Medical-Pot Program Far From 'Model'

[Truth Seeker]

Arizona's Medical Marijuana Act was narrowly passed by voters in November 2010. The director of the Arizona Department of Health Services states that we have a "model" program and that the demographics of the card users show "the vast majority are legitimately accessing the system" (Valley & State, July 20).

Do the facts really support these claims?

The ADHS has issued 30,550 medical-marijuana patient cards. Only 1,275 of the cards are for cancer; 27,330 of the cards are for self-defined chronic pain. Interestingly, 74 percent of the patient cards have been issued to males; 26 percent to females. Forty-seven percent of the cards have been issued to users between the ages of 18 and 40.

The ADHS will soon license 126 dispensaries in Arizona. Each dispensary can also grow marijuana at a second, off-site location. Thirteen applications were received to operate dispensaries in north Tempe, near the main Arizona State University campus.

There is no limit to the amount of marijuana a dispensary may grow or sell. Dispensaries are also permitted to sell marijuana to other dispensaries and prepare and sell food products infused with marijuana.

While the ADHS moves full speed ahead to license the cultivation of marijuana, the U.S. Department of Justice is moving just as fast to seize medical-marijuana dispensaries in other states, asserting the supremacy of the federal Controlled Substances Act.

In California, the U.S. attorney recently seized the Oakland and San Jose locations of the Harborside Health Center, adding to the list of dispensaries already shut down by the federal government in that state.

It is only a matter of time before the same dispensaries licensed by Arizona officials will be shut down by our U.S. attorney.

The Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution provides that federal law "shall be the supreme Law of the Land."

Under this principle, state laws that conflict with federal law are pre-empted. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in Gonzales vs. Raich, that state medical-marijuana laws are pre-empted by the federal act.

Although states may lawfully choose to exempt marijuana from state criminal liability, they cannot affirmatively authorize a use that federal law prohibits.

Any use of marijuana remains a crime under federal law, as does the facilitation of those acts. There is no immunity in the CSA for Arizona officials for issuing medical-marijuana licenses.

Is this really "medical" marijuana when 4 percent of the cards are for individuals with cancer and 88 percent are for chronic pain?

Does it make medical sense that 74 percent of the "patients" are male?

Is our law really a model when it allows the cultivation of marijuana by dispensaries in unlimited amounts?

Is it a model program when state officials license the use of marijuana directly in conflict with federal law?

Lastly, what kind of model program has one arm of the government licensing dispensaries while another arm of government is shutting them down?

News Hawk- TruthSeekr420 420 MAGAZINE
Source: azcentral.com
Author: Sheila Polk
Contact: Contacting The Arizona Republic
Website: Medical-pot program far from 'model'

 

[tetonmoon61]

Sheila Polk.. your pathetic. Your opinions are so far off base. I would maybe acknowledge you if you suffered from "self-diagnosed" chronic pain as I guess you are referring to people like me. I am a 51 yr old female.. hmmm, and suffer with pain that had me on over 23 prescription drugs, several of which where not covered by ACHSS or medi-care prior to MMJ. I was in a coma and still in unbearable pain when my daughter took her life. Now, lets see.. hmm, "self-defined"? I think not. No one is "self-defined" who I know is receiving green cards. I personally have over a half a dozen specialist which can confirm my diagnosis. Who the hell are you to even open your mouth. "We the People" have spoken and you need to listen, you and all your ill-informed special interests cronies. Look around you self righteous fool.. the world is changing and your lies and propaganda are no longer working. Keep pushing.. you may get pushed back. As for my fellow sufferers I say vote this broad out and any like her. Time to leave the dark ages behind. Look at Sweden, Portugal, Canada.. these are progressive countries leading USA in so many ways. What does America lead in? Incarceration; is one of three, the other two are just as pathetic of a statement on this government and the people of this country. WAKE UP AND FIGHT FOR FREEDOM>> out with the old and in with the new. ie: riots in Anaheim, NY, LA, the world. We are sick of the rich and self righteous few dictating ill will on the rest of us. I personally give not a crap what your opinion is as for you are obviously ignorant of the facts. Oh and lastly the only thing you said that makes any sense is that the dispensaries can cultivate and control our medication. You and this states government have single handed created the countries first state sponsored drug cartel. Good job. Now the poor and truly sick can become criminals because who can afford dispensaries. Can't wait to see this states government sued and sued and sued for forcing the poor to either become illegal or back on opiates. Good job you all.

 

[tetonmoon61]

Oh and I expect you all to do your jobs, unlike Humble who blew someone to get so many of the rules regarding dispensaries abolished so the dispensary cartel can dominate the state. Everyone out there demand all inspections are done on a monthly basis and that any dispensary not following the law to a T be shut down. This should close down most. If the state fails to do its job then sue them. Do what you have to in order to shut down the dispensaries until the 25 mile rule is over-turned. Shame on the state for buying into the dispensary cartel. I say lets have a public audit and see who is investing in these cartels in this states government. Just like how many judges and DA's, cops etc invest in private prisons. I bet we would find many conflicts of interests. I bet we would indeed.

 

[RaysDad]

Sheila do you have any good things to say or report on the MMJ issue???? Your whole article is one giant put-down on the law that was passed by a majority of the people in Arizona. I would like to know where she gets her information from?? Maybe Sheriff pink underwear Joe Arpio!!! He stated that his dept. would still arrest people for any amount they have on them card or not.!!! How can a legal law work under conditions like this??? I feel sorry for the needy people of Arizona who voted there Law in properly and still are waiting for it to work. RD

 

[mightyblaze]

You are entitled to your opinion and I can certainly see your frustrating with Arizona. Every individual should have their own choice IMO.