What is your view point on marijuana in light of some of the newer study being conducted?

2015-07-09T05:41:20-04:00

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2486218-banned-but-bountiful-marijuana-coveted-by-nfl-players-as-invaluable-painkiller?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

Here is a interesting article I just read and it made me think now that we as a country are starting to see a shift in the perception of marijuana I thought I would ask the RP community what is your thought of the newer studies done both for and against the use today?

NFL Players View Pot as a Savior

Jamal Anderson was a talented NFL running back with a bruising style who rushed for over 5,000 yards while playing for the Atlanta Falcons...

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 9 at 2015 6:52 AM

2015-07-09T06:52:33-04:00

The way the CSA is currently written and enforced, Marijuana cannot be researched for medical application because of its Schedule 1 listing. It is effectively a "banned" substance, as far as the Federal government is concerned.

(Oversimplification follows) The problem with that is that is there are two major compounds in it. THC (Recreational), and CBD (Medical). By banning the complete substance, we've completely removed all Medical applications, as well as Recreational applications which can be used medically (like painkillers).

But it's the law of the land. It doesn't have to make sense. It doesn't have to be reasonable. It is the Law. Until the Law is changed, that's the deal.

Currently the Federal government is taking a non-enforcement stance in select states (CO/WA, and I believe OR), but that doesn't mean that it is permanent, and this is creating larger issues.

The fix to this, is shifting it "down" the CSA from Schedule 1 to something which allows Medical Research OR moving it over to the BATFE's purview to be regulated & taxed like other recreational substances (Alcohol & Tobacco). My understanding based on comments by Gov Gary Johnson during his election campaign (for President) is that this can be done via Executive Order OR it can be done via Congress. It just takes someone willing to do it.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jul 9 at 2015 8:26 AM

2015-07-09T08:26:42-04:00

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member, living in Colorado - a state where cannabis is legal - there is a lot of debate continuing about the medical aspects, the recreational use, and the industry (and taxes) it has created. I know several people who work for companies that produce both types of marijuana products, and work as armed escorts for the cash transactions (since FDIC banks won't take any "pot money."). There is a proven medicinal value; however, my verdict is still out on the recreational use.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jul 9 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-07-09T16:58:42-04:00

There's a unified effort between Colorado and Oregon to work the financial aspects of legalized marijuana...
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/governor/news/gov-hickenlooper-statement-bipartisan-bill-provide-banking-services-legal-marijuana-businesses

Gov. Hickenlooper statement on bipartisan bill to provide banking services for legal marijuana...

DENVER — Thursday, July 9, 2015 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today issued the following statement in support of the Marijuana Businesses Access to Banking Act of 2015, a bill to ensure that legal marijuana businesses can access banking services. The bill was introduced by Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).