Monday, November 23, 2020

Adding to Public Discourse > Privacy advocates worry that a system now focused on immigrants and their family members could eventually be expanded to the broader public. “There’s no basis in history for being sanguine about the idea that once these things are trialed on foreigners, who have few legal rights anyway, and where the American public won’t complain,” said Edward Hasbrouck, a travel and privacy expert, “that they will then become the new normal for U.S. citizens as well.”

DHS Plans to Start Collecting Eye Scans and DNA — With the Help of Defense Contractors

As the agency plans to collect more biometrics, including from U.S. citizens, Northrop Grumman is helping build the infrastructure.

Felipe De La Hoz

The Intercept

Through a little-discussed potential bureaucratic rule change, the Department of Homeland Security is planning to collect unprecedented levels of biometric information from immigration applicants and their sponsors — including U.S. citizens. While some types of applicants have long been required to submit photographs and fingerprints, a rule currently under consideration would require practically everyone applying for any kind of status, or detained by immigration enforcement agents, to provide iris scans, voiceprints and palmprints, and, in some cases, DNA samples. A tangled web of defense and surveillance contractors, which operate with little public oversight, have already begun to build the infrastructure that would be needed to store these records.

After proposing the rule in September, DHS is currently reviewing, and must respond to, thousands of comments it received during the 30-day period in which the public could weigh in. The agency had signaled that the proposal would be coming when it announced last year that it would be retiring its legacy Automated Biometric Identification System, or IDENT, and replacing it with the Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology framework — stating explicitly that one of its objectives was to collect more types of biometric data and make searching and matching easier. Where HART was the vessel, the new proposed rule is the means of collecting all the new data types to populate it.

Any potential contractors tasked with rolling out the new data collection infrastructure and management won’t be decided until after the rule is finalized, but a look at the companies currently working on building out DHS’s already vast biometrics capabilities is instructive . . .

In mid-November, Homeland Security issued another proposed biometrics rule, dealing with the CBP’s long-planned rollout of a system to run facial recognition on everyone entering or leaving the country. While there have been pilot programs for the congressionally mandated scheme for some time, with the entry portion of the project almost fully implemented, the new rules would require effectively every noncitizen to be photographed both when arriving in and departing the United States. U.S. citizens would technically be allowed to opt out, but in practice they haven’t always been able to do so even under the current rules. Over 180,000 of the very same images taken as part of this process have also already been leaked by the breach of a CBP contractor’s system.

The rule is undergoing a short public comment period slated to end on December 21. .

Is This the Future of Concerts?

Bob Marley & The Wailers - Stir It Up (Live at The Old Grey Whistle, 1973)

Ziggy Marley - One Love (Bob Marley cover) | Live in Paris, 2018

MARIJUANA PROHIBITIONS > What's The Buzz? December 1, 2020 @ Mesa City Council

That's right here in 'the most conservative city' in the Great State of Arizona. Here's the official notice on the Agenda, Item 6-b

NO RECORDS TO DISPLAY???????????????????????????????????????????????????

File #:

20-1212

Type:

Ordinance

Status:

Agenda Ready

In control:

City Council

On agenda:

12/1/2020

Title:

Amending Title 6 of the Mesa City Code (Police Regulations) by adding a new Chapter 25 entitled “Marijuana Prohibitions” prohibiting certain activities and facilities related to marijuana including:

recreational marijuana retail establishments, except for retail sales by a state dual licensee at a shared location;

marijuana testing facilities;

delivery of marijuana unless delivered by a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary in accordance with state regulations; and

the consumption of marijuana on City property, certain prohibited property, and in vehicles/transportation. (Citywide)

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20 December 2017

Smokin' Hot News: High-Ho! Mesa Is Getting 'Greener'

What to your MesaZona blogger's wondering eyes should appear just a few hours ago in an online report from AZ Big Media is that here in the most conservative city in America, the grand-daddy of Mesa law firms where both Mesa Mayor John Giles and D4 Mesa City Councilmember Chris Glover got their first start in the practice of law, there was this headline below. Being the Pundit-at-heart yours truly is, it appears that the 'grass-roots' citizen activist movement that put the issue of what's called in popular jargon medical marijuana' in a referendum overlwhelmingly approved by voters has creating an entire new engine for economic development.

It's reason to celebrate! Visions of sugar-plums, anyone?

Udall Shumway expands into cannabis law

"After over 50 years in business, practicing everything from criminal, immigration and real estate law to elder abuse, education and medical malpractice, Mesa-based Udall Shumway is now expanding their full-service law firm with 12 practice areas to include cannabis law.

“Finding quality information about cannabis law and the legal implications relevant to the business of cannabis is like finding a needle in a haystack,” said Justin M. Brandt, associate at Udall Shumway who is the leading counsel for the firm’s practice in cannabis law. “The flood of misinformation in the public realm only highlights the need for good legal counsel, and with the industry growing at a rapid rate we’re now working with cannabis-related businesses to minimize their risk as the law evolves.”

Though many state and tribal governments have fast-tracked cannabis legalization, the legal implications of commercial cannabis is still in its infancy due to constraints imposed by federal law. Udall Shumway now advises these cannabis-related businesses (CRBs) regarding the unique legal and regulatory issues surrounding the cannabis industry given the constantly changing dynamics between federal, state and local law. . . "

How big are the opportunities?

Among the areas in which Udall Shumway is helping CRBs navigate this developing industry includes:

• Corporate Formation and Entity Structure

• Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

• State and Local Government Relations

• Financing

• Labor and Employment

• Tax

• Mergers and Acquisitions

• Cultivation, Processing and Distribution Practices

• Litigation

• Corporate Governance

• Real Estate Transactions

• Intellectual Property & Asset Protection

• Land Use and Zoning

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27 May 2019

"Reefer Madness'?? Nope > The New Green Economy Is Driving Stock Markets Wild!

Hard-to-believe what used to be "a grass-roots home-grown" culture practiced by some freaks here in America during 1950's and 1960's, can turn into a money-machine for corporations. That is once it's legal tender and traded like any other commodity.
"This company’s future doesn’t hinge on marijuana. If all forms of THC are banned forever in the United States, we think this company still has an incredible field of opportunity. (Heck, that’s why we recommended it in the first place!)
But now that there’s an estimated $80 billion industry emerging from the woodwork, their prospects are positively mouth-watering – and we think you’ll regret not getting invested now. . .
NOW Why is that according to The Motley Fool
Because after the November 6^th vote, there’s the potential for even more capitalization for this small company. And if you’re not invested before then, you may come to regret it.

Election Alert: 1 Stock for the Marijuana Boom

By: Grace Phillips

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Michigan became the 10th state in America to legalize recreational marijuana... and the very first Midwestern state.
Additionally, Missouri and Utah both legalized medical marijuana use. If you’re keeping track, that’s now 33 of 50 states with some form of decriminalized marijuana.
Now, why am I taking time out of your day to tell you about this?
Because I believe these three states are ushering us one step closer to an unprecedented boom in the cannabis market.
Frankly, I don’t care about cannabis itself… but I sure do care about massive opportunities for forward-thinking investors… which is EXACTLY what I see here.
Here’s what I’m talking about. Financial experts from all over the world agree: a marijuana boom is coming.
To the tune of an estimated $80 billion.
And here at The Motley Fool, we’ve identified a little-known Canadian company that might have just unlocked the key to profiting off marijuana

07 February 2018

The Power of Green: Recreational? Medical Marijuana? It's CANNABIS

Let's look at the power of words and the role of science - and ancillary additive-industry growth sectors in the new economy - all about Cannabis formerly known and discredited as "pot" and "Reefer Madness" in the so-called War-On-Drugs in the false smokescreen of negative government-generated propaganda.
Hold on - let's just NOT go back there to that discredited narrative . . there's too much positive scientifically-grounded data yielding some positive results.
Your MesaZona blogger started to upload posts about this when he attended an educational conference here in Mesa at the Mesa Arts Center two years ago taking the time to talk to Zac Hildenbrand, PhD, Director of Science & Research at C4 Laboraties in Gilbert.

C4 Laboratories is a botanical testing facility specializing in cannabis medicine. They perform advanced analytical measurements to characterize potency and product safety of cannabis medicine for the patients of Arizona. They also provide scientific context to analytical data to promote the targeted use of cannabis for specific ailments.
Nothing hysterical, sensational or scary about that.

One thing your MesaZona blogger is blown-away by is the announcement by a conservative local law firm that recently announced its expansion into 12 new practice-areas of Cannabis Law - yes! the most conservative city in America is evolving!

Why? It's a money-generating enterprise even for a Mormon-founded law firm to get into.

Udall Shumway expands into cannabis law

READ More > https://mesazona.blogspot.com

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Risky Business? Well that's what it takes - with 'venture capitalists' investing in Cannabis when we can get away from and get beyond false negative narratives . . .

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15 March 2018

Transformation You Can Believe In: Cultivating Cannabis

Take a deep breath and inhale some good news: What used to be a home-grown hobby for some and grass-roots start-ups for small-scale innovative creative entrepreneurs back in the 1960's has morphed into a scientific-based industry on a global and hyper-local scale.
Even right here in the 21st Century in Mesa, Arizona the most conservative city in America. No doubt it's another fertile pathway to bring Mesa into the 21st Century - an innovation of a different kind for sure! One recent operational impact to support the growing industry is the news that conservative Mormon-founded law firm Udall Shumway, where both Mayor John Giles and Mesa City Councilmember Chris Glover had internships early in their careers, has entered into 12 Practice Areas of Cannabis Law.

Back in May 2015 your MesaZona blogger was thrilled and excited to have the opportunity to attend this educational event at the invitation of the organizers, speaking during a session break with Zac Hildebrand, President of C4 Laboratories located in Gilbert.
Canna Magazine publicized the event like this:
An Educational Exploration Into the World of Cannabis
8 of the Brightest Minds in Cannabis Sharing Their Knowledge & Passion in a Series of Short-form Lectures
Learn about what’s happening in the rapidly growing world of cannabis from industry specialists, medical professionals, growers, scientists, and families involved in it every day. Whether you are new to cannabis or a long time veteran, these short-form lectures are designed to expose you to the personal experiences and advances in the understanding of this wonderful plant.
Link > Science of Cannabis Summit

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23 December 2016

ABOVE MARKET VALUE: High Demand Created by Cannabis Companies

Investors are betting legal weed is going to be a boon for industrial spaces.

by Polly Mosendz More stories by Polly Mosendz and

Patrick Clark More stories by Patrick Clark

‎30‎ ‎November‎, ‎2016‎ ‎6‎:‎00‎ ‎AM

Opportunity knockin' here in Mesa? ...mebbe if there is less regulation. And remember that loose regulatory environment in Arizona - could be an issue of states' rights too >>> Open for Innovation or what?

In the Portland area, most companies can rent industrial space for about $5 a square foot annually. Cannabis companies, however, pay a premium ranging from $12 to $18 a square foot.

"We were willing to pay above market value to have a space there," Abbott said. "I see the biggest barrier to entry in Oregon as getting real estate." . . .

The short history of legalized marijuana in the U.S. is rife with tales of tight supply and above-market leases. Local rules on where cannabis businesses can operate, combined with restrictions that prevent them from using bank financing, have limited the property available to entrepreneurs such as Abbott. Warehouse owners, on the other hand, are cashing in. In November, voters approved ballot measures legalizing recreational marijuana in California, Nevada, Massachusetts, and tentatively, Maine.

A handful of other states approved marijuana for medical uses.

It didn’t take long for those votes to ripple through industrial real estate markets. Last year, the Santa Barbara, Calif.-based cultivator Canndescent paid $360,000 for a 2.5-acre parcel in Desert Hot Springs. Someone recently offered the company $1 million for the same lot, owner Adrian Sedrin said.

A comparable rush could shortly be under way in Maine, where the state is currently recounting votes after a recreational marijuana ballot measure narrowly passed.

There are good reasons for landlords to charge growers a premium. They must be willing to take on the increased security and neighborhood scrutiny that comes with leasing to a cannabis business.

There's a hodgepodge of rules governing where cannabis operations can be located...

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MesaZona > Table of Contents : Here's The Menu. Enjoy