How Legal Weed in California Could Lead to Better Buds for All by Melanie Marquis

Posted by CANNASaver on Saturday, 21 November 2015 in Canna Blog - Latest News

If successful, the California Craft Cannabis Initiative could lead to better quality cannabis in California and beyond. Drafted by lawyers Heather Burke and Omar Figueroa, the initiative is one of a large handful of recreational marijuana legalization measures vying to make it onto the November 2016 statewide ballot. In addition to retroactively legalizing the use, cultivation, possession, transportation, processing, distribution, and sale of marijuana by persons 21 years of age and older, the initiative would establish a seed bank dedicated to the preservation and development of cannabis strains, and would also provide incentives to encourage small-scale growers to produce top-quality weed. We've all heard of craft beers, but have you ever heard of craft cannabis? The concept is the same whether we're talking beer or buds. Small-scale, focused production allows artisans the opportunity to create unique, unusual, or specialty products of often exceptional quality. If California's Craft Cannabis Initiative passes, craft cannabis growers could actually register and trademark their buds. For instance, their would likely be regional designations such as “Humboldt County” or “Emerald Triangle,” as well as certified strains.

What this would mean for the average California cannabis consumer is that what you pay for is what you get, at least when purchasing a certified or trademark-registered product. Seems like a simple enough consumer expectation, but this isn't always the case in legal recreational cannabis states like Colorado, Oregon, and Washington where strains are often misnamed, ill grown, and poorly preserved in the mass-production frenzy of trying to meet an ever-rising demand. No means for certifying any particular strains of marijuana exist in these states, which basically results in anyone being able to call their buds anything they like and sell them under any name they choose, and consumers having nothing other than their own eyes, nose, and knowledge of cannabis to help them tell the difference. That Lemon Haze might be Lemon Haze, or it might not. That “rare” strain whose name you've never heard of before could be good old Blue Dream with a fancy new alias. If the initiative in California passes and other states decide to adopt their own certification mechanisms, consumers would be able to tell exactly what they were getting, and growers would have an incentive to protect their strains and develop them to their fullest potential.

The California Craft Cannabis Initiative would also provide an opportunity for growers to have their crops certified organic. This is something none of the legal marijuana states currently offer, which again leaves the consumer with little but their own judgment and the shopkeeper's word to go on when hoping to purchase organically-grown cannabis. As it stands, much of the marijuana sold at dispensaries is coated with pesticides and often contains fungus or heavy metals. It might say “organic,” but there isn't really any way of knowing whether or not it actually is. The California Craft Cannabis Initiative would make it possible for consumers to choose products that are certified organic, which could encourage other legal weed states to follow suit.

The initiative also calls for the establishment of the California Cannabis Genetic Repository. The repository would collect germplasm from all known cannabis strains, carefully preserving and documenting the biodiversity of the cannabis genus. Researchers and others wishing to study the cannabis plant would have free access to the repository, which could lead to the development of strains with higher potency, new hybrids, and more. As the nation's herb supply continues to be flooded with mislabeled or wrongly identified strains, preserving the genetics of specific cannabis strains becomes increasingly important not just for California, but for the world. The sponsors of the California Craft Cannabis Initiative have until December 21st to collect the 365,880 signatures required to get the measure placed on next November's ballot. There are at least ten other recreational cannabis legalization initiatives that are in the process of meeting requirements to make it on the ballot, as well. For more information including the full text of the California Craft Cannabis Initiative, visit www.californiacannabis2016.com .

Federal Court Rules in Favor of Cannabis Church

Posted by CANNASaver on Tuesday, 08 December 2015 in Canna Blog

Federal Court Rules in Favor of Cannabis Church

by Melanie Marquis

In a federal court ruling on December 7th, the Healing Church of Rhode Island won its legal right to use and distribute cannabis as part of its religious ceremonies. Founded on the belief that cannabis is a healing agent and holy sacrament mentioned throughout the original Hebrew biblical texts as a plant known as “KNH BSM,” the Healing Church uses cannabis for anointing, healing, and offerings. Monday's ruling was only a partial victory for the church, however, as federal court Judge Mary Lisi upheld the group's rights to consume and share cannabis with its congregation, but stopped short of granting the church permission to perform their cannabis ceremonies on federal lands. The battle has largely centered around a well located at the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, Rhode Island, a place the Healing Church believes is religiously significant, and a place which also happens to be a part of the National Parks system. Referencing their belief in the location as the birthplace of religious freedom as well as a sacred site linked to the resurgence of the “holy KNH BSM”--a.k.a. “biblical cannabis”--the group applied for a permit and federal injunction in May of this year to be allowed to hold a cannabis ceremony at the memorial. While their permit to conduct the ceremony was approved, the injunction to burn cannabis offerings as part of the religious ritual was denied. The group held their services anyway and faced fines, confiscation of various religious artifacts, and alleged harassment of church members.

Undeterred, church leaders filed an affidavit with the federal courts asking for their Constitutional rights to freely practice their religion to be permanently secured and upheld, including their right to conduct religious ceremonies with cannabis at the Roger Williams National Memorial. While the church can now use cannabis at private locations of worship without fear of legal consequences, Judge Lisi ruled that the group could not conduct their cannabis rites at the Roger Williams National Memorial well until they are able to fully demonstrate to the court's satisfaction the particular importance of practicing these ceremonies at the specific site in question. The Healing Church is planning to file an appeal.

Four Ways to Profit from Legal Marijuana

Posted by CANNASaver on Sunday, 13 December 2015 in Canna Blog

Four Ways to Profit from Legal Marijuana

by Melanie Marquis

Legal marijuana has grown into a hugely profitable and diverse industry, with Colorado recreational dispensaries alone boasting over 60 million in monthly sales. Dispensaries, cultivation warehouses, testing facilities, and marijuana-infused products manufacturers are without a doubt raking in big money, but opening such a business is no easy task. Application fees and licenses alone can run into the tens of thousands in Colorado, not to mention the enormous amount of red tape that must be successfully traversed. However, there are many other ways to tap into the cannabis market with lower start-up costs and a lot less hassle. If you've ever wondered how you might start your own cannabis-based business, check out these four ways “budding” entrepreneurs just like yourself have found success and profit in legal marijuana:

Marijuana-themed Arts and Crafts: From hand-blown glass pipes to custom-made bong stands, artisans and crafters are creating profitable products that appeal specifically to cannabis enthusiasts. If you're a creative or artistic type, this business might be right for you. Consider your interests and skill set. Do you enjoy painting and have a love of getting high in the Colorado Rockies? Perhaps you could paint mountain scenes on wooden boxes to create one-of-a-kind marijuana stashes. Are you good at making jewelry? There's a strong market for fashion and novelty jewelry featuring special detachable beads that double as pipes, lockets in which to tuck a bud, or hidden pins you can use to poke out a clogged bowl. Love to sew? Maybe you could make some cushioned bags to keep delicate glass pieces safe and snug. Identify your talents and brainstorm creative ways to capitalize. Homemade arts and crafts can be sold online, at local dispensaries and Head shops, and at many community fairs and festivals.

Professional Services: The marijuana industry is serious business, and these businesses require a variety of professional services just like any other serious business. Whether you're an accountant, lawyer, real estate agent, interior designer, copywriter, web developer, carpenter, cleaner, or a consultant, cannabis dispensaries and other big marijuana businesses could likely use your services. Specializing gives your business an edge over competitors, and with its unique needs and broad and ever-expanding customer base, the marijuana industry is a lucrative area of focus. Get to know the owners of your local herb stores, network, hand out business cards, and offer discounts or incentives for referrals to help kick-start your business.

Private Clubs: Private cannabis clubs that allow members to consume (but not purchase) cannabis on the premises are making money as well as headlines in Colorado Springs, Denver, and elsewhere. Such clubs charge a membership fee, and in exchange provide a safe place to chill out and enjoy one's herbs. The rules at these clubs differ and regulations are somewhat ambiguous, as there are currently no state guidelines specifically overseeing or licensing such clubs. Most operate under exceptions established for private clubs which allow indoor smoking at places of employment that employ three or fewer people and where access is restricted to members only. Some clubs only allow outdoor smoking or vaping, some offer food and drink, and some do not. Rules may soon become clearer and licensing requirements stricter, however, under legislation proposed by state Representative Kit Roupe, a Republican from Colorado Springs. The new regulations would establish a statewide system for licensing such clubs, and individual municipalities would be able to set their own additional rules and guidelines. It's unclear at this point what the specific licensing fees and requirements would be as the legislation is still in its draft phase, but it's likely to be a more affordable and streamlined process than it is to open a dispensary or cultivation facility. The proposed legislation is on the slate for the next session of the Colorado General Assembly which is scheduled to meet in early 2016.

Tour Companies: Cannabis-themed tour companies in Colorado and Oregon are offering tourists a convenient and fun way to check out the local herb scene. These tours may visit dispensaries, drive past cultivation facilities, provide information on local laws and weed-friendly establishments, offer tips for making the most of the legal weed, make pit stops at private cannabis clubs, connect travelers with 420-friendly lodging, and more. New tour operators are usually required to pass a criminal background check, obtain proper insurance, and meet other regulations and licensing guidelines that may apply at the state or local level.

These are just a sampling of cannabis-based business ideas that have succeeded, and there are many other business models worth considering. There is definitely money to be made in marijuana, if only you consider your strengths, do your research, consider your resources, and put your mind to it.

Prices To Rise For Oregon Weed Buyers

Posted by CANNASaver on Thursday, 31 December 2015 in Canna Blog

Prices to Rise for Oregon Weed Buyers

by Melanie Marquis

Oregon weed smokers will soon be paying more for recreational cannabis. Beginning January 4^th, dispensaries will be required to collect a 25% tax on all recreational marijuana purchases. Recreational marijuana has been tax-free since the first retail sales began in October 2015, giving buyers a break on prices. On average, a gram of recreational flower sells for anywhere from $8 to $15 in Oregon, with quarter-ounces ranging from a low $25 to a high $150. Oregon state law limits recreational cannabis purchases to no more than a quarter-ounce in one day, so retailers are unable to offer discounts on larger quantities like buyers in Colorado enjoy. With the new taxes, what used to be an $8 gram will now cost $10, while a $60 quarter will jump up to $75. Considering that most moderate to heavy herb smokers go through substantially more than a quarter-ounce per week, that additional 25% tax per purchase could really add up.

Retail recreational marijuana sales in Oregon topped 11 million in the first month alone, so the new cannabis taxes will likely add millions to the state's annual income. The tax revenue will be split between state and local agencies, with the largest shares going to the Common School Fund and to Mental Health, Alcoholism, and Drug Services. 

Currently, recreational cannabis is sold only through medical dispensaries in Oregon, but new stand-alone recreational-only dispensaries are expected to open starting in October 2016. Sales at the new dispensaries will only be subjected to a 17% tax, with cities and counties having the option of imposing an additional 3% tax if they choose to do so.

Despite the increase in taxes and higher prices in the interim, the cost of recreational marijuana in Oregon may eventually decrease over the next few years as more dispensaries open and the market stabilizes. There is currently a lot of variation and fluctuation in Oregon cannabis prices, with dispensaries still struggling to find the right balance between costs, supply, and demand. 

What's certain is that at least until next October when the first recreational-only dispensaries open, you'll soon be paying a solid 25% more for your weed. If you're concerned about your bud budget, you might want to stock up on tax-free weed while you can, making as many purchases as the law allows between now and January 4^th. Also, be sure to check CannaSaver daily for money-saving coupons and special offers from your local cannabis retailers.

Buying Weed at Dispensaries - 5 Ways to Save Money

Posted by CANNASaver on Monday, 22 February 2016 in Canna Blog

Five Ways to Save Money on Recreational Weed and Medical Marijuana at Your Local Dispensary

For those of us who love weed, enjoying it as frequently as we'd like to enjoy it can get a little pricey. If a substantial portion of your budget is literally going up in smoke, it's time to find some ways to save money on marijuana. Here are five ways to cut back on your weed costs without having to cut back on the weed itself.

Go for Variety!

If you're only toking one type of weed, you'll quickly build up a tolerance, and the potency of the weed will seem to diminish with each bowl you smoke. Different strains of cannabis affect the mind and body in different ways. By enjoying a wide variety of buds, you're likely to feel higher and get maximum benefit from each little piece you toke, which enables you to get more bang for your buck.

Look for a dispensary that allow customers to split up quantities between different types of herbs, for instance, getting an ounce in the form of four quarters of different types of weed instead of just a single variety.

You might want to try a variety of cannabis consumption methods, too. The high provided by a single edible can last hours longer than the high produced from smoking a bowl, and is thus often more economical. Try topicals and edibles; supplement your best buds with dabs of wax and shatter and an additional bag of shake. It might seem counter-intuitive, but the more kinds of marijuana strains you enjoy, the more money you're likely to save on weed and concentrates in the long run at your local dispensaries!!

Share!

This again seems counter-intuitive, but it's true that the more weed you share, the less money will you spend at your dispensary on weed. It's the basic law of cannabis karma, the Golden Rule of weed smoking: Blaze up with others as you would have them toke with you. What goes around comes around, and that guy next door who you shared your last tiny bowl with yesterday might very well show up at your house tomorrow ready to smoke you up with a plump ounce of Colorado's finest weed. If you want to save money on weed, sharing beats out stinginess every time.

Use CannaSaver Coupons!

Seeing as you're here right now, you're most likely already aware that you can find tons of great money saving Denver recreational marijuana and MMJ coupons and deals on CannaSaver.com, but are you taking full advantage of all the dispensary discounts and weed deals available to you? You can find coupons for discount ounces, grams of wax and shatter, complimentary joints, buy one get one free edibles, and more from your favorite Denver dispensaries close to home. Check local newspapers and magazines for sales and specials, and make it a habit to pop onto CannaSaver.com to look for Dispensary Daily Specials and new recreational coupons and deals before you head out to the local dispensary or retail store. Actually, if you sign up for the CannaSaver Colorado newsletter, you'll get notified about the latest specials right in your email, so you won't miss out on any extra big savings and discounts.

Buy in Bulk!

Generally, the more weed you purchase from a dispensary at once, the cheaper per gram will it be. While a single gram might run you around $5-$10 in Denver, an entire ounce consisting of 28 grams can be purchased for $150—or even less, if you're coupon savvy. Determine how much money you have to spend on herbs in your monthly or bi-weekly budget, and when possible, procure the full quantity of buds you expect to need in a single purchase. The flower themselves will likely be cheaper, and you'll also save money (and time!) by avoiding extraneous trips to the local dispensary.

Grow It!

If it's legal for you to do so, why not grow some marijuana yourself? You might not have the greenest thumb or the most high-tech set-up, but any herb you manage to grow yourself is herb that you won't have to purchase. Cannabis cultivation can be a complex art, but mastering the basics is very simple. Cannabis is a weed, after all, and by Nature's design, it grows quickly and easily. There are also many great books on how to grow your own, like the Three A Light book on how to get 3 pounds per light. This book is really one of the best out there, especially if your looking to really get the highest yield per plant.  You might even arrange a growers co-op, providing a way for other small-scale cannabis gardeners to share, barter, and trade their spoils. Have the members of the gardening co-op stagger their growing cycles so that someone is always likely to have something ready to harvest.

These aren't the only ways to save money on cannabis, of course, but they're some of the most effective strategies you can employ without having to cut down on your weed intake. With a little savvy, you can get as high or as medicated as you like for a lot less cost.

420 Friendly Hotels in Colorado

Posted by CANNASaver on Tuesday, 08 March 2016 in Canna Blog

With a dozen or so dispensaries and counting and a vibrant arts culture and music scene, Pueblo is quickly becoming a hub for creative-minded individuals with an enthusiasm for the ganja. If you're looking for 420 friendly accommodations in Pueblo, you have many options to choose from, each having their own advantages. Be aware that outdoor smoking is typically prohibited, so if you're hoping to toke up out on the patio, you'll have to do so at your own risk. Several motels do allow adults to toke up the legal weed in their own hotel rooms, as long as it is a smoking room. Which 420 friendly motel in Pueblo, Colorado to choose depends on your priorities but you must go to Starbuds Pueblo and buy some weed and you can also find their money saving coupons on cannasaver.com and other great dispensary deals in Pueblo.

The Santa Fe Inn and Suites, located near the Union Avenue Historic District, offers rooms with a queen-sized bed for just under $80 a night, and they offer a business center as well as a seasonal outdoor pool. Pets are allowed, but you'll have to pay an additional fee.

The Motel 6 allows pets to stay free of charge, and a room with a queen-sized bed and a mini-kitchen to boot are only around $56 a night. They have an outdoor pool as well, and the Pueblo mall is just about a mile away.

If you're looking for something that's a little more upscale, try the Days Inn, which offers a heated indoor pool and hot tub, free breakfast, and free wi-fi for around $90 per night.

The Microtel Inn is also a nice choice. Located close to downtown and Lake Pueblo State Park, the inn offers free wi-fi and free breakfast for around $150 per night.

If cost-cutting is your main concern, consider the Kozy Motel or the Bramble Tree Inn, both smoker-friendly motels offering affordable, basic accommodations.

It's a good idea to check motel reviews online before you book your stay. That way, you're more likely to end up with a room that satisfies your needs and priorities. Check for hotel discounts online or book your 420 friendly travel with My 420 Tours and before you visit, don't forget to look for the latest discounts and coupons from Pueblo dispensaries on CannaSaver. 

As a potential location for the 2016 High Times Cannabis Cup, Pueblo, Colorado is gaining attention from marijuana enthusiasts nationwide. If you're in Colorado Springs or Denver, it's just a short drive away. Why not check it out and see for yourself why Pueblo weed culture is in full bloom?

CannaSaver Weed Deals Near Me - March 10

Posted by CANNASaver on Friday, 10 March 2017 in Canna Blog

Cannasaver Dispensary Deals Near Me

Looking for the cheapest dispensary in Colorado or maybe the best Cannasaver deals near me? From shatter deals to the best ounce deals near me and the cheapest edibles in Denver, the best weed deals in Denver are right here on CannaSaver. So here’s the lowdown on the best Cannasaver deals near me and the cheapest ounces in Denver. Let us help you find the best dispensary for concentrates and the most unbelievable recreational deals and savings at the cheapest recreational dispensary in Denver.

Best Ounce Deals in Denver

There are many marijuana dispensaries in Denver offering ounce deals for recreational on select strains this week. For the best ounces in Denver near me and the highest quality go to any of The Green Solution stores and get rec ounces starting at $89.95. The best price on mmj ounces is at RiverRock at $60. A high CBD flower ounce is $89.99 at all LivWell stores or you can get a regular ounce for $99 on select strains. The best Top Shelf Ounce near me for REC and MED can be found at The Joint by Cannabis for $120.

Best Concentrates in Denver

The best concentrate deals in Denver for wax and shatter this week is 8 grams for $120 at Chronic Therapy in Wheat Ridge and for medical shatter and wax $25 grams at both RiverRock locations in Denver. The Stone Dispensary on Morrison Road has $20 recreational wax or shatter tax included and Medicine Man Denver and Aurora always has 3 grams of wax or shatter for $89.99. Starbuds also has a good deal on vape cartridges this week where you get a 500mg cartridges for $40 which is good at all Starbuds locations.

Best Edibles in Denver

The best edibles in Denver this week are from Herban Underground who has a buy one get one 50% off on all recreational edibles. If your looking for infused drinks than MMJ America has 25% Off all drinks on Thursdays.

Best Marijuana Deals in Boulder

The best marijuana deals in Boulder this week are at MMJ America Boulder. One of the best priced dispensaries in Boulder they are offering recreational half ounces for $60 which is also good at their store on Arapahoe Street in Downtown Denver.

Best Weed Deals in Colorado

The best weed deal in Colorado Springs is an oz special from Livwell Murray for $99. If your looking for CBD products near me than Quality Choice Alternative Care has 5 CBD Living Waters for $30 and all Lightshade stores are offering $60 Ounces of shake.

Supreme Court Denies Marijuana Case of Nebraska and Oklahoma v. Colorado

Posted by CANNASaver on Thursday, 10 March 2016 in Canna Blog

Supreme Court Denies Case of Nebraska and Oklahoma v. Colorado Legal Marijuana Dispute

by Melanie Marquis

The U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision this morning to not take up the case of Nebraska and Oklahoma v. Colorado, and Colorado is breathing a big sigh of relief. On Monday morning, March 7^th. The SCOTUS blog posted the following statement:

“The Court issued orders from its March 4 Conference on Monday. It did not grant any new cases.”

Following a closed door meeting this past Friday, March 4^th, the court ultimately sided with the opinion of the Justice Department to deny Oklahoma and Nebraska's suit against Colorado.

The case would have held Colorado responsible for increased crime in Oklahoma and Nebraska that the suing states claimed to be a result of Colorado's legal marijuana.

If the case had come before the Supreme Court and the ruling was in favor of the plaintiffs, the commercial cannabis industry could have been completely crushed. If Oklahoma and Nebraska and Oklahoma had gotten their way, Amendment 64 which made commercial cannabis legal in Colorado would be deemed unconstitutional based on its violation of the constitution's Supremacy Clause. Whenever federal and state laws are in conflict, federal laws take precedent over state laws. Marijuana is illegal under federal law, so technically, Colorado and all other legal weed states are in violation of this rule. To the dismay of Nebraska and Oklahoma, however, not everything is always so cut and dry. The Justice Department itself has urged federal officers to make persecuting non-violent marijuana crimes in legal weed states a low priority, so building a case against Colorado based on its violation of federal drug policy proved a weak angle of focus and thanks to the high court's decision to not take up the case, commercial cannabis consumers, business owners, and industry professional's say its a positive for the marijuana industry.

Which Presidential Candidate Supports Legal Weed?

Posted by CANNASaver on Tuesday, 15 March 2016 in Canna Blog

Where the 2016 Presidential Candidates Stand on Marijuana Legalization.

By Melanie Marquis

If you own a cannabis-based business or work in the recreational marijuana industry, there's a big reason besides politics to start paying attention to the 2016 Presidential race. Depending on who gets elected and how much our new President's influence is able to sway the direction of U.S. Policy, your very livelihood could be at stake. While it's never clear what a candidate's actual policies will be once they get into office, the things they've said in the past can indeed provide strong indications.

The Marijuana Policy Project website provides an evaluation of such indications, and their ratings provide cause for alarm. Only one viable candidate received a grade “A” on their policy regarding legalized marijuana—Bernie Sanders. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton scored a “B,” Donald Trump a mediocre “C+,” and Marco Rubio an even lower grade of “D.”

To help you evaluate these candidates for yourself, we've compiled a sampling of relevant quotes from these politicians and their campaigns. Take a look, and if anything concerns you, be sure to do further research so that you can be sure to know who (and for what) you are voting for.

Marco Rubio: If one thing positive can be said about Marco Rubio's position on legal cannabis, it's that at least he makes his stance on the issue very clear. When he was a guest on the Hugh Hewitt Radio Show in February 2015, he was asked if he would enforce federal law and shut down the legal recreational marijuana industry in Colorado. Rubio responded, “Yes. Yes, I think, well, I think we need to enforce our federal laws. Now do states have a right to do what they want? They don't agree with it, but they have their rights. But they don't have a right to write federal policy as well.” He goes on to explain, “I don't believe we should be in the business of legalizing additional intoxicants in this country for the primary reason that when you legalize something, what you're sending a message to young people is it can't be that bad, because if it was that bad, it wouldn't be legal.” He reiterated that view at a Meet the Press conference in August of 2015, when he was asked if he would enforce federal law in states where cannabis legal. Rubio responded, “Absolutely. I believe that the federal government needs to enforce federal law.” Earlier this year, Rubio was quoted in the Washington Times as saying, “There is no responsible way to smoke marijuana repeatedly. There's nothing good about it.”

Donald Trump:  Trump's position, however, seems to change with the times. Way back in 1990, he favored the legalization of all drugs, calling the War on Drugs a failure. But when asked at a conference last June how he felt about Colorado's legalization of cannabis, Trump stated, “I say it's bad. Medical marijuana is another thing, but I think it's bad, and I feel strongly about it.” At an event just a few months later in October, Trump had this to say: “Marijuana is such a big thing. I think medical should happen—right? Don't we agree? I think so. And then I really believe we should leave it up to the states.” He then went on to mention Colorado specifically, saying, “And of course you have Colorado. And I love Colorado and the people are great, but there's a question as to how it's all working out there, you know? That's not going exactly trouble-free. So I really think that we should study Colorado, see what's happening.”

Hillary Clinton: Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton seems generally positive about marijuana legalization at the state level, but seems hesitant to take an official position one way or another. In 2015, Clinton aired her support for legalization in Colorado, saying, “I really believe it’s important that states like Colorado lead the way, so that we can learn what works and what doesn’t work. And I would certainly not want the federal government to interfere with the legal decision made by the people of Colorado, and enforced by your elected officials, as to how you should be conducting this business that you have approved.” As a guest on WBZ Radio in January 2016, Clinton was asked about her stance on marijuana legalization and replied, “I think that states are the laboratories of democracy, and four states have already taken action to legalize, and it will be important that other states and the federal government take account of how that’s being done, what we learn from what they’re doing. I think that the states moving forward is appropriate and I think the federal government has to move to make this more available for research that they can then distribute to interested people across our country.” She went on to explain, “I do think on the federal level we need to remove marijuana from the Schedule I of drugs, move it to Schedule II, which will permit it to be the basis for medical research because it’s important that we learn as much as possible.”

Bernie Sanders: Bernie Sanders is the only candidate so far to take a clear and undeniable stance in favor of federal marijuana legalization. As a senator, Sanders introduced legislation in November 2015 that would result in marijuana being removed from the federal list of controlled substances, and allow states the power to regulate and tax marijuana if they have the desire to do so. Under Sanders's plan, cannabis-based businesses would also be ensured fair and non-discriminatory access to banking services and standard tax deductions just like any other business. According to the Bernie Sanders campaign website, “Bernie favors removing marijuana from the list of controlled substances regulated by federal law. Under Bernie’s proposal, people in states which legalize marijuana no longer would be subject to federal prosecution for using pot. Owners of stores that sell marijuana could fully participate in the banking system, like any other business.” Sanders also seems to favor reforming the way marijuana cases are handled in America's justice system, stating, “Someone in the United States is arrested every minute on marijuana charges. Too many Americans have seen their lives destroyed because they have criminal records as a result of marijuana use. That’s wrong. That has got to change.”

Why it Matters:

Currently, federal laws against marijuana cause complications for many cannabis-based business entrepreneurs in states where commercial cannabis is legal, and the federal classification of marijuana as a schedule 1 controlled substance prevents hemp production and manufacturing from being economically viable under present law. Meanwhile, more and more states are seeing voter-led ballot initiatives to make recreational cannabis legal, and states like Colorado where it is already legal are experiencing the benefits of massive profit. Whoever wins the next Presidential election will likely hold heavy sway on determining which way the tide will turn.

Sources:

Marijuana Policy Project, “Where Do they Stand on Marijuana Policy,” Marijuana Policy Project, accessed March 11, 2016, https://www.mpp.org/2016-presidential-candidates/

“Trump Softens Position on Marijuana Legalization,” by Jenna Johnson, The Washington Post online, October 29, 2015, accessed March 11, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/10/29/trump-wants-marijuana-legalization-decided-at-the-state-level/