After gathering enough signatures, California voters are almost guaranteed a historical vote on whether to legalize marijuana in their state this November.  While the majority of voters, activists and consumers are celebrating the real chance of marijuana legalization, there is strong opposition coming from more than just anti-marijuana lobbying groups.

Jack Herer, a well know activist and author who also has popular strain of marijuana named after him, has urged people to vote against the “Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010″. Herer’s main complaint about the initiative is that it will unfairly tax marijuana consumers. Supporters of the initiative are using the $1+ billion revenue for the state as a major selling point to voters but Herer, who spearheaded his own California initiative prior to suffering a near fatal heart attack last year, says marijuana should be legal without a tax or limitations on quantity or growing.

Herer is joined in his opposition by Dennis Peron, a primary author of California’s original medical marijuana initiative (prop 215). In addition to opposing the large tax, Peron also takes aim at what he calls “fatal flaws” of the new law, citing strict mandates on jail time for minors caught with marijuana or those 21 and over that supply minors with marijuana. He also says it unfairly discriminates against parents by banning smoking “in any space while minors are present” while no laws prevent parents from consuming alcohol in the same house as minors.

Another segment of the marijuana industry that is strongly against the legalization initiative is the thousands of marijuana growers and distributes that earn a living off the huge price markup on marijuana’s illegal status. With consumers able to grow their own marijuana and the impending gold rush of commercial businesses that will be looking to capitalize on the new market, prices are surely to drop as supply will overtake demand, forcing many industry outlaws out of business.

Fear of legalization is strong enough in Humboldt County, a self-proclaimed marijuana mecca of California, that civic leaders, activists and growers all came together for a town-hall style meeting to brainstorm ideas to stay relevant (and keep bringing in county revenue) in a legalized market. It’s not only the pot farmers of Humboldt that fear legalization, the entire county which has been the focus of several documentaries, rely on marijuana to drive it’s entire economy. One of the ideas made at the meeting was to make Humboldt a “Napa Valley of weed”, turning the vast  marijuana fields into a destination for marijuana aficionados, with tours, tastings and events. It’s too early to tell if any of the ideas might save Humboldt’s economy but most in the county would prefer to just keep marijuana illegal. Stickers with the saying “Save Humboldt County — keep pot illegal” have been appearing across local businesses in the area.

Lead photo by: psd

Some marijuana consumers around the U.S may experience shortages or price increases after a sharp increase in the frequency of one ton or more marijuana busts along highways. Avocados, bananas, batteries and toilet paper are just a few of the things police have found more than 29,000 pounds of marijuana hidden inside while conducting searches of tractor trailers already during the month of February. While many of the busts took place in Texas, it’s still unclear where any of the trucks final destinations was, or more importantly, where there is expected to be shortages of marijuana. It’s also unclear if the trend is a sign of increased marijuana trafficking enforcement or a result of police investigations and/or informants.

Although it’s presumed that all of the busts were of the popular brick or “shwag” weed variety, usually imported from Mexico, some market strain could be put on locally grown higher grade supplies as a result.

Tuscola, Illinois (4,400 pounds)

Three men from California are being held on $1 million bond each after Illinois State Police found more than 2 tons of marijuana inside a semitrailer truck they were driving through eastern Illinois, 30 miles south of Champaign. A police K9 unit discovered the bundles of marijuana hidden among crates of vegetables. The suspects, 31-year-old Jesus Guzman, 35-year-old Eric Cabrera and 32-year-old Joshua Cornillez are all from the Livingston, California  area. Charges have yet to be filed but marijuana trafficking charges are expected for each pending further investigation.

Loredo, Texas (2,317 pounds)

Around the 14th of the month, Customs and Border Protection inspectors discovered more than a ton of marijuana after conducting a secondary search on a trailer filled with 1,496 boxes of car batteries near Loredo. The unnamed driver of that truck was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) to continue with investigations.

Brownsville, Texas (2,161 pounds)

The same weekend of the Loredo bust, Border Patrol agents seized 2,161 pounds from a truck in Brownsville, Texas after agents found 66 bundles of marijuana concealed in metal boxes that had been welded shut. The unnamed driver in that bust was turned over to the D.E.A.

Rio Rico, Arizona (3,470 pounds)

on February 9th, ICE agents responded and established surveillance after receiving a tip about a mysterious semitrailer at a warehouse facility. During the investigation, agents discovered there was no truck associated with the trailer or driver in the vicinity. After obtaining consent from the warehouse manager, Agents discovered the 1.75 tons of pot in 156 vacuum-sealed bags hidden within a shipment of squash. No arrests have been made and the squash was turned over to a consignee.

Weslaco, Texas (2,500 pounds)

Around February 8th, a Weslaco, Texas police patrol officer stopped a tractor trailer hauling about 2,500 pounds of marijuana inside a shipment of avocados. Police arrested Marciano Noriega Gonzalez, 45, of Yakima, Washington, and Patricia Marquez De Haro, 47, of Corona, Calif after X-ray scans revealed anomalies inside the trailer.

Otay Mesa, California (3,877 pounds & 2,000 pounds)

During the first week of the month, inspectors at the Otay Mesa cargo port found more than 3,800 pounds of marijuana hidden in a shipment of peppers and green beans. An unnamed 46-year-old Ensenada man who was driving the shipment was taken into custody.

A few days later, the same inspectors at the cargo port nabbed another ton of marijuana stashed in a load of bananas. An unnamed 40-year-old driver was arrested.

San Antonio, Texas (2,512 pounds)

on February 3rd, ICE agents seized more than a ton of pot as the result of an investiagtion that started after an inspector became suspicious of a truck that entered through Loredo. Agents followed the truck to an abandoned used car lot where they set up surveillance on the rundown building. When agents went in for the bust, they found the drugs concealed behind a fake wall that was hastily constructed. One unnamed person at the scene was arrested and police say they expect more arrests to come after an investigation.

Lebanon County, Pennsylvania (6,000 pounds)

Around the first of the month, Pennsylvania State Troopers pulled over a truck that reportedly failed to stop at a weigh station on Interstate 81. Inside the trailer they found six plywood crates with about 3 tons of marijuana hidden behind boxes. Authorities have arrested Eric Emmanuel, 35, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, and Stanley Narcisse, 34, of Winter Garden, Florida.

The driver of that truck, 51-year-old Angel Guillen Raya of Ontario, California, pleaded guilty this week to transporting the marijuana with the intent to distribute it. A U.S. attorney’s office spokesman says no one else has been charged in the case, but an investigation into the source of the marijuana is ongoing. Good luck with that. Seeing as Raya pleaded guilty to such a significant charge, chances are he didn’t give up any names.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 12th.

Original Story:

New Jersey recently became the 14th state to approve an effective medical marijuana law. There are actually 31 states plus the District of Columbia that have medical marijuana laws recognizing the medical benefits but most are not generally recognized because they rely on the national government to provide or authorize a legal supply of marijuana. Some advocacy groups recognize Maryland as a 15th state because they have what the Marijuana Policy Project calls a “working law” which lets patients obtain a recommendation from a doctor but only protects patients from jail time and not fines.

Many peoples knowledge of medical marijuana laws are incorrectly based on California’s law which have the most lenient patient requirements and access in the country. Those suffering from conditions or symptoms such as depression, anxiety, insomnia or migraines would not be allowed access in other medical marijuana states despite marijuana’s value in treating those conditions. Only 3 states, other than California, allow the setup of dispensaries to distribute marijuana to patients.

The infographic below was designed to show the differences in laws for the 15 states with effective or working medical marijuana laws. The information outlined was collected to show patient requirements and coverage as well as safe access to obtaining and using the marijuana. More information on each specific value is included below.

[CLICK TO ENLARGE]

Year Established

The year each states medical marijuana law was put into effect. New Jersey’s law will go into effect later this year.

Limited to Chronic Diseases

Although most laws are aimed to only allow whats called “chronic or debilitating” illnesses, some states use the wording “other medical conditions” which leaves a window for doctors to decide if marijuana is an appropriate medication for any specific patient. Other states strictly require patients to have a chronic disease such as  cancer, AIDS or multiple sclerosis.

Bona Fide Patient-Doctor Relationship

Many states require that a doctor or physician recommending medical marijuana has an established relationship with the patient. This relationship sometimes requires a doctor to have treated the specific patient for a required amount of time prior to recommending medical marijuana. Some states, like California, allow any doctor to recommend medical marijuana regardless of their knowledge of the patients medical history which has led to a medical marijuana industry of doctors whose job is only to write medical marijuana recommendations.

Number of Patients Covered

Most states require patients to apply and register for a medical marijuana program in the state. For states that do not have a registry or have a voluntary registry, like California, these numbers are estimated by using information provided the Marijuana Policy Project.

Allows Dispensaries

No state currently allows medical pharmacies to distribute medical marijuana but some allow for non-profit dispensaries to be established to provide patients with safe access. Some states do not specifically address dispensaries or growing collectives (a group of patients sharing one common growing location) and defers patients to consult with local law enforcement agencies. Americans for Safe Access encourages patients in these states to instead pressure state agencies to specifically allow dispensaries so owners are not put at risk of arrest and imprisonment due to vagueness of the law.

Allows Cultivation

Almost all medical marijuana states allow patients or their care givers to legally grow their own supply of marijuana. Ironically the “Garden State” of New Jersey is the first of the 14 generally recognized states that does not allow patients to grow their own marijuana.

Protection From Arrest

The goal of each states medical marijuana law is to protect patients and doctors from state laws against possession or cultivation of marijuana. Some states do not specifically protect patients from being arrested by law enforcement and instead leave it up to the court system to decide if a patient or doctor was within their legal right to have medical marijuana.

Maximum Quantity

The maximum quantity of harvested and growing plants as defined in the state law. Some states, like California, have varying maximum quantities due to differences in county laws. Other states set a maximum number of “mature plants” each patient or caregiver can have. Patients and caregivers should always refer to their respective city and county laws before going by whats defined in the state law (or this infograph).

Lead Photo by: jimmy dm

According to RadarOnline, Jamiee claimed to be a cock-tail waitress during an interview with US Weekly but until as recently as a month ago (while alegedly dating Tiger), was employed at City Organic Remedies in Studio City, California.

In the US Weekly interview Grubbs disclosed her several-year affair, providing photos and text messages Tiger had sent, including “Send me something very naughty” and “I will wear you out.”

Jaimee is now being represented by a Los Angeles P.R firm and is shopping her Tiger stories to T.V networks (Media, Four!).

School officials were surprised to discover the backpack belonged to Harry Williams, 70, a substitute teacher at the school who had sat down with the backpack and forgot to pick it up when he left. Williams was questioned and admitted that it was his backpack and marijuana, but that he forgot it was in his bag when he came to work.

Williams told officials he had a note from his doctor allowing him to have marijuana for medical reasons. He was cited for possession of marijuana on school grounds and sent home by school officials. No word on if he will be allowed back.

Photo: House of Sims

Authorities say drug-sniffing dogs alerted officers to a total of 458 wrapped packages in 67 boxes and investigators estimate the marijuana’s value around $6 million. A 30-year-old trucker from Mexicali, Mexico, was arrested. His name wasn’t released.

Photo: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

An investigation was launched after police smelled marijuana from the station parking lot adjacent to the industrial building that housed the grow site. Investigators also discovered an unusually high electric bill to secure a search warrant which was executed Wednesday afternoon. Police also admitted the grow had been there at least 8 months despite being so close.

Officials say the growers installed a new ventilation system and used insulation material to seal cracks in the building to try to eliminate the smell of the 850 high grade marijuana plants which proved unsuccessful. Three people were arrested, though their names were not immediately available. All face multiple narcotics charges and endless “dumb criminal” mentions on T.V and blogs for years to come.

Subscribe to Spark Report via email or RSS Feed. You can also find SR on Twitter and Facebook.

The small ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado recently made national headlines after voters approved a measure to decriminalize marijuana use for adults. The vote will surely inspire other towns to try and make their own rules on marijuana until state and federal laws catch up to the will of voters. Its important to note that Breckenridge’s success may not of happened without the example Denver set for the state by passing a decriminalization measure 4 years earlier.  Want more sensible marijuana laws in your town? The following cities help draw a blueprint for marijuana activists at the local level.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Almost 40 years ago, influenced by harsh state laws, Ann Arbor voters passed the Marijuana Ordinance of 1972 which made possession of less than 2 ounces a $5 ticket. It took only 5 months for a state judge to rule the ordinance unconstitutional which resulted in the city council repealing the ordinance. A year later the voters overruled the council’s decision by amending the city charter to declare that city police had to send all marijuana cases to the Ann Arbor city attorney; and the city attorney could not send the case to any other authority for prosecution. In doing so, the provision effectively denied state courts the opportunity to declare the measure unconstitutional, which had occurred in 1972. The same day, the neighboring city of Ypsilanti adopted a similar measure. In 2000, Ann Arbor passed an ordinance allowing the cultivation and use of medical marijuana which paved the way for Michigan’s first statewide medical marijuana law in 2008.

Berkeley, California

In 1973, Berkeley passed The Marijuana Ordinance I, which forbid law enforcement from arresting persons for cannabis related crimes unless cleared by the City Council. Like happened in Ann Arbor, A California Superior Court Judge struck the ordinance down because it violated city code that states the City Manager has discretion over police personnel. In 1979, Berkeley passed The Marijuana Ordinance II, which made the enforcement of cannabis laws–including cultivation, sale, and transport—-the lowest priority for law enforcement, banned the expenditure of funds for enforcement of cannabis statutes, allowed residents to grow cannabis and report any theft of cannabis plants to law enforcement, and even directed the City Council to lobby in favor of the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis.

Madison, Wisconsin

Since 1971, Madison has been home of the Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival. In 1977, Madison voters passed ordinance 23.20, which made possession of about an ounce legal when used for “personal use in a private place”. In 2007, The Dane County district attorney announced that his office would no longer file any charges against anyone in the county caught with less than once ounce or paraphernalia. Although the announcement cited lack of resources for the decision, it’s also likely due to the fact that roughly half the county’s population lives in Madison.

Seattle, Washington

Initiative 75 (I-75) was passed by Seattle voters in 2003 which not only made marijuana the cities lowest law enforcement priority but also setup a review board to see how things worked out afterwards. About 4 years later, in 2008, the board released their final review which said that marijuana use, crime and public health risks had not risen. The report also noted there was a decrease in “adults experiencing the consequences of involvement in the criminal justice system” and a slight increase in public safety officers availability for other priorities. Imagine that.

Columbia, Missouri

Columbia is home to the University of Missouri and many local colleges. Over 1/2 the population posses a bachelor’s degree and over 1/4 hold graduate degrees, making it one of the most educated cities in the United States. In 2004 Columbia voters widely approved two initiatives. The first allowed patients to be prescribed medical marijuana by a doctor and the second made marijuana the lowest priority for police and set a max fine at $250 with no possibility of arrest or incarceration for less than 1.2 ounces. Shortly after the approval, the Columbia city council changed the law without voters consent to only apply to first time offenders. In 2009, the tiny Missouri towns of Cliff Village and Cottleville used Columbia as an example to pass their own medical marijuana laws.

Carbondale, Illinois

Carbondale is home to Southern Illinois University and in 2004, approved the small ordinance which allows the city to fine offenders possessing less than 10 grams of marijuana or paraphernalia rather than sending the case to the State’s Attorney’s Office or the county court system. While the 10 gram limit seems low to many marijuana consumers, Carbondale has at least taken steps to protect people from criminal records and incarceration.

Denver, Colorado

In 2005, Denver voters passed the The Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative which made Denver the first U.S city to actually legalize marijuana and treat it just like alcohol. Under the initiative, an adult can legally possess up to 1 ounce, but marijuana use in public, by people under 21, or while driving all remain illegal, just like alcohol. Similar to Breckenridge, Denver’s initiative is hailed as a symbolic measure due to the possibility of being prosecuted under state and federal laws.

Lawrence, Kansas

The college town of Lawrence became an unfortunate example of how many politicians are only interested in decriminalization if it means more revenue. In 2006, The Lawrence City Commission narrowly voted to have first-time marijuana possession cases tried in municipal court instead of state court.  The ordinance was aimed to protect University of Kansas students from loosing federal financial aid due to a state or federal marijuana possession charge. But city commissioners also narrowly voted to impose a $200 minimum fine and a mandatory $100 “evaluation” fee for marijuana possession, meaning Lawrence marijuana consumers would now face a much higher fine than county or state courts typically give.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

In 2006, the small town of Eureka Springs voted to make marijuana the lowest law enforcement priority and reduce the punishment for small amounts to a fine and/or community service. With a population of less than 3,000, Eureka Spring’s mild decriminalization law is only a small step for the state which boasts fairly tough state laws against marijuana consumers. Eureka Spring’s small success probably would not of happened without the support of nearby University of Arkansas NORML, who abandoned a similar effort in Fayetteville (where the University is located) because of weak support. They choose to instead focus on Eureka Springs, where they only needed to gather 144 signatures (15% of those voting in the last mayoral election) to send the measure to public vote.

Lead photo by: FoxTongue

Subscribe to Spark Report via email subscription or RSS Feed. You can also find SR on Twitter and Facebook.

Alonso was mentioned on Spark Report back in June when he was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection after trying to smuggle marijuana in a rented car at the San Ysidro port of entry near San Diego.

In addition to the charges of conspiracy to import and distribute marijuana, Alonso also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and armed robbery and weapons charges.

According to court documents, Alonso had gone to Tijuana, Mexico, that day even though he didn’t have permission from his officer-in-charge to travel. Navy prosecutors said on June 5th, 5 days before his arrest, he broke into a home wielding a 12-gauge shotgun and a .38-caliber revolver and beat up a man before running off with two suitcases loaded with about 120 pounds of marijuana and money orders worth $12,000. Prosecutors said he sold about 120 pounds of the pot in or around Memphis, Tennessee shortly before his arrest.