DEA to Reclassify Marijuana: Official Confirms Looming Marijuana Decision

In a recent interview with aNewDomain, DEA staff coordinator Russ Baer confirmed reports that the DEA is considering reclassifying marijuana off the Schedule 1 list of controlled substances, and indicated that the enforcement of marijuana policy is not a top priority for the federal agency. Although stopping short of offering any specific details about how exactly marijuana might be reclassified, Baer did confirm the genuineness of a recently leaked letter from the DEA to the senate that stated the agency was hoping to reach a decision on whether or not to reclassify marijuana by mid-year. Baer downplayed the mid-year estimate though, stating, “We aren't holding ourselves to any artificial timeframe.”

While an official decision is still yet to be announced, speculation is strong that the DEA will indeed reclassify marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug to a Schedule 2 drug sometime this summer. Recently, an anonymous attorney for the DEA was reported by the Santa Monica Observer as stating that the DEA would soon reclassify marijuana to the schedule 2 list, sending marijuana industries and cannabis communities into watch and wait mode. The DEA's decision to reclassify marijuana to schedule 2 could have a significant impact on both the recreational marijuana and medical marijuana industries, and feelings are mixed as potential effects and consequences are still unclear.

Reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug to a Schedule 2 drug makes medical marijuana legal at the federal level. This means that residents of any state could obtain a medical prescription for marijuana and be able to legally use it without fear of criminal charges, neither at the state nor federal level. “We’re not going to go chase after the mom who picks up cannabinol (CBD) in (one) state for her epileptic child and takes it to another state … ,” Baer stated.   

A reclassification to Schedule 2 would also remove many of the current legal obstacles to cannabis research, which could in turn help pave the way for new medical advances and discoveries. Baer explained, “We want there to be research on marijuana and its component parts, there needs to be (more) studies about both the benefits and the adverse effects about marijuana... We want to remove the roadblocks for (cannabis research.)”

While some marijuana activists that have been pushing for medical legalization at a federal level see a DEA decision to reclassify marijuana to Schedule 2 as a step in the right direction, others feel it doesn't go far enough and in fact could greatly inhibit the progress that's been made towards achieving full-scale marijuana legalization for recreational as well as medical purposes. The DEA divides controlled substances into five categories, or Schedules, based on accepted medical benefits and abuse potential. Drugs on the Schedule 1 list, where marijuana currently resides, are considered the most dangerous, with the highest potential for abuse and health risks, and no known medical benefits. Schedule 2 drugs are acknowledged as having some medical benefit, but they are still considered dangerous with high abuse and health risk potentials. The Controlled Substance Act is worded in a way that specifies Schedule 2 drugs can't be dispensed without a prescription, so a reclassification of marijuana to Schedule 2 could potentially destroy the recreational marijuana industry as we know it. It all depends on the specifics of how the drug is classified and how regulations are applied. As an official announcement on reclassifying marijuana is awaited, all eyes are on the DEA and many fingers are crossed that the details of the decision will allow for states to make their own choices regarding recreational marijuana.

 

 

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Marijuana and The Green Party

With the 2016 elections quickly approaching and Green Party candidates like Jill Stein coming onto the radar of an increasing number of disillusioned voters, many in the marijuana industry are wondering, just how green is the Green Party? What is the party’s stance on marijuana reform, and would the marijuana industry find some safeguards under Green Party leadership? Would marijuana dispensaries in Colorado and other legal weed states face fewer regulations or more? While Presidential candidate Jill Stein isn't expected to get anywhere near the number of votes she needs to win, she may very well get enough votes to earn the Green Party a spot in future election debates. The Green Party already holds over 100 positions across the nation at the city and county level, and with more and more states opening up to legal marijuana, the party is definitely gaining supporters as well as attention. Here is the lowdown on where the Green Party stands on the green.

Protection for the Marijuana Industry

The Green Party platform includes powerful protections and safeguards for the legal marijuana industry, which is important to states like Colorado where marijuana is big business. Not only does the party platform call for the legalization of cannabis possession, sale, and cultivation, but also the DEA would be instructed to not interfere with or harass legally operating cannabis businesses, from marijuana cultivation centers to marijuana dispensaries and marijuana social clubs. Marijuana entrepreneurs would have some assurance that their businesses could continue, while new marijuana entrepreneurs would have the protection needed to open new businesses and industries.

Amnesty for marijuana offenders

The Green Party platform also calls for serious reforms to how the criminal justice system handles drug offenders. Drug use and abuse would no longer be handled as a crime but as a medical issue, and anyone currently being held on charges for non-violent marijuana crimes would be released.

Opponents worry that the Green Party's stance on drugs goes too far, not only legalizing cannabis but also paving the way for the decriminalization of extremely dangerous drugs such as crack and heroin.

Running on Reefer

Green Party candidates are outspoken in their support of marijuana legalization. Throughout her campaign, Presidential candidate Jill Stein has made reference to the need for drug reform and has voiced her support for marijuana legalization at the national level. Other Green Party candidates are also using marijuana legalization to gain supporters. Vanessa Tijerina, who is running for a congressional seat in southern Texas, has made a point of bringing medical marijuana into the spotlight, campaigning to raise public awareness about the medical benefits of cannabis.

The Future of the Green

With a majority of Americans now supporting marijuana legalization, the Green Party with its pro-cannabis platform could soon become a prominent feature of our country’s political landscape. While they're unlikely to win many races this time around, the mere presence of Green Party candidates on the ballot brings needed attention to marijuana legalization and the millions of citizens who support it. With dispensaries and other marijuana businesses on the line in states like Colorado, the sharp divisions that have separated political parties for decades have already begun to blur.

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Marijuana Legalization What it means for California and Other States

by Mrd 

Recreational cannabis cultivation, sales and use are the premise of Amendment 64. California voters will have the power and authority to follow the lead set by 1,383,139 Colorado voters on NoMvember 6, 2012, who voted yes to legalize cannabis.  A 52% favorable vote which has already had great impact on the industry forcing systems, rules and regulations into place. 

 It's reported that California's legalization of recreational marijuana would bank $1 billion in additional taxes per year.  Colorado collected more than $135 million in legal cannabis taxes and fees in 2015. If you compare the market size and tremendous growth in consumer purchases, $1 billion just may be a bit little low.

 On November 8, 2016, nearly 40 million California voters can flex their patriotic right to approve Amendment 64 which would legalize recreational sales to those age 21 and over.  Online consensus shows a strong positive movement toward legalization.

 Other states prepare to address many of the same issues and cultural norms within their communities when it comes to legalization.  Fortunately, in this country, voters have the power to make a difference and change old paradigms that no longer fit, ethically, morally or scientifically when there is greater benefit to all.

 If the population is educated with unbiased, un-agendaed, facts, with the number one understanding that in practise cannabis assists in relieving pain in the human body.  It is a plant that has a great impact on health, and obviously finances.

 Every state where medical marijuana is legal, you can expect recreational pot to follow.  There's an old saying, "Follow the money" and in this paradigm, it's growing out of the ground.

 Overall, legal marijuana in California, Colorado and every state that is forward thinking will have its impact.  Communities from coast to coast will begin to notice a much more positive vibe in their hoods as the populus begins to RELAX, and exhale from life's roller coaster ride.

 There will be less alcohol incidents, less fighting, less arguing and much more creativity flowing between neighbors.  Entrepreneurially speaking, the cannabis industry has already opened the door for those with the desire to become financially independant.  The cannabis industry has opened new avenues for job creation and for educational institutions who must teach the new industry employees.

 The scope of cannabis legalization is well beyond current comprehension.  It's like looking up at the sky and considering everyone is here on a single planet flying through space at an unheard of speed, hanging on the tip of a galaxy, surrounded by an infinite number of galaxies all in sync doing their own thing as we individually try to get a clue as to what's for dinner tonight.

 

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Five States to Vote on Recreational Marijuana this November

The November elections are rapidly approaching, and marijuana industry entrepreneurs are watching closely the results of initiatives in five separate states that would pave the way for recreational marijuana dispensaries and more widespread cannabis cultivation. Voters in Arizona, California, Nevada, Maine, and Massachusettes will decide whether or not marijuana possession, cultivation, and retail recreational marijuana dispensaries will become legal just as they are in Colorado, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Washington D.C. Here is an overview of the different recreational marijuana legalization intitiatives for 2016 that will be decided on this November.

Arizona: Despite many challenges and obstacles along the way, Proposition 205 which would legalize recreational marijuana in Arizona has made its way onto the November ballot. A lawsuit that sought to block the measure from placement on the ballot was dismissed by the Superior Court of Maricopa County, and the Arizona Supreme Court upheld this decision after the challengers appealed. If voters approve the proposition, Arizona residents who are of adult age would be allowed to legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana, consume marijuana privately, and grow up to six marijuana plants. The proposition would also pave the way for retail recreational marijuana sales, imposing a 15% tax on cannabis sold at adult use marijuana dispensaries. The vote on the proposition is likely to be a close one. While a July poll showed only 39% of Arizona voters in support of marijuana legalization, the campaign in favor of Proposition 205 has raised a lot more money than the oppossition groups. The campaign for voting “yes” on Proposition 205 has amassed over three million dollars in donations, while the opposing campaign has raised less than one million. If Proposition 205 passes, revenues from taxes placed on retail marijuana sales will be utilized in part for education and public healthcare initiatives.

California: This November, California voters will decide on Proposition 64, titled the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. The proposition would allow for recreational marijuana sales and establish the right of citizens age 21 and over to grow up to six plants and posess up to an ounce of marijuana. A15% retail tax on recreational cannabis would be established, and a system for expunging the records of past non-violent marijuana convictions would be put into place. California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana, way back in 1996. If aproved, the taxes imposed on marijuana cultivation and sales could bring in over a billion dollars each year to California's strained budget, and could save the state millions by forgoing the expense of keeping non-violent marijuana offenders in prison. With millions more in fundraising donations raised by supporters and an August poll showing over 61% of California voters in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, Proposition 64 is very likely to pass.

Maine: It was a rocky road, but Question 1 which would legalize recreational marijuana sales, possession, and cultivation within the state of Maine will be put into the hands of voters this November. When supporters of the measure first submitted the signatures required to place Question 1 on the ballot, over half of the signatures were invalidated which left the group falling short of requirements. They challenged the decision and the ruling was overturned. When the signatures were reexamined in April, it was found that there were enough valid signatures to get Question 1 on the November ballot. If Question 1 passes, Maine residents age 21 and older will be able to purchase or possess up to 2 ½ ounces of marijuana and grow up to 6 flowering marijuana plants at a time. It would also impose a 10% sales tax on recreational marijuana sales. With a March poll indicating only a little over 53% of voters in Maine in favor of legalization, the fate of Question 1 is unclear, but it's likely to be a close call whichever way voters decide.

Massachusetts: Voters in Massachusetts will decide on Question 4, which would legalize the possession of an ounce of marijuana, allow for the cultivation of up to six marijuana plants, and establish a sales tax for recreational marijuana sales. Although Massachusetts approved medical marijuana in 2012, the first medical marijuana dispensary in the state didn't open its doors until June of this year. That doesn't give voters much time to see the marijuana industry in action and gauge its potentials, so it may be tough for some people to make a decision on Question 4. While an April poll conducted by Western New England University found 57% of Massachusetts voters in favor of recreational marijuana legalization, a poll conducted in July by Gravis Marketing showed only 41% of Massachusetts voters in support of making recreational cannabis legal. If campaign finance is any indication of who the winning team is, Question 4 has a really good shot of passing. Supporters have raised nearly half a million, while the oppossition has collected virtually nothing. River Rock Wellness of Colorado is one of the top contributors to the campaign, donating $10,000 in support of Question 4.

Nevada: In Nevada, voters will decide on Question 2, would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and allow adults to cultivate up to six marijuana plants. A 15% sales tax on recreational marijuana sales would be imposed, and consumption would be restricted to private areas which could include retail marijuana dispensaries. The tax revenue would be earmarked for use in the k-12 public education system. A poll conducted in July by a local news station found 50% of voters in support of Question 2, 41% oppossed, and 9% undecided, so it could really go either way and at this point, it's too close to call.

New Opportunities for Marijuana Businesses

The growing trend towards legalization opens the way for more marijuana businesses to thrive and profit. Entrepreneurs who are contemplating opening a marijuana dispensary, grow house, or other marijuana business in one of the five states who  are voting on recreational cannabis should look closely at each state's laws now to get an idea of all the details and regulations, and how to start the process of applying for a marijuana business license. States like Nevada will limit the number of marijuana establishments that can open up in any municipality if their legalization initiative passes, so business owners wishing to cash in will need to be ready to act quickly once the votes are counted. CannaSaver will keep you informed of the latest updates and elections results, so stay tuned.

 

 

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How Much Weed Can You Buy In Colorado?

So you’re perhaps visiting colorful Colorado and you want to partake in as much cannabis smoking as humanly possible. We get it – with so many strains, terpenes, and types of marijuana products available, it’s like being a kid in a candy store. But how much weed can you buy in Colorado? Well, there seems to be a few set rules, but a lot of grey area around such rules. 

Let us explain. 

Buying Weed: How It Used To Be

It used to be that there were special marijuana deals you could get at marijuana dispensaries in Colorado that included an ounce of marijuana flower and a couple of grams of concentrates. These and many more of the best marijuana deals and best deals on concentrates in large quantities became a thing of the past on October 1st when new Colorado marijuana regulations went into effect that more specifically defined purchase limits by clarifying the concentrate to flower equivalency.

At the time, a gram of THC was considered a gram of THC, and tourists could only purchase up to 7 grams of it while residents in Colorado were allowed to purchase up to 28 grams of it, be it in the form of concentrates like wax and shatter, in the form of edibles, or in the form of buds. 

New(ish) Marijuana Regulations for Consumers

When the new marijuana regulations went into effect on October 1st, 2016, 800 mg of edibles or 8 grams of concentrate were considered equivalent to 28 grams of marijuana flower. One gram of concentrate is now considered equivalent to an eighth of flower, while two grams is equivalent to a quarter ounce. 

This meant that no longer would Colorado marijuana dispensaries be able to offer their retail customers anything close to an ounce of flower, paired with two grams of concentrates. 

So, now, if you purchase two grams of concentrates, the most bud you can buy is just three quarters.

Deals on whole ounces of concentrates have changed, too. The new regulations greatly diminished the quantity of concentrate purchased in a single transaction, and no longer are recreational marijuana consumers allowed to purchase more than 8 grams of concentrates at a time without exceeding the purchase limit. 

And, with many edibles packing 200mg THC per package, a few marijuana-infused candy bars can add up to the 800mg purchase limit very quickly. If you want to mix and match with some flower or edibles or concentrates, you have to really be smart in tallying up exactly how much of what you can legally get. The biggest challenge that marijuana dispensaries face now is to come up with alternative bundle packages that include a carefully thought-out balance of flower and concentrates or edibles that will appeal to marijuana consumers while staying within the rules (although you will see different dispensaries offer certain bundle packages that maximize how much weed you can buy in Colorado at a time).

New(ish) Marijuana Regulations for Dispensaries

Other new(ish) regulations have affected the cannabis industry more than the marijuana consumer. Remember that weird label that comes on every marijuana product you buy in Colorado, that looked a bit like a sheriff's badge, only it said, “Department of Revenue” and “marijuana” on it? That became a thing of the past as a new marijuana warning label has since been adopted. 

The new retail marijuana symbol features a diamond shape surrounding the word “THC” coupled with an exclamation mark. Each individually wrapped edible also contains this new icon. The new symbol for medical marijuana is virtually the same, only with an additional letter “m” to denote that it is a medical product. The new universal symbols came into use on October 1st, but there was a two-month grace period extending the compliance period until November 30th, 2016. Any establishments found selling marijuana labeled with the outdated universal symbol face serious penalties.

How Much Weed Can You Buy in Colorado Now?

The simple answer of how much weed you can buy in Colorado: Colorado residents and visitors alike may purchase up to 1 ounce (Oz) of marijuana at a time, once a day. 

Medical marijuana patients are allowed up to 2 ounces (Oz) of marijuana at a time, once a day. 

Possession of Marijuana in Colorado

Now, there currently isn't any system in place that actually prevents consumers from simply heading from one dispensary to another to get around the purchase limits, but the law also says that Colorado residents and visitors alike may only POSSESS up to 1 ounce at a time, while medical marijuana patients may only POSSESS up to 2 ounces at a time. 

So, nothing’s stopping you from going from dispensary and dispensary and maxing out your pot purchase limit, but be ye warned – if you’re caught with the possession of more than an ounce at a time (given you’re not a medical marijuana patient), there may be a fee or civil penalty assessed. We don’t recommend doing this. 

Don’t think you’re wise in leaving a dispensary with the maximum weed allowed, only to return and buy more, as they’ll have record of each transaction made. An example was made out of one of Colorado’s largest dispensaries, Sweet Leaf, after being busted for working around some of the loopholes.

If you’re driving, you can have weed in your car, but it must be under the allowed limit and must be in a sealed container. It is not allowed to consume marijuana in the car or while driving. It’s also not allowed to carry marijuana across state borders. 

So, whether you’re a Colorado resident and just don’t buy weed much or you’re only visiting Colorado for a short period of time, the new laws allow you to buy a significant amount of weed. So, how much weed can you buy in Colorado? The short answer is, enough. Unless you’re smoking an ounce a day, then we have a few problems to address. If an ounce a day isn’t enough, then just come back tomorrow! 

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The Future of Public Pot Use and Private Marijuana Clubs in Denver

“Where can I smoke weed in Denver?” It's usually one of the first questions asked by tourists, second only to “where can I buy weed in Denver?” While marijuana dispensaries in Denver are plentiful, and Green Star Excursions will even pick you up at the airport and take you right to a dispensary, places to smoke marijuana without fear of getting a ticket aren't quite so out in the open. Marijuana activists have been working for years now to reform current public pot use laws and private marijuana club regulations so that people will have more places to be able to safely blaze up. Many of these efforts have remained fruitless, but with momentum building and support mounting, voters and activists might have another shot this November.

Although one citywide initiative that would have made private marijuana clubs fully legal in Denver failed to make the November 8^th ballot, there is still a chance for a similar but different measure to be brought to a vote. The failed initiative, called the Responsible Use Denver Initiative, fell nearly 2000 signatures short of the 4,726 verifiable signatures required to make the ballot, despite the group behind the measure, Denver NORML, having turned in over 7,500 signatures. When the signatures were reviewed, many turned out to be from unregistered voters or from voters living in other counties. While disappointing to the many marijuana activists who worked countless hours on the effort, the news is not completely disheartening, as another initiative regarding pot consumption in businesses still has a chance. Deemed the Neighborhood Supported Cannabis Consumption Pilot Program, this initiative would allow marijuana to be smoked at certain establishments like cafes and bars. Such businesses would be required to seek and obtain approval from the neighborhood where the establishment is located before they can allow marijuana consumption on their premises. The Neighborhood Supported Cannabis Consumption initiative is currently under review by the Denver Elections Division. If there are enough verifiable signatures on the petition to get the measure placed on the ballot, Denver voters could be deciding within just a few months whether or not to legalize toking up at bars and other neighborhood-approved establishments. The Denver Elections Division is expected to complete their signature verification process by sometime next week.

Many are hopeful that this measure will indeed make the ballot, as the rules against public pot smoking cause a lot of confusion and inconvenience, especially for marijuana tourists. You can walk into any number of marijuana dispensaries in Denver such as Medicine Man Denver and easily buy weed, but then you're left with no place to legally smoke it. While Amendment 64 legalized the sell and possession of pot, consuming marijuana openly and publicly remains illegal under Colorado state law. Most hotels don't allow indoor smoking, which leaves the marijuana tourist with no obvious options when it comes to knowing where to smoke weed in Denver. Being able to just go to a bar or cafe or other business and sit back and light up would provide for an easy and convenient way for marijuana tourists and residents alike to enjoy Colorado cannabis culture to the fullest. It could also be a boon for the businesses that choose to allow marijuana consumption, attracting new customers and especially marijuana tourists to their establishments. The petition to get the Neighborhood Supported Cannabis Consumption Pilot Program on the Denver November election ballot has 10,800 signatures, so there is a strong chance that the Denver Elections Division will be able to verify enough of those signatures for the measure to come to a vote. The ballot measure has the backing of the Marijuana Policy Project, Veterans for Cannabis, Cannabis Business Alliance, Sensible Colorado, The Church, Club Vinyl, My 420 Tours, Colorado Cannabis Tours, and many other influential organizations and businesses. If the Neighborhood Supported Cannabis Consumption Pilot Program makes it on the ballot, hopes are high that the measure will pass.

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Colorado Recreational Marijuana Laws

With the passing of Amendment 64 on November 6, 2012 adults 21 years of age and older can now legally possess 1 ounce of marijuana or any product containing THC in Colorado, including concentrates, edibles and cannabis seeds. Recreational stores didn't officially open until January 1, 2014. You don't have to be a resident of Colorado or register anywhere to consume recreational marijuana, it applies to anyone 21 and above who has a valid government issued ID. The law also allows each adult to grow up to 6 plants, 3 of which can be in the flowering stage in an enclosed, locked space.

Although any adult is allowed to possess up to 1 ounce, non-residents of Colorado will be restricted to purchasing no more than 1/4 ounce (7 grams) in a single transaction. This law was created to prevent visitors from going around to multiple stores and stockpiling marijuana for export. There is nothing illegal about visiting more than 1 store a day, but most recreational stores will only serve you once a day. As long as you don't exceed the 1 ounce per person possession limit, you are still within the law. Please be aware that your right to possess marijuana in Colorado does not apply when you are visiting national parks, national forests or monuments or other federal properties, such as courthouses.  Also be aware that many ski areas are located on federal land.

The state allows marijuana stores to operate from 8am to midnight, but cities can impose more restrictive hours than the state allows. Denver dispensaries are required to close by 7pm, Aurora stores are open till 10pm and other places like Glendale are open till midnight, so check the hours of the store if you plan on going after 7pm.

Amendment 64 does not permit the consumption of marijuana "openly and publicly." You can still get a ticket for smoking weed in public, similar to open container laws for drinking in public. Discretion is appreciated, and usually required. Technically you are also not allowed to blaze indoors at any bar, club, or restaurant due to the clean indoor air act. Private cannabis clubs are the exception to this rule, where you can buy a day membership. Some allow indoor smoking since they are private and others allow vaping inside and smoking outside. Even though concert venues are private, many consider them publicly accessible private venues, and therefore consumption of marijuana is prohibited, but it really depends on the venue and the crowd as to how these rules are applied, so just air on the cautious side when smoking at a concert.

Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and the legal limit is 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood, but this law has been highly debated because people metabolize THC at different rates and the amount of impairment varies drastically for each person. Unlike alcohol, it's hard to determine if a person is impaired based on THC levels. If the police do suspect you of driving stoned, they can require you to take a blood test. We all should know when were impaired or not, so just be smart and don't drive under the influence.

The open container law  in Colorado makes it illegal to possess marijuana in the passenger area of a vehicle if it is in an open container, a container with a broken seal, or if there is evidence of consumption.  But this is questionable because what constitutes an open container of marijuana? 

Exporting marijuana from Colorado is illegal and the Feds are watching Colorado very closely as the bordering states are extremely pissed off that we have such relaxed marijuana laws, so simply put, don't do it. Mailing weed home or to your buddies is also a bad idea.

 

 

 

 

 

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Puerto Rico’s New Medical Marijuana Laws

Puerto Rico has legalized medical marijuana--again! On July 9th, Puerto Rico’s Governor Ricardo Nevares signed off on a comprehensive medical marijuana bill that will open the way for many more medical marijuana dispensaries to operate in this small U.S. territory. The previous governor had signed a similar law that allowed for a few marijuana dispensaries in Puerto Rico to open on a sort of test basis. The new law sets up a complete system for how new stores can open, and how tax revenues will be spent.

It’s those tax revenues that Puerto Rico is banking on. With seventy-four billion dollars of debt, taxes from the medical marijuana industry offer a glimmer of hope for the impoverished island. With states like Colorado raking in well over a billion dollars a year in marijuana tax revenues, Puerto Rico’s hope is not too far-fetched. The new industry is expected to create nearly 50,000 new jobs, and with 12.3% of Puerto Rico’s residents currently unemployed, those new jobs could help a lot. Money generated from the medical marijuana industry will also be used to improve local hospitals and schools, with 10% of tax revenues going to a trauma hospital, and 50% of the money collected from fines going to the University of Puerto Rico.

Cannabis business owners and entrepreneurs are expected to take interest in Puerto Rico, not only to take advantage of a new market, but to also take advantage of the territory’s tax laws. In the U.S., marijuana businesses are not allowed to claim any expenses on their taxes, whether it’s office supplies, rent, insurance, or whatever other legitimate business expenses there might be. In Puerto Rico, however, no such regulation exists, so marijuana businesses will be able to deduct expenses from their taxes just like any other business. It might seem like a drop in the bucket, but all those extra taxes add up to big bucks.

So who exactly can buy weed in Puerto Rico now? Medical marijuana use is approved for many illnesses and ailments including anxiety, arthritis, cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, anorexia, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, severe pain, nausea, and many other conditions. Recreational marijuana is still illegal there, unfortunately, so don’t start packing your bags just yet.

Aren’t you glad you live in Colorado? While Puerto Rico is just getting its feet wet with medical marijuana, we’re all sitting back browsing through both medical and recreational marijuana coupons from Cannasaver to save money on our weed! Some folks just have it lucky, I suppose!

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If successful, the California Craft Cannabis Initiative could lead to better quality cannabis in California and beyond. Drafted by lawyers Heather Burke and Omar Figueroa, the initiative is one of a large handful of recreational marijuana legalization measures vying to make it onto the November 2016 statewide ballot. In addition to retroactively legalizing the use, cultivation, possession, transportation, processing, distribution, and sale of marijuana by persons 21 years of age and older, the initiative would establish a seed bank dedicated to the preservation and development of cannabis strains, and would also provide incentives to encourage small-scale growers to produce top-quality weed. We've all heard of craft beers, but have you ever heard of craft cannabis? The concept is the same whether we're talking beer or buds. Small-scale, focused production allows artisans the opportunity to create unique, unusual, or specialty products of often exceptional quality. If California's Craft Cannabis Initiative passes, craft cannabis growers could actually register and trademark their buds. For instance, their would likely be regional designations such as “Humboldt County” or “Emerald Triangle,” as well as certified strains.

What this would mean for the average California cannabis consumer is that what you pay for is what you get, at least when purchasing a certified or trademark-registered product. Seems like a simple enough consumer expectation, but this isn't always the case in legal recreational cannabis states like Colorado, Oregon, and Washington where strains are often misnamed, ill grown, and poorly preserved in the mass-production frenzy of trying to meet an ever-rising demand. No means for certifying any particular strains of marijuana exist in these states, which basically results in anyone being able to call their buds anything they like and sell them under any name they choose, and consumers having nothing other than their own eyes, nose, and knowledge of cannabis to help them tell the difference. That Lemon Haze might be Lemon Haze, or it might not. That “rare” strain whose name you've never heard of before could be good old Blue Dream with a fancy new alias. If the initiative in California passes and other states decide to adopt their own certification mechanisms, consumers would be able to tell exactly what they were getting, and growers would have an incentive to protect their strains and develop them to their fullest potential.

The California Craft Cannabis Initiative would also provide an opportunity for growers to have their crops certified organic. This is something none of the legal marijuana states currently offer, which again leaves the consumer with little but their own judgment and the shopkeeper's word to go on when hoping to purchase organically-grown cannabis. As it stands, much of the marijuana sold at dispensaries is coated with pesticides and often contains fungus or heavy metals. It might say “organic,” but there isn't really any way of knowing whether or not it actually is. The California Craft Cannabis Initiative would make it possible for consumers to choose products that are certified organic, which could encourage other legal weed states to follow suit.

The initiative also calls for the establishment of the California Cannabis Genetic Repository. The repository would collect germplasm from all known cannabis strains, carefully preserving and documenting the biodiversity of the cannabis genus. Researchers and others wishing to study the cannabis plant would have free access to the repository, which could lead to the development of strains with higher potency, new hybrids, and more. As the nation's herb supply continues to be flooded with mislabeled or wrongly identified strains, preserving the genetics of specific cannabis strains becomes increasingly important not just for California, but for the world. The sponsors of the California Craft Cannabis Initiative have until December 21st to collect the 365,880 signatures required to get the measure placed on next November's ballot. There are at least ten other recreational cannabis legalization initiatives that are in the process of meeting requirements to make it on the ballot, as well. For more information including the full text of the California Craft Cannabis Initiative, visit www.californiacannabis2016.com .

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