and legislation at the federal level, trends, research and prevention strategies.  Marijuana

U.S. Department of Justice Issues Memorandum on Marijuana Prosecution

The U.S. Department of Justice released a memorandum on July 1 that further clarifies the federal government’s position on the prosecution of those engaging in the cultivation, distribution and sale of marijuana, including medical marijuana.  The memo (hyperlink) states that "persons who are in the business of cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana, and those who knowingly facilitate such activities, are in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, regardlessof state law." Marijuana dispensaries and licensed growers in states which have passed medical marijuana laws could face prosecution for violating federal drug and money-laundering laws.

Check out the Of Substance Blog, in which the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy publishes details of the memo.  The blog adds that “The Obama Administration has made clear that science and research – not politics – should determine what is safe and effective medicine.“

For more information and links to resources, visit CADCA’s website: 
http://www.cadca.org/policyadvocacy/priorities/marijuana

See CADCA’s Sue Thau on CNN

Congressmen Barney Frank (D-4th/MA) and Ron Paul (R-14th/TX) recently introduced H.R. 2306, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011. If passed, this legislation would remove marijuana, not just from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act, but from the list of controlled substances completely, thereby effectively legalizing it.  CADCA’s Public Policy Consultant, Sue Thau, was interviewed last week by CNN on the issue.  Watch the video.

CADCA opposes H.R. 2306 and has issued a legislative alert, asking all of its members to weigh in AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  To send faxes to your legislators, go to http://capwiz.com/cadca/home/.

Training Session at CADCA’s Mid-Year on Marijuana

Want to learn more about the federal government’s positions on “medical” marijuana and marijuana legalization, as well as pending state ballot and other initiatives? Register for CADCA’s Mid Year Training Institute (MYTI)!

Attendees at the MYTI will have the opportunity to learn about and discuss the main arguments and best approaches to use in addressing this increasingly popular topic. Specifically, participants will: (1) increase their knowledge of the Administration’s position on “medical” marijuana and marijuana legalization as well as current state ballot and other initiatives; (2) learn how to be a competent spokesperson on this issue; and (3) leave the course equipped with the information and skills to best address this issue in their state and community.

There will also be extensive time for an in depth question and answer session regarding this complex subject. If you haven’t already, register now!

CADCA TV show “The Blunt Truth: Communities Dealing with Marijuana” slated for August

Don't miss the upcoming CADCA TV show, The Blunt Truth: Communities Dealing with Marijuana, airing
Thursday, August 25, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST.

During this hour-long program, you'll hear how coalitions are getting their prevention message out as laws and attitudes change. Learn the best ways to educate the public about marijuana’s harmful effects on the developing brain. Find out how coalitions are working with local and state governments on legislation and ordinances. We’ll visit Ft. Collins, Colorado to see how that city is dealing with almost two dozen dispensaries that have opened in just the past two years.

Featuring:

Wanda Boone, Executive Director and Founder of Durham Together for Resilient Youth, “TRY”

Jim Cooper, Executive Director TOGETHER! & President Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention (WASAVP)

Beth Shrader, Director, Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition, Vermont

This program is sponsored by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and produced by the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training Program (MCTFT),  a division of the Center for Public Safety Innovation at St. Petersburg College in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Click Here to Register For This Free Program.

For more information about Marijuana, please visit our Information Page