One of the primary issues for marijuana legalization opponents is the potential public health risks, including addiction. While four states have now legalized pot for recreational use, others have decriminalized possession and paved the way for medical use. But is pot really addictive? Does it have chemically additive quality? Is…
Colorado has been criticized internally, by neighboring states, politicians, non-profits, the medical community, and individuals who only see the negative side of legalization. While there are potential medical and public health risks, there are also potential economic losses and other business damages related to the marijuana industry. Colorado’s neighboring states…
In California and nationwide, the world’s most powerful entrepreneurs and innovators are getting behind the marijuana business. According to recent reports, co-founder of Paypal, Peter Theil, is investing millions of dollars in a Seattle-based marijuana venture. Even though marijuana is still considered illegal under federal law, entrepreneurs have seen their…
Legalization of marijuana means that employers will likely have to change their policies. Previously, employers have had the right to drug test employees before hiring or could randomly drug test an employee. In the event that an employee tested positive, employers had a reason to terminate. But, now that the…
The proposed Marijuana Tax Equity Act would end the federal prohibition on marijuana sales, effectively allowing it to be taxed by the federal government. While it would alleviate some of the fears of prosecution among growers, sellers and users, it would also create additional tax liabilities for those in the…
Marijuana is a leading treatment to help prevent epileptic seizures. In addition to research on the benefits of marijuana use, scientists are also studying how to predict when someone with epilepsy could have a seizure. According to reports, researchers won a contest for data scientists after studying brain activity to…
A federal judge ruled that the government lost its opportunity to seize a medical marijuana dispensary when it accepted $150,000. In May 2013, the federal government filed a forfeiture complaint against the owners of a property in San Francisco. The complaint accused the tenant of selling marijuana within 1,000 feet…
Despite the changing tides for entrepreneurship in states that have legalized or decriminalized marijuana sales and use, many business owners are still hesitant given the potential for Department of Justice involvement or DEA enforcement of federal law. A historic measure similar to the one passed by the House earlier this…
Legalization of marijuana is not only shifting individual usage patterns, local markets, and medical treatment options–it is also having an impact on the global marijuana industry. While Colorado and Washington have completely legalized recreational use, over half of states have legalized marijuana for medical use. More legal growing operations in…
Officers who suspect that a driver is under the influence of alcohol can quickly test their own theory. In addition to field sobriety tests, officers can use a calibrated breathalyzer device which should correctly indicate the blood alcohol level of the driver. Nationwide, law enforcement departments are struggling with how…