A Weekly Roundup of Stories We Found Interesting – From The Profound To The Profane

Representative Earl Blumenauer Introduces Bill to Regulate Cannabis Like Alcohol
Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon introduced a bill on Wednesday to federally regulate cannabis like alcohol. The bill, in a reference to pot culture, has been designated as House Resolution 420. If passed, the measure would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and put the regulation of cannabis under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

‘Dr. Marijuana’ Suspended for Indiscriminately Referring Thousands of Patients for Medical Weed
A New Jersey physician, Anthony Anzalone, a former OB/GYN, who wrote thousands of recommendations for medical marijuana had his license suspended by the state Wednesday and was ordered to cease practicing medicine altogether by Feb. 8. State officials this week branded Anzalone as “unscrupulous,” accusing him of indiscriminately authorizing the drug for thousands of people who did not qualify for the program.

Mold and Other Pathogens in Medical Cannabis
An opinion piece suggests that the biggest threat to the health of both medical and recreational cannabis consumers is contaminated cannabis.

With Marijuana Legalization Comes Marijuana Recalls
After last week’s marijuana recall in Alberta, Canada, there are a number of recalls hitting Colorado, Oregon, and Michigan from cannabis-infused lollipops and candies to a specific strain called Blue Magoo.

Denver Unveils New System for Clearing Marijuana Convictions
Denver on Wednesday became the latest city in the nation to take steps to eliminate low-level marijuana convictions in places where the drug is now legal, acknowledging the barriers that such offenses pose to minority, low-income and other people.

States That Legalize Medical Marijuana Also See Higher Birth Rates
States that have legalized marijuana for medical purposes can expect a moderate increase in birth rates, according to a new study by two UConn researchers. The study, led by UConn’s Michele Baggio and David Simon, both assistant professors of economics, along with Alberto Chong of Georgia State University, found that a birth rate increase corresponded with an increased frequency of sexual intercourse, and decreased purchase and use of condoms.