Top Stories From The Edge – Week of January 15th

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

 

The Effect of Medical Marijuana Laws on U.S. Crime
Legal marijuana leads to a decrease in violent crime in states that border Mexico. The reduction in crime is strongest for counties close to the border and for crimes that relate to drug trafficking. The findings are consistent with the theory that decriminalization of the production and distribution of marijuana leads to a reduction in violent crime in markets that are traditionally controlled by Mexican drug trafficking organizations.

Illinois Judge Allows 11-Year-Old Girl To Use Medical Marijuana At School
In a decision that may have sweeping effects, a judge has allowed an 11-year-old Illinois girl who suffers from semi-regular seizures to use medical marijuana at school.

House Bill Seeks To End The War On Weed, Spark Recovery Instead
Representatives Barbara Lee and Ro Khanna introduced a house bill aimed to reform federal cannabis laws and foster healing in communities that prohibition has hurt most.

19 Attorneys General Call On Congress To Legalize Banking For Weed Industry
Attorneys general from over a dozen states where some form of marijuana use has been legalized are urging Congress to pass legislation that would allow banks to provide services to cannabis businesses without risking federal prosecution.

Medical Marijuana About to Become Legal in Thailand
The announcement of the nation’s first legal marijuana cultivation facility presages changes to the nation’s drug laws that will soon allow medical use of cannabis, Thailand’s top drug enforcement agent said Tuesday.

How Free Weed is Firing Up D.C.’s Pot ‘Gifting Economy’
In a hazy basement of an after-hours Ethiopian restaurant in Washington, D.C., a $50 grape lollipop would get you a free sample of some locally grown marijuana. The free samples came sealed in a plastic baggie — 3.5 grams of downright skunky marijuana buds. The customer quickly disregarded the candy for the “free gift.” Distributors are circumventing restrictions on retail weed in creative ways.

Mike T
mike@simleaf.com

Mike T is a co-founder of simLeaf, a 3D cannabis grow app, and Spiderweb Studio, a technology consulting company. He was a Vice President at Penthouse Magazine for over a decade. When asked for a quote he replied with a smile: "I love my Islanders, and Brooklyn micro brews."