California is one of the 14 states in the country that have legalized the use of medical marijuana. San Diego is of course one of the cities that allow the use of medical marijuana, although since federal law still prohibits the sale and purchase of marijuana–even for medical purposes–there is still a considerable amount of confusion with regard to the legal ramifications of its use of medical marijuana. San Diego is in fact ground zero of sorts with regard to this issue, and as recently as October 2011 there has been a statewide crackdown on marijuana sellers in the city. It was then that the office of U.S. Atty. Laura Duffy warned marijuana dispensaries of impending criminal and civil sanctions of they continued operations.

From that date, dispensaries were given 45 days to halt all activities pertaining to the sale and distribution of medical marijuana. San Diego dispensaries have as a result been faced with the prospect of serious legal proceedings, a fate that had already befallen as many as nine people in the city.In the recent clampdown on sellers of medical marijuana, San Diego was the setting for Operation Valley High, which was an 18-month long investigation that involved tapping the phones and raiding establishments that sold medical marijuana. San Diego County and Riverside County were the two communities targeted in these operations. At the same time, “grow sites” located in Vista, Lake Elsinore, and Winchester were also targeted for closure.In early 2011, as part of the campaign against medical marijuana, San Diego City Council passed an ordinance that sought to regulate the activities of dispensaries working in the city.

The local medical marijuana supporters did not take these issues sitting down however, and a signature campaign effectively halted the crackdown proceedings and resulted in a referendum that sought to repeal the new laws.Since the cost of this referendum was to be absorbed by the taxpayers, it was decided that that ruling be repealed in the best interests of the community.Interestingly enough, the legality of the substance itself wasn’t the main objective in the campaign to shut down establishments that sold medical marijuana. San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith has in fact cited the violation of local zoning laws as the mitigating factor in pushing for the closure of establishments that sold medical marijuana.  San Diego proponents of medical marijuana were quick to respond, exploring legal measures that effectively curtailed the clampdown campaign indefinitely.

The use of medical marijuana has been legal in California since 1996, and as many as 14 other states have since followed suit. Recognized as a viable medication for a host of health conditions, medical marijuana has come into its own as an effective method for dealing with a wide variety of symptoms, particularly for nausea and reduced appetite. It is hardly surprising then that there is a growing number of medical marijuana jobs available in the “legal” states. Although there has been a recent federal crackdown on establishments providing medical marijuana, there remains a certain degree of legal ambiguity that allows the practice to continue.One of the most feasible medical marijuana jobs is growing. It is almost impossible to determine with any certainty how many independent growers provide plants to dispensaries, but in California alone, the number is estimated to reach into the hundreds.Just as with many other lines of work, medical marijuana jobs require a set of specific skills and qualifications. For one thing, people interested in medical marijuana jobs will need to have a strong work ethic and efficient organizational capabilities. They will also need to be capable of analytical thinking and have the ability to solve varying problems creatively.

Of course, extensive knowledge in plant care and cultivation is tremendously useful, as is a wide range of contacts. You can see then that medical marijuana jobs are pretty much the same as any other supply oriented job.

The first thing that most people ask when considering medical marijuana jobs is “how do I get started?” There are actually quite a few ways to break into this particular industry, although many longtime practitioners contend that the best way to start is by growing a few crops on your own. This will help you determine the best methods for growing and cultivating medical marijuana consistently, which is a must of you are looking for medical marijuana jobs for the long term.

Regardless of which medical marijuana jobs you are considering, it is important to gain as much information as you can with regard to the laws governing medical marijuana sale in your particular state. Keep in mind that selling and purchasing medical marijuana remains illegal at the state level, although it may be allowed under your state laws. In order to protect yourself from any legal ramifications, it would therefore be a good idea to look into your local laws beforehand.

It was only fairly recently that marijuana has been recognized as a viable treatment option for a number of health conditions. In the years since the mid-1990s–which is when California legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes–a number of states have since followed suit. Today, no less than 15 states in the country allow medical marijuana in some capacity. The list of medical marijuana states includes:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• DC
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Maine
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington

This is an impressive list to be sure, and it points to the growing recognition of marijuana’s usefulness as a treatment method for a host of conditions. Nevertheless, it is important to note that most of these medical marijuana states simply allow the use of medical marijuana by qualified patients. In a somewhat confusing state of affairs however, the sale and purchase of marijuana is still illegal at the state level. Furthermore, while patients may still seek out their treatment option in the medical marijuana states, increasing federal pressure may tie up the legality of medical marijuana for the foreseeable future.

Of course, each of these medical marijuana states has its own laws and regulations governing the use of medical marijuana. This is why it is tremendously important to learn as much as you can about the particular laws in your state, in order to make sure that you are legally protected against any eventuality.

California is the first state to legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. It was in 1996 that the stated passed Proposition 215, which has since become known as the Compassionate Use Act. The name of this bill reflects the common sentiment of pro-medical marijuana advocates that marijuana is an essential aid in considerably helping ease the suffering of people with diseases such as HIV-AIDS, cancer, and chronic pain conditions. In fact, many advocates in most of these medical marijuana states further point out its value as a medication for anxiety, depression and even arthritis.

Although legal in the medical marijuana states, recent tightening of federal laws has resulted in numerous marijuana dispensaries being closed down in the medical marijuana states. While the future of the legality of medical marijuana remains uncertain, many patients hold on to the hope that the number of medical marijuana states will increase.

Getting A Medical Marijuana Card CaliforniaCalifornia is the first state in the U.S. to allow the use of medical marijuana to qualified patients. Under the guidelines of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, the medicinal use of marijuana has been deemed legal for certain individuals. The law was amended and extended in 2003, and at present, California has some of the most liberal marijuana laws in the country.Of course the use of medical marijuana remains subject to strict regulations, which is why it is so important to get a medical marijuana card. California does allow certain qualified patients access to medical marijuana, although its sale and purchase remains illegal at the federal level. In order to make sure that your activities are within the bounds of the law, it is therefore essential to obtain a medical marijuana card.

California currently runs the Medical Marijuana Program or MMP, which basically grants qualified patients with a medical marijuana card. This card signifies the eligibility of patients to seek medical marijuana for treatment, and helps protect against any legal issues that may arise. In California, law enforcement personnel can simply scan the card electronically and thereby determine whether or not the bearer is legally allowed to possess, grow, transport and/or use marijuana for medical purposes.

There are of course a number of requirements to getting a medical marijuana card. California laws require the patient to first obtain approval for medical marijuana usage from a physician who is suitably licensed to practice medicine by the state board. The patient in question will have to consult with a physician who will perform a medical examination and determine the extent of the medical condition, as well as the feasibility of medical marijuana as a treatment option. The physician will then have to provide written documentation of the patient’s medical records to the Medical Marijuana Program of the state Public Health Services office. After the documents have been reviewed and approved, the patient will then be issued with a medical marijuana card.

Keep in mind that the laws governing the granting of medical marijuana cards vary from city to city within the state. Depending on the city in question, you may be limited to growing a certain number of plants, or to have a certain amount of medical marijuana in your possession. Pay particular attention to the laws in your city, and don’t simply assume that you are qualified for a medical marijuana card. California may be the most liberal when it comes to medical marijuana usage, but knowledge of the law is essential if you want to be able to seek treatment legally.