Marijuana Blog

The medical marijuana referendum was overwhelmingly passed by voters on Nov. 4, but city and state officials will have the final say on how the marijuana is dispensed in communities across the state.

 

State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, who represents the 4th Berkshire District, said the Leg islature will likely "tighten" language in the law to ensure that proper safeguards are attached to the state initiative.

 

Many say the medical marijuana referendum, as written, leaves the door open to exploitation of pot.

 

"I think it's poorly written, but that is the will of the voters," Pignatelli said.

 

Lawmakers "now have the obligation and the responsibility to implement restrictions for law enforcement and the medical field and make sure [marijuana] does not go to people who will put the drugs in the wrong hands," he said.

 

The Pittsfield Police Department is awaiting important details from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the agency charged with addressing registration and administrative fees associated with opening medical marijuana treatment centers. These dispensaries would be allowed to grow, process and provide marijuana to patients or their caregivers.

 

These details include how much marijuana a patient could be provided for a 60-day medical supply; the administrative process and fees for registering a treatment center; and the regulatory framework for which patients with a verified financial hardship -- or other permissable reason -- will be allowed to grow a 60-day supply of medical marijuana on their property.

 

In Pittsfield, Mayor Daniel L. Bianchi and City Council President Kevin Sherman said that there will be discussion with the city solicitor on whether the zoning ordinance regulates where a medical marijuana treatment center can be placed.

 

Bianchi -- who said the city has been approached with inquiries about a center within city limits -- said that it was too early to know if it would be an agenda item on a council meeting, but he said that the health and zoning committees are likely to discuss the new law.

 

Read more: http://www.berkshireeagle.com

Thiago Silva has once again failed a post-fight drug test. Following UFC on FUEL TV in Macau the Brazilian tested positive for marijuana metabolites.

 

UFC officials confirmed the news Wednesday evening and released the following statement.

 

“Thiago Silva tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his bout at UFC on FUEL TV in Macau. The UFC organization has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents. Silva has admitted to taking the banned substance and has agreed to participate in an approved drug-rehabilitation program and serve a six-month suspension retroactive to the November 10 event. He must pass a drug test upon completion of the suspension before receiving clearance to fight again.”

 

Prior to this flagged test, Silva was popped for submitting a fake urine sample to the Nevada State Athletic Commission at UFC 125 back in November of 2011. He served a one year suspension for that infraction and was forced to give up 25 percent of his purse.

 

No word as to whether his fight with Stanislav Nedkov which he won via submission will be turned to a “no-contest” or not.

 

Could this be the end of Silva’s time inside the UFC?

 

Source: http://www.opposingviews.com