The American Cultivator 2014 Fall Issue Michigan Edition

News For PeoPle oN the Grow

Fall 2014 Issue 3theamericancultivator.com

Michigan & illinois voters’ guidesspotlight news p4

By Larry Gabriel - Editor

continued, PG. 5 see Two STaTeS

MichiGan cities continue to lead the nation in reform of local marijuana laws. There are an unprecedented 13 cities

voting on marijuana legalization during the 2014 election cycle, two of which have already won at the ballot box.

Over the past decade activists in 16 municipalities have given citizens the chance to decide if marijuana laws should be relaxed or eliminated. Cannabis has won every time citizens get to vote on it.

Those votes were made possible through local petition drives by the Safer Michigan Coalition. It’s responsible for 15 of those votes, and for all the 2014 ballot proposals. Safer Michigan is led by Tim Beck of Detroit and Chuck Ream of Ann Arbor, both longtime activists. Ream

recently received the High Times Lifetime Achievement Award.

The language of each proposal varies slightly but the essence is the removal of all penalties for use of marijuana on private property by an adult 21 or over, and including protections for possession and transport of up to an ounce of cannabis. The cities of Clare and Harrison cleared possession limits to match the medical marijuana allotment in Michigan — 2-1/2 ounces of dried usable cannabis.

A total of 20 cities went through some phase of planning or signature gathering during 2014, some of which were longshots. “We had ambitious goals,” Beck said. “We wanted to have 16 ballot initiatives hitting in the state of Michigan this election cycle.”

Oak Park and Hazel Park held their elections in August, and both were passed. Voters in 11 more cities will have the same choice in November: Berkley, Clare,

Frankfort, Harrison, Huntington Woods, Lapeer, Mt. Pleasant, Onaway, Port Huron, Pleasant Ridge and Saginaw

Montrose and East Lansing are also potentially in play. In both cases petitioners collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot and submitted them in time, but local leaders held them until after the state-mandated deadline for inclusion on the 2014 general election ballot.

In Montrose the city leaders seem to accept the language to adopt into their Charter. Beck says Montrose Mayor Fouts is an ally, stating, “The local leaders in Montrose … are as good as it gets.”

The city council sent a resolution of support for the ordinance to Genesee County Clerk John Gleason, who claims Fouts and the city council missed the Aug. 12 deadline to get the question on the ballot.

East Lansing “is another planet,” Beck told listeners on the Planet Green Trees

Radio Show. “They are real mean players.” Cities are allowed to take up to 45 days to confirm petition signatures and they used every minute of that time. Officials waited until the last day before issuing their decision to push the issue off until a 2015 election. Attorney Jeffrey Hank, leader of the petition drive there, sued the city in an effort to get the legalization question on this November’s ballot.

Three other cities collected signatures but were unsuccessful at making the 2014 ballot, Grosse Pointe Park, Utica and Keego Harbor. The Harbor and the Park will be on 2015 ballots. Prospects for Utica are unclear.

In addition to the 11 Michigan cities and a handful of others around the nation, marijuana legalization will be voted on in the states of Alaska and Oregon and the District of Columbia.

Rick Thompson is editor of thecompassionchronicles.com.

By Rick Thompson

captain KirK’s leMon carrot caKewellness p10

the aMerican cultivator crossword puzzleheMp culture p18

American Cultivator

Both situated along Lake Michigan, the states of Michigan and Illinois seem cozy Midwest neighbors on the medical marijuana

map. That’s a change. Just a few years back the United States medical marijuana map showed a cluster of states on the west coast and a cluster of states in the northeast of

the nation — Michigan was a lonely outlier in the middle.

Then in 2013 the Illinois general assembly passed a medical marijuana bill creating a four-year pilot program for the use of the substance, giving Michigan a little company in the neighborhood. The two states took distinctly different paths to medical marijuana and these paths reflect different trends in how medical marijuana is administered and administrated.

The Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA) was voted into law in 2008. That vote was the culmination of a statewide petition drive that placed the question on the ballot. The result was an overwhelming

win with 66 percent of the vote.That’s the good old way that most

medical marijuana states had done it in the past – collect signatures on petitions and fight your way through the courts to get officials to acknowledge the legality of the action. California did it first in 1996. When Michigan became the 13th medical marijuana state, nine of that number had achieved it by petition drives and citizen votes.

Since then, of the 10 states and the District of Columbia that have legalized medical marijuana, only two have done it through voter initiatives. As public opinion and medical evidence have

changed, many state legislatures have decided to get out front and legislate on the issue before being forced to do it. That has led to markedly different ways to access marijuana.

The main difference is that when citizens vote the law allows patients or a designated caregiver to grow their own marijuana. Most of the states that have gone the legislature route do not allow home grows. Illinois will only allow marijuana to be grown at licensed state cultivation centers. Overall, when the legislature does it the law is more conservative.

“It does seem like medical laws written by legislators tend to be more strict,” says Mason Tyvert, of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington D.C. “They have to make compromises with other legislators that might not be as supportive. It’s a good thing that they're trying to do this in the first place – before it was all through ballot initiative.”

Making medical marijuana more accessible to patients who need it is important no matter which route the law takes. But the Huffington Post referred to the Illinois law as “The Nation’s Strictest Medical Weed Law,” partly due to the limited number of conditions that are qualified to be treated with marijuana, and the high cost of permits for dispensaries and grow operations — anyone applying needs to have around $500,000 on hand.

“It was a decade-long process to get this law passed in Illinois,” says Dan Linn, executive director of Illinois NORML. “Every two years we had to make adjustments to the legislation we were proposing [to accommodate new legislators]. It became more restrictive. There are high barriers to entry for businesses and the pilot program nature of it; all of this was put in to make it feasible for all the politicians.”

The Illinois law allows 22 cultivation

Michigan and illinois take different paths in legalizing medical marijuana

13 Michigan cities vote on legalization

A TALE OF TWO STATES

guide to Medical Marijuana states spotlight news p6

| The American Cultivator | Fall 20142

The American Cultivator | Fall 2014 | 3

P.O. Box 1701 Taylor, MI 48180844-226-6200

editorialMy Compassion - Publisher

Larry Gabriel - [email protected] ext 481

Mansa Musa - Director of Sales & [email protected] ext 482

Donald Mongrain - [email protected] ext 483

Content ProvidersRick Thompson

Perry Coleman

Michael Whitty

Kirk Reid

Dr Rob “Doc Rob” Streisfeld

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Rick Thompson

Students Advocates for Medical and

Recreational Cannabis

layout & designPhilip Skarich

The American Cultivator retains full editorial

control of all submissions. We reserve the

right to edit all submissions for length and

content. The ads or articles contained in The

American Cultivator are not necessarily the

opinion of My Compassion.

The American Cultivator Beacons of Changea lot of progress has been made around the world to advance the acceptance of cannabis and hemp over the past five years. That

may not be easy to see, especially by those who still live in the cannabis closet, or chose not to look beyond their own compassion club. However, when you open the door and expand your view, you will see that cannabis is on track to be rescheduled by the federal government. That will make more medical research into healing cannabinoids possible, and make the medicine more easily available to patients.

Israel has been a leader in developing its medical uses, and in the U.S. the majority of medical marijuana states have enacted those laws in that time period – in addition to Colorado and Washington legalizing recreational use. The nation of Uruguay has legalized the substance in an effort to undercut the illegal market.

My Compassion, publisher of The American Cultivator, is committed to learning as much as possible about cannabis and its emergence as an industry. We seek to provide the most accurate, trusted and unbiased information to the public and our readers. We understand that a major shift in public perception is still necessary to end prohibition and generate a sustained business atmosphere. We dedicate our time and resources to bringing patients out of the closet and physicians into the light. This will help lead to patients having quality and effective cannabis.

My Compassion has made huge leaps

in increasing awareness and educating the public and health care providers about cannabis in the past half-decade. Progress that was once one step forward, two steps back has turned into a race to the green. That momentum has us standing on the precipice of the biggest shift of cannabis since it was prohibited in 1937.

To stay abreast of that progress, My Compassion has expanded considerably with a new branch in Illinois and is at work in other states across the country. For the past several months we have been working diligently to build a team of professional advisors and directors who can make change happen and sway the tide of perception.

One way we intend to aid that development is through developing this publication. In light of that effort we would like to welcome Larry Gabriel as the new editor of The American Cultivator. Gabriel brings three decades of experience as a journalist with him. He is a former editor of the Detroit Metro Times and UAW Solidarity magazine, and was an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press. He has been writing about cannabis since 2009 for the Metro Times, and was named Best Columnist by the Association for Alternative Newsmedia in 2012 for his writing on city politics and development.

When The American Cultivator was donated to My Compassion last December, I immediately knew it was Gabriel who could take the paper to the next level and expand readership across the country with information you can count on. The cannabis business is expanding at a rapid

pace. In response, our highest priority is that everyone becomes educated and understands how and why it’s developing across the country.

Our goal is to be the beacon of change by providing education on every aspect of medical cannabis from cancer to pms. Whether the plant and products are produced from a pharmaceutical company or a caregiver’s garden, it makes no difference to our organization’s mission.

My Compassion is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit and relies on public donations and fundraising to assist and help complete our mission. This is an all volunteer organization and all funds have gone directly to programs that directly shape the complex landscape of cannabis.

Recently when I was asked what My Compassion needed, I had to say that for starters an office and employees. I am excited to announce we now have a very nice office in Glenview, IL and will hire the first My Compassion employee’s in 2015 to expand our educational programs.

…a message from Director Heidi Parikh

We also have a top notch team of experts in medical, educational, legal and community issues. Below you find the names of those team members who are at your service.

ExECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORSheidi ParikhFounder & Executive [email protected]: 844-226-6200 ext 420

amish ParikhVice President & Director of [email protected]: 844-226-6200 ext 421

Glenda [email protected]: 844-22-6200 ext 422

thomas [email protected]: 844-226-6200 ext 423

My COMPASSION – STATE DIRECTORSJeremy GarrityDirector of Educational [email protected] ext 425

Miriam sharonDirector of Community Outreach–[email protected] ext 426

Phil deVriesDirector of Healthcare [email protected] ext 501

Patty schulerDirector of Community Outreach–[email protected] ext 503

deandre allenDirector of [email protected] ext 502

MEDICAL ADVISORy BOARDdr. sunil agarwal, Medical Advisordr. Mark neumann, Medical Advisordr. Kumar singh, Medical Advisordr. hermon toney, Medical Advisordr. John hicks, Medical Advisor for Pediatricsdr. Rob streisfeld, Medical Advisor for Naturopathydr. elliot levine, Medical Advisor for Obstetrics & Gynecology

LEGAL ADVISORy BOARDneil Rockind – Neil Rockind P.C.dionne hayden – Miller and Canfieldsam Borek–Borek Law & Associates

InsIdeThIs Issue

a tale of two states . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Michigan cities vote on legalization . . . . . . . . . . 12014 Michigan voters’ guide . . . 4candidates cool on cannabis . . . 4patients need doctors . . . . . . . . 5guide to Medical Marijuana states . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6cannabis news Briefs . . . . . . . . . 8healing the heart and Mind . . . 10controlling thereptilian Brain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11investing in an evolving Marijuana Market . . . 14hands off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14it’s a new day for hemp . . . . . . 16it’s art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18tac crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Cannabis can aid deeper contemplation and life-healing reflection. Page 10


localNatioNal

worldwidespotlight news

Michigan cannabis supporters would love to get rid of attorney General Bill Schuete. Photo Credit: riCk thomPson

MaRiJuana leGalization isn’t on the ballot but there’s a possibility that it will be next year. So prudent supporters of legalization, or those who want to make it easier for patients under the current law, need to pay attention to where their candidates stand on the issue. It’s not necessarily a partisan thing although Democrats in general seem to be stronger allies. That’s evolving as public opinion is starting to be heard by more politicians of all stripes.

There are plenty of organizations fielding their slate of candidates, but you won’t see much from a pro-cannabis perspective. Let’s take a look from that angle.

GoVeRnoROver the past four years Michigan’s

current governor has managed to avoid taking a stand on medical marijuana (and other social justice issues) but his actions lately indicate he’s cool to the concept of liberalized marijuana laws. He stands on record as opposed to local ballot proposals in several Michigan cities, and believes states cannot legalize cannabis as Colorado and Washington already have. Rick Snyder has resisted all opportunities to reign in Attorney General Bill Schuette. Democratic candidate Mark Schauer has been a leader on social justice issues, and has repeatedly stated his support for medical marijuana patients and the will of the people. He’s met with leaders of the medical marijuana community.

attoRney GeneRalDemocrat candidate Mark Totten’s most

attractive feature, in addition to being an accomplished law professor, is that he’s not the current attorney general. Republican

AG Bill Schuette has earned the disrespect of the medical marijuana community for his dogged pursuit of a roadblock agenda against medical marijuana – not to mention other anti-progressive stances. He has failed to support the state’s medical marijuana citizens when they needed him — in cases of Child Protective Services actions, landlord-tenant disputes, employment issues and disclosure of private and protected patient records to the DEA. His written Opinions on the subject of marijuana have frequently been found to be in conflict with courtroom interpretations and for that reason, we think Barney Rubble would be a better AG than Schuette.

The national organization Americans for Safe Access (ASA) has created a scorecard for US House Representatives based on their voting record on marijuana law reform bills from 2013-14. Some of the following is based on those grades.

u.s. senateGary Peters, a three-term Democratic

congressman, is trying for the Senate. In the ASA national scorecard Peters received the highest grade given to any Michigan representative — a “C.” Former Republican Secretary of State Terri Lynn-Land has been silent on the issue but has suggested changes to the citizen initiative process which would hobble the progress of decriminalization across the state.

u.s. conGRess1ST DISTRICT — Dan Benishek, an

incumbent Republican and medical doctor, earned a “C” on the ASA national scorecard. He offers a far better stance for marijuana law reform than his Democratic rival, Kalkaska County Sheriff Jerry Cannon. Benishek has a history of support for industrial hemp.

2ND DISTRICT — The incumbent Republican Bill Huizenga earned a failing grade for his opposition to marijuana law reform during his latest term in

the House. Dean Vandersteldt is the Democratic candidate.

3RD DISTRICT — One of the national congressional leaders on the subject of marijuana law reform, Republican Justin Amash has co-sponsored legislation in support of common-sense approaches to the cannabis issue. He’s a bright face and strong voice that represents the state well.

4TH DISTRICT — Current Republican state Sen. John Moolenaar hates marijuana so much he voted against his party to oppose SB660, which relegates “pharmaceutical grade” marijuana sales to pharmacies in the event that the federal government legalizes it. Democrat Dean Vandersteldt has not demonstrated a virulent dislike for easing prohibition.

5TH DISTRICT — Democrat Dan Kildee’s lukewarm response to marijuana issues remains a question mark, but his experience in Washington cannot be replaced by his rival, Republican Allen Hardwick.

6TH DISTRICT — The incumbent Republican Fred Upton received a “C” on the ASA report card and his voting record seems to support a belief in the rights of medical marijuana patients. He’s the chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

7TH DISTRICT — The current representative, Republican Tim Walberg, earned an “F” and has a position on marijuana contrary to his voter base. Marijuana-friendly Jackson and the surrounding area would benefit from Democrat Pam Byrnes, who has received the endorsement of many women’s rights and social justice organizations.

8TH DISTRICT — The Republican contestant in this race, Rep. Mike Bishop, has neutral attitude might be considered an advantage compared to Bill Schuette. But Democrat Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing has openly supported statewide decriminalization.

9TH DISTRICT — Republican George

By Rick Thompson

By Larry Gabriel - Editor

where are the candidates when it comes to cannabis?

candidates cool on cannabisIllinois politicians in wait-and-see mode regarding marijuana

althouGh theRe are some distinctions on voters’ choices regarding candidates’ support for marijuana issues in Illinois, there is little heat on the subject. All the fireworks were last year when HB1 was debated and ultimately passed, and Gov. Pat Quinn signed it.

“Politicians are staying away from it intellectually,” says a political consultant who didn’t want to be named. “They don’t want it hot and heavy.”

At this point the state has just started taking applications for cultivation centers and patient registrations. No actual growing or distribution has started yet for the pilot program that was authorized, which means there is little for candidates to ballyhoo about concerning cannabis. Nobody’s going to see any legal medical marijuana for the next several months. Most folks in Illinois are taking a wait-and-see attitude about this. Still, there are some things that voters who support easing restrictions on marijuana might want to consider when they cast their votes.

In the governor’s race democratic incumbent Pat Quinn is a known entity. He signed the medical marijuana act into law. Republican challenger Bruce Rauner has said, “Medical marijuana is not something I’ve supported but it’s not a big issue for me.”

In response Quinn’s campaign has called Rauner “heartless,” pointing out that medical marijuana “will ease pain and provide relief for cancer patients” and others. Quinn seems committed to protecting access to medical marijuana in Illinois.

Democrat Attorney General Lisa Madigan and, challengers Republican Paul Schimpf and Libertarian Ben Koyl have all been pretty neutral on the subject. you might want to consider that Madigan is on the Quinn team and Quinn signed the bill so there’s little chance she’s going to stand against medical marijuana the way Michigan AG Bill Schuette has.

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent majority whip Dick Durbin, a Democrat, has recently cautioned against moving too fast at the federal level, but said, “Let’s watch how the states deal with medical marijuana before we try to establish a national policy.” He’s also on the record in supporting lower penalties for drug convictions. His opponent, Republican state Sen. Jim Oberweis, voted in favor of the Illinois medical marijuana law. Both seem to be allies of medical marijuana though it’s a question of who is the better ally. At this point Durbin, as majority whip, has experience and authority.

Things are pretty quiet at the state legislature level regarding marijuana.

2014 Michigan oters’ guide

continued, PG. 8 see CandidaTeScontinued, PG. 8 see VoTerS’ Guide

The American Cultivator | Fall 2014 | 5spotlight news

amish Parikh speaks on the Medical panel during the Chicago Cannabis Convention as illinois prepares for legal medical marijuana.

patients need doctorsone of the big problems in establishing medical marijuana therapies is getting doctors to understand it. Most

doctors have not been taught anything positive about marijuana in medical school and it’s hard to trust what you don’t know anything about it.

Even when a doctor is open to including medical marijuana in a therapy often the medical institution where that doctor works is resistant to the idea. There are many issues involving licensing and possible lawsuits that institutions are acutely aware of and would rather protect themselves than take a chance. In Michigan there have been doctors who recommended cannabis but ended the practice when told they would not have access to a hospital’s facilities or could not work at a clinic.

In addition, some patients are afraid to bring the subject of medical cannabis up with their doctors due to the social stigma associated with marijuana use.

This leads to the few doctors who are willing to recommend marijuana having a disproportionate number of medical marijuana patients, opening them up to the accusation that they are running marijuana prescription mills.

A De Paul University survey of 294 Illinois doctors’ offices earlier this year found that only five reported that their doctors would

sign medical marijuana recommendations.Maybe doctors from those offices

are the ones who showed up at a medical marijuana conference on Navy Pier sponsored by My Compassion, a nonprofit focused on education about the subject. The two-day conference featured panel discussions on legal, medical, patient and business aspects of the law’s implementation. Heidi Parikh, executive director of the nonprofit, found it easier to communicate with Illinois doctors than in Michigan.

“What we find when we go to Illinois is there’s more breakthrough with doctors from the onset,” says Parikh. “In Michigan we’re trying to make that breakthrough. It’s real different from our perspective. We have advanced so much further with every aspect than what we did in Michigan.”

Whatever the starting point, there’s still a long way to go in both states.

centers and 60 dispensaries statewide. The cultivation centers must maintain 24-hour video surveillance.

Although the law was signed in mid-2013 applications for cultivation centers took place this September, and patient certification has only just begun. Prospective patients with last names that begin with the letters A through L can apply for certification with the state through the end of October. Those with last names that begin with M through Z can apply in November and December.

It’s expected that the soonest anyone will see legal, medical marijuana in Illinois will be in spring 2015. Once cultivation permits are granted, facilities must be prepared and a few months allowed for growing.

It’s not like it’s been a picnic in Michigan just because the MMMA came on due to a petition initiative. The language of the MMMA is vague on some issues and state Attorney General Bill Schuette has fought for the strictest interpretations of the law possible – particularly when it comes to dispensaries and other types of exchanges, even patient to patient. Currently laws regarding local choice on allowing dispensaries and use of extracts for edibles are pending in the Michigan state legislature.

Illinois couldn’t take the same route. Petition initiatives there are only to amend the state constitution. Any medical marijuana law had to go through the legislative process.

Unlike many other states “severe and chronic pain,” as the MMMA defines it, is not a qualifying condition in Illinois. Disallowing this condition will probably limit the number of patients eligible in that state. In addition no psychiatric conditions are allowed. Although the original list of qualifying conditions in Michigan did not include it, the state registry has since added the psychiatric

condition Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.Regarding the amount patients are

allowed to have in each state, it’s kind of similar. Michigan patients are allowed two-and-a-half ounces at any one time; in Illinois patients will be allowed to buy up to two-and-a-half ounces every two weeks. Some have argued that the Illinois law allows too much, but the amount was set to allow enough for use in edibles.

Nobody knows yet, but some expect there will be fewer patients in Illinois because of the stricter rules. Also, the original Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act went into effect on Jan.1, 2014, and it ends after four years unless the state legislature extends it or creates a new law. Any federal laws could change the dynamic in the interim.

“Even the opposition realizes this is just an experiment and they’re going to let it play out,” says Linn. “There will be hiccups that will validate the fears. But they don’t see it worth their time to revoke this pilot program now that it’s here.”

The MMMA has been law for six years and there is no termination date.

Medical marijuana is in its infancy as a therapeutic tool. The federal government still lists it as a Schedule One drug with no accepted medical use. That is changing as more research, foreign and domestic, belies that classification. The issue as we move forward as a nation seems to be how medical marijuana will be administrated.

In the United States medical marijuana has expanded mostly in the hands of individuals outside the law. Now it is getting the attention of the legal and medical establishment. The more it moves in that direction states are following industrial models for production and distribution.

One thing for sure, by the time the Illinois pilot program times out in a little over three years, the landscape of medical marijuana will be vastly different.

Larry Gabriel is editor of The American Cultivator.

two statescontinued from Front Page

By TAC Staff

While the list of qualifying conditions in Illinois looks longer than Michigan’s,

that is because all qualifying conditions are listed specifically. While Michigan’s

list is shorter it includes general symptoms such as pain, nausea and seizures

that could be caused by a number of conditions that are not specifically listed.

IllInoIsQualifying Medical Conditions: Unlike most previous versions of the bill, there is no general category for “pain.” In addition, psychiatric conditions would not qualify.

The qualifying medical conditions are: cancer; glaucoma; HIV/AIDS; hepatitis C; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); Crohn's disease; agitation of Alzheimer’s disease; cachexia/wasting syndrome; muscular dystrophy; severe fibromyalgia; rheumatoid arthritis; spinal cord disease; Tarlov cysts; hydromyelia; syringomyelia; spinal cord injury; traumatic brain injury and post-concussion syndrome; multiple sclerosis; Arnold Chiari malformation; spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA); Parkinson’s disease; Tourette’s syndrome; myoclonus; dystonia; reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD); causalgia; CRPS; neurofibromatosis; chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; Sjogren’s syndrome; lupus; interstitial cystitis; myasthenia gravis; hydrocephalus; nail patella syndrome; residual limb pain; seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy, or the treatment of these conditions.

MIchIganQualifying conditions include: cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, nail patella, or the treatment of these conditions. A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe and chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Qualifying ConditionS f o r M e d i C a l M a r i j u a n a

A De Paul University survey of 294 Illinois doctors’ offices earlier this year found that

only five reported that their doctors would sign

medical marijuana recommendations.

alyssa erwiN turned 18 on oct. 5. That is incredible because in July doctors gave her just a few weeks to live. alyssa is a brain cancer patient whose family has been treating her with rick simpson hemp oil since she was 14 years old. when she was first diagnosed she was given about 18 months to live. after one round of chemo, alyssa was so sick that her parents stopped it and started simpson oil treatments. about the time she was supposed to die she was pronounced cancer free.

Unfortunately the teenager was not able to keep up her maintenance dose and the cancer reappeared about 17 months later with a vengeance in her brain and spinal fluids. in July she was down to 85 lbs. she had radiation treatments but doctors were pessimistic. her parents were able to restart the simpson oil treatments and she began gaining weight and vitality – in addition to getting off painkillers. More than two months after her last death sentence, alyssa is active, looks good and enjoys bowling with family and friends. a late November Mri will determine what stage her cancer is in.

alyssa will soon start a blog about her life journey at mycompassion.org.

Happy Birthday Alyssa Erwin

| The American Cultivator | Fall 20146 spotlight news

M e d ic al M aR i Juana legislation has picked up momentum in recent years. Out of the 23 states and the District of Columbia that

have medical marijuana laws 11 of them were enacted since 2010. That’s almost as many over the past five years as there were in the 14 years after 1996 when California became the first medical marijuana state. During that early period 12 states adopted medical marijuana laws.

“Once people get a look at regulated medical marijuana they realize it’s not the scary dragon they’ve been led to believe,” says Mason Tyvert, communications director for the Washington D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project.

In the past year since CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta endorsed medical marijuana and highlighted how the cannabinoid CBD has been useful in certain patients with seizure disorders, 10 states have passed very restrictive, so-called, CBD-only laws.

“We don’t consider them to be medical marijuana states,” says Tyvert. “They’re great for the patients that they help but that’s only about 2 percent of

the population that could be helped with medical marijuana. There’s not much traction with those laws but at least they’re moving in the right direction.”

Those laws seem to be an attempt to placate activists from pushing for more encompassing medical marijuana laws. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case in Florida where such a law was passed this year. Activist in that state have placed a state constitutional amendment on the

ballot this November to allow medical marijuana use for a far wider assortment of conditions. A recent Gravis marketing poll showed 64 percent of Florida voters will vote for the amendment so it looks like the number of legal states will grow to 24 this year.

Overall, Americans support the right to use medical marijuana. A January 2014 CNN-ORC poll showed 88 percent support for that.

In view of those numbers, some state legislatures have decided to get out in front of the game and pass medical marijuana laws before petition initiatives force their hand. That way they can shape things to their liking. Most of the recent laws that are passed through legislative action tend to focus distribution on state-licensed dispensaries and don’t allow home grows.

“It does seem like medical marijuana laws written by legislators tend to be

stricter,” says Tyvert. “They have to make compromises with other legislators that might not be as supportive.”

With medical marijuana laws in 23 states, it’s helpful to know a little something about where and under what conditions medical marijuana is available. Patients travel and it’s illegal to carry marijuana across state lines. Some states will accept medical marijuana registry cards from other states although most won’t. Some states with medical marijuana laws on the books don’t have it available yet. And the amount allowed can vary widely, from one ounce in Alaska, to 24 ounces in Oregon, a state where voters wil decide on legalizing recreational marijuana this November.

Even in states where recreational marijuana is allowed – currently Colorado and Washington – medical marijuana is a large and important segment of the profile there.

alaSkaSince: 1998How passed: 58% voteAllowed amount: 1 ozGrow your own: 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature)Accept other state card: no

arizonaSince: 2010How passed: 50.13% voteAllowed amount: 2.5 ozGrow your own: 12 plants if at least 25 miles from a dispen-saryAccept other state card: yes

CaliforniaSince: 1996How passed: 56% voteAllowed amount: 8 ozGrow your own: 6 mature or 12 immature plantsAccept other state card: no

ColoradoSince: 2000How passed: 54% voteAllowed amount: 2 oz

Grow your own: 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature)Accept other state card: no

ConneCtiCutSince: 2012How passed: House Bill 5389 (96-51 House, 21-13 Senate)Allowed amount: one month supplyGrow your own: noAccept other state card: no

diStriCt of ColuMbiaSince: 2010How passed: Amendment Act B18-622 (13-0)Allowed amount: 2 ozGrow your own: noAccept other state card: no

delawareSince: 2011How passed: Senate Bill 17 (27-14 House, 17-4 Senate)Allowed amount: 6 ozGrow your own: noAccept other state card: no

HawaiiSince: 2000How passed: SB 862 (32-18 House, 13-12 Senate)Allowed amount: 3 ozGrow your own: 7 plants (3 mature, 4 immature)Accept other state card: no

illinoiSSince: 2013How passed: House Bill 1 (61-57 House; 35-21 Senate)Allowed amount: 2.5 ozGrow your own: noAccept other state card: no

MaineSince: 1999How passed: 61% voteAllowed amount: 2.5 ozGrow your own: 6 plantsAccept other state card: yes

MarylandSince: 2014How passed: House Bill 881 (125-11 House; 44-2 Senate)Allowed amount: 30-day supply

Grow your own: noAccept other state card: no

MaSSaCHuSettSSince: 2012How passed: 63% voteAllowed amount: 60-day supply (10 oz)Grow your own: noAccept other state card: no

MiCHiganSince: 2008How passed: 63% voteAllowed amount: 2.5 ozGrow your own: 12 plantsAccept other state card: yes

MinneSotaSince: 2014How passed: Senate Bill 2470 (46-16 Senate, 89-40 House)Allowed amount: 30-day supply of non-smokable productGrow your own: noAccept other state card: no

MontanaSince: 2004How passed: 62% voteAllowed amount: 1 ozGrow your own: 16 plants (4 mature, 12 immature)Accept other state card: no

nevadaSince: 2000

How passed: 65% voteAllowed amount: 2.5 ozGrow your own: 12 plants if no dispensary in countyAccept other state card: yes

new HaMpSHireSince: 2013How passed: House Bill 573 (284-66 House; 18-6 Senate)Allowed amount: 2 ozGrow your own: noAccept other state card: yes

new jerSeySince: 2010How passed: Senate Bill 119 (48-14 House, 25-13 Senate)Allowed amount: 2 ozGrow your own: noAccept other state card: no

new MexiCoSince: 2007How passed: Senate Bill 523 (36-31 House; 32-3 Senate)Allowed amount: 6 ozGrow your own: 16 plants (4 mature, 12 immature)Accept other state card: no

new yorkSince: 2014How passed: Assembly Bill 6357 (117-13 Assembly, 49-10 Senate)Allowed amount: 30-day supply

non-smokable productGrow your own: noAccept other state card: no

oregonSince: 1998How passed: 55% voteAllowed amount: 24 ozGrow your own: 24 plants (6 mature, 18 immature)Accept other state card: no

rHode iSlandSince: 2006How passed: Senate Bill 0710 (52-10 House, 33-1 Senate)Allowed amount: 2.5 ozGrow your own: 12 plantsAccept other state card: yes

verMontSince: 2004How passed: Senate Bill 76 (22-7) HB 645 (82-59)Allowed amount: 2 ozGrow your own: 9 plants (2 mature, 7 immature) until dispensaries openRegistry transfer: no

waSHingtonSince: 1998How passed: 59% voteAllowed amount: 24 ozGrow your own: 15 plantsAccept other state card: no

guide to Medical Marijuana stateswhen on the go or considering a move, you need to be in the knowBy TAC Staff

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tHe following iS a liSting of medical marijuana states, how and when the law was enacted, how much you can have, if you can grow it and if the state recognizes cards from other states. we suggest checking out the local laws and discussing them with local organizations before making choices about marijuana in other states.

With medical marijuana laws in 23 states, it’s helpful to know a little something about where and under what conditions medical marijuana is available.


Brikho has strong ties to the medical marijuana community. He owns indoor gardening stores and has been present at industry fundraisers and events before he became a candidate. His battle may be an uphill one against longtime Democratic Rep Sander Levin, who received the worst score of any Michigan Democratic representative on the ASA scorecard regarding pro-marijuana bills.

10TH DISTRICT — Current Republican Rep. Candice Miller has been a disaster on the issue of medical marijuana. She received an "F" grade based on her voting record on cannabis issues. Democrat Chuck Stadler and Miller have squared off before; those who support easing restrictions against marijuana would like to see a different outcome.

11TH DISTRICT — Fortunately the incumbent, Kerry Bentivolio, lost the primary race. Republican candidate David Trott will profit greatly from gerrymandering in the district. Trott has the support of cannabis hater Mitt Romney,

so there’s not much doubt where he stands on the issue. Democratic contender Bobby McKenzie has not revealed an anti-cannabis stance.

12TH DISTRICT — Debbie Dingell, the wife of outgoing Michigan legend Rep. John Dingell, has her own mind on political issues. Nevertheless, John voted in support of marijuana law reform during his decades in Congress. That history could bode well for cannabis supporters.

13th district — Veteran Democrat Rep. John Conyers has earned the respect of the state’s social justice advocates and his voting record shows a support for cannabis law reform.

14TH DISTRICT — Brenda Lawrence: The Republican opposition in this race changed after the primary. Christina Conyers, the previous nominee and a relative of John Conyers, has moved out of state and her place on the ballot has been taken by Christina Barr. Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence has displayed an accommodating attitude toward the state medical marijuana law.

Rick Thompson is the editor of www.thecompassionchronicles.com.

you might want to look at how your representatives voted on the medical marijuana bill, it was a very close vote in the State Assembly with strong, although not exclusively, party-line voting: 51 Democrats and 5 Republicans voted yes; 39 Republicans and 18 Democrats voted no. Even among those who opposed the legislation there is no move to get rid

of the law.“They don’t see it worth their time to

revoke this pilot program now that it’s here,” says Linn, director of Illinois NORML.

Still free-swinging supporters Chicago Democrat Reps. Kelly Cassidy, Christian Mitchell and Michael Zalewski have all gone all out by sponsoring bills to decriminalize or lower penalties for marijuana possession.

Larry Gabriel is editor of The American Cultivator.

voters’ guide continued from page 4

candidates continued from page 4

Jamaica to “legalize it”It looks like Jamaica’s government is

coming around to the Rastafarian point of view regarding marijuana. Minister of Justice Mark Golding said that the Cabinet had approved changes to the law that would decriminalize possession of small amounts for personal use, smoking on private property and medicinal and religious use of marijuana. It’s not law yet but should be enacted in 2014.

The Afro-centric Rastafarian religion began in Jamaica in the 1930s. Its beliefs include that smoking ganja (marijuana) is a spiritual act. Reggae music sort of advertized ganja to the world in the 1960s and it has been a strong draw for tourists in addition to the white sand beaches and temperate climate.

This comes long after a National Commission on Ganja recommended decriminalization in 2001. However it comes on the tail of Uruguay legalizing marijuana as well as the states of Colorado and Washington, lending more impetus to easing prohibitive laws in the Western Hemisphere.

Medical Marijuana = fewer opioid deaths

Data recently published by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that the enactment of medical marijuana laws is associated with lower opioid overdose mortality rates. Investigators from the University of Pennsylvania, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NyC, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore conducted the analysis of state death certificate data from 1999-2010. They found that "States with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid

overdose mortality rate compared with states without medical cannabis laws."

Overdose deaths from substances such as oxycodone, vicodin, morphine and codeine dropped by an average of 20 percent the first year a medical marijuana law is implemented, and up to 33 percent by the fifth or sixth year.

More Research WantedIn June, a group of 30 congressional

representatives sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services demanding that it ease restriction on medical marijuana research so that we can learn more about the effect of cannabinoids, the active substances in cannabis. The letter reads,” We believe the widespread use of medical marijuana should necessitate research into what specific relief it offers and how it can best be delivered for different people and different conditions. yet, the scientific research clearly documenting these benefits has often been hampered by federal barriers.”

More than a million Americans in 23 states plus the District of Columbia use medical marijuana and 88 percent of Americans believe it should be legalized for medical use.

$3 Billion in Marijuana taxesThe finance website nerdwallet.com

has published an analysis finding that a legal cannabis market in the United States would produce more than $3 billion in taxes each year. The state-by-state analysis assumed a 15 percent tax. California, New york, Florida, Texas and Illinois were estimated to be the top beneficiaries of taxes on marijuana.

Cannabis news briefs

www.theamericancultivator.com


health MediciNe

scieNceWellnesshealing the Heart and Mind

the Goal of holistic medicine is to heal the body, mind and spirit. From the perspective of complete and true

healing, cannabis helps not only cope with physical issues, it also reduces mental stress and is helpful to the heart. Dr. Andrew Weil, a prominent proponent of holistic or integrative medicine, observes that cannabis helps us see more and embrace the world.

The Beckley Foundation of Great Britain has documented that a deeper contemplation into the spiritual aspects of life are added benefits of thoughtful and reflective cannabis use. Beckley has researched the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids as well as the positive connection between cannabis and creativity. It is building an international network of spiritual thinkers who believe that spirit medicine can change the world through a change of human consciousness. Possibly more peace, acceptance and joy will result – in other words, by improving human consciousness, improved mental health of the entire society may result.

Beyond the efficacy of cannabis in modern medical use, many healing traditions of our ancestors used cannabis for psychological healing breakthroughs.

How we see, think and feel about life affects how we handle illness, stress and the daily choices and decisions that create the sense of life's meaning and ultimate value. How we view the world influences our human behavior and the possible future.

you could start or restart your life long vision quest by utilizing one of the self-help processes or rituals to create your future? For example, among close and trusted friends and caregivers, explore your body, mind and spirit by silent setting, meditation, quiet walks, sitting before the fire pit, dancing, yoga, stretching or joining a support group to talk about life issues. Psycho-spiritual reflection can allow a deep look at your family issues, health, wealth, relationships, sexuality, spirituality and life legacy.

Remember this is an effort to heal our lives. It is a holistic journey which includes how we think, feel and see life. With the right attitude cannabis can bring not only less personal psychological stress but also a more non-violent mind and less social aggression.

This requires listening to your inner guide, which is often helped along by cannabis. For skeptics, think of this as your gut feelings or heartfulness. Think with your heart and your head. For spiritual seekers and those on vision quest think of it as the inner shaman, that deepest part of you who really loves and accepts you.

Notice that thoughtful cannabis use can give you more psychological adaptability. It might bring practical results that allow you more flexibility, acceptance and appreciation of life: a state of greater inner

peace and probably greater outer peace. For those who want more soul in their lives cannabis can open the doors of perception to your universal connectedness.

Perhaps it can lead to more human unity and a consciousness evolution which will change a paradigm of fear to one of love and joy. Cannabis can help you on your unique, personal journey to self-acceptance, self-forgiveness and an open heart toward all of life. We just need a little bit more of solitude, a whole lot of gratitude, a loving attitude and a little bit of cannabis. It gives us guts, brains and compassion. Something we all need.

Mike Whitty is a former stringer for The West Coast Leaf and a stress reduction trainer. You can contact him at [email protected].

cannabis may help improve human consciousnessBy Michael Whitty, Phd

For those who want more soul in their lives cannabis can open the

doors of perception to your universal

connectedness.

Captain Kirk’s Lemon Carrot Cake By Kirk Reid

Cake ingredients:No stick cooking spray1 cup all purpose flour1 cup whole wheat flour1 ¼ tsp baking powder1 tsp baking soda1 tsp table salt1 tsp ground cinnamon½ cup packed brown sugar¼ cup granulated white sugar2 large beaten eggs¼ cup melted canna butter½ cup applesauce2 cups finely grated Carrots4 fl oz carrot juice2 tsp nutmegiCing ingredients:½ cup powdered sugar½ tsp vanilla extract2 tsp fresh lemon juice2 ¾ Tbsp cream cheese at room temperature

DIRECTIONS:Preheat oven to 350F. Coat a Bundt pan with a generous coating of cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk together both types of flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt: set aside for a bit.

Using an electric mixer and a large bowl, beat together both sugars, eggs and melted canna butter until light and fluffy. Add applesauce and beat again. Fold in carrots and nutmeg. Working with small amounts alternate putting in the flour mixture with juice, until batter is blended; beat on high for 30 seconds more.

Pour batter into prepared the Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean, about 50 to 60 minutes. Cool cake in pan for 20 minutes then turn it out onto a cooling wire cooling rack. Let cool completely.

While the cake is cooling off, combine icing ingredients in a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer until well combined (if necessary add water for desired consistency). Drizzle or pour icing over the cake and let it sit 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy.

Captain Kirk is a three-time First Place High Times Cannabis Cup winner for his delicious and effective edibles.

The American Cultivator | Fall 2014 | 11Wellness

Y ou have three main portions of your brain — the brainstem, the cerebrum and the limbic system which connects the first two. The

brainstem is the primitive or reptilian portion and is responsible for keeping the species alive. It regulates the heart rate and respiration. The cerebrum is the grey matter of the mammalian brain and is the cognitive part of the brain. The limbic system, which includes several structures including the amygdala, is a control system that switches between these two crucial brain parts.

The brainstem response is automatic and very fast. Cerebral responses take longer. In dangerous situations, you may not have time to think about what is happening, but have to react immediately to save your life. your brainstem has programmed responses of fight, flight or fright. your response to a situation may cause you to flee, stand and fight, or freeze in place. These preprogrammed responses occur quickly without thought. When this happens you actually switch off your cognitive response to a stimulus because you have already made your evaluation and do not need additional information to make a decision.

This is called the amygdala hijack. The amygdala is the alerting mechanism of the brain. It causes an anxiety reaction of super alertness, elevated heart rate and respiration. When the amygdala takes over control of the human, it causes this automatic response and prevents any cognitive thought. Additional information is considered an irritation and is not welcome because your response is preprogrammed and you just

don’t need to think about it anymore. When the amygdala perceives a threat, it can lead that person to react irrationally and destructively.

The cortical brain controls empathy and is associated with positive thoughts. The amygdala however is associated with negative or depressive thoughts. When you think of any situation of only how it affects you, then you use the hindbrain and cannot cognate or understand how the situation affects someone else. Accurate appraisal of reality depends on the pre-medial cortex which invokes empathy and gives you a more accurate perception of the reality. If you can’t understand how it feels to be the other

person you are not viewing reality and you are using the hindbrain.

There are triggers that may put a person into amygdalar mode and hijack cognitive rational thought processes. The triggers initiate an immediate preprogrammed response and are related to security issues. Threats to the security of life, family, home, food or income cause a knee-jerk response. No thought is needed because it just slows the process of responding to a threat.

Sometimes modern life is full of stimuli that may startle us but not be a real threat. In these situations it is best not to over-react to situations which

may initially seem dangerous, but are ultimately non-threatening. you can control your reaction to such stimuli by repeated exposure and understanding there really is no danger there. This takes time and effort and a desire to avoid the panic caused by the amygdala.

Cannabis and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a control system for the amygdala, suppressing its activity. The ECS inhibits the anxiety caused by the amygdala and allows you to be calm, focused and able to use you cognitive response a higher percentage of the time.

When you first use cannabis the number of functioning cannabinoid receptors multiplies exponentially. In effect

you have more inhibitory control of your neurons. This causes neural-plasticity or more control of neural connections. This may allow unrelated issues to be related in such a way that new concepts occur. This may be termed an epiphany or sudden realization of the truth of the matter. your body has a functioning ECS that may be augmented by exogenous use of phytocannabinoids such as cannabis. Some people may have enzyme defects in the production or degradation of our bodies own endocannabinoids. People with defects in their ECS may have depression, anxiety, insomnia and have anger problems which may be secondary to the inability to control your limbic system and the amygdala. This is why cannabis helps these issues. This makes all cannabis use medical, even if you don’t understand the science.

But theRe is MoRe!Scientist can determine exactly

where the DNA segment that codes for the CB1 Cannabinoid receptor resides on the strand of DNA. Scientist can knock out this segment of DNA code and replace it with gibberish DNA. When mice are born with this DNA they can be scientifically proven to not have the CB1, cannabinoid receptor. The Scientist can then do experiments comparing normal mice with CB1 receptors against the Knock-out mice to determine what affect the receptor has.

Knock-out mice are peculiar animals that get cancers at an alarming rate compared to mice with the CB1 receptor. Knock-out mice startle easily and seem to have a denial of reality and repeat behavior that is destructive. There seems to be a problem with extinguishing previously learned behavior. They deny new information in favor of old learned behavior.

MoRRis WateR MazeScientist developed a method of

testing memory and memory extinction by placing mice in a large flooded container called the Morris Water Maze. This circular container has a camera above it to record the swimming paths of the mice in the maze. The scientists place an invisible sub-surface stage in the flooded container. The mice swim around and eventually find the hidden stand. The mice can then keep their head above the water and save themselves.

Both normal mice with CB1 receptors and Knock-out mice without CB1 receptors are trained over several days to find the stand. Both groups of mice eventually swim directly for the stand from visual clues in the Morris Water Maze. They learn to look for where the position of the stand is by repetition.

After this training session is complete, scientist repeat the experiment with both groups of mice, but they move the invisible subsurface stage to a new location. The normal mice with CB1 receptors swim around until they find the new location of the stage. The knock-out mice however, continuously swim where the stage was even to their death. Even if the knock-out mice are picked up and placed on the stage in its new location, they will swim off and attempt to find it in the previous location. It is like they deny reality by the inability to extinguish old learned behavior.

Apparently the lack of CB1 receptors allows less control of the amygdala and causes the animal to live in a state of fear and anxiety. When this state of brainstem behavior occurs it is near impossible to communicate with the person with diminished cognitive ability. When you try to give additional information it will be viewed with contempt and disdain.

Do our politicians who don’t use cannabis have decreased number and function of the cannabinoid receptors? Does this lack of cannabinoid receptors cause them to do repetitive destructive behavior? Does the lack of CB1 receptors cause them to and avoid additional information that would cause cognitive dissonance? Do people with dysfunctional CB1 receptors show the signs of brainstem reaction to stimuli instead of using cognition to solve a problem? The inability to control the amygdala results in less time in mammalian cognitive thought and more time in brainstem response to any given stimulus.

This cannot be good for the species or the society.

By David B. Allen M.D.

The Morris water Maze (above) is used to test memory in mice with and without the CB1 cannabinoid receptor.

Accurate appraisal of reality depends on the pre-medial cortex which invokes

empathy and gives you a more accurate perception of the reality.

ControllIng the braInHow the Endocannabinoid System Affects Fight and Flight

Please send your comments about the articles you read in the american cultivator, or about any other cannabis issues, to [email protected]

We value your opinion. AcRoSS3. leaf6. clinton8. narc9. stems11. cannabinoids13. toke16. california19. Bill Maher

20. munchies21. seeds

Down 1. blunt 2. THc 4. Simpson 5. MMMA 7. vaporize

8. nausea 10. white castle 12. Up In Smoke 14. Hash Bash 15. clone 17. brownie 18. noRML 19. bud

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eNterPrisetechNoloGy

coMModitiesCannabusiness

the cannaBis industRy is surprisingly popular in the investment world. The gradual progression of legalization creates the

perfect environment for speculation as many retail investors are looking to cash in on the end of marijuana prohibition. However, retail investors are not the only ones showing interest, institutional investors and those in industries that could be affected by legalization are also starting to take notice. It’s an incredibly volatile environment as most issues trade for less than a dollar and in many cases, for fractions of a cent. There are a few non-penny stock plays, but for

many investors, they already represent a missed opportunity.

While cannabis has been around for ages, its new found acceptance among Americans has been a catalyst for more progressive legislative changes. The various forms of state level decriminalization and legalization provides for a legal landscape where the risk of prosecution and loss of assets has moved into acceptable ranges for some. In other words, people are willing to take more chances in the space because the reduced risk makes the potential upside more attractive. The potential upside is due to continued progress in state level legislation and of course the ultimate milestone of progress which is full legalization.

Full legalization will happen sooner than most people think and will still likely catch many off guard. That’s because it’s hard to imagine that those with more conservative views are ready to accept change. I don’t mention this to highlight the ethical aversion to cannabis as a lesson in morality; I mention it because it is a significant risk for cannabis investors that should be factored into their analysis. Think of the changing morality around cannabis as a leading indicator of progress in the industry and the lack thereof as a reason to say, well … have prison stocks in your portfolio.

The benefits of cannabis are spurring legislators into action; not an easy thing to do these days. It’s almost impossible to ignore the many children that seem

to be benefiting from cannabidiol (CBD), one of the non-psychoactive cannabinoids in marijuana. For example, there is increasing evidence that some children suffering from a severe form of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome are experiencing a significant reduction in seizures when using CBD. The effect was highlighted in CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanja Gupta’s special “Weed” where he featured Charlotte Figi who after starting a regimen of CBD at the age of 5 had her seizures reduced from over 1,000 each month to just a few.

I suggest the investors look to the areas of the cannabis business that most interest them. Investing in something that you like will make your research seem much less like work and more like following a hobby. Of course, investing is not a hobby and you should consider consulting a professional before adding speculative stocks to your portfolio. And don’t forget about the basics such as management capability, location, competitors and financial health. In many cases, one or more of these elements won’t be great. Just remember, you aren’t looking for perfection with penny stocks, you’re looking for potential.

Perry Coleman handles investor relations for Medical Marijuana, Inc.

By Perry Coleman

investing in an evolving Marijuana Market

Full legalization will happen sooner than

most people think and will still likely catch

many off guard.

a lot of PeoPle are plunging into the marijuana business as various types of legalization sweeps across the country. Still, with the feds not on board, there are possibilities that people who handle marijuana can be arrested, or goods and money can be confiscated. It may not happen but it does from time to time, especially if the business people are lax about details.

you can avoid all stress by working with related entities that have no contact with marijuana.

Take for instance lawyers and doctors.

Lawyers advise others who want to get into the marijuana business and doctors recommend for patients and treat them in therapies that include marijuana. Both charge a fee and don’t handle marijuana.

But you don’t have to have an M.D. or J.D. to benefit from the green rush. In many areas marijuana is grown indoors. Those growers need supplies such as lights, nutrients, hydroponic systems, and air and humidity regulators, all sorts of things for growing. And if you’re not the storekeeper type maybe you want to invest in publicly traded companies that manufacture and sell these things. Every time a state legalizes medical marijuana a new market opens.

There’s also money to be made teaching people how to grow marijuana if you have that experience. Carpenters, electricians and contractors also have potential in helping to build grow rooms at the residential or industrial level.

Security systems are also big in the marijuana business. The Illinois law mandates that its 22 cultivation centers have 24-hour video surveillance. Provisioning centers everywhere have high security needs – whether at the video level or at the level of software to regulate other security systems. As a matter of fact software for inventory control, growing systems and legal

compliance are all needed in the industry.Edible marijuana needs labels and

packaging that can be created in facilities where there is no marijuana. Advertising and public relations are part of the marijuana scene, the Marijuana Policy Project recently started a “consume responsibly” campaign in Colorado.

Media in general has been picking up the weed. There have been a lot of documentaries about marijuana popping up lately, independent and for cable networks. Maybe we’ll soon see a sitcom about people who work at a dispensary?

The possibilities may be as endless as your imagination.

hands offBy TAC Staff

there’s money to be made even without direct contact with marijuana

| The American Cultivator | Fall 201416 Cannabusiness

With all the attention that cannabis has been receiving of late, and the increasing recognition of the endocannabinoid

system and cannabinoids for health, the one major conclusion I can make at this time is… that we still know very little.

Whether you’re just hearing about CBD, CBG, THCa, terpenoids, etc., or if they are something you’ve researched and become familiar with, you should realize that we are only scratching the surface when it comes to cannabinoid use in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

Some of the most cutting edge cannabinoid research was presented in June at the International Cannabinoid Research Society’s annual symposium in Baveno, Italy. Pre and post doctorate level scientists addressed the wide spectrum of cannabinoids, their potential for treating disease, and how to best move this emerging industry forward with integrity.

Leading the way in cannabinoid research is definitely Cannabidiol, or CBD. Considered the second most popular or prevalent cannabinoid to THC, Cannabidiol doesn’t have the psychoactive effects of THC, but research has been showing CBD has some amazing health properties which include being neuro-protective, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and more. Cannabidiol has been incorporated into products for skin health and topical application for pain as well.

There is definitely an increased demand

for CBD. Even mainstream media has been reporting on families who move to states where medical marijuana is legal, in order to get CBD for their children with seizures, epilepsy, and related disorders. you may have heard that the cannabis industry has been developing strains, such as Charlotte’s Web and Harlequin, that have high levels of CBD, and low THC. Some states are passing “CBD Only” laws in order to allow access to these specific strains, but access has been limited and illegal in states without medical marijuana laws.

Fortunately, it’s been recently discovered that a good source of CBD can be found in the mature stalks of the hemp plant. A close cousin of marijuana, hemp has extremely low levels of THC. We know that hemp is found legally in the United States as hemp protein, oil, seeds, and hemp hearts. While the seeds do not typically contain significant levels of CBD, pressing the stalks and extracting the CBD-rich oil is providing an alternative for people seeking cannabidiol. Legal in all 50 states, CBD-rich hemp oil is rapidly gaining in popularity and being incorporated into a variety of supplements, body/personal care items, and food products.

It’s a new day for hemp. In fact, one of the keynote lectures presented at the International cannabinoid conference in Italy was by Giovanni Appendino, PhD, who focused on industrial hemp and its attributes. He highlighted the spectrum of cannabinoids found in hemp. He also addressed the close similarity between hemp and hops, the main ingredient in beer.

Industrial hemp has been used in

China for over 10,000 years. While trees mature in 50-100 years, hemp matures in as little as 100 days, In addition to being a sustainable source of fiber, being used for textiles, bio-fuels, and in nutritional supplements, hemp has over 25,000 known uses. In fact, it is estimated that if 6 percent of the continental United States was planted with hemp, it would provide

for all national energy needs and more. While that is a goal we should all hope to see in our lifetime, the new discovery of cannabidiol in the mature stalks of hemp now offers another attribute for this amazing gift from Nature.

Dr. Rob Streisfield is a Chicago-based doctor of naturopathic medicine and author of A Healthier Ever After.

it’s a new day for heMpBy Dr Rob Streisfeld

•TheUSGovernmentholdsapatent,USPatent#6,630,507,whichsupportsthehealthbenefitsofCannabidiolandothercannabinoids.

•WhilethereiscontinuousresearchbeingdoneonCannabidiol,therehasnotbeena“RecommendedDailyAllowance”orspecificdosingguidelinesdetermined.WhileCBDisbeingusedathigherlevelstherapeuticallybyhealthpractitionerstotreatspecifichealthconditions,lowtomoderatelevelsofCBDseemtobebeneficialonadailybasistosupportoverallwellness.Moreisn’talwaysbetter.

•TheamountofTHCfoundinCBD-richHempoilisusuallylessthan1percent,andwillnotgetyouhigh.

•Cannabidiolwhenextractedfromhempislegalinall50states,butnotsowhenfrom“wholeplant”cannabisakamarijuana.

•CBDhasbeenusedsafelyinbothchildrenandpets.

•Aswithanyherbalorplantextract,itisimportanttoknowthattheextractionandpurificationprocessesutilizedaredoneprofessionallyandsustainably.FindatrustedsourceforyourCBD.

Some key things to know about CBD and CBD-Rich hemp oil

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The American Cultivator


arts eNtertaiNMeNt

liFestylehemp Culture

ImPlemeNTs for medicating with marijuana can be a whole lot more than functional. Glass blowing and making has gained a whole new lease on life as marijuana has gained acceptance across the country. These pipes were on display at the masscan/NORML Boston Freedom Rally.

It’s Art!

Crossword

Answers at bottom of page 11.

The American Cultivator 2014 Fall Issue Michigan Edition

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