-up phase.
Background on the Problem
In 2015, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 3400, which directed the Oregon Health Authority to license and regulate medical processors of cannabis extracts, concentrates, and edibles. The Oregon Health Authority has been working hard to implement the various pieces of 3400.
The rule making process is still underway, and we understand there is currently no avenue available for licensing medical processors. We understand the opportunity to apply for licensure will begin on April 1st, 2016, and once an application is submitted, additional time will be required for inspections and review.
This situation creates a potential gap in the availability of cannabis extracts for medicinal use. HB 4014 Sec. 39 defines extraction without a license a class B felony. Since there is not yet a process defined in rule making for commercial extract makers to obtain licenses, we understand that many extractors plan to cease operations rather than risk criminal and administrative penalties. This could cause a gap in availability of extracts for medicinal use, and it could drive extract makers out of business.
This outcome would conflict with our legislative intent to provide a smooth transition into thenew regulatory system for medical marijuana patients and for small businesses operating in the legal cannabis space. It would also drive production and sales into the illegal market, conflicting with legislative intent to comply with the Cole Memo.
Possible Solution
There may be a way to resolve this situation by providing a provisional license or some other kind of temporary safe harbor for commercial extract makers that have been operating in compliance with the rules. Oregon has in some instances allowed cannabis sector participants that have applied for permission to undertake an activity to engage in the activity on a temporary basis. The rationale for that approach—to avoid undue disruption to patients and businesses— would be well-served here.
Oregon has allowed applicants to be considered rightful participants with respect to qualification as a “marijuana processing site” in ORS 475B.410(13). The statute defines “marijuana processing site” to include a site that has applied for registration. Similar logic allows Oregon Medical Marijuana Program cardholders to receive protection simply by retaining their certified application copies as part of their “safety packet.” The same approach allows growers seeking an Oregon Liquor Control Commission license or a grandfather determination from OHA to have a provisional stay on plant limit reductions.
We encourage OHA to find a path forward—perhaps using this logic or some other basis—to ensure that rule abiding medical marijuana patients and extract makers are protected from a harmful disruption as we move into our new regulatory system. Thank you for your hard work to protect patients and communities as we evolve our state’s approach to regulating legal cannabis.
Sincerely,
Representative Ann Lininger
Co-chair, Joint Committee on Marijuana Legalization
Senator Ginny Burdick
Co-chair, Joint Committee on Marijuana Legalization
Following the passage of the Oregon Measure 91 legalization initiative, most cannabis law reformers pleaded with the Oregon Legislature to keep the Oregon medical marijuana program the same, at least for a couple of years, while the state implemented the recreational system. Unfortunately, despite the pleas from advocates and the fact that Measure 91’s text multiple times that it wasn’t meant to impact Measure 91, state legislators moved forward with changes. Some changes were good, some were bad and some have had unintended consequences.
The first alarming unintended consequence was the Oregon Legislature giving marijuana agricultural farm use protections. This change in the law was intended to “grandfather in” existing medical marijuana growers and protect them from new zoning laws. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to legislators, Jackson County prohibits farm use crops from rural residential zones, even though plenty of people have been growing corn, tomatoes and many other crops without incident.
Of course, medical marijuana tends to raise a few more eyebrows from neighbors than tomatoes and a complaint can bring hefty fines. Some growers will be able to secure nonconforming land use permits for about $1,500 to protect their medical marijuana farm, but this could prove too costly for some, while others may not be approved. Legislators have made it clear that they meant to protect medical marijuana growers, not zone them out, but Jackson County Commissioners may end up reluctant to make the necessary land-use changes to protect medical marijuana gardens, even though other counties don’t have any problem allowing farm use crops in rural residential areas. If Jackson County Commissioners don’t ultimately allow medical marijuana gardens, then a legislative fix will be necessary next session.
The other current uproar in the cannabis community is the ban on the unlicensed production of cannabis extracts and the sale of any extracts that may already be on the shelves at dispensaries. Mainly due to the prevalence of butane hash oil explosions, new laws were passed that required state processing licenses to produce extracts. These new laws were even supported by many in the industry, but no one thought that the state would ban unlicensed extracts before the state licensing procedure was implemented. Needless to say, the ban on extracts has had a terrible impact upon many patients and industry participants.
We here at Marijuana Politics are glad to help organize the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference as we love bringing the cannabis community together to get the latest information and to encourage good activism. A full lineup and schedule will be out soon, but it will certainly include activists, industry participants and lawyers that will shine a light on the current situation as well as help us all organize to move the Oregon cannabis industry forward in a way that works for everyone.
Change has been a relative constant for Oregon’s marijuana laws, and we know that the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) and Oregon Legislature will continue to make changes to our marijuana laws, for better and for worse. We have made many great strides and we will continue to move forward, but we need to remain focused to make sure that patients and small businesses are able to flourish in both our medical and recreational systems.
The cannabis community rejoiced today, learning that the United States Supreme Court had rejected to directly consider a lawsuit brought by the attorneys general in Nebraska and Oklahoma against the state of Colorado for legalizing cannabis commerce. Nebraska and Oklahoma hoped to show direct harm with a suit directly to the highest court in the land, an action allowed for interstate disputes.
If successful, Nebraska and Oklahoma’s lawsuit would only push marijuana sales into an unregulated system. (Photo credit: Sonya Yruel/Drug Policy Alliance)
The Supreme Court declined to hear the case directly, with only conservative justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito signing onto a dissent. Nebraska and Colorado can now seek relief in district court and fight a lengthy and costly court battle, hoping that the case could eventually be taken up by the Supreme Court and somehow eking out a decision that forces Colorado to shut down the regulated production and sale of marijuana, as approved by a majority of their voters. If successful, marijuana would be legal to grow and possess in Colorado, but no regulated sales would be allowed, pushing cannabis commerce into the illegal market, a policy contrary to virtually all citizens.
“The justices correctly decided that this lawsuit is without merit and that states should be able to move forward with implementing voter-approved legalization laws even if their neighbors don’t like it,” Mr. Angell said.
He said if neighboring states are finding problems with Colorado’s policy, the easiest solution is to follow Colorado’s lead and legalize marijuana themselves.
“That will allow their criminal justice systems to focus on real crime, and it will generate revenue that can be used to pay for health care, education and public safety programs,” he said.
Continuing to push this case forward will likely only waste taxpayer dollars. Not only with the citizens of Nebraska and Oklahoma have to foot the bill for their attorneys general tilting at windmills, but the taxpayers of Colorado have to pay to defend their voter-improved law, and all U.S. taxpayers chip in to pay federal court costs. Even if Nebraska and Oklahoma were to win the lawsuit, they would most likely only exacerbate the flow of marijuana across state borders as pulling a regulated system out from under marijuana growers could lead to them seeking new markets in other states.
In addition to wasting taxpayer dollars, the Oklahoma and Nebraska attorneys general are betraying their conservative belief of states’ rights and, if successful, they could have unintended consequences that could harm many conservative policies, such as gun rights. For instance, both Colorado and Oregon require background checks for the private sale of firearms, while Oklahoma doesn’t require any background check on private gun sales while Nebraska doesn’t require a background check on the private sale of long guns. Does Oklahoma and Nebraska want other states to challenge their gun laws, arguing that unlicensed sales easily allow guns to get into the hands of those federally prohibited from legally possessing guns, such as felons and domestic abusers? This is a slippery slope that the attorneys general in Oklahoma and Nebraska need to consider.
Seven Republican state legislators have already criticized Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt for joining Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning in this lawsuit against Colorado. As Jacob Sullum noted in Forbes, conservative Republicans, led by Representative Mike Ritze (R-Broken Arrow), called upon Pruitt to end this folly:
“This is not about marijuana at its core,” he said in a press release. “It is about the U.S. Constitution, the Tenth Amendment, and the right of states to govern themselves as they see fit. If the Supreme Court can force Colorado to criminalize a substance or activity and commandeer state resources to enforce extra-constitutional federal statutes and UN agreements, then it can essentially do anything, and states become mere administrative units for Washington, D.C….If the people of Colorado want to end prohibition of marijuana, while I may personally disagree with the decision, constitutionally speaking, they are entitled to do so.”
Today’s court ruling is not only a victory for the cannabis community and the will of Colorado voters, but also for the 10th Amendment, the basis for a states’ rights doctrine that conservatives are supposed to hold dear. It is time for Scott Pruitt and Jon Bruning to stop wasting the time, resources and money of United States taxpayers. State officials and voters in Oklahoma and Nebraska should demand that their attorneys general get back to work on real issues facing their states and end this quixotic legal venture that won’t accomplish any stated goals and is ultimately a betrayal of their own conservative principles.
The deep-red state of Utah hasn’t voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in over 50 years, but that would likely change if a presidential election were held today between Democrat Bernie Sanders and GOP front-runner Donald Trump. A Deseret News/KSL poll found that 48% of Utah voters would cast their ballot for Senator Sanders against 37% that would prefer Trump. While the crowd Sanders generated in Utah show that he has a lot of support in the Beehive State, his outside-the-margin lead should sound warning alarms to the Trump campaign. If the election ends up, as expected, between Hillary Clinton and Trump, Clinton holds a 2 point lead, 38% to 36%, a close election within the poll’s 4.38% margin of error.
(Deseret News Graphic)
Independent voters have been a strength of Bernie Sanders, propelling the anti-establishment candidate to victories in states such as New Hampshire and Michigan and, right now, Utah independents feel the Bern as well, especially when Sen. Sanders is up against Donald Trump. Sanders wallops Trump by 36% among unaffiliated Utah voters while Hillary Clinton also enjoys a big 17% advantage over the likely Republican nominee.
This Utah poll shows a Utah electorate more concerned with Donald Trump than the rest of the Republican field as both John Kasich and Ted Cruz defeat Clinton and Sanders by relatively comfortable margins. Former Secretary of State Clinton would lose to Cruz 60% to 32% and Kasich 59% to 29% while Cruz defeats Sanders 53% to 39% and Kasich would garner 54% of the vote to 35% for Sen. Sanders.
This Utah poll should be a serious warning sign for Donald Trump and the Republican Party, showing that Trump would need a serious pivot to a more general election audience if he is to be a truly viable presidential candidate. Much has been made of the animosity many people of color (particularly Hispanics) and women have for Donald Trump, as well as the GOP establishment. This Utah poll could be demonstrating another fissure in what could be a winning coalition for Republicans: libertarian-leaning Republicans. Americans with authoritarian inclinations may have carried Donald Trump thus far, but feeding those inclinations look like they are posing issues in Utah; it will be interesting to see if these issues carry over in similar states, such as Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.
Libertarian-minded people make up a significant portion of the cannabis law reform movement, so I have definitely seen anecdotal evidence from friends and colleagues who would normally lean towards voting for the GOP candidate state that they would never vote for Donald Trump and would even vote for Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. This Utah poll could back up my anecdotal observations as a 2013 poll found that 35% of registered Utah Republicans consider themselves as either strong libertarians or leaning libertarian, compared to 21% of Republicans nationwide. Further, a 74% supermajority of Utah Republicans agreed with the statement that “individuals should be free to do as they like as long as they don’t violate another person’s rights, and that the government should keep out of people’s day-to-day lives,” compared to 58% of Republicans in a national poll.
Utah voters were asked to choose their top three issues this election and the two issues were the economy (56%) and national security security (34%), with healthcare coming in third (27%). The top two issues would seem to favor Donald Trump in a Republican stronghold, so something is sending these voters toward the progressive Sanders.
A lot of us with libertarian tendencies would love to support an anti-establishment candidate that shakes up a political party, exposing the undue influence of money and the corruption among party elites, but we can’t get behind a candidate that uses inflammatory rhetoric and demonstrates such a distaste for opposing viewpoints. Inciting violence and challenging the free speech rights of both protesters and the press simply don’t have a place in American politics.
While people won’t forget Donald , it seems easily apparent that he needs to drop the authoritarianism schtick that has carried him this far very quickly. Not only does Donald Trump need to try make amends with women and people of color, who make up the base of the Democratic Party, but he needs to shore up the libertarian-leaning Republican voters that make up the base of the party in the Mountain West. Trump has exceeded expectations thus far, but as the GOP primary winds down, he is about to discover that he is looking at a Barry Goldwater-esque landslide defeat if he doesn’t appease usual Republican voters turned off by authoritarian demagoguery.
