Study says states can legalize marijuana despite federal ban

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Bob Berwyn
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How will the federal government respond to state legalization of marijuana?

Congressional Research Service analyzes various legal options for state and federal governments

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — With several pending bills in Congress aimed at clarifying the role of state governments in regulating marijuana, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service recently took a swing at the issue, releasing a legal analysis aimed at helping lawmakers understand the ramifications of the proposed laws.

The analysis found that that there may some wiggle room when it comes to interpreting the Controlled Substances Act, which makes marijuana illegal under federal law. (more…)

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Is Colorado a source for illegal marijuana exports?

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Bob Berwyn

Cannabis legalization also renews concerns about increased use by youth

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Drug-related disciplinary actions at schools have increased since medical marijuana was legalized in Colorado.

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — An early March drug bust by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is just one of the indications that Colorado is becoming a source state for marijuana distribution and illegal sales in other states. It’s also a warning that easy accessibility to marijuana may have other consequences, including more use by teens, according to Summit County Sheriff John Minor.

The week-long drug interdiction operation at all four local Post Offices yielded more than 13.5 pounds of marijuana and marijuana edibles, along with other illegal substances, resulted in numerous arrests and serious charges. The operation was aimed at reducing the number suspected narcotic parcels or narcotic proceeds being shipped through the U.S. Postal Service.

Some of the marijuana edibles were “professionally packaged” and may have come from legal marijuana dispensaries, but there’s no indication that any local dispensaries were involved in illegal activities, said sheriff’s office spokesperson Tracy LeClair.

“It certainly appears that Colorado is now a source state,” Minor said, explaining that law enforcement agencies in other states are reporting illegal sales of marijuana and marijuana-infused products from Colorado, in most cases purchased at Colorado dispensaries. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

Colorado panel finishes marijuana report

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Bob Berwyn
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Report outlines recommendations for the implementation of Amendment 64.

State task force recommends excise tax, labeling rules

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — A  task force says its final recommendations for implementing Amendment 64, which legalizes adult marijuana use in Colorado, lays the groundwork for a robust state regulatory framework that will ensure adequate oversight, consumer protection and prevention and treatment programs for young people.

Key recommendations include what the task force is calling “vertical integration,” meaning that cultivation, processing and manufacturing, and retail sales must be under common ownership. (more…)

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Will Congress act on marijuana legalization?

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Bob Berwyn

Proposed legislation would empower states, create tax framework

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Colorado’s burgeoning medical marijuana industry still operates in a gray area between state and federal laws.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Saying that the power to unravel the marijuana mess lies with Congress, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) and U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) this week introduced measures that would de-federalize marijuana policy and create a framework for the federal taxation of cannabis.

To provide context for the legislation, the lawmakers released a report that outlines the history of what they called the failed war on marijuana and explains that more than 100 million Americans live in jurisdictions where governments and voters have decided that some aspect of marijuana should be legally permitted. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

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