The draft regulations came after a long awaited 8 months after Washington voters legalized the recreational use of cannabis for adults in November. Since then, the staff at the state Liquor Control Board has spent countless hours “studying the science of getting high” and have visited many grow houses to get some first hand experience. Apparently, the board has learned so much that they have nicknamed the board’s chairwoman, Sharon Foster, “the queen of weed”.

“They are based upon hundreds of hours of internal research and deliberation, consultation with multiple industry experts and input from over 3,000 individuals who attended our forums statewide,” said Foster when asked about the draft regulations.

The rules cover everything from limiting a “serving size” of cannabis and rules on waste disposal to requiring a label that says, “may be habit forming,” on any marijuana product sold at a state-licensed store.

What Do The Regulations Look Like?

Like Colorado, there will be a “seed-to-store” system put in place, but retail stores would not be permitted to grow their own cannabis. Unlike Colorado, where they are required to cultivate at least 70% of their inventory, Washington cannabis shops will be required to buy their medicine from licensed producers and processors.

All cannabis and related products will be required to be lab tested through a third-party, certified laboratory. Each certified lab must employ a Scientific Director who has earned a doctorate in chemical or biological sciences to be responsible for ensuring the maintenance of quality standards. Additionally, a laboratory may not have any direct or indirect financial interest in the company for whom they are conducting required quality assurance tests.

“They are based upon hundreds of hours of internal research and deliberation, consultation with multiple industry experts and input from over 3,000 individuals who attended our forums statewide.” - Sharon Foster

After having their cannabis and related products tested, retailers would be required to disclose the name of the accredited third-party lab and test results if the customer requests such information. Similarly, retailers may not label any of their products as “organic” unless it is certified as such by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Marijuana retail stores will only be licensed to sell useable marijuana, marijuana-infused products, and marijuana paraphernalia to persons twenty-one years of age and older. Stores will be permitted to sell marijuana extracts, such as hash, hash oil, shatter, and wax if they are infused in products sold. Despite that, the extracts will not be permitted to be sold if they are not infused in products.

A single serving of cannabis-infused product would amount to no more than 10 mg of active THC, and products can contain no more than 10 servings or 100 mg of active THC. All infused product packaging will be required to protect the product from harmful contaminates and may not expose the product to toxic substances. In addition, all usable cannabis and infused products would need labels with the following warnings: “Caution: When eaten, the intoxicating effects of this drug may be delayed by two or more hours;” “For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children;” “This product is unlawful outside of Washington State,” or, “May be habit forming.”

All labels would be required to display the business or trade name and Washington state unified business identifier number of the licensees that produced, processed and sold the cannabis; the lot number; the concentration of THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, CBN, CBG and other active cannabinoids (potency/cannabinoid profile); and the net weight.

Customers over the age of 21 will be limited to buying up to one ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of infused product or 27 ounces of liquid products during a single transaction. All marijuana sales — both retail and wholesale — would be taxed at a rate of 25%.

Official Draft Rules Will Be Filed In June

Washington will hear public feedback until June 10th, at which point the final rule-making process will begin. Recreational cannabis sales will begin in Washington in early 2014 unless the DOJ has other plans for the state.

Governor Jay Inslee was proud of the board’s work and stated that it couldn’t have been done much better to allay concerns of the feds. “I don’t think you could design a system with much more integrity as far as tracking the product from the producer to the consumer. I think this plan has a robust system of control and checks in a variety of ways,” Gov. Inslee told the Seattle Times.

The poll of 623 registered voters was released yesterday by the Siena Research Institute. Support for legalization of medical marijuana was equal in both Democratic and Republican parties at 81% while only 17% and 14% opposed, respectively. Even 77% of conservative voters polled in support.

“New Yorkers clearly, overwhelmingly support compassionate care for the sick and dying. So what’s the hold up in Albany? This proposal has been delayed for fifteen years. It’s time for our elected representatives in Albany to show some moral clarity and compassion, and move this measure forward so that those New Yorkers suffering with cancer or other debilitating conditions can get the relief they need and deserve,” said Gabriel Sayegh, Drug Policy Alliance’s New York State Director.

“It’s time for our elected representatives in Albany to show some moral clarity and compassion, and move this measure forward…” – Gabriel Sayegh

New York currently has a medical marijuana bill in the legislature by the name of the Compassionate Care Act. The bill, Assembly Bill 6357, would allow medical professionals to consult their patients how they see fit, prescribing medical marijuana to those suffering from serious illnesses for which cannabis is likely to have a therapeutic or palliative benefit.

If the bill passes, New York would become the 21st state to sign off on medical marijuana legislation. Of course, that’s if Governor Pat Quinn signs off on House Bill 1, which would make Illinois the 19th. Under the bill, patients would be required to sign up with a patient registry, permitted to carry up to 2 ounces at one time, and patients nor designated caregivers would not allowed  to grow their own medicine.

The bill would create one of the most tightly controlled medical marijuana programs in the country, and has been given prior approval by the Assembly Health Committee. It will now make its way through the Ways and Means Committee before being voted on by the full Assembly. A final vote in the Senate is not yet scheduled.

House Bill 1, if signed off on by the Governor, would make Illinois the 20th state to legalize marijuana for medical use; right behind Maryland.

The measure, was approved by the 59 member Senate in a 35-21 vote after being passed in the Senate Executive Committee just a week ago. The bill will now be brought by its sponsoring Senator, Bill Haine (D-Alton), to Governor Pat Quinn’s desk to seal the deal.

“We are confident a strict, controlled implementation of this for those who suffer pain with the diseases and conditions listed in the act can well be served… Many of us have anecdotal evidence of the value of this. Doctors’ groups have endorsed this, nurses,” said Senator Haine.

“We are confident a strict, controlled implementation of this for those who suffer pain with the diseases and conditions listed in the act can well be served.” – Sen. Bill Haine

The four-year pilot medical marijuana program, if passed, would name 42 ailments and diseases and would require a doctor’s prescription before buying cannabis. A patient would be allowed up to 2.5 ounces per two weeks and would not be permitted to grow their own medicine. Instead, 22 licensed growers will be providing the medicine for the 60 dispensaries that are expected to open.

Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) told the Chicago Tribune that he is worried about endorsing a gateway drug that the federal government has classified as a controlled substance.

“For every touching story we have heard about the benefits to those in pain, i remind you today that there are a thousand time more parents who will never be relieved from the pain of losing a child due to addiction, which in many cases started with the very illegal, FDA-unapproved, addiction-forming drug that you are asking us to now make a normal part of our communities,” stated McCarter.

Although the governor has not yet announced his stance on the issue, Quinn has said previously that he is open to having the discussion.

Unfortunately the O.Pen Vape is only available in the states of Colorado, Washington, and our lovely state of California at the few dispensaries that carry them. This is because they work using disposable cartomizers that are pre-filled with CO2 oil from their partner company, Organa Labs.

The O.Pen Vape sells for just $25, but does not include a cartridge. Cartridges are typically sold for $30 for a half gram and $50 for a whole gram. However, we have seen some dispensaries host a special deal where they give you the pen for free with the purchase of a gram cartridge — not bad.

The O.Pen Vape comes with a dead battery (internal) that requires a full charge before using. When you plug the battery into the USB, the light on the charger will turn red to let you know it’s charging. When the pen is finished charging the light will turn green and the pen is ready to be used.

“No buttons, no filling bowls, just inhale and let the O.Pen Vape do the work.”

After you have your pen charged, just screw the cartridge in and you are ready to vape.  The harder you inhale, the bigger of a hit you will get. After 8 seconds the pen will shut off automatically leaving you with the perfect sized puff.

The O.Pen Vape also has a stylus on the end of it so you can use it on your iPad while you smoke and watch your YouTube videos.

The O.Pen Vape Cartridges Are An Issue

The cartridge system is one of the only issues I have with the O.Pen Vape. First off, the whole system is very restricting. I only have about 2-3 dispensaries that we can get the pens from, and even the places that do have them, only carry limited strains. You cannot put dry herb or your own wax in the pen either, which is kind of a let down (easily at least). I’ve heard that it is possible to dissolve your wax into the Polyethylene Glycol and do it yourself, but who has time for that?

Furthermore, the oil in the pen is typically not very strong even though the company claims that there is approximately 120mg of active cannabinoids per .3g. It takes a good 3 or 4 big puffs to get properly medicated. And the worst part is, the oil doesn’t taste like the strain that it is supposed to be! All the cartridges (Indica, Sativa and Hybrids) generally taste the same and have a sort of chemically tinge. This probably has something to do with the ratio of Polyethylene Glycol (the same major ingredient in e-liquid for electronic cigarettes) to CO2 oil that Organa Labs mixes in their cartridges.

The effects are true to their name, the Sativa strains will still be uplifting and the indicas will still get you stoned and make you tired, but the flavors of the individual strains are indistinguishable.

Many people have complained about spills and leaks online, but we have not experienced any of these issues. We are not sure if this has to do with improper usage, rough shipping between Organa Labs and dispensaries, or if it is a manufacturing error. Nonetheless, most of the people said they got their cartridges replaced for free by the dispensary they bought it from if they had an issue.

I also noticed that the 007 OG cartridge that I had more drag than the Maui Wowie or the Chocolope cartridges. I found a few people complaining about this on a forum as well.

The Pros Of The O.Pen Vape

• No button to operate the O.Pen Vape. This is one of the best features of this vape, it is the easiest vaporizer to use on the market.
• No heat up time at all or multiple presses of a button. No buttons means no accidental vapes in your pocket too.
• Strain specific CO2 extracted honey oil
• New atomizer with every cartridge so the heating elements always stay fresh
• Automatic shut off after 8 seconds for the “Perfect puff”
• Some dispensaries (Point Loma) are offering the pen for free with the purchase of two cartridges ($25/pc)
• The pen fits comfortably in your pocket and is only an inch or so longer than most phones. If you have problems fitting it in your pocket you can always unscrew the cartridge and then the two pieces.
• The battery lasts forever. I can go 4-5 days of heavy use without having to charge the O.Pen Vape. Since the pen charges by USB it is really easy to charge.
• The cartridges are interchangeable so you can use your sativa cartridge during the day and indica at night (or whenever you please, I enjoy OG’s during the day)
• LED lights on the bottom of the pen that light up when you hit it and charge it.
• Lifetime warranty. It breaks, you get a new one if you buy a new cartridge.
• Even has a stylus on the end for further functionality

Our Complaints About The O.Pen Vape

• The O.Pen Vape uses plastic cartomizers, which cannot be healthy. But since the unit doesn’t get very hot I don’t think this is much of a problem (especially since you change them every week or so anyways).
• The cartridge system is restrictive. Doesn’t allow you to easily load your own essential oils into the cartridge. Also limits you to whatever the dispensary near you has in stock for cartridges.
• I wish that the concentrates in the cartomizers was lab tested, and displayed the cannabinoid profiles on the packaging.
• The oil in the pen is typically not very strong. It takes a good 3 or 4 big puffs to get properly medicated.
• The oil doesn’t taste like the strain that it is supposed to be. All of the cartridges (indicas, sativas and hybrids) generally taste the same and have a sort of chemically tinge.
• Takes a long time to charge: 3-4 hours

Final Thoughts About The O.Pen Vape

Despite O.Pen Vape’s minor distribution flaws and limited availability, I think the O.Pen will be one of the most popular portable vaporizers in no time. Once people can figure out how to load cartridges with their own wax, the possibilities are endless. Until then, we are going to have to just get what we can from the few dispensaries that carry the O.Pen products and hope that they come up with something soon.

The O.Pen Vape is perfect for older patients with joint pain or poor eyesight and cannot deal with the troubles of loading, pressing buttons and cleaning like you do with typical pen vaporizers. The affordability and ease of use definitely make up for whatever the pen lacks in taste, and the discreetness is without opposition.

The study was done by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, where the 4657 men and women in the study were assessed after a 9-hour fast. Glucose and fasting insulin were tested for by way of blood samples, and a Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) of insulin resistance (IR) was calculated to evaluate insulin resistance.

Their tests found that, “Current marijuana use was associated with 16% lower fasting insulin levels and 17% lower HOMA-IR.”

Lower Levels Of Insulin & Smaller Waist Sizes

Researchers concluded that regular cannabis users (reported using marijuana in past month) have lower fasting insulin levels, and a lower risk of insulin resistance compared to those who have never used cannabis.

“Researchers concluded that regular cannabis users have lower fasting insulin levels, and a lower risk of insulin resistance compared to those who have never used cannabis.”

They also found a relationship between frequent marijuana use and smaller waist sizes. These findings were scarce in people who had reported smoking marijuana at least once, but not within the past 30 days, suggesting the effects of cannabis on insulin exists only during periods of recent use.

The study suggested that this is due to cannabinoids affecting peripheral metabolic processes via cannabinoid receptors in your body.

However, it has not been made clear what exactly causes the effects on body mass index (BMI).

Cannabis Users Eat More & Weigh Less

It is a commonly accepted fact that cannabis users eat more. But did you know that it’s actually been shown in a study that they do? That’s right, an extra 600 calories per day more at that.

Yet marijuana smokers still have been found to have a reduced prevalence of obesity and lower incidence of diabetes (obesity is a precursor to diabetes). Regardless, the ramification of these discoveries could be monumental, considering the fact that nearly 40% of U.S. adults are considered obese and are costing the U.S. trillions in healthcare costs. It seems like something that most definitely deserves some additional research.

The article concludes, “With the recent trends in legalization of marijuana in the United States, it is likely that physicians will increasingly encounter patients who use marijuana and should therefore be aware of the effects it can have on common disease processes, such as diabetes mellitus.”

When I first read the reviews for the FlashVAPE on the FC forums, I was extremely excited to try it out. On paper, the FlashVAPE (FV) boasts a number of impressive stats such as a trademarked Direct-flow air intake that provides 100% clean vapor, 100% Ceramic Dura-core heated by a completely stainless steel element, anodized aluminum alloy body and stainless steel buttons, ability to be used with dry herb and solid concentrates, and a quick 3-4 second heat up time.

However, after receiving the product I realized that it is not at all what I had expected. We found that this vaporizer is a lot like the Magic Flight Launch Box in the way that it utilizes conduction vaporizing, but it sets itself apart with the quality of the raw materials and precision machining. Although the Direct-flow air intake does provide for a clean air path free of batteries or wiring, the vapor that is produced is far too hot and takes away from a lot of the flavors of your herbs. For that reason we would not recommend this product to anyone who values vapor quality.

While there are ways to be successful with this vaporizer in producing quality vapor, there are simply better ways to go about it. However, we have to give it to FlashVAPE for their price point and quality of manufacturing and materials. For $129 you get 1 FlashVAPE vaporizer, 1 Smart Quick Charger, 2 Glass Draw Tubes, 2 draw tube replacement seals, 1 cleaning brush, and a velvet carrying bag. The package also includes a 2-year warranty on the unit and a 90-day warranty on the batteries.

What is the FlashVAPE?

The product is rather large (about 7” tall) and looks exactly like a flashlight but without a functional light (which actually would’ve been a cool feature and could’ve helped this vaporizers stealthiness score).

When you hold the FV you can feel the quality of the manufacturing and the aluminum alloy casing feels durable. It has a rubber button on the bottom of the vape that serves as the main on/off switch and then you engage the heating element by pressing the stainless steel button on the side of the unit. Above the button on the side is a small green LED light that will t you when the heater is turned on.

The top is held on by a swivel cap that is sealed by two rubber o-rings when fit into place. This allows for easy removal and access to the bowl to refill or mix your herbs. The bowl is a 100% ceramic and is heated by a stainless steel element. When you look down the bowl you will see the stainless steel screen that lines the top of the 1” (or 2.5 cm diagonally) element. This is one of the positives of the FV. If you are going to have a conduction vaporizer, surface area is key to a nice even vape of your herbs.

A small glass tube (approximately 3”) is the delivery system for this vaporizer and is designed to be fit directly into the hole on the side of the cap. Over time the rubber fitting becomes worn and ours even tore off. This is the only part of the vaporizer we could see needing replacements for (deluxe set comes with 2 replacement rubber seals). Although this glass tube is fairly short, FV sells an extension whip attachment system with a mini bubbler in order to cool down the vapor a bit.

How The FlashVAPE Works

The FlashVAPE has only one setting and all you do to engage the heater is press and hold the button for five seconds; the temperature of your vapor depends on how long you hold the button for. You should begin to see vapor form through the glass top in the “vapor chamber” after about 2-3 seconds. After this starts to happen, begin to inhale very slowly for another few seconds and then release the button while continuing to inhale.

If you inhale the entire time, or too quickly after holding the button for 2-3 seconds, the FV will be less effective in producing vapor. Though you may achieve better tasting vapor this way, it will not be dense vapor or anything of substance. On the contrary, if you hold the button for too long your herb will combust. This can be avoided as long as you make sure not to hold the button for more than five seconds at a time. Additionally, you should not allow the batteries to overheat when you are using the unit. If you begin to feel the body getting hot, take a break and allow it to cool down before vaping again.

When you inhale through the glass tube the Direct-flow side vent technology ensures that no air passes over any components such as the battery, wiring or switches to provide you with a clean vaporizing experience. It is then passed through the stainless steel heat screens and over your herb. From there, it passes through an additional fine mesh stainless steel screen at the top of the bowl that provides another filter for anything caught in the vapor path. After collecting in the vapor chamber the vapor is sucked out the side of the cap through the glass tube when you inhale. There is literally zero resistance with the FV, it’s easier than drinking through a straw.

A half-packed bowl will last you about 10 inhales at 5-6 seconds each, and a fully charged battery should last for about 3-4 bowls before needing to be recharged. However, it is definitely evident when your battery is running low because it takes much longer to produce vapor.

Stage-2 Convection Add-On Kit

The unit is powered by a 3.2v Li-ion battery and comes with an option to upgrade to the Stage-2 3.7v batteries for use with the Convection Add-on kit. The add-on kit comes with a ceramic screen that is meant to be placed at the bottom of the bowl and then topped with a stainless steel screen in order to create some space in between the element and your herb (technically convection vaporizing).

The screen does make your vapor taste a bit better than normal, but doesn’t work unless you use the 3.7v batteries. The 3.2v batteries simply do not get hot until you hold the button down for about 8-10 seconds. However, when you use the Stage-2 batteries vapor is produced within 5-6 seconds.

My only problem with this is that it is not true convection vaporizing. I understand that heat rises, but the majority of the vaporizing that is going on here is caused by conduction. The only difference is that the ceramic insert is transferring the heat instead of stainless steel. This may have something to do with the minor improvement in taste when using the “convection” add-on kit. However, this add-on kit is not enough to make it worth purchasing because the vapor tastes the same for the most part.

How To Use The FlashVAPE

1. Insert fully charged battery into the vaporizer (positive side first) and screw the bottom cap back on
2. Remove the top by turning and pulling upwards to expose the bowl
3. Fill the bowl with your finely ground herb or solid concentrate about halfway full (less for concentrates obviously)
4. Press the main power button on the bottom of the unit one time to turn on. You will hear a click.
5. Press and hold the button on the side of the unit so that the green light comes on. This is how you you will know the unit is on and the heater is engaged.
6. After holding the button for 2-3 seconds, you should see vapor begin to form in the vapor chamber. Inhale for another 2-3 seconds very slowly while continuing to hold the button.
7. Let go of the button and clear the vapor chamber.
8. When you are ready for your next puff, give the FV a shake to redistribute your herbs and repeat the process.

Additional methods can be found at FlashVAPE.com to assist you in maximizing your vaporizing experience with the FV.

What We Like About The FlashVAPE

• Simple design and easy to use
• Affordable price: $129.99
• Easy to clean. Can be taken apart and dipped in isopropyl alcohol up to the base of the heating ceramic core, including the heating element.
• There is virtually no warm up time required, 2-3 seconds is all.
• Battery lasts longer than many portable vaporizers (especially those utilizing similar batteries)
• Made completely of safe and quality materials. All ceramic and stainless steel air path.
• Comes with a 2-year warranty on the unit and a 90-day warranty on the batteries.
• Ergonomic design makes the FV comfortable to hold.
• Discreet because of the flashlight appearance, could be mistaken.
• Works with dry herbs and solid concentrates

Some Complaints About The FlashVAPE

• Vapor quality is very inconsistent and too hot more often than not (even when using advanced techniques).
• Causes your mouth to dry out very quickly because of the hot vapor. Would not recommend for those with sensitive throats or lungs.
• You can reach combustion with this vaporizer. This can be avoided but is still an inconvenience.
• The learning curve can cause problems for new users (related to above point).
• Heavier and Larger than most portable vaporizers on the market (except the CERA).
• Although it’s portable, it does not fit in a pocket and you could not carry it around with you unless you put it in a purse or backpack.
• Bowl gets dirty quickly and tinges the taste. It is important to keep your ceramic cleanon the indide of the bowl for tasty vapor.
• The small glass tube is not the best delivery system. The unit should come with the longer hose attachment for free.

Our Final Thoughts About The FlashVAPE

It is apparent the team at FlashVAPE put a lot of care into making this vaporizer. It has a great ergonomic feel and the premium materials that were used really raises the bar for vaporizers in this price range (cough..MFLB). Although the taste of the vapor was not exactly up to par for us, it has everything to do with the temperature of the unit. If the team at FlashVAPE can figure out how to put some additional space in between the heating element and the herb, it would help remedy this problem.

QUICK NOTE: I unscrewed the top cap to expose the “vapor chamber” and put my herb on top of that screen instead of in the bowl underneath. It produced tastier vapor than when the herb was in the ceramic bowl because you are pulling the hot air over your herbs (convection) instead of frying them on a stainless steel heating element (conduction).

The FlashVAPE is a great choice for someone who is looking to purchase a portable vaporizer at an affordable price. The ability to vaporize herb and solid concentrates is another big selling point that sets the FV apart from similar units. However, if you are concerned with the discreteness and portability of your vaporizer, then we would have to suggest you go with the Magic Flight Launch Box. After all, the vapor quality is not much better in the FV aside from the air pathway being free of materials like plastic, wood, and cheap metals like the MFLB. For that reason, if you are concerned with healthier vapor and quality of manufacturing, the FlashVAPE is definitely a better choice.

Approximately seven days from now on Tuesday, May 21st, your rights to safe access as a medical marijuana patient in Los Angeles will again be at risk. Despite repeated efforts by the city to both limit and ban medical marijuana dispensaries in the past three years, there are an estimated 850 dispensaries (possibly upwards of 1,500) operating in Los Angeles. Next Tuesday, three proposed ordinances are to be voted on that would regulate these de-facto dispensaries in an attempt to bring some austerity to a previously wavering industry.

If none of the ballot initiatives pass on May 21, the City Council may revive its efforts to ban dispensaries completely after the California Supreme Court ruling allowed them to do so. To win, a proposition must get more YES votes than NO (obviously). However, if more than one proposition gains support, the one with the highest total of YES votes will be the winner. If the NO votes outweigh all of the YES votes for every proposition, then nothing changes. That is why it is important for you to come out and vote one way or another; your access depends on it.

What Are The Main Differences Between D, E, and F?

Ordinance E was originally put onto the ballot by the United Food and Commercial Workers, but was pushed to the sideline when its supporters agreed to back Measure D instead. Measure D was crafted by the same Los Angeles City Council that pushed to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in 2012 and has been described as a “Trojan Horse” designed to shut down the majority of LA dispensaries and then force the others out of business through council action and federal raids. Its backers include both mayoral candidates as well as the city attorney.

Measure D, or the “Medical Marijuana Collectives Initiative Ordinance” would limit the number of dispensaries allowing only the 135 dispensaries that were operating and registered under city laws before September 2007. The proposition would force nearly 90% (or some 1,000 shops) of the shops that exist in the city out of business. The remaining dispensaries would be forced to pay taxes of $60 per $1,000 of sales, close at 8 p.m., require background checks of their dispensary managers and employees, and would be restricted from opening within certain distances from schools, parks, libraries, and other dispensaries.

Measure F, or ”Regulation of Medical Marijuana for Safe Neighborhoods and Safe Access,” was created by patients and members of collectives. In some ways, Measures D and F are similar: they both raise the taxes from $50 to $60 per $1,000 in sales, and both impose zoning restrictions to keep dispensaries away from schools and other certain locations. However, the main difference is that Measure F will allow an unlimited amount of dispensaries. The ordinance would require a 10 p.m. closure, background checks of all managers, employees and volunteers, and each dispensary would be required to file with the City Controller an audit of its operations to guarantee compliance with the law. Additionally, Measure F requires dispensaries to have their medicine tested for harmful pesticides and toxins.

What Will This Mean For Los Angeles?

Supporters of Proposition D are aware that the passing of the ordinance would bring about mass federal raids on their state. But they support their ordinance by stating that, “Proposition D would reduce the nuisance that has helped prompt federal action.”

According to the LA Times, a special assistant to City Attorney Carment Trutanich said that if Proposition D is to pass, the city is not going to seek to shut down dispensaries who are following the law. The assistant, Jane Usher, added that the proposition “has been sanctioned” by the Supreme Court ruling last Monday, and that if the court had ruled that municipalities could not legally ban dispensaries, Proposition D could’ve been challenged.

 “We’re hoping that the state will adopt a state regulation system that will calm local concerns about permitting dispensaries and create clear regulations.” – Dale Gieringer

Dale Gieringer, director of the California chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, stated that since there is no definite declaration that California dispensaries are permitted in the first place, nothing is going to change as a result of the ruling.

This de-facto situation is because the task force that was put in charge of clarifying the medical marijuana program that passed in 2003 couldn’t come to a consensus on how the cannabis would be distributed. “We’re hoping that the state will adopt a state regulation system that will calm local concerns about permitting dispensaries and create clear regulations,” said Gieringer. “We’d like to see state regulations like they have in Colorado.”

Brad Hertz, the attorney for Proposition D told the Huffington Post, “From our perspective, Proposition D is the best way to secure access to medical marijuana. If it passes and has the most votes, it means the City Council, if they were to amend or repeal the measure, would have to go to voters for any change.”

“If (Proposition) D passes, once the dispensaries close, they will never be allowed to open again, eliminating access forever in the city of Los Angeles.” -David Welch

David Welch, the attorney representing Proposition F (and a number of dispensaries in LA) argued that Proposition D is only going to lead to an eventual ban on all dispensaries by allowing federal raids on the dispensaries the proposition doesn’t cover. “If (Proposition) D passes, once the dispensaries close, they will never be allowed to open again, eliminating access forever in the city of Los Angeles,” said Welch.

While this is true, if none of the propositions pass we are probably going to see a total ban on dispensaries in the city. It’s a lose-lose situation for some people involved.

We encourage everyone to call your local dispensaries to get their opinions on the ordinances. Be sure to ask them if they are one of the original 135 dispensaries, this may influence their opinion just a bit. We spoke with a manager of Buds & Roses Collective in Studio City (congratulations to the big winners at the Denver Cannabis Cup) and she spoke strongly in favor of Proposition D. “It’s a matter of trying to work with the city to keep them happy and stay open,” she said. She informed me that Buds & Roses Collective are in fact one of the first dispensaries in the city; she said the twelfth.

Over the course of my many trips to Amsterdam, I have grown to really appreciate and enjoy the Haze strains. The first haze I ever tried was the infamous Super Silver Haze. After that, I was suggested Nevil’s Haze by a bud tender at Barney’s Coffeeshop. I was in love with the uplifting sativa effects that came with the hazes.

“The spacey, cerebral effect from Amnesia Haze was perfect for wandering carelessly through the busy streets of the city.”

Upon my return to Amsterdam, my mind was set on finding as many different haze strains as possible since I was mostly deprived of them back in the US. I headed directly to my favorite coffee shop, Hill Street Blues, where I had some of the best hazes during my first trip.

The budtender was quick to recommend their Amnesia Haze and explained to me that I got there right in time for their “haze harvest”. She explained to me that hazes require longer flowering periods, and that is part of the reason why I don’t see them grown in America very often (outdoors at least). She told me that hazes require an expert grower who can handle the picky diet of the finicky plants as well as the fungus and pest problems that come with the long flowering period. When grown correctly these strains can produce huge harvest of up to two pounds per plant, which makes them worth the wait.

The Amnesia Haze Strain Is Truly Psychedelic

The Amnesia Haze strain quickly became one of my favorite hazes in Amsterdam, so when I saw it on the Alpha Medic menu back in San Diego I had to get some. Although this batch of Amnesia Haze wasn’t exactly the best, I couldn’t complain after smoking one joint of it. After just a few hits of the joint a powerful cerebral high set in that was very hazy, true to the name.

“I found it hard to get any real work done on this marijuana strain, simply because my mind kept jumping between different thoughts.”

Your mind begins to race after medicating heavily with Amnesia Haze and you will find yourself daydreaming a lot. I found it hard to get any real work done on this strain because my mind kept jumping between different thoughts. It really kicks your mind into creative mode and causes you to think about random things. However, although your mind is racing you remain calm and relaxed. This amnesia haze strain is perfect for daytime medicating to forget your worries and just relax without feeling like you want to go to bed.

The buds of the Amnesia Haze were small and popcorn-shaped, reminiscent of most of the haze strains I have seen. While the buds were not very pungent in the jar, as soon as I ran some through the grinder the spicy sativa smell became very strong. It reminded me of Trainwreck because of the hints of black-pepper, but was more earthy and woody with a slight sweetness to it. The taste of Amnesia Haze was very similar, and had a more hashy flavor on the exhale.

I hope to find a better quality batch of Amnesia Haze, but because of the long flowering time this is a relatively rare strain to find in the U.S. If you see Amnesia Haze on your local menu, do not your chance to try this Soma Sacred Seeds masterpiece.

The measure, House Bill 1, was approved in a 10-5 vote after being approved by the House of Representatives in April. The bill will be considered by the full 59-member Senate in the near future.

Patients who have been recommended medical marijuana would be allowed to purchase their cannabis from one of the 60 dispensaries that are expected to open. Twenty-two cultivation centers will be opened to provide all the dispensaries with their cannabis, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, and Department of Financial & Professional Regulation will be regulating every step of the way.

Under the four year pilot program, doctors would not be allowed to prescribe more than 2.5 ounces of cannabis per two weeks. In addition, patients will not be allowed to grow their own cannabis.

“House Bill 1 Is NOT An Opening To Legalization”

According to the bills sponsoring Senator, Bill Haine (D-Alton), this will be some of the toughest legislation the nation has seen and promised the bill is “not an opening to legalization” of recreational marijuana. The bill has even been described by Rep. Lou Lang as “model legislation for the [rest of the] country.”

“Seriously ill people should not be subject to criminal sanctions for using marijuana if their medical professionals have told them that such is likely to be beneficial.” - Illinois Doctors Statement

Opponents of the bill include the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, who wrote a letter to the governor warning that the bill would create a “public safety nightmare.” They argue that safeguards should be more strict so that cardholders can be held accountable for driving with cannabis in their system.

Supporters counter that argument by pointing out that existing laws already prosecute anyone driving under the influence of cannabis.

The passage of the bill in the committee came one day after a group of nearly 250 Illinois physicians announced their support for allowing patients with serious illnesses to use medical marijuana if recommended by their doctor.

The doctors released this statement: ”Licensed medical practitioners should not be punished for recommending the medical use of marijuana to seriously ill people, and seriously ill people should not be subject to criminal sanctions for using marijuana if their medical professionals have told them that such is likely to be beneficial.”

House Bill 1, if passed through the full senate, would make Illinois the 19th U.S. state to legalize medical marijuana.

The Big Bang Brownie is a medicated edible with roughly 250mg in each packaged good. This equates to approximately 4 servings per brownie. A great value for people on a budget; patients can make their money go a long way when they choose to medicate with “The Dr.” Realistically, a small brownie with this much concentrated THC could easily provide you enough THC for 2-3 days (depending on your tolerance). That’s if you stick to eating just a quarter of the brownie after dinner each night, to help wind down for the day.

As the labeling states, these Big Bang Brownies are made on equipment that is shared with peanuts and soy products, so buyer beware if you are allergic to nuts or soy. Each brownie is made with sugar, eggs, cocoa, butter, vanilla, flour, chocolate chips, and the most important ingredient: cannabutter.

“Within just 15 minutes of consuming a 1/4 chunk of the Big Bang Brownie, I began to feel the first wave of psychological relief flow through my veins.”

Stress is erased from the equation which is life. This care-free vibe continues to build as the medicine from the Big Bang Brownie is broken down and digested by the body. There is a noticeably strong body-melt generated from each bite, that could easily be considered overwhelming to a first-time patient. However, this high level of potency is the exact reason why I love these edibles from the Dr. Roberts company. You know you are going to get medicated every time you have one of these.

For high tolerance patients such as myself, I always suggest going for half at a time. It’s hard to judge how much an edible will effect you for the first time — so remember to keep it light and eat more if you want to increase the effect after an hour.