Information on the Wisconsin Marijuana (Cannabis) Advisory Referendum

In Wisconsin, there is a coordinated effort underway by some county boards to rush through an advisory cannabis referendum, presumably to legalize recreational marijuana. This blog is in response to the lack of information provided. Important data is missing from this referendum. Where is the expert testimony, victim testimony, environmental impact studies and state comparative data? Why no data? Good question. Here is some information to provide to your own county board.

Tune in tomorrow morning, Friday, December 28th during the 7 o'clock hour to the Justice & Drew Show on Twin Cities News Talk (KTLK) AM1130. The holiday guest host, Brian McDaniel, will welcome our group's Chair, Kim (Judson) Bemis and Dr. Ken Winters to talk about SAMMn! You can also listen online iHeart Radio Station. Please share with your contacts that may be interested in learning more about our group.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana Minnesota

Tune in tomorrow morning, Friday, December 28th during the 7 o'clock hour to the Justice & Drew Show on Twin Cities News Talk (KTLK) AM1130. The holiday guest host, Brian McDaniel, will welcome our group's Chair, Kim (Judson) Bemis and Dr. Ken Winters to talk about SAMMn! You can also listen online iHeart Radio Station. Please share with your contacts that may be interested in learning more about our group.

Frequent marijuana use higher among Colorado college students Report finds more students using pot most days

‘Dead Skunk’ Stench From Marijuana Farms Outrages Californians

With Marijuana Legal, Lawmakers Warn Public About DWI Dangers During Holidays

NH police trying to prevent impaired driving shift focus to marijuana

Potential Big Tobacco Acquisition Causes Cannabis Company's Stock to Soar

Citizens for the St. Croix Valley warned the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors this would happen

Woman pleads guilty in fatal St. Joseph Co. crash--marijuana in her system

Woman pleads guilty in fatal St. Joseph Co. crash

Look at this child's face and know this could be your child, grandchild, neighbor, sibling.

Economic and Social Costs of Legalized Marijuana

Legalized marijuana linked to a sharp rise in car crashes

Driver's marijuana, sedative use led to crash that killed 13 in Texas church bus, NTSB says

Marijuana devastated Colorado, don’t legalize it nationally

Crashes rise in first states to begin legalized retail sales of recreational marijuana

Healthy and Productive North Dakota!

Healthy and Productive North Dakota Against Measure 3

Bob Troyer, U.S. Attorney, District of Colorado--It’s high time we took a breath from marijuana commercialization

It’s high time we took a breath from marijuana commercialization

In 2012 we were told Colorado would lead the nation on a grand experiment in commercialized marijuana. Six years later — with two major industry reports just released and the state legislature and Denver City Council about to consider more expansion measures — it’s a perfect time to pause and assess some results of that experiment.

Where has our breathless sprint into full-scale marijuana commercialization led Colorado?

Well, recent reports from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, from Denver Health, from Energy Associates, from the Colorado Department of Revenue and from the City of Denver should be enough to give everyone in this race pause.

Click here for more.

The marijuana industry pushes to eliminate the word 'stoner,' drawing applause, anger, confusion

The marijuana industry pushes to eliminate the word 'stoner,' drawing applause, anger, confusion

Is this a step towards saying the word "stoner" a hate crime? Will be "haters" for saying "stoner"?

Coca-Cola Is Eyeing the Cannabis Market

New HHS Survey: Heavy Marijuana Use Skyrocketing; Youth in Late Teens Using More Marijuana Now Than Any Time in Recent History

The state marijuana cartel: The sixth phase of the Democrat plantation

The state marijuana cartel: The sixth phase of the Democrat plantation

"...Our extensive new report, "The Costly Fraud of Marijuana Normalization," reveals the dark truths and frightful economic costs of the Democrat agenda. Progressives have fooled everyone by claiming that "medical" marijuana (a subterranean synonym for "recreational" pot) must be legalized as a painkiller for victims of disease, old age, and ultimately minor pain and stress. In this report, you will see that the sea of red ink caused by state-sponsored drug addiction is horrendous and unsustainable. ..."

SEPTEMBER: Celebrate National Recover Month With The SAM Toolkit

Drunk driving has taken a heavy toll in Wisconsin. Now, drugged driving is gaining a foothold

Drunk driving has taken a heavy toll in Wisconsin. Now, drugged driving is gaining a foothold.

"Sgt. Nathan Borman has noticed a disturbing trend among motorists in Outagamie County — and he only sees it getting worse.

“We are experiencing a rise in drugged driving arrests,” said Borman, who works at the county’s sheriff’s department.

While the county has been “lucky” that there hasn’t been a high number of crashes or fatalities locally, Borman noted that a driver who was under the influence of marijuana was convicted in 2017 of killing a nurse who was on her way to work. …"

"...“While Wisconsin has seen an improved trend in alcohol-related crashes, injuries and fatalities — down 35 percent, 45 percent and 52 percent respectively over the last 10 years — Wisconsin has seen a rise in drugged driving related incidents,” the Wisconsin Department of Transportation wrote in an email to USA TODAY Network-Wisconsin. …"

"...The most prevalent drugs being used by drivers who are stopped by police are marijuana, opioids, cocaine and painkillers, he said.

“The drivers that like to do marijuana think they drive better, but if you feel different, you drive different,” Pabst said. “If you feel different, it’s affecting how you drive.” ...

American Academy of Pediatrics Urges Pregnant and Nursing Mothers to Avoid Marijuana Use

American Academy of Pediatrics Urges Pregnant and Nursing Mothers to Avoid Marijuana

In response to growing evidence that more pregnant and breastfeeding women are using marijuana and concerns about the potential risks to developing fetuses and infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics (A.A.P.) released a recommendation this week that women avoid the drug altogether when they are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) president, Dr. Kevin Sabet, released the following statement:

“We applaud the American Academy of Pediatrics’ decision to shed light on the dangerous implications of marijuana use during pregnancy. This sends a clear message to the Big Marijuana industry that the scientific community and others will not fall for the blatant falsehoods and misinformation used to suggest that marijuana is safe.

“Based on the research, we know that marijuana use in utero can lead to a whole host of issues ranging from low birth weight to developmental problems. Even worse, marijuana use during pregnancy has been linked to a rare, fatal developmental disorder known as anencephaly.

“Marijuana can have incredibly deleterious effects on young minds and it is absolutely shameful, though not surprising, that the industry would push its wares and pseudo-science on young mothers.

“It was recently reported that nearly 70% of dispensaries in Colorado were recommending high potency THC products to expectant mothers to “treat” symptoms of morning sickness. This is especially concerning given these dispensaries are not staffed with medical staff and are not able to give accurate medical advice.

“As research grows and the painful lessons are being learned from states that have legalized marijuana, more and more are moving to reject pot. Lawmakers in Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire have said no to legalization and commercialization bills so far this year.”

A recent study published by the journal Pediatrics found that THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, was detectable in 63 percent of samples of breastmilk collected from women who claimed to have used the drug prior to pumping.

California police, cities fight statewide pot deliveries

"...Police chiefs on Friday lined up against a proposed state rule that critics say would allow unchecked home marijuana deliveries anywhere in California — even in communities that have banned cannabis sales.

The California Police Chiefs Association, League of California Cities and United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council have set up a website that depicts wide-eyed children gesturing toward a pot delivery van outside a school. They are asking opponents to sign an online petition. ..."

"...California's legal market has gotten off to a bumpy start. Illicit sales are still thriving, a shaky supply chain has customers looking at barren shelves in some shops and there have been complaints about testing and hefty taxes."

American Academy of Pediatrics Raises Concerns About Increasing Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

American Academy of Pediatrics Raises Concerns About Increasing Marijuana Use During Pregnancy

As more states legalize marijuana and social media touts its use for morning sickness, the nation’s pediatricians caution the drug may not be harmless.

"...THC, the chemical in marijuana mostly responsible for its psychoactive effects, readily crosses the placenta and enters the rapidly developing brain of the fetus. Research has shown that THC gets into breastmilk, including a study published in Pediatrics Aug. 27 that found THC present in breastmilk up to six days after the last use. ..."

Marijuana: Get informed and get ready

Hudson Star Observer Viewpoint: Marijuana: Get informed and get ready

"...Any politician voting to put marijuana in a referendum is either not informed or doesn't care about people! Maybe they care more about money and votes."

County board blocks marijuana referendum idea

Walworth County Board blocks marijuana referendum idea

"...Walworth County Board members have deployed an unusual parliamentary procedure to block a countywide referendum on legalizing marijuana.

The action at the July 10 county board meeting means the referendum idea is shelved indefinitely and will not be considered in a forum where members of the public can voice opinions.

Board Chairwoman Nancy Russell of Lake Geneva told her colleagues that she was “totally against” holding a referendum, because allowing people to vote, she said, would imply that county officials support legalized marijuana. ..." Click on the link for more information.

Recruiting company recommends employers get rid of drug testing

Recruiting company recommends employers get rid of drug testing

Make no mistake--this is all about getting rid of drug testing for everyone.

Scott Nordstrand, St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Facebook post regarding marijuana referendum

Scott Nordstrand, St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Facebook post re: CBD oil availability

Scott Nordstrand, St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Facebook post re: CBD oil availability in Wisconsin

Dan Fosterling, St. Croix County Board of Supervisors, Wisconsin, Facebook post on marijuana referendum

America’s Invisible Pot Addicts--More and more Americans are reporting near-constant cannabis use, as legalization forges ahead.

America’s Invisible Pot Addicts
More and more Americans are reporting near-constant cannabis use, as legalization forges ahead.

Committee sends Second Amendment referendum to Sauk County Board

St. Croix County Board postpones cannabis referendum vote indefinitely

St. Croix County Board postpones cannabis referendum vote indefinitely

Once again, the media did not even mention those who spoke against this referendum, including a mother whose son died of a heroin overdose that started out with the gateway drug, marijuana. Why?

St. Croix County Board postpones vote on marijuana referendum

St. Croix County Board postpones vote on marijuana referendum

For some reason, the article fails to mention the speakers who spoke against the referendum.

Marijuana debate: Brown County supervisor asks to delay request for state regulation

Congressman Sean Duffy Slams Democratic Opponents Over Marijuana Legalization

St. Croix County, Wisconsin, LAW ENFORCEMENT STATEMENT REGARDING OPPOSITION TO THE REFERENDUM VOTE ON THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA

St. Croix County, Wisconsin, Opposition to Cannabis Referendum by Law Enforcement

Local Police Department and St. Croix County Sheriff as a united group submit to the Public Protection & Judiciary committee a letter of opposition to the pending referendum on cannabis.

TWO PAGES (Scroll down to Page 2)

SEPARATING MARIJUANA FACT FROM FICTION IN NEW YORK--RESPONSE TO THE “ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF REGULATED MARIJUANA IN NEW YORK STATE” AUGUST 2018

SEPARATING MARIJUANA FACT FROM FICTION IN NEW YORK--RESPONSE TO THE “ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF REGULATED MARIJUANA IN NEW YORK STATE”--AUGUST 2018

Executive Summary

"...Recently, New York State (NYS) released what they claimed to be “an extensive assessment of current research and literature to evaluate the cost-risk benefit of legalizing the recreational adult use of marijuana.”

The overall conclusion of this assessment was that marijuana poses little public health risk and should be considered for legalization. But a closer look finds several flaws in the report that questions its purpose and conclusions.

Unfortunately, it appears that the conclusion of the NYS report was written before the data were analyzed. The legalization of recreational marijuana is presented in the introduction as a fait accompli: “It has become less a question of whether to legalize but how to do so responsibly.” Much of the report discusses how to decrease the dangers of legal recreational marijuana. The best way to lessen the danger is to keep it from being commercialized, normalized, promoted – and legalized.

The report conflates the issues of medical marijuana and commercial sales of recreational marijuana. The potential medical benefits of medical cannabis are already available in New York. Adding indiscriminate recreational use does not increase any health benefit to New Yorkers.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is advised by a scientific advisory board of researchers from institutions such as Harvard and Johns Hopkins. SAM believes in the need for rational, well-informed public policy – legislation that maximizes public health benefits and minimizes harms.

This state-issued report reads more like a marijuana lobbyist’s manifesto, as we found no credible opposing evidence cited.

Based on our findings, the reference to unlisted “subject-matter experts” that the report apparently relied on, and the fact that state medical groups like the New York Society for Addiction Medicine (NYSAM) were not consulted with, we are formally requesting that the state of New York publicly disclose all sources that were consulted and those that contributed to creation of the document. We believe that National Instutute of Health (NIH) scientists, NYSAM physicians, and other experts should have the chance to review these findings. …"

How legal cannabis actually made things worse for sick people in Oregon

"...Now, sick people are suffering. …"

“...All the people that we made these laws for – the ones who are desperately ill – are being screwed right now and are directed to the black market,” said Karla Kay, the chief of operations at PharmEx. …"

"...In eastern Oregon’s Deschutes county, the sheriff’s office and the district attorney have repeatedly requested the location of each medical marijuana grower in their county. They’ve been consistently denied by the Oregon Health Authority.

Recently, the sheriff has gone as far as hiring a detective to focus solely on enforcing marijuana operations.

“There is an overproduction of marijuana in Oregon and the state doesn’t have adequate resources to enforce the laws when it comes to recreational marijuana, medical marijuana, as well as ensuring the growth of hemp is within the THC guidelines,” said the Deschutes sheriff, Shane Nelson. …"

"...As of last February, the state database logged 1.1m pounds of cannabis flower, as reported by the Willamette Week in April. That’s three times what residents buy in a year, which means the excess is slipping out of the regulated market. …"

"...In a May 2018 memo on his marijuana enforcement priorities, Billy J Williams, a US attorney for the district of Oregon, noted that “since broader legalization took effect in 2015, large quantities of marijuana from Oregon have been seized in 30 states, most of which continue to prohibit marijuana.”

The Dangers of Pot--Boston Globe editorial--by Dr. Kevin Sabet

The Dangers of Pot--Boston Globe editorial--Dr. Kevin Sabet is a former three-time White House drug policy official and president of SAM, Smart Approaches to Marijuana

Report: Smart Approaches to Marijuana: Preventing another big tobacco

Report: Smart Approaches to Marijuana: Preventing another big tobacco

Reviewed by researchers from: University of Colorado at Denver Johns Hopkins University Harvard Medical School Children’s Hospital Boston University of Kansas and more.

Remember Big Tobacco? They're back. It's Time to Put People Before Profit.

Who is SAM?

WHO WE ARE

We are the leading national, non-partisan, non-profit alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy. We were founded in 2013 by former Democratic U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy, former George W. Bush administration official and Republican pundit David Frum, and Dr. Kevin A. Sabet, drug policy advisor to three U.S. administrations.

We are professionals working in mental health and public health, medical doctors, lawmakers, treatment providers, prevention professionals, teachers, law enforcement officers, and others who want to let science set marijuana policy and find sensible solutions.

History and science show us that neither mass incarceration of users nor legalization are solutions. What does work are public health and justice systems that do not demonize marijuana use or use incarceration as a solution for drug abuse, but also steer problem users towards treatment and recovery options, with the objective of minimizing drug use.

THE NEXT BIG TOBACCO

We are also at the front lines of fighting the next Big Tobacco—the marijuana industry. As we speak, the marijuana industry is busy buying lawyers, lobbyists, and marketers to push kid-friendly pot products, advertise pot on TV and radio, and overturn secondhand smoking laws to let people smoke pot in restaurants and other public places.

In fact, the marijuana lobby has started taking money directly from the tobacco industry, including the parent company that owned the famous Joe Camel cigarette mascot.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY

Act now!

You can also get involved directly by downloading the iPhone or Android advocacy app from our sister organization, SAM Action. The application allows you to share ideas with other like-minded individuals, and participates in calls to action. Just text “SAM” to 797-979.

Get educated!

SAM has host of resources to educate you on the public health and safety dangers of legalized pot:

Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SAM's science-based approach to marijuana policy
SAM's report on the impacts of pot legalization in 4 U.S. states and D.C.
The new SAM working paper calculating a select few costs of legalization in Connecticut

Marinette ordinance bans pot before it's legalized

Marinette ordinance bans pot before it's legalized

"...Marinette (Wisconsin) Mayor Steve Genisot says a new council-approved ordinance makes marijuana illegal to use, buy and sell— no matter what the state decides.

"Law enforcement doesn't need this drug on top of all their other issues they have, and we'd like to prevent that from happening locally— even if it does happen at the state level,” he told Action 2 News.

The local ordinance banning it should trump state-wide legalization. More than thirty states have laws allowing local cities to be "dry communities” banning the sale— and in some cases, consumption and possession— of alcohol.

This ordinance is just like that, but applies to pot. ..."

"...Medical marijuana is already legal across the state border in Michigan, and because of that, law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin say they've seen a steep rise in drug-related activity. Experts say the legalization of recreational marijuana will likely be on the 2018 ballot for Michigan next year, and community leaders in Marinette want to prepare for any change that could be coming to Wisconsin state laws. ..."

"...Leaders say potential pot growers may want to set up dispensaries in anticipation of the legalization of marijuana. Police in Marinette say, it's best to stay ahead of that and ban it ahead of time.

Those who pushed for the creation of the local ordinance say the number of students who recently admitted to using or being exposed to marijuana is alarming.

“This all kind of came about from a survey that we do every other year in our local school districts, and it's showing now that marijuana is actually being more widely used among any other drug in the community, and it has always been alcohol up until 2017,” said Lesperance. ..."

"..."So we spoke with our law enforcement in the community and our schools and they all agreed that marijuana has kind of overtaken some of their job duties in the communities and is really taking a lot of their time,” Lesperance explained.

Lesperance worked with Marinette Police Officer Scott Ries to research and come up with the plan for Marinette. She traveled to California to see how different areas like Newport Beach—which has banned marijuana locally—were different from neighboring towns that do not ban pot.

"We were seeing it being smoked out in public, children were around it, it was in every store we went into, you could get it anywhere, they had people out on the street saying 'come talk to us about getting a card'- it was just so in your face, that we could tell the difference between the two towns,” she said.

Lesperance says she understands and respects marijuana extract's positive medical effect for those who need it; her organization is promoting its use in a pill form from a pharmacist only.

The ban is already in effect, and the city wants people with medical marijuana cards to understand that it is not legal for them to consume in Wisconsin, which has reportedly been confusing for marijuana users crossing into the state. ..."

The Cannabis Industry Energy Challenge--A Utility View of Cannabis Industry Energy Issues

The Cannabis Industry Energy Challenge A Utility View of Cannabis Industry Energy Issues October 16-17, 2018 Newport Beach, CA

"Cannabis is already a $10 billion industry and is becoming a global marketplace. In the U.S., the paradigm of marijuana legalization is already having profound impacts and consequences on power operations and electricity consumption, and these impacts will only increase as the industry grows. Many communities and governments that have legalized marijuana growth and consumption do not realize that the industry is an extremely energy-intensive business. Indoor-growing facilities require massive amounts of energy for lighting, venting, and de-humidification. In 2012, even before the legalization wave started in earnest, one study found that legal indoor marijuana growing facilities accounted for 1% of national electricity use at a cost of roughly $6 billion per year, already rivaling energy consumption of data centers. States where cannabis was first legalized – especially at the recreational level in Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska— have struggled to find effective solutions to manage the industry’s prodigious energy consumption.

This conference will explore the impact and consequences on electricity consumption and power operations of the rapidly growing cannabis industry in the United States. It will focus on evaluating key considerations and planning needs that electric utilities must confront when operating in a market for legal or recreational marijuana grows, considering:

Power operations and grid reliability
Estimating energy requirements
Solutions for efficiency
Policy/rate-design options
Legal and regulatory compliance
Cutting edge information on best equipment and design solutions for optimal efficiency
Designing effective customer programs for cannabis customer

…"

DISCLAIMER: While the speaker says he is not against the casual adult use of marijuana, we believe, taken to the logical conclusion, that we should be against the casual adult use of marijuana, just like we are against the casual adult use of cigarettes.

In 2012, Colorado legalized cannabis and kickstarted a multibillion dollar industry with every product imaginable -- brownies, gummy bears, granola bars, even lube! But to say that we’ve “legalized cannabis” is mistaken -- we’ve commercialized THC. In this fascinating talk, expert Ben Cort examines the impacts of this growing new industry on everything from policing & arrest rates to LGBTQ issues. Sober since 1996, Ben Cort has seen the devastation that substance abuse can bring first hand as well as the joy that is recovery. He spent the last 10 years inside nonprofit drug treatment and education programs like Phoenix Multisport, Stout Street Foundation, and The University of Colorado Hospital. He is the author of Weed, INC., a professional speaker, and a frequent guest in the media. Ben is a husband, father of three, and an avid sportsman. He enjoys fly fishing, hunting, mountaineering, and bike racing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Downloadable/Printable Brochure for St. Croix County

Downloadable/Printable Brochure

Why would the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors majority Administration Committee rush to place an advisory marijuana referendum on the ballot? As pointed out by a member of Health and Human Services Board, the referendum wording is obviously biased, and he could not support it. The administration committee did not consult with the experts of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee nor the Health and Human Services Board prior to forwarding the motion to the Board for the August 7 meeting. Why?

We only have until August 7 to convince the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors to reject this advisory marijuana referendum. Please distribute this brochure to friends, neighbors, Facebook, etc.

What is the Utah Medical Association saying?
http://www.utahmed.org/wcm/ContentAreas/Landing_Pages/Marijuana.aspx
“…Although the Utah Medical Association (UMA) has a definite policy in opposition to the current "Utah Medical Cannabis Act" initiative (see below - because it is not about medicine), UMA is NOT opposed to the idea or use of cannabis in medical settings where regulations are in place to discourage misuse and where the policy follows research and medical science can give adequate assurance of safety and efficacy. The current proposed initiative is policy pushed by the marijuana industry, for the marijuana industry. …” Go to the link to read more.

What is the Utah Narcotics Association saying? https://unoa.org/about-us/official-stance-on-medical-marijuana/ “…Facts About Medical Marijuana: So called “medical marijuana” in other states has become a farce. The average user of smoked medical marijuana has no chronic illness. They are generally white males in their mid 30’s with a history of alcohol and drug abuse. States with medical marijuana laws have a dramatically higher incident rate in the general population of both “past month adult users,” and “new youth (12-17) users.” 10 of the 13 western most states, including Alaska and Hawaii, have authorized some form of legal use of the intact marijuana plant. Some states with medical marijuana laws have now graduated to full scale legal recreational use, including Colorado, Washington and Oregon.

The attendant social problems created in those states is only beginning to be realized.
There is no scientific evidence that THC is necessary to boost the medicinal effect of cannabidiol (CBD) or other medicinal cannabinoids. Based upon the proximity of other medical and/recreational states, the black and grey market potential in Utah is exacerbated by the fact that since October 1, 2015, possession of up to 99 pounds of marijuana in Utah is a Class B misdemeanor. That includes highly concentrated marijuana extracts (BHO, “dap” “shatter” “glass”) which can be up to 90% pure THC. Many national and local organizations, including the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, and the Utah Medical Association, are opposed to any use of intact marijuana as “medicine”. …”

SEVIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, SEVIER COUNTY, UTAH, DISTRICT ATTORNEY MITCHELL MORRISSEY
Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Sevier County, Utah “…Denver City District Attorney Mitchell Morrissey states, “In the city of Denver since the legalization of marijuana Denver Police Department is dealing with a 900% increase in the unlawful cultivation and manufacture of marijuana concentrate, and a 99% increase in the unlawful distribution of marijuana and marijuana concentrate. The quantity of illegal marijuana seized by Denver Police has increased 3,424% on average per case. The volume of marijuana seized by Denver Police has increased from an average of 162 pounds to 5,724 pounds. Unlawful public consumption of marijuana citations has increased over 300%.” It is reported that Colorado’s homeless population has increased by well over 10,000 persons seeking easy access to feed their addiction. …”
“…Voters are being told that if they legalize marijuana in other states that crime will go down. the number of crimes in Denver has grown by about 44%. In 2015 in Denver alone crime rose in every neighborhood in the city. The murder rate hit a decade high, 1059 more cars were broken into, there were 903 more auto thefts, 321 more aggravated assaults and 231 more homes were broken into compared to 2014. Denver Police Department is busier enforcing marijuana laws and investigating crimes directly related to marijuana, including murders, robberies, and home invasions, than any other time in the history of the city. Voters considering legalizing marijuana are being told that doing so will free up law enforcement to work on other criminal activities. That has not been the case in Denver.. …” http://scsoutah.com/2018/05/11/utah-sheriffs-association-marijuana-position-statement-2017/

CONSUMERS FLOODED WITH DUBIOUS CLAIMS ABOUT MARIJUANA’S HEALTH BENEFITS
“What’s happening right now with marijuana reminds me of tobacco at the end of World War II. There was an explosion in its use, but little science to let people know what we were dealing with.” http://www.bakersfield.com/ap/national/consumers-flooded-with-dubious-claims-about-marijuana-s-health-benefits/article_9cef1240-ae24-52f1-a069-77b8a417246.html

CONTACT THE ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TODAY:

District 1, Ed Schactner, phone 715-247-5982 ed.schachtner@sccwi.gov
District 2, Scott Nordstrand, 651-434-9684 scott.nordstrand@sccwi.gov
District 3, Lynda Miller, cell 612-309-5310; home 715-386-1435 lynda.miller@sccwi.gov
District 4, Tom Coulter, cell 715-781-9103; home 715-808-0122 tom.coulter@sccwi.gov
District 5, Roy Sjoberg, cell 651-295-4811; home 651-295-4811 roy.sjoberg@sccwi.gov
District 6, Bob Long, cell 651-260-4553; 715-386-0587 bob.long@sccwi.gov
District 7, Tammy Moothedan, 608-571-5044 tammy.moothedan@sccwi.gov
District 8, Dan Fosterling, 612-961-4507 dan.fosterling@sccwi.gov
District 9, Bob Feidler, 703-786-2323 bob.feidler@sccwi.gov
District 10, Dave Ostness, 715-307-2050 dave.ostness@sccwi.gov
District 11, Roger Larson, 715-220-1590 roger.larson@sccwi.gov
District 12, Daniel Hansen, 715-222-9871 daniel.hansen@sccwi.gov
District 13, Pending appeal
District 14, Andy Brinkman, 715-781-2516 andy.brinkman@sccwi.gov
District 15, David Peterson, 715-426-5533 david.peterson@sccwi.gov
District 16, Paulette Anderson, 612-229-6014 paulette.anderson@sccwi.gov
District 17, Judy Achterhof, 715-265-7160 judy.achterhof@sccwi.gov
District 18, Shaela Leibfried, 715-441-1586 shaela.leibfried@sccwi.gov
District 19, William Peavey, 715-698-2361 william.peavey@sccwi.gov
https://www.sccwi.gov/483/Districts-Supervisors
WISCONSIN STATE SENATOR PATTY SCHACTNER, 608-266-7745; Sen.Schachtner@legis.wisconsin.gov

St. Croix County Health and Human Services Board meeting July 11, 2018

St. Croix County Health and Human Services Board Video

Citizen comments begin at 5:45-21:30. HHS budget and issues with the accounting software discussion Minute 21:30-39:05. Advisory Cannabis Referendum Discussion: Minute 39:16-1:25:00

Even though the Health and Human Services Board voted 4-2 to delay the referendum vote, this will have no bearing on the referendum being presented to the St. Croix County Board for vote August 7. Contact the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors at this link: https://www.sccwi.gov/477/County-Board-of-Supervisors.

Democrats hope for advantage in counties holding marijuana referendums

Colorado governor won't rule out banning marijuana again. Here's why.

Utah Sheriff's Association Marijuana Position Statement 2017

Utah Medical Association Statement on the Utah Marijuana Initiative

Utah Medical Association Statement on the Utah Marijuana Initiative
"...Although UMA supports the use of FDA‐approved cannabis‐based medicines, this initiative is not about medicine. Supporters have used images and stories of suffering patients to disguise their true aim: opening another market for their products and paving the way for recreational use of marijuana in Utah. ..."

Consumers flooded with dubious claims about marijuana’s health benefits

Democrats Want to Open the Jailhouse Door

HALF BAKED: (St. Croix County, Wisconsin) ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE FAST TRACKS MARIJUANA REFERENDUM

St. Croix County (WI) Administration Committee meeting July 9, 2018; video

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Administration Committee meeting, agenda item Discussion on Cannabis Referendum only and citizen comments

St. Croix County Board Administration Committee Citizen Comments at Minute 6:20

Others: Sheriff Knudson, District Attorney Nieskes, St. Croix County Health and Human Services Fred Johnson, etc.: Minute 56:15

Marijuana Lights Up the Wrong Way

Waubeka man charged with launching minivan into house "...Driver of vehicle that went airborne, became lodged in house told authorities he had smoked pot earlier. …"

Waubeka man charged with launching minivan into house
"...Driver of vehicle that went airborne, became lodged in house told authorities he had smoked pot earlier. …"

D.A.R.E. Utah Marijuana Legalization Talking Points

Why America will regret legalizing marijuana--Rachel Lu

Utah Department of Public Safety--Concerns Regarding Medical Marijuana

Utah Narcotic Officers Association--Official Stance on Medical Marijuana

Utah Medical Association statements on marijuana

UMA Statements on Current Marijuana Initiative; Articles on Cannabis in Utah Physician magazine

Drug Safe Utah--The Marijuana Initiative is Not the Answer

"I voted FOR the marijuana decriminalization initiative in Colorado some years back. If it were held today, I'd vote against. ..."

"I voted FOR the marijuana decriminalization initiative in Colorado some years back. If it were held today, I'd vote against. That's tough for me to say as a Libertarian, but the problem is Colorado's unusual policy makes us a magnet for all the wrong kind of people coming into this state from elsewhere. Violent crime is up in Colorado, whereas it's down in most of the country. Bums all over the sidewalks and at street intersections is something we never used to have. Denver is being turned into San Francisco. (OK, not nearly that bad, but the trendline's worrisome.) Now CNN's reporting that Colorado's governor is wondering if the initiative needs to be repealed.
Curious what others think, both here and in other states.

On La Crosse County's November ballot: Marijuana and road funding referendums

On La Crosse County's November ballot: Marijuana and road funding referendums

"...Sheriff Steve Helgeson said he would be opposed to the referendum and to legalizing marijuana, with one major concern being a potential increase in the number of drivers operating vehicles under the influence of marijuana.
“It’s much more difficult for officers to detect if drivers are impaired by marijuana,” Helgeson said. “There’s no easy way to determine exactly what somebody’s level would be and whether that would rise to the level of impairment.” ...

Marijuana in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Committee, Marijuana Ad-hoc Committee, June 2016, Research-Based Review and Recommendations for Reducing the Public Health Impact of Marijuana

Marijuana in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Committee, Marijuana Ad-hoc Committee, June 2016

Marijuana in Wisconsin; Research-Based Review and Recommendations for Reducing the Public Health Impact of Marijuana; Wisconsin State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Committee Marijuana Ad-hoc Committee, June 2016

Some selected excerpts:

"...Progression from Marijuana to Other Substance Use Scientists have explored the influence of early marijuana use on the eventual use of other illicit drugs. While the term "gateway drug" has been controversial, research findings strongly suggest that adolescent marijuana use can contribute to increased curiosity and willingness to try other substances; marijuana use during adolescence may also sensitize the brain's reward-system and make one more likely to use other drugs. A recently published study of over 6,500 adults who started marijuana use before using any other drug found that nearly 45% progressed to other illicit drug use in their lives, a rate that is significantly higher than the general population (Secades-Villa, GarciaRodriguez, Jin, Wang, & Blanco, 2015; IJDP 2015). While the study did confirm marijuana's "gateway" effect, it also uncovered risk factors that predicted who was most vulnerable to making the transition to other drugs, a finding that the researchers hope will inform prevention and early intervention efforts. The presence of any of the following increased the likelihood that initiating substance use with marijuana would lead to other illicit drug use: mood disorder, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, personality disorder, and family history of substance use disorder (Secades-Villa et al., 2015). Other Vulnerable Populations Studies looking at the impact of toxic stress on the developing brain strongly suggest that children and adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood experiences are at increased risk for adopting unhealthy coping strategies including early initiation of marijuana use (Anda & Brown, 2010). Additional information on this relationship and adverse childhood experiences can be found in Appendix E.

In addition to individuals who experience adverse childhood experiences, individuals within other groups may also be at increased risk for experiencing the harmful effects of marijuana use. For the purpose of this report, vulnerable individuals are those who do not have access to evidence-based prevention services and/or are unable to make fully informed decisions for themselves. This vulnerability can result from developmental problems, personal incapacities, disadvantaged social status, inadequacy of interpersonal networks and supports, degraded neighborhoods and environments, and the complex interactions of these factors throughout the lifespan (Mechani & Tanner, 2007). ..."

Cannabinoid Research Recommendations

Recommendation 1: Cannabis, cannabinoid pharmaceuticals and cannabis/cannabinoid delivery systems should be subject to the same rigorous standards for approval that are applicable to other prescription medications and medical devices and should not be available for use by patients until such a time as they have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Recommendation 2: The state and federal government should encourage and promote further research and development focused on the study of specific pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid compounds and preparations (including whole plant preparations) for various clinical applications. After clinical trial studies are conducted to determine the benefits and long-term side effects of marijuana use on health, laws should only be considered that: Are limited in scope to individuals with identified conditions shown through research to benefit from the medicinal properties of marijuana plant extracts. Provide clear guidelines for dosing amounts. Provide consistent quality control testing of the cannabinoid dosing and additives. Identify restrictions on packaging and distribution that are equivalent to any other prescribed medication.

Recommendation 3: Smoked cannabis is not a safe delivery system for cannabinoids, and should not be legalized in any form since it appears to have similar clinical efficacy via inhalation (vaporized route), sublingual, and oral routes which are safer, and that may have decreased abuse potential.

Recommendation 4: Non-pharmaceutical grade oral formulations (edibles) and oral formulations are not approved by the FDA and should not be permitted. There is significant variability in dosing between samples, inconsistent distribution of cannabinoids and there are current FDA-approved oral cannabinoids by prescription, in the form of Dronabinol (Marinol®) and Nabilone (Cesament®).

Recommendation 5: Cannabis and cannabis extract(s) for use in individuals younger than age 21 should not be legalized in any form unless specifically FDA approved. A growing body of evidence links early cannabis exposure with neurobiological brain abnormalities, an increased risk of addiction, potential to be a gateway drug leading to other drug abuse, permanent neurocognitive decline, lower school performance, and compromised lifetime achievement.

"...In conclusion, the committee agrees with the following statement: Colorado and Washington serve as experimental labs for the nation to determine the impact of legalizing marijuana. This is an important opportunity to gather and examine meaningful data and facts. Citizens and policymakers may want to delay any decisions on this important issue until there is sufficient and accurate data to make an informed decision (RMHIDTA). ..."

"...Prevention As demonstrated throughout this report, marijuana is not harmless. The previous sections of this report highlight the adverse effects that marijuana use can have on both mental and physical health. Despite this growing body of knowledge, marijuana continues to increase in popularity as both a mind-altering substance and an unapproved, unregulated herbal remedy. This section of the report focuses primarily on the need to prevent the initiation of marijuana use by adolescents. Targeting prevention efforts to this age group is critical for preventing the negative health and social outcomes experienced by adults who began using during their teen years. Preventing Teen Marijuana Use Must be a Priority As shown in Figure 12, marijuana is the second most commonly initiated substance by teens in Wisconsin (SAMHSA, 2015). Looking exclusively at substance use disorders, it is estimated that approximately 9% of those older than 18 who experiment with marijuana will become addicted. This rate goes up to nearly 17% among those who begin using as teenagers, and between 25% and 50% for young people who develop a daily pattern of use (Volkow, Baler, Compton, & Weiss, 2014). ..."

Energy Impacts of Cannabis Cultivation Workshop, California Public Utilities Commission, April 2, 2017

Energy Impacts of Cannabis Cultivation Workshop

"...Cannabis is an energy intensive crop when grown indoors. Other states have experienced an increase in electricity demand after legalizing recreational cannabis. For example, half of load growth in Colorado is now attributable to new cannabis cultivation. The workshop was designed to explore opportunities for ensuring that expected load growth associated with cannabis cultivation in California is consistent with California’s clean energy goals. …"

Statement by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the importance of conducting proper research to prove safe and effective medical uses for the active chemicals in marijuana and its components

Statement by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the importance of conducting proper research to prove safe and effective medical uses for the active chemicals in marijuana and its components June 25, 2018

Over the past decade, we’ve seen a growing interest in the development of therapies derived from marijuana and its components. Proponents of “medical marijuana” advertised its uses for a wide number of medical conditions, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety – just to name a few of the touted conditions. The FDA has been supportive of research in this area for many years. But marijuana is a Schedule I compound with known risks. Research to demonstrate that marijuana or its components could be safe and effective in the treatment of medical disorders should be held to the same standard as other drug compounds. And certainly it should not be held to a lower standard, as some proponents would suggest. The FDA has an active program to assist drug developers who want to investigate marijuana or its components through properly controlled clinical trials, to demonstrate the potential for safe and effective uses.

Today, the FDA approved a purified form of the drug cannabidiol (CBD). This is one of more than 80 active chemicals in marijuana. The new product was approved to treat seizures associated with two rare, severe forms of epilepsy in patients two years of age and older.

This product approval demonstrates that advancing sound scientific research to investigate ingredients derived from marijuana can lead to important therapies. This new treatment provides new options for patients.

This is an important medical advance. But it’s also important to note that this is not an approval of marijuana or all of its components. This is the approval of one specific CBD medication for a specific use. And it was based on well-controlled clinical trials evaluating the use of this compound in the treatment of a specific condition. Moreover, this is a purified form of CBD. It’s being delivered to patients in a reliable dosage form and through a reproducible route of delivery to ensure that patients derive the anticipated benefits. This is how sound medical science is advanced.
So today, in addition to celebrating this scientific achievement and the medical advance that it represents for these patients and their families, we should also reflect on the path that made this possible. It’s a path that’s available to other product developers who want to bring forth marijuana-derived products through appropriate drug development programs.

That pathway includes a robust clinical development program, along with careful review through the FDA’s drug approval process. This is the most appropriate way to bring these treatments to patients. This process also includes a review of the purity of a new drug and manufacturing controls. Before a high-quality drug can be developed, evaluated, and eventually approved by the FDA; it’s critical that the necessary work is done to identify drugs of potential medical benefit and conduct rigorous scientific research through adequate and well-controlled clinical trials. This is true for all drugs, including ones derived from plant materials, like marijuana. And the FDA remains committed to collaborating with federal and state agencies, researchers and product developers on advancing this type of important and conscientious work.

This research process – from early development through preclinical and clinical research – gives us a comprehensive understanding of a new drug. That includes an understanding of whether the new product is safe and effective for treating a particular medical condition, what the proper dosage is and for what populations it is safe and effective, how the new compound could interact with other drugs, or whether the new drug has side effects or other safety concerns.

This work also helps product developers identify the appropriate dosage needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing toxicity and risk. Taken in totality, the scientific evidence generated by these studies forms the basis of the FDA’s evaluation of benefit versus risk. And it’s because of this careful, scientific and evidence-based evaluation by the FDA that health care providers can rely on having a quality product that delivers a consistent, uniform dose of an effective medication that is able to deliver a predictable treatment to patients. This is especially important when considering treatment for serious medical conditions that will be utilized in the clinical care of patients who may have any number of health vulnerabilities. The purified form of the drug CBD approved today by the FDA has been shown to meet these rigorous standards.

Research on the therapeutic effects of marijuana and its components involves a number of federal agencies in addition to the FDA, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The FDA has taken several specific steps to support this research.

We meet regularly with researchers as they plan and carry out their trials. We have also formed a Botanicals Team that provides scientific expertise on botanical issues for researchers developing drugs derived from plants, such as marijuana. That team published guidance for industry on clinical studies involving botanical drugs, as well as quality controls for lot-to-lot consistency. In recent years, the agency also has recommended to the DEA the approval of several hundred Schedule I research protocol licenses for research on marijuana or its constituent compounds.

Additionally, the FDA also works with companies to provide patients access to experimental therapies while clinical trials are ongoing through expanded access provisions. These approaches help protect patients while also allowing for the collection of data necessary to support the FDA approval of safe and effective therapies for use in the broader population. Through this process, hundreds of children were able to get access to investigational CBD products while this product was being studied.

Drugs derived from marijuana also are eligible for several programs that are intended to facilitate and expedite development and review of new drugs that address unmet medical needs in the treatment of serious or life-threatening conditions. Much of the work we’ve done to encourage research in this area has led to the approval action we took today.

The FDA will continue to support rigorous scientific research on potential medical treatments using marijuana and its components that seek to be developed through the appropriate scientific channels. However, we remain concerned about the proliferation and illegal marketing of unapproved CBD-containing products with unproven medical claims.

The promotion and use of these unapproved products may keep some patients from accessing appropriate, recognized therapies to treat serious and even fatal diseases. The FDA has taken recent actions against companies distributing unapproved CBD products. These products have been marketed in a variety of formulations, such as oil drops, capsules, syrups, teas, and topical lotions and creams. These companies have claimed that various CBD products could be used to treat or cure serious diseases such as cancer with no scientific evidence to support such claims. We’ll continue to take action when we see the illegal marketing of CBD-containing products with unproven medical claims. We’re especially concerned when these products are marketed for serious or life threatening diseases, where the illegal promotion of an unproven compound could discourage a patient from seeking other therapies that have proven benefits.

Today’s approval demonstrates our commitment to the scientific process and working with product developers to bring marijuana-based products to market. We remain committed to our gold standard for product development and review. Such a process ensures that any new therapies from marijuana and its constituents are safe, effective and manufactured to a high and consistent quality. And most importantly, that these products have been proven safe and effective for patients.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.