UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! Listen to the NORML Audio Stash today (March 25) for a discussion of Massachusetts’ tax and regulate proposals with Richard Evans. Click here to tune in.
California’s highly publicized effort to legalize the commercial cultivation and sale of cannabis is getting some well-deserved company!
A pair of bills — House Bill 2929 and Senate Bill 1801 — seeking to “tax and regulate the cannabis industry” have just been introduced in the Massachusetts legislature.
These proposals seek to legally regulate the commercial production and distribution of marijuana for adults over 21 years of age. Like California’s proposal, they would impose licensing requirements and excise taxes on the retail sale of cannabis. By some estimates, these taxes could raise nearly $100 million in annual state revenue.
Adults who possess or grow marijuana for personal use, or who engage in the non-profit transfer of cannabis, would not be subject to taxation under the law.
You can read more about these bills at the new website: http://www.cantaxreg.com. If you live in Massachusetts, we urge you to write your elected officials in support of H. 2929 and S. 1801 by going here.
“Decades of whispered grumblings about the wisdom and efficacy of prohibition is rapidly giving way to a serious—really serious public discussion about how to replace it,” said former NORML Board Member Richard Evans, who assisted in drafting the landmark legislation. “Those who consider themselves leaders in government and the media have the obligation to either show how prohibition can be made to work, or join in the exploration of alternatives.”
We can’t think of a better place to begin this discussion on the east coast than Massachusetts, where last November 65 percent of voters endorsed a statewide initiative reclassifying marijuana possession as a fine-only offense under state law. Will a majority of Bay State voters also support legalization? We may soon find out!
Awesome!
Why is the age for all of these proposals set at 21? What’s wrong with age 18?
We need HOUSE BILLS like this in Indiana, THE BACKWARD STATE.
The dominos are starting to fall
YES WE CANNABIS!!!!
This is awesome news.
Made my night.
My state! Yes baby, you can bet I will be donating, calling my representatives, all that and spreading the word. I am excited now.
California and Massachusetts can set the pace for the rest of the country.
If we are ever gonna stand a chance at legalization we have to show that more then California want it. This is great, wouldn’t be suprised to see other states step up in the coming weeks, or months.
Woooo!
Good news around every corner!
This is excellent! Hopefully both California and Massachusetts both pass the laws and other states will introduce legislation as well.
Holy crap, go Massachusetts! Make it happen out there!
Hoozah!
Great “MASS” all mighty! Wonderful!
Holy shit $250 tax per ounce.
Amazing!
We can hope, can’t we?
Wonderful!
I see the end of prohibition coming very soon. This is great news, these kinds of bills pump me up more than ever. They show the real progress!
Is it going to be legal for visitors in Massachusetts?
And I thought the only progressive coast was the west coast. Three cheers for Mass. I say goodby to prohibition and hello to the intelligent path of legalization, regulation and taxation. I bet the pro prohibition politicians will be flooded with money from the drug cartels to put down this bill!!!
I for one will be cheering for the people of mass. to do the right thing and lead us out of the darkness and show us the way forward.
and the domino effect begins
Miracle…
well, its not that hard of a concept is it. You tax it,
and regulate MJ as you would Alcohol and Tobacco. This will rid the criminal elements of the huge profit margins that such parties gain. They say it cost 400 dollars to produce 1 pound of marijuana, if that. So, i think at twice the cost it should be selling for maybe between 800 – 1000 dollars. Instead it is going for 4 – 6k on the streets, and these criminals arent paying taxes. the lawmakers are the ones that need to grow a pair and do something about this, otherwise the problem in mexico is going to be a problem in our country. I really would not want to see the day that we have to send our own troops into Mexico to combat a drug insurgency that is absurd.
Woo! Wish I lived in Massachusetts. We New Yorkers gotta get this going too. That Rockefeller repeal isn’t enough.
Fantasic
this is like a dream come true, it IS a dream come true!!!
an idea whose time has finally come….
my only issue with this bill—the surtax-at a range of $150 to $250 per ounce, that just seems a little excessive.
but i’ll take legalization at ANY (almost) price
Good! Let other states follow suit. We may be on the edge of a Cannabis Renaissance
So how much will the tax be on hash?
This is absolutely amazing, the past few weeks have been very exciting for marijuana reform. Let’s hope that things keep going the way they are!
Just wondering if anyone in these states (Cal.Mass.) has thought about the boost to thier tourism industry. I will be taking several vacations in L.A. and Boston. Let see taxation brings in 100 million and tourism brings in another 100 million. Anybody getting the picture here for a way to turn your economy around.
WOW I live in new york and please sweet jesus let a bill like this happen here I’ll light my pants on fire out of happyness
I think the tax is too high for any entreprenuer to open a coffee shop type business and make any money but otherwise I think this is smart legislation. Most people would just grow a few pet plants for personal use at home (which is what I expect they wan’t anyway – to keep us out of sight)
I sent my letters and will be uring everyone I know to do the same. We can tweek taxes later.
I would like nothing more than to be able to come home from work and smoke some of my very own home grown connoisseur class cannabis – And not be treated like a criminal.
what about playing a documentary like “The Union” on the
History channel? Is that at all possible? I think it explains the situation with marijuana prohibition very well and is informative. I’m sure they would have to display warning or what not before airing it but i dont see why not? I thought that was a wonderful program.
Does this mean that the citizens will vote on this, or does it have to pass through the House and Senate?
Anything over 10% THC is taxed $250 per ounce? That’s ridiculous.
Who exactly introduces bills into the senates and houses at the states level? How can other states also follow along and send legislation into swing? Is it a petition with a certain amount of signatures or an elected official/lawmaker?
I want to see a sweep of other states following along and people getting active.
Well i have lived in both mass and cali. wish i were back there instead of florida
Hope to see this change come to North carolina.It is a damn shame people can consume endless amounts of alchol or tobacco industries sell there cancer sticks all day long,but people who smoke a little weed have to live in constant fear!!!!!
I cannot find any other information on the net pertaining to these bills. Please, if you know of any, list on a response. Also, has any of this been televised in MA? I agree, a $150 tax on dirt is excessive. Besides from that issue, this is a very well-written proposal that Califorinia legislature could mimic.
Nice, I’m telling all my buds from Massachusetts to e-mail their senators/congressmen right now!
Nice. Maybe Michigan next? But yeah, how come 21 instead of 18?
*smoke a J to this.
This is big.
If CA and MA legalize, it will psychology be a great influence on voters simply because of geography.
In other words, this rocks.
I can’t believe it! The domino effect begins…I can’t wait to see states popping up bills just like these in the next few weeks! We have 2 states with these legalize/regulate bills, the more states that introduce similar bills, the more public and powerful the image of legalization will become in this country. OH GEORGIA PLEASE GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF 1937’S ASS AND LEGALIZE! sorry just a bit of anger there with my state. But seriously, I see the end of prohibition altogether coming very soon.
The Light can now be seen at the end of the dark tunnel. Now I go to light up!
this is a exciting step in the right direction. make it happen califonia n mass. for all of us! For the history books!
AMAZING!!!!! I would like to know the amazing people behind this, I live in MA and want to help!!
somebody please start a facebook cause for this, maybe with new media we can get many more people in MA to support the bills.
Anyone know when they have to vote on this stuff?
I was literally brought to tears and a good merry laugh from this. Great news! Let’s keep up the good work!
I’ve read this and it all sounds good to me. The only problem is that nothing has happened. It’s like… the fish is not caught until it’s in the boat. I wonder if this government will let the citizens actually be free. I believe controlling our lives is what this government is about. They have not felt like giving us our rights in seventy years why will they start now?
Prohibition didn’t work for alcohol, it STILL DOESN’T.
Legalize it, it saves lives, eases pain, and has the DISTINCT POSSIBILITY to make this nation come ALIVE YET AGAIN!
SUPPORT MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION,
support health care,
support…the cause.
This is still an uphill battle, however close it may be.
PLZ PASS!!! If it passes Im moving out to MASS and leaving this POS of state (MI). Dont worry about the taxes people! Just start growing, according to norml, if you grow, you dont get taxed!
It still needs the support of the people.
I’ll smoke to that !!!!!! Go Mass
Has God Risen????
YAA I live in NY so its like right next door!!!!!! Make it happen!!!
Only downside is that buffalo is 5 hours from MA 🙁
Legalize it!!!
Just had somebody today ask me, who wrote the terrible legalization bill, now I know. The only new piece of info here. I don’t like the bill. Sorry. Not that it makes a difference. My opinion, no chance that will pass in MA at the state house. We’ve got a great medical bill that might actually have a chance. No mention of that anywhere on NORML’s site? Disappointing. Why focus on a bill in MA that is going nowhere? California, ok, maybe, but not here in 2008 with GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK in MA. We need to put the pressure on him and the Democrats in MA to sign medical. Legalization in MA? Yeah right, nice pipe dream. MA, the people get it, hacks still run the state. Probably why the bill stinks. The only way to win over hacks is to juice them up with more bureaucracy to run? Sadly they won’t even go for that in regards to cannabis.
Sorry, 2009.
Here.
We.
Go.
Congrats MA. Lets not worry about price for now, get it legalized, that’s the main objective. Support these bills!
This is great!
Alas, I am fairly certain my state will be one of the last ones that ever legalize.
South Dakota sucks . . .
🙁
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is it. Prohibition will soon only be a thing in our distant memory.
You have no idea how happy this makes me, living in New Jersey, going to school in New York. As soon as I get a job this summer I am going to be donating to NORML to get those TV ads running in Massachusetts and California. Get people in those states calling their representatives in support.
Let’s make it happen.
Will intelligence and reason finally prevail over greed and misinformation?
how are we able to change this man’s mind?
http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=30124
It’ll come. And as soon as one state legalizes it and taxes it, and all the other states see what a cash cow it can be, it will be legal EVERYWHERE in short order. It’ll come.
From section 9 of the bill talking about taxes – “shall be adjusted by the authority from time to time as necessary to maximize the revenue derived therefrom, and to minimize the incentive for the sale of cannabis not in accordance with the provisions of this act.”
From sea to shining sea.
If done properly this could be a very nice experiment in sustainable living. The right people need to step up and educate our legislators on ALL the things that can be done just with the skeleton that remains on cannibis, never mind that this would also allow growing hemp (im ass-u-meing.)
Dont Hide it! Divide It!
http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/186/ht02/ht02160.htm
MA Medical bill with list of co-sponsors.
List of all the bills relating to marijuana in MA.
http://masscann.org/legal-reform/60-politics/
200-table-of-bills-pending-before-the-186th-
general-court-of-the-commonwealth-of-massachusetts
Not the re-crim bill and protest planned.
http://www.mikecann.net/search/label/Senator%20Scott%20Brown
Let’s stop re-crim in MA and get this medical bill passed.
Hopefully Michigan takes a few cues from California and Massachusetts.
We’re a blue state in seriously dire straits.
Come on, Lansing! Take a hint or two, you fiends!
I have been smoking pot every day for 30+ years and am still sharp as a tack. Pot Rules!
RT
http://www.online-privacy.pro.tc
@Eric
Dont push it.
When will O-HI-O get with the program??
I’ll be moving to massachusetts if this goes through.
Thank you NORML. Let common sense rule in the state house.
I cant wait. This is so big. smokers unite!!
How realistic is it that a bill like this can pass anyways?
The thing that concerns me is the lack of federal support. States rely quite a bit on that.
I would love to see NORML just plaster the television stations with the new NORML ads in Mass and Cali if possible. Get people aware and fired up!
Would it really mean i can grow it without that ridiculous tax? If so i’m moving to MA to a house with a BIIIIIG garden :). I am almost positive this won’t go through though, the federal H.R.5843 act. was just ignored outright. I expect them to do the same with this, even if the people tell them otherwise. They control us. Our opinion means nothing to the evil leaders.
The taxes for commercial production are absurdly high. For people who don’t grow their own, this bill is still a form of prohibition. The black market will easily undercut legal prices and criminal activity will still be a problem. Home growers will have to take precautions to avoid invasions by thugs.
We need some help like that here in alabama, it is one of the worst states to get busted in.I dare to say it will be last state to have anything to do with relaxing the laws on Mary J. it is really sad how the cops prey on people who just want to have their smoke here.
Great. Now how do I get something like this started in Louisiana? Teach pigs to fly first?
legalization is the best answer that I have heard to keep this great country of ours from going belly up.
It is very simple, lets start telling the truth.
If the Federal Govt wants to keep telling lies – get ready to open your wallet a little wider.
In God we trust – unless its comes to marijuana- then God is wrong?
“one nation UNDER God” Again, unless it comes to marijuana –
Way to go Mass! Lets start telling the truth on everything.
If you want for all this killings to sieze from drugs why don’t we do them a favor and stop doing them all together. The businesses will fail and then they would have no choice but to stop and that will be it. Don’t let it be a domino effect.
Well I have never had a reason to visit Massachusetts, but I think I may have one now…
As a Rhode Island resident, I find this to be inspiring news. Hopefully soon my state will make the step to open compassion centers, and soon after follow Mass’ lead and legalize and tax our beloved flower.
The bills were introduced “By Request” of the same guy in Northampton.
Most bills that start this way don’t get passed since the legislator introducing them won’t even sign on to the bill. If they had a good chance of passing, legislators would be tripping over themselves to have their names attached to it.
Nothing to see here.
Let’s do it!
Buggsy13420666, I completely agree. Our legislators really need a reality check.
It’s about time! “Sin taxes” have historically been successful at digging this country out of it’s economic problems!
Yes We Cannabis!! Let’s make this happen!
Well I’m afraid that does it !
I’m calling the Clan Panneton right now and moving out of Quebec ASAP
I’m from NY and Blindman Patterson has to do something to turn his polls around and soon or else we’re gonna lynch ‘im…legalizing pot could just be the ticket to turn his polls around…
Puff…Puff…
When will this bill and California’s bill be voted on?
lol @ cannabis rennaissance. I love it. Come on, MASS, U COULD… GO… ALL… THE… WAY!
Very good to hear! Get a few states to pass this and my guess is the others will follow. Just need a state in the midwest to do something now.
For those worried about the tax:
“Subject to approval by the general court, such excise shall be adjusted by the authority from time to time as necessary to maximize the revenue derived therefrom, and to minimize the incentive for the sale of cannabis not in accordance with the provisions of this act.”
The tax rate can and will be adjusted. If out-of-state or black market cannabis is cheaper, the tax will be lowered.
If our FEDS would quit telling lies and protecting corporate profits we could do this on a national level. But we can do it state by state as done so far. It is so much slower and as we can see some state legislators are still supporting corporate profits as well. Any representative that votes against this effort is saying they are against the majority and still want to put more good people in jail. If you look deep they are benefiting from the war on us or being paid millions for their support of the war for pure greed!!!
Cherokee Fred Hussein Jesus
Thank you NORML. Let common sense rule in the state house..
No taxes on home-grown, hurrah!
its up to us to get these Douche bags outta office and a point some intelligent people there with some common fucking morals. im glad i vote in MA
This is fantastic! We can finally stop wasting our tax dollars on jailtime for everyday people, that had a joint in their pocket!!AND make some money on the taxing of jibbas! Sweeeeeeet deal 😉
Now is the time for everyone to start writing, calling and e-mailing their state reps to introduce similar legislation. Let the revolution begin!
I Will start sending letters to representatives in Minnesota…
Potheads United…
let’s start a cult…. no I’m kidding
CALIFONIIIIIAAA knows how to party! 🙂
take a look at my regarding ab 390 at http://www.austinstradling.vox.com
just scroll down a bit
We need marijuana bills in Mississippi. We do not have any! That’s because we don’t have Democrats in our district, only republicans..blah.
I live in boston and everyone is pumped for this. Everyone visit boston and my smokeshop and support your new legal growers in MA! The market for weed is extremely huge with tourists and 30 colleges. lets vote this and smoke our way out of the rescission
I live right next to the boarder with canada, where weed goes for 2000 a lb for good hydro… you can get it in canada for 1500 a lb…
with this black market comes criminals!!!
put pot back in the hands of it’s citizens…
Doesn’t anyone worry that individual state efforts like this could actually harm the overall movement? If these measures were to succeed it would make sense for the black market forces to shift production to places where it is legal. If they do that, and continue to sell to the other 48 (or 46 more likely), then it could increase the crime and violence in the area as larger groups of people move in.
I’m definitely for things like this, but I think that the national dialog must focus on the fact that it is not the substance causing the problems, but rather the fact that it is illegal.
Here’s hoping.
Great!!!!!
Once all you potheads are sitting around smoking all day, there will be more jobs for hard working people who can focus on their work and be really productive….power to the people!!!!!!
Woohoo! It’s great to hear some good news for the east coast! Keep it up they are hearing us, finaly!
this is awesome, finally, i cant wait to get some fine bud in cali to smoke, when it passes, plus, did u guys see the bill that congressman barney and ron paul wrote
to decrimilize marijuana up to 100 grams at federal level… hell yah..
Amazing. Finally we are progressing.
Why is the tax so high?
I’m also confused about NORML saying that “adults who possess or grow marijuana for personal use, or who engage in the non-profit transfer of cannabis, would not be subject to taxation under the law.” I read the bill, and in section 10(b), it looks like if you want to grow marijuana, you have to pay a $500 annual cultivation license fee. Seems like another word for “tax.” Or, am I missing something? Under this bill, can someone grow marijuana without paying a tax, fee, what have you?
yess!!! next on the list…new york
When sending these letters what “Issue Area” should we be using from the drop down list?
I picked judiciary.
I recieved an auto response from Todd M. Smola that did not indicate his postion on this issue. This guy is a religous Republican, though, so I am going to wager he has no interest in even concidering any reform facts.
I don’t think he sits on any committees that have anything to do with Marijuana reform, though, does he?.
Did my letters go to the right people?
awesome…. not $250 tax per OZ will drive the markets right back to drug dealers
looks the commitee for the house on this bill is REVENUE
and the commitee for the senet bill is Judiciary.
I dont know if this makes a difference when sending letters or not. Ive sent letters to both to be on the safe side.
remember who started the cannabis legalization engine for us here in california. tom ammiano the creator of A.B. 390 and next tuesday March 31, is the day A.B. 390 will be decided on. please contact him and give him your best wishes and support here:
tom@tomammiano.com
I appreciate your point about the unlikely chance of another full Legalization bill being passed through the house.
Medical marijuana is important but no more important than Freedom and Liberty for recreational users. Call me selfish, I guess. I would also submit that it is the recreational users who are pushing these bills through and not necessarily the handful of sick people out there. Granted, the sick people get more sympathy votes from the other side.
What I am trying to say is – Don’t dismiss bills like these as having no chance of passing the house and senate. If enough of us make enough noise there really should be no reason why bills like these should not pass.
In my opinion it is bills like these that reflect the best policy for marijuana and not the medical ones that may have a better chance of passing. Be careful what you ask for sometimes. Medical marijuana could come back and bite us all in the ass with regards to personal use. Medical Marijuana only works if doctors are able to prescribe it for mundane ailments or anyone who asks for it. Bills that are only for cancer/aids patients are bills to nowhere.
about time. this dosnt make any sense…how come ppl as a whole dont see how dumb prohibition on ganja is??????????? wtf alcohol or ganja….which rlly destroys more lives, wtf ppl!!!!!!!!!!! my whole problem is with the process, if they(the bills) get introduced, whats stopin sum guestopo polotics from just stoping it. who says they need our votes…not like they listen to us either way!WE need to stand up and get info to ppls eyes.show them “hey snap the fuck outa it-uv been brain washed into thinkin ganja is soooo bad, and there u go drinkn half a bottle of whiskey…and they try and preech to me…fuck that! i love that finally there is sum hope tho. I dont see FL ever doing anything like this just cause these cops down here suuuuuuuuucK! awsome point tho about the 20’s and prohibition.they removed the stop on alcohol in the 20’s to combat the economy, ppl should know how much funny this would bring to states pockets, and the country as a whole. glad to see everyone pumpd for this, but we need to do more, more letters, and more EVERYTHING.we cant let the guestopo silence us. srry for any spelling..never was very good with it. lol . peace friends! dnt let me man keep US down!!!!
I used to think that legalization of weed would not happen in my lifetime. I think I was wrong.
Smart idea. Go Mass!
wow, LEGALIZE/REGULATE/TAX cannabis & HEMP has some momentum that will naturally lead to a national leagalization movement sooner than anyone may have imagined?
honestly, can you believe this plant was made illegal back in the 1930s? because the seedling industries played dirty propaganda games in favor of the petro oil industries, tobacco, alcohol, paper farms & newspapers & lilBigPharma. cannabis and hemp were major hurdles to these industries which continue to pollute our earth and kill thousands of humans daily. unfortunately these corporations continue to lob thousands of dollars in profits to fill our politicians coffers to perpetuate the plants illegality. truly sickening!
Please mr Obama help spend our taxpayer dollars wisely and end the cannabis and hemp war. the earth is over 4 BILLION year old. cannabis and HEMP have been evolving for a hell of along time! the notion of keeping this national drug war…until the year 4200 seems absolutely absurd to me. please lets get it done in the americas by 2010?! christ these weeds can grow virtually anywhere.
lets nourish these plants and allow them to nourish consenting adults at their pleasure. don’t lock up people for enjoying cannabis and hemp. save those prison cells for people who commit something besides consuming a plant! and those poor POWS caught up in this drug war i truly hope you find freedom and payment for this horrible outrage against humanity.
the tides are changing this could be break through let is spread
Hemp nut is the most nutritious and easily digestible food on the planet, the only complete source of all the following: protein, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids. Hemp is the only food which supplies all man’s dietary needs in one source — the only food which can sustain human life without any other source of nutrition.
questions to be posed to Pres. Obama
PLEASE go here and vote!!!
http://www.communitycounts.com/forum/?id=obama&linked=xr4wf
JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP, INVITE YOUR FRIENDS, AND SPREAD THE WORD!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58651444402
JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP, INVITE YOUR FRIENDS, AND SPREAD THE WORD!!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58651444402
Cigaweed! Half the country will develop glaucoma suddenly. I see things going downhill.
this is great news somethings gotta give when will maryland open its eyes and see that prohabition just does not work billion dollar industry just waiting to be made
our voices will be heard keep on writing to your state representitives we must act now
WHAT ABOUT FLORIDA
Go MASS! I live in Newton – already wrote my reps. All supporters need to be vocal about this – let your friends, neighbors and the legislature hear you – donate to NORML so they can run a serious pro-cannabis media campaign in target legalization states. Do it now!
LEGALIZE MARIJUANA STOP THE DRUG WAR AND TURN THE ENCONOMY AROUND BY LEGALIZATION TAX$$$$$$$$
LEGALIZE
STOP THE DRUG WAR
LEGALIZE STOP THE DRUG WAR AND U.S START MAKING THE MONEY
smoke that chronic!
I hope it is not another failed attempt. Want to fix the economy in 1 year just legalize and tax it wake up conservatives drop the bible and pick up the bong!
it sends such a powerful message to all politicians to now have a state on each coast doing this. wonder how long it takes to drive to mass. from florida…
About time.
Sound good, but just put the percent tax on sales by the gram or half gram of retail sales. I don’t want a value added tax systen imposed on cannabis because that might lead to continued illegal cannabis sales if there is simply too much tax on the legal stuff. A retail sales and retail excise tax is fine, but as a previous poster wrote $250 per ounce is far too much.
Yes, completely legal cannabis. That is the solution if you look at the country’s problems holistically to remove the roots of evil that emanate from its prohibition: racial discrimination, disenfranchinsing people from the voting process, illogically crminalizing people, clogging up the criminal justice system, and basically wasting revenues trying to enforce prohibition while maintaining corruption and crime organizations.
I started smoking in 1965 I am so tired of being scared when I try to relax. I am moving back to California where I was put in jail 4 times for marijuana. We were some of the pioneers of marijuana and hash. I have waited for over 40 years for this. The ground work was worth it so all of us can be at peace with the earth and the plants it has so thoughtfuly supplied for us. The time has finaly come
Mortamus
Indiana will be the last state to pull this off!
i think i am moving
Iowa needs to B next And not jus w/ medical recreational as well
the gov needs to jus WAKE UP AND SMELL THE MONEY
ITS GONNA B A VERY BIGG 420 THIS YEAR ALMOST LIKE A MACYS DAY PARADE
WOOOOHOOOOO Lets got Mass!!!! if this goes through, I am going to blast the song “we’re shipping up to boston” throughout my dorm
SO C’MON IOWANS VIOCE YOURSELF
Exciting times we’re living in folks. I’m from San Diego and been in the military for 8 years so I haven’t even smelled a beautiful bud in a long time…my original prediction for the first real legalization was 2012, this was in 2002 of course…let’s contact, vote, donate, whatever needs to be done. Cali to Mass then the nation!!!
Reading this made me happy.
I would like to see marijuana legalized. But, the high taxes proposed by these bills might cause a problem. If we want to take pot out of drug dealers’ hands, shouldn’t we allow inexpensive marijuana to flood the market? By having such high taxes that rival current street prices, the drug dealers might just lower their prices in order to keep control of the market.
Anyone have any thoughts?
P.S.: I’ll repeat my earlier question, as well, in case anyone has any comments. I’m confused about NORML saying that “adults who possess or grow marijuana for personal use, or who engage in the non-profit transfer of cannabis, would not be subject to taxation under the law.” I read the bill, and in section 10(b), it looks like if you want to grow marijuana, you have to pay a $500 annual cultivation license fee. Seems like another word for “tax.” Or, am I missing something? Under this bill, can someone grow marijuana without paying a tax, fee, what have you?
GOD gave us this bounty and we should enjoy it. Support legalization! I think Alaska’s gonna be one of the first few states. Go AK!
I’ll have to visit every weekend… If passed…
I’m from Mass. and I could barely contain my excitement when I saw this. I do agree that the tax is a bit excessive but I’m Okay with baby steps for now. I do hope that everyone knows that if the bill passes there will be an effect similar to kids when they turn 21. Most of the time when someone turns 21 they go out and get trashed because now it is legal…… Same thing with cannabis, once it is made legal and regulated people will take advantage for a bit but it will get old after a while. I just hope that the congressmen will understand this and expect it for the first couple months or so. But anyways, I am very happy that my state could be the first to legalize it because it is long over due. I think a lot of good will come from this.
Hopefully Michigan is next 😀
Where the F*ck is new york in this party?!?!
One step at a time,or one state at a time. LEGALIZE
I only find this awesome if we are allowed to grow it our selves too.
i just cried a litle
I’m guessing that by making the tax really high and the age 21 instead of 18, they’re just trying to get more people to agree with the bill, rather than just current pot consumers and “legalizers”.
Hopefully if the law passes it’ll be tweaked afterwards to be more reasonable.
I think the vote for legalization should be given over to the people to decide……….NOT the House or Senate.
This made me really happy! Now we’ve just got to make some noise: get ads on tv, get the media talking about this, write letter and call representatives and get the message and issue out into the public discourse.
OMFG!
That is great news for us east coasters in general.
If only New York got the balls to do this, i’ll forever be in bliss!
I truly think it is only a matter of time if and only if CA and MASS actually passes this bill that other states will follow quickly, I hope to god it does happen!
This is epic…good for Massachusets! Even though I dont live there that is great news and if it passes (hopefully) would be even better. Maybe others will follow cali and mass.? Found it pretty entertaining that masscops.com- they wrote about this and they are all so pissed hahaha! At what the people are concerned about and feel needs changing! They talk about not being able to make good pot busts anymore?! First, what does “good pot bust? even entail?
This is so exciting!
Hopefully Texas will follow, someday soon…
Thirty-five years of crouching behind the air conditioner! Could the Moses moment be at hand?!?
Now Everybody donate money to get these commericals on the air. You can donate as low as $10 using paypal! Its so easy I did it last week. What’s $10… a six pack maybe?
Please continue to pass the word and email everyone you can!!
Thank you
LEGALIZE!!!
Tobacco kills about 400,000
Alcohol kills about 180,000
Workplace accidents kill 60,000
Automobiles kill 40,000
Cocaine kills about 2,500
Heroin kills about 2,000
Aspirin kills about 2,000
Marijuana kills 0
The days of “Cheech & Chong” are over, we are not a stereotype. The days of pleading and begging are over, we are legion and are ready to fight for what we believe in, this is culture war plain and simple. I tell you this: haters of the herb you have already fallen.. ADMIT DEFEAT! California will start the chain reaction.
7 days and counting.. Californians have you contacted your officials? Have you a voice?
Dang i lived in cali most of my life, and i have homies in boston and new york that smoke im glad their getting the chance of this bill such as california.
This sucks im going into the military and wont be albe to smoke WELL MAYBE NOT!haha
The 64 trillion dollar question is how much is the tax? California’s is extortion! Legalizing weed as a means of steeling from the public is unacceptable. alcahall and tobacco are both taxed like crazy for the harm to society they cause. Weed causes no harm so they should be satisfied with their nomale taxes or make a case why a docto
The 64 trillion dollar question is how much is the tax? California’s is extortion!
Legalizing weed as a means of steeling from the public is unacceptable. alcohol and tobacco are both taxed like crazy for the harm to society they cause. Weed causes no harm so they should be satisfied with their normal taxes or make a case why a doctor prescribed medicine should be taxed more than butter or milk.
Being wrongfully arrested is just as bad as being wrongfully taxed. Replacing one wrong with another doesn’t make a right.
I’ve had a day to think about this bill, and to be honest. I really do not see any of these politicians changing the status quo. Maybe i’m just skeptical. But ill believe it when i see it, until then .. this bill is just a pastel on some locker room or some
bathroom that some idiot wrote there.
Prohibition wont end until all 50 states are
free from any force which deems
it necessary to lock up law abiding citizens,
and when we dont
have loyal citizens sending their hard earned cash to
drug cartels.
This just made my night.
Maybe one day the rest of America will grow smart too….
MA resident, couldn’t be more happy ill do everything i can to help out
why cant Louisiana even decriminalized it?! i went to jail over a (as in 1) seed! ill move to mass if this passes. screw these dumbasses redneck drunken hillbillies!
I don’t smoke weed much anymore. However, as a person who lives in MA I believe this is great news. All we need to do now is legalize prostitution and we will finally be functioning as a rational society should.
i thought canada was cool with weed like we have good shit at a really good price but i never thought that the states would try n rep some legalization WE deserve this everyone of my brothers n sisters!
“The governor and the representatives of the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging that previous efforts have not succeeded in eliminating or curtailing marijuana use and abuse; determined to exercise some measure of control over the use of cannabis consistent with respect for individual freedom and responsibility; and declaring our objectives to be the reduction of cannabis abuse, the elimination of marijuana-related crime and the raising of public revenue, do hereby ordain and enact The Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act.”
It’s about time.
There will be alot of pple moving to where ever they legalize,taxed like alcohol,tobocco. Sooner or later i guess except IOWA will legalize in the same way but untill then there will be alot of tourism in these states. Iguess time will take its toll but in the meantime i will take my toke lol HELL YEAH
I am a Mass resident and want to see this passed! I will do whatever it takes for it to happen… we need to band together and make history happen. Im not sure what the procedure is for this to pass (does the house and senate both have to vote in favor of it and be signed by the governor?). Regardless, we could always do another citizens petition for 2010 or 2012 (like how we passed decrim). I am a little apprehensive though… this is the same state that voted NOT to sell beer in grocery stores… I hope our residents’ views on legalized pot is different!
fucking sick!
Be careful not to get over-excited. While this is amazing news, we still have to wait and see if the bills are passed.
To all the people who say federal law won’t let this pass:
WE ARE NOT LIVING IN THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION ANYMORE! The Obama administration is one that can actually make this happen. Obama realizes the past admins. ways of dealing with “The war on drugs” are not working and need to be changed and even Obama himself has gone on record in the past to say he supports decriminalization. Believe me, federal government is READY to change the laws, but we as a people have to help the states show federal law that were ready for it to change. So trust me, do what you can to help and you WILL see change.
This is Great News! However, I can’t get a serious discussion going for the life of me in Kansas City, Mo!
Please help us in Kansas City! I donate every month to Norml but here, there is no fight! I feel as if I’m a loner. Please Help!!
Heres a simple way to say what i think of prohibition and the government.
Are you lost, In your lies?
Do you tell yourself, I don’t realize?
Your crusade’s a disguise.
Replace freedom with fear,
You trade money for lives.
I’m aware of what you’ve done.
No, no more sorrow.
I’ve paid for your mistakes.
Your time is borrowed.
Your time has come to be replaced.
I see pain, I see need.
I see liars and thieves,
Abuse power with greed.
I had hope, I believed.
But I’m beginning to think that I’ve been deceived.
You will pay for what you’ve done.
No, no more sorrow.
I’ve paid for your mistakes.
Your time is borrowed.
Your time has come to be replaced.
Thieves and hypocrites.
Thieves and hypocrites.
Thieves and hypocrites.
No, no more sorrow.
I’ve paid for your mistakes.
Your time is borrowed.
Your time has come to be replaced.
No more sorrow.
I’ve paid for your mistakes.
Your time is borrowed.
Your time has come to be replaced.
Your time has come to be replaced.
Your time has come to be erased.
|linkin Park|
As a Massachusetts citizen, I am ecstatic that these two bills are being postulated to our legislators. The next step is to get our message out there! Contact your local legislators & let them know just how many of us support the cause! And get the message out to the people! Support NORML so we can raise enough money to advertise all the benefits we can reap via the media. The taxes raised alone will be enough to assist in this floundering economy, & the added tourism money could increase that amount exponentially. Not to mention all of the countless other benefits that come with legalization, including less anti-marijuana propaganda in favor of putting that money towards something that actually needs funding such as education, health-care, or how about our state’s atrocious roads? Let’s go, guys! Get the word out there!!
EVERYBODY DONATE!
GO GO GO!!!!
the tax better go down.. wow
A couple of you expressed the notion that this “will never go through”. Need I remind you that 2 months ago, almost NOBODY at change.org or change.gov thought that the President would do ANYTHING about cannabis law reform. Meanwhile look what has gotten done already. Attorney General Eric Holder already announced that the Obama administration won’t continue the DEA raids on MMJ, and a new drug czar has been picked (one that seems to be at least somewhat reasonable unlike that clown, Walters). And we’ve seen bills popping up in each state with reform bills, 2 of which are considering legalization. It’s getting a lot of positive media attention now. I, for one, think they are listening to the people now.. so write your reps today and make our voices even louder!
That’s a neat anti-prohibition photo and tag at the top of the story! Entertain and educate people at the same time.
yeah legalize it all the way hit me up i could help
I was to harsh in my previous comments and just to make it clear, NORML rules, number marijuana reform org in the world and in my book as number 1. I just don’t like the bill and want people to follow-up on the medical bill. I know NORML will be covering that as well. Hooray for a day and we get lots of comments, but follow up and write the Governor and the local reps, for legalization and especially medical. THE MA MEDICAL BILL RULES! Read it. It’s not California but the best for MA and a really good bill. Medical users will be able to grow their own for little money at all.
http://masscann.org get involved, write the elected officials, and show up to the upcoming hearings at the state house.
I pray to God this becomes a reality. I am tired of bieng a criminal and i am tired of wondering what herbicides might be on the pot I am smoking, I am tired of having to deal with scum of the earth drug dealers, I am tired of having cops ask if they can search my car which my automatic reply is “NO”. I do like to point out the fact to gun loving republicans that the war on drugs, 60% which is directly traceable to Marijuana prohibition, is fueling gun control. Amen.
http://www.change.org/drugpolicy/actions/view/stop_marijuana_arrests
SPAM OBAMA FOR JUSTICE!!!
I think that state lawmakers are not aware that a 150-250$ grade-based taxation will create an underground market in itself.
considering that cannabis is incredibly cheap to cultivate this price needs to be changed.
Most users do not use even close to an ounce, I believe a 10-15% sales tax is sufficient, in addition to normal sales taxes.
If we impose this tax, then a 10 billion dollar industry (per state) would generate 1.5-2 billion dollars per year.
I don’t think the form is directing the mail to the correct committee of people sitting on these bills. I recieved auto responces from folks not on the committee when using the form.
If you are in Massachusetts I would view this link
for the house committee members, and mail them all individually for 2929
http://www.mass.gov/legis/comm/j26.htm
Then I would do the same for the senate committee members reviewing 1801 using this link
http://www.mass.gov/legis/comm/j19.htm
RE: Bob/Comment #149–
The Act establishes seven license categories: cultivation, processing, trade, retail, import, farmer-processor-retailer and research. Except for the farmer-processor-retailer, no single person or business entity may be licensed for for more than one function. Fees are established for each category of license, and an excise is imposed on the product. Cannabis would be sold only to adults, in 1-oz. packages identifying the origin, and with tax stamps affixed. **Like making one’s own beer or wine today, personal cultivation and possession is outside the statute.**
President Obama: Stop Marijuana Arrests
Dear Readers,
We wanted to send you an important action alert on behalf of a campaign by the Drug Policy Alliance asking President Obama to stop the arrest of consenting adults for using or growing marijuana for personal, medical, or research purposes.
President Obama himself smoked marijuana, but few people think he deserved to be put in jail for it. At least three other presidents have smoked marijuana, and they too didn’t deserve to be jailed for it. But if that’s the case, the hundreds of thousands of marijuana arrests that happen each year in this country are complete hypocrisy.
The president agrees that we should be treating drug use as a health issue and not a criminal justice one. His attorney general indicated recently that the U.S. Justice Department is going to stop wasting federal resources arresting medical marijuana patients and providers. Together, we can end the senseless, violent prohibition on marijuana, if the president will stop arresting people now for what he has done himself.
Join the movement to tell President Obama to stop the senseless violence of the prohibition on marijuana today.
Click here to sign the petition:
http://www.change.org/drugpolicy/actions/view/stop_marijuana_arrests
Thanks,
– The Change.org Team
I hope people see this it was mailed to me from change.org go sign the petition its really fast. thx!
Check out section 9:
1-5% THC by volume taxed 150$ per ounce or 5.2$ per gram
5-10% 200$/ ounce or 7$/Gram
10+% 250%/ ounce 10$/Gram
So if a company is to sell headies for 20$/g they have 10$ margin to work with in terms of cultivation and profit… not bad
I love my weed too but its not gonna happen I’m not getting my hopes up only to have them crushed back down by bible-humpers.
Hmm, makes me feel like moving to Massaachussets. Want to bet their tax revenue explodes after this move?
TO ERIC COMMENT #2: SHUTUP. thank you.
Wow. Are my representatives suddenly cool? Is the fog of lies lifting? It would seem pretty damn obvious that the 65% of people who voted to decriminalize pot would also vote in favor of full legalization. Imagine if your public servants served you!
Politicians could ease our state’s financial crisis (I think Cali has one of those too) while simultaneously coming off as heroes to a whole generation of young people who are much smarter than the BS drug war propaganda pushers. With Mass being $3.1 billion in the hole, an extra hundred million from taxes would be sweet. Oh, plus the absence of the costs of having to prosecute harmless potheads.
Plus, can’t forget the tourism. I mean, if I’m from Rhode Island and I can go to Boston and smoke a joint on the Freedom Trail! There’s a deep beauty in that which goes way beyond pot.
living in mass for over 15 years i can personally say that the only reason this bill would ever even be passed is because these politicians love taxes. then again they arent nearly as ahead of this issue as the public is. i would put my money on it that this bill is going to pass.
legalize or legal-lies!
Wooooo!!!!!!!!!!!
soo once cali and mach. legalize looks like we have 48 more to go!
If it happens, I’d go an visit at least once a month and spend my hard earned money… It would be great to visit old friends and spark a couple of FATTY’s….
***HOOTA-HOOTA-HOOTA***
It is injustice for Government to steel our lives through imprisonment,… Or taxation.! A $4000 a pound tax is theft plain and simple!
I really can’t see what all of you are so happy about. Your smoke is about to more than double in price.
For what?
Did potheads cause the second great depression?
If not why in the Fuck should we pay for it?
Isn’t this just the government and corporations taking over the weed business?
SAY NO TO GOVERNMENT WEED!
I have a lot of vacation time to use up and I’d love to spend a bunch of it (and my money) in Cali if things go well on March 31.
C’MON AB 390!!
I think it’s HIGH time I visited by god-parents in Massachussetts
to mario #206.
Eric #2 has a valid point. The age for weed shouldn’t be based on the age for alchohol. Cigs are legal at 18, and we all know that they are way worse than weed. Think about it, if the age is at 21, there is a whole lot of adults between the age of 18-21 that can still get in trouble for weed. and that just aint right, y’all
I, for one, hope they DON’T legalize it – then it’ll cost more! If you’re smart about it, you’re not going to get caught. Problem is, most people are stupid. For goodness sake, just smoke indoors, and keep your sh*t hidden!
But granted, I can see the argument to legalize – people just don’t want to go to jail if you DO happen to get caught. But I do believe it’s a person’s civil right to be able to put anything in your body they want.
Most people don’t realize that it’ll never become legal, at least in the near future.. can you imagine how the cigarette and alcohol companies would lose tons of sales? It’s the tobacco & alcohol lobbyists that bribe the lawmakers, and keep it illegal. And everyone knows that the CIA is the biggest importer of cocaine in the U.S.. if they ended the prohibition on that, the government would lose yet more money.. we’re talking BILLIONS.
These 3 bills in CA and Mass are great steps toward our freedom. Once again Cannibis is getting the media attention it deserves. Good, honest American Citizens like Ron Paul, Barney Frank, Tom Ammiano, Montell Williams, Drew Carey, Mason Tvert, Rob Kampia, and Paul Armento are out there fighting the good fight, and I believe it’s working. I’m from California and will pay any tax that is imposed on Cannibis, the reason is that I will would love nothing more than to support our laws by not buying from a black market source and also fund our schools, infrastructure, and millions of other state programs. I think as an American who believes it is his right to smoke Cannibis in the comfort of his own home without fear of reprisal I am duty bound to support local businesses and our State and Federal economies by buying legal, taxed, DOMESTIC Cannibis, IF they are finally willing to listen to the people instead of deciding for them. I am also glad that our Cannibis advocates are touching on the Mexican cartel violence that is now spilling over into the U.S. Peace, love, and happiness to you all.
*Enough* with the republican bashing. Don’t stereotype. I’m a republican in MA and I support this. We (smokers) don’t like being called “stoner losers living in our mom’s basement”! Don’t pull that same sterotype BS on republicans – real conservatives who like small government are your allies!
Oklahoma has some of the more severe laws on cannabis possession. We need help in Oklahoma changing attitudes about medicinal use and ending cannabis prohibition. Please help!
Not to bust any bubbles…
but the lawmakers in CA, at least the ones I have contacted, are unwilling to vote for AB390. I hope it has a strong showing however and passes, but I’m not sure.
Whatever happens we need to…
continue contacting your local representatives and friends as well. After all, this is simply an unjust and immoral war against a PLANT. Continue writing letter, calling, and emailing!
We need some arm twisting to get this one passed. Put the pressure on these politicians but be nice 🙂
I read an article yesterday stating that the mexican drug cartels are now operating in 230 U.S. cities. At the same time, it is now well accepted that the drug cartels cannot survive and thrive without the government-sponsored black market.
Our political “leaders” have not had the stones to stand up to the religious and morality zealots, who are blinded to the fact that their methods guarantee the very behavior they wish to eradicate We should not be surprised if we see these same “leaders” subjected to threats, intimidation and corruption when they are forced to consider legislation to legalize cannabis, as is now pending in California and Massachusetts.
Is it realistic for us to expect these “leaders” to stand up to the tactics of the drug cartels? We may find that the best way to accomplish our goal will be through the ballot initiative process.
I am most pleased to hear about this. I hope it passes brilliantly.
On the federal level all they need to do is change the legal status of of MJ, and reallocate DEA resources now deployed prohibiting MJ, to the newly renamed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Cannabis…. It could go into effect in months.
Sorry folks, these bills aren’t going anywhere. Notice the phrase “by request” next to the co-sponsor. This means that the sponsor of the bill doesn’t plan to support it, but just filed it to appease a citizen. So don’t get too excited.
Hey all,
I’m not a cannabis user, but I sure as HELL used to be.
At 49 I know this – I’d not have my home OR family, as the prison guard union/uniform company/lock and bar corporation PACs sponsored get-tough legislation.
Yep. Look it up. sickening.
SO, YES to legalized EVERYTHING not prohibited in the BILL OF RIGHTS>
and btw
I’m taking APRIL 15th OFF, I’m going to smoke marlboro lights, but you smoke your choice – and I’m rereading the ASSEMBLY manual for DEMOCRACY.
THE DEC OF INDEPENDENCE.
You see, we break the LAW and forsake DUTY if we DON’T fight back right now.
Liberty in our lifetime, freedom and prosperity for our kids.
My name is John Hubertz, citizen and PATRIOT
Oh and by the WAY.
THEY don’t follow europe’s lead because imprisoning and probationing and house-arresting US is BIG MONEY.
OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM IS NOT MY GOVERNMENT UNTIL A FIREMAN OR TEACHER OR YOU CAN RUN FOR ELECTION TO NATIONAL OFFICE AND HAVE A CHANCE AGAINST DONATION-FUELED CORPORATE SUPER-CITIZEN CANDIDATES.
They cruise by in OUR limousines, talking on OUR cellphones… but not to us. They talk agenda ONLY with corporate multinational corporate stateless soulless no-accountability organizations that have NO criminal liability.
They profit, we suffer – and our markets lie open for foreign products while our kids work menial jobs.
You know what – I’m still by GOD John Hubertz, and btw, I’m a Kentucky Colonel – thus I know the difference between TRUTH and CHICKENSHIT sold as freedom but poisoning us with international shame and concentration camps.
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP IS TO BLAME – ALL MULTINATS SHOULD BE INSPECTED IN COMMERCE AS POTENTIAL ADVERSARIES AND NATIONLESS DICTATOR STATES.
Of the people, people. Governing requires the consent of the folks being governed.
Heh.
Glad to be alive. I don’t care if you are a militia gun-nut or a tree-hugging gay cracksmoking naked septic pond swimmer, carry a flag, fight tyranny nonviolently – you’re welcome as a neighbor and at my dinner table.
Care for a mint julep? You can use one of your own sprigs! 🙂
Aside from the high fees and taxes,
*(#37 jd said that “that $150 tax on dirt is excessive”,
and I agree with this;
Perhaps the tax-rates could be adjusted after licensed, regulated cannabis is established)*,
The Massachusetts bills are detailed and very well written,
(in manner similar to present alcohol regulation),
more so than California’s AB 390,
which is just a flat $50 / ounce tax, regardless of THC content,
whereas the Massachusetts bills specify certain minimum levels for each quality-grade, and taxing these accordingly.
My favorite part of this bill is…
Section 4(r).
PURITY: Freedom from substances not indigenous to cannabis, except for water.
I live in NY and the news the other night was talking about MA de-crim pot but charging a huge fine of $300, here in NY it’s only $100. But to tax it $250 seems real high, as others have said, people will still get it black market for less. But then if they get caught with it they can’t get in trouble, so the black market sales will skyrocket. Not good if the state means to make money off it. So I don’t think it’ll pass. But it’ll get attention so the next bill that comes along has a better chance of getting passed, and that one may be better for all.
Please visit http://www.campaignforliberty.com
You know who not to vote for next election. Obama will not legalize. He is also incredibly condescending. Wake up!
I live in CA, have a medical pot prescription, and grow my own “medicine.” The CA bill is such that people like myself will NOT be taxed, nor will small, personal, pot growers be affected. The way we’ve legislated pot out here is usually through state initiatives. This is how we passed our medical pot law in 1996. The initiative started among the voting public, was presented to our state congress, and ultimately, voted into law.
Hopefully, MA can do a similar thing. BTW, I don’t understand why some folks are upset with the “age” being 21, instead of 18. For us Californians, the legal drinking age here IS 21, so we have no problem with similar age criteria for marijuana use.
I also suggest, no matter WHAT state you live in, that you support pro-legislation efforts, because the main thing is to get it going — you can “fine-tune” it as you “go along.”
Obama’s recent inappropriately “humorous” comments about us pro-legalization advocates was NOT funny! I thought he “got it,” about the need for marijuana law reform, especially because the new AG has stopped ALL DEA raids on patients, physicians, and providers of medical pot who are in compliance with their respective state laws.
His latest remarks are disappointing, to say the least. His words don’t dampen my fervent pro-pot advocacy, though, and I’m sending e-mails almost everyday to my elected officials, urging them to once-and-for-all, END THE WAR ON MARIJUANA at both the state and federal levels. I’ve been working at this since 1967 in CA, and I’m now able to reap the rewards of all that activism! You CAN make a difference, and you CAN effect change! Don’t let TPTB (The-Powers-That-Be) silence you with intimidation. The First Amendment guarantees us Freedom of Speech, so SPEAK UP! And do it NOW, not later…!
High,
I would like to share the letter I sent to the White House. Please share your feelings with our President as well.
Mr. President,
I am one of the many thousands of people who believe in the ideals represented by the American Dream. We used the open forum today to tell you that we feel cannabis legalization IS important. I inhale and have been since long time now. I was inhaling on the streets with Reverend King in Memphis, I was inhaling when Dr. Elders told me she would support medical marijuana,.like you said, “That was the point.”
Please pay attention to us, we are the last “niggers” being abused in America. I will not bore you with the numbers–we represent too many people in the prisons and too much money to be ignored– I want to sit on the front of the bus for a change and inhale as I please.
Get real and keep the peace.
Sincerely, very sincerely,
Sam Smith
—
“All truth passes through three stages: first it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed, and third it is accepted as self-evident.”
Arthur Schopenhauer, 19th Century Philosopher
It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong.
Voltaire
I always knew Mass/Cal were the best states, mountains, flat land, the ocean, four seasons, and GREEN
“Why is the age for all of these proposals set at 21? What’s wrong with age 18?”
its better for people that way , cuz your brain isn’t fully “grown” or matured until your 20 or something
Waste of time… Until the media sides with Marijuana reform and changes public opinion on it the topic will still be political suicide and will never be pushed into legislation. We have to get the media involved and get them to start reporting fairly on cannabis first.
This is amazing. I think this is REALLY going to be a great year. GO CA AND MA!! I pray CA 280 passes after hearing about opposition. But I’m more hopeful that MA bill will pass it sounds like more people there are pro-legalization anyway!!
GOD I doubt Georgia’s deep south conservative ass will ever do anything like this. Maybe we can get a bill for Atlanta to decriminalize! Or by that time a federal law will have changed? Who knows? Come on Barney Frank!!
You realize that if a tax stamp becomes smudged, damaged, or otherwise marred, it becomes invalid. And that anyone in possession of or selling a bag with an INVALID stamp will be subject to the FULL existing current penalties for GROWING/SALE OF UP TO 50 POUNDS. And that any sellers or growers will be subject to inspection by “agents” of a currently nonexistent body, with the right to revoke your license to grow/sell at any time for any reason, leaving you vulnerable to the aforementioned 50 pound sale penalty?
Yea!
i have faith in our fellow state of Massachusetts.
Well, it’s not that great. It creates the FALSE idea that high-THC pot is BAD, and imposes all sorts of other regulatory things that don’t really make sense other than to create a meaningless bureaucracy. It seems to have been written with Mexican schwag in mind as it targets sensimilla type weed and makes it permanently expensive. In those ways, it gives the pro-pot community a masochist reputation – WHY ARE WE DOING THIS TO OURSELVES???? There should not be insane rules being created in the name of PROHIBITIONIST bullshit.
The extraordinary taxes in this bill will keep marijuana underground. Most people will be unwilling to pay these ridiculous tax rates, so will buy from unlicensed dealers/growers offering better bargains. Sure, people might get the stuff for free and not incur any penalties. But, since there’s a lot of bucks to be made, underground pot will remain big. Legalization is great, but not this way.
Yes the evil growers, according to the law, will be afforded certain rights to Import mexican shwag seeds but must have this right governed by their inferiors, the Packagers. These Packagers will provide seed, then, to the growers, since the person who wrote this law is such a genius as to take in the entire canna trade from on high and pierce right through it. Sensimilla growers need sellers to provide them seeds. Any thinking person would make that a law and seek to illegally control trade through it and other measures.
i think that weed should be legal it doesnt harm you a bad a cigs u just get high and it relaxes you the only reason that it is not legal yet is because they cant find a way to tax it. it is just like alcohol was back in the day. yea i am a stoner i love to get high i get high like everyday and all the the bullshit bout it slowin down your reaction time and all that is bull to you are more alert then wen you are sober. i think that all the politics just need to roll them a fatass joint or a blunt and smoke up and find out for them self
I think that weed is AWESOME. LAWLZ #1 STONUR
SWEET!
…took ’em long enough.
I disagree with this bill, i was addicted to marijuana for 5 years, haven’t smoked in 2, never been happier with my life! wish i didn’t waste all those moments ruining my healthy lungs. I feel it will have a negative effect overall on our nation… leave us in a blur… i don’t wanna c a bunch of zombies walking around everywhere… it may help the economy, but its not going to evolve our minds… you have to do that on your own, with out drugs. LOVE AND PEACE
massachusetts in the House….
this will be an interesting issue to follow. I scanned the legislation and its reminds me why we are called Taxachusetts…. 250oz…dam thats a lot. I think that its the beginning of the end for prohibition
Will these bills really go to debate? The whole thing is meant to mirror excise on liquor and the zoning restrictions with that are supposed to go hand in hand. Also, people can only sell at their authorized area. So it’s not a law to legalize, it’s a law to legalize it for big business to roll over you and shut you out in your own town. The rates are a disincentive to all involved and show the true cynical face of these propositions, as do their timing.
Also to the person above who is better than all of us because he has healthy lungs and is no longer addicted to Marihuana: possession of under 1 oz. is a breach of civil law in MA punishable by a stern talking-to. Basically, the punishment is the same as listening to your bitchass, so no one in that state cares about your opinion anymore regardless of this law.
I wrote both of my state reps Gale D. Candaras
State Senator and Rep. Thomas Petrolati
on this matter and have yet to recieve a response. I personally feel that our politicians are cowards when it come to common sense legislation, so I’m not expecting any positive movement on these bills. I’m curious if anyone has a binding ballot initiative waiting in the wings on either legalization or a medical marijuana law. Seems that support among the voters might be the proper way to bypass our legislature. It certainly worked on the decriminilization initiative.
here is an article by the author of legalization bill
http://www.projo.com/opinion/contributors/content/
CT_evans25_03-25-09_JGDO647_v14.3e65084.html
You people are dogs, forgive the blows first friendly scratch of the ear. Oh all we have to do is pay 650 dollars for an ounce of shitty Canadian weed and you won’t lock us up anymore? But you still reserve the right to, I get it, you’re a Big Man. Take everyone’s money, destroy the laissez faire weed market, steal what you can and lock the rest up. Hey, just like always. Except now they pretend it’s legal while leaving the punishment on the books, with their Inspection Forces free to inspect your grow at any Reasonable Hour? Or to inspect your Point of Sale at any Reasonable Hour? With the authority then to revoke all your licensing upon inspection immediately, leaving you subject to the full existing penalties. Wake up. This is a license for them to steal as much money as they want from the weed people. When they’re tapped out or if they don’t play ball just right, BAM, right to jail just like before. Except now you’re paying thousands a year in license application fees just to tell them who you are. Wake the fuck up. The lawyer who wrote these bills is a narc and so are you for supporting him.
first of its/their kind to be proposed post-decrim, and so this is important but won’t pass. we (here in MA) had 2 or 3 previous decrim bills not make it before we got the 65% vote last fall, that’s how most controversial stuff works here. (there was also a state bill here to ban dog racing [due to animal cruelty] that had been on the ballots at least one election before and failed, believe it passed this time as well.)
and really, that’s not such a bad way for things to work. sure it takes that much longer to end prohibition, but by the looks of reactions, this bill needs some work. i’m not opposed to varying levels of taxation for different potencies, but in order for sales to happen enough to get the state significant tax revenue, the proposed levels will have to be halved at very least.
also, an ideally-smooth transition has to be somewhat gradual, so that decrim will have really become part of common culture – maybe even with some state amendments passed – by the time a good legalization bill comes through with a real chance.
still won’t likely take very long though. i believe at least MA and CA will have some decent form of legalization within 10 years.
and people, if just -one- state solidly commits to legalization by overwhelming vote, the nation will follow.
#254
Fixed address,
(must not have spaces nor line-wraps / CR’s),
so that it will link to the article:
http://www.projo.com/opinion/contributors/content/
CT_evans25_03-25-09_JGDO647_v14.3e65084.html
#256 idwita Says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:43 am
…by the looks of reactions, this bill needs some work. i’m not opposed to varying levels of taxation for different potencies, but in order for sales to happen enough to get the state significant tax revenue, the proposed levels will have to be halved at very least.
RE:
idwita,
– – I DO hope that House Bill 2929 and Senate Bill 1801 are passed in Mass.
I agree this bill does need some work, the tax-rates ought to AT LEAST be HALVED,
(If not more; Even $75/oz is ‘too excessive’ for weak, leafy green),
however, one of the bill’s provisions, Section 9 says,
“…such excise shall be adjusted by the authority from time to time as necessary…”
(THIS would allow the Massachusetts to LOWER the tax-rate AND…)
“…maximize the revenue derived therefrom, and to minimize the incentive for the sale of cannabis not in accordance with the provisions of this act…”
With the tax rate reduced…
To HALF:
THC >= 10%
Class A = $125
THC >= 5% = 1% = 10%
Class A = $83
THC >= 5% = 1% < 5%
Class C = $50
ENTIRE POST DIDN’T PASTE…!
#256 idwita Says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:43 am
…by the looks of reactions, this bill needs some work. i’m not opposed to varying levels of taxation for different potencies, but in order for sales to happen enough to get the state significant tax revenue, the proposed levels will have to be halved at very least.
RE:
idwita,
– – I DO hope that House Bill 2929 and Senate Bill 1801 are passed in Mass.
I agree this bill does need some work, the tax-rates ought to AT LEAST be HALVED,
(If not more; Even $75/oz is ‘too excessive’ for weak, leafy green),
however, one of the bill’s provisions, Section 9 says,
“…such excise shall be adjusted by the authority from time to time as necessary…”
(THIS would allow the Massachusetts to LOWER the tax-rate AND…)
“…maximize the revenue derived therefrom, and to minimize the incentive for the sale of cannabis not in accordance with the provisions of this act…”
With the tax rate reduced…
To HALF:
THC >= 10%
Class A = $125
THC >= 5% = 1% = 10%
Class A = $83
THC >= 5% = 1% < 5%
Class C = $50
ENTIRE POST DIDN’T PASTE…!
With the tax rate reduced…
To ONE-THIRD:
THC >= 10%
Class A = $83
THC >= 5% = 1% < 5%
Class C = $50
With the tax rate reduced…
Are the ‘math symbols’ preventing this from posting correctly?
To ONE-THIRD:
THC greater than or equal to 10%
Class A = $83
THC g.t. or e.t. 5% and less than 10%
Class B = $67
THC g.t. or e.t. 1% and less than 5%
Class C = $50
With the tax rate reduced…
To HALF:
THC greater than or equal to 10%
Class A = $125
THC g.t. or e.t. 5% and less than 10%
Class B = $100
THC g.t. or e.t. 1% and less than 5%
Class C = $75
AND…
With the tax rate reduced…
To ONE-THIRD:
THC greater than or equal to 10%
Class A = $83
THC g.t. or e.t. 5% and less than 10%
Class B = $67
THC g.t. or e.t. 1% and less than 5%
Class C = $50
How long will this take to go trough?
#263 pete Says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:45 pm
How long will this take to go trough?
RE:
Pete,
Good question!
– – How long, (I wonder), did it take for states to establish alcohol regulatory-boards
and liquor licensing-agencies at the end of Prohibition?
– – The international laws on cannabis DON’T require the harsh prohibiton-system we presently have in Amerika,
just well-crafted regulations and controls on growing, packaging and sales / dispensing,
similar to what we ALREADY have in place for alcohol.
This is WAY OVERDUE!
– – Regulating cannabis is advantageous for several reasons:
1)
– – The consumer would know exactly what potency,
(i.e. Tetra-Hydro-Cannabinol percentages),
and purity,
(freedom from foreign substances / contamination),
of cannabis they’re getting, thus would be more able to avoid over-indulgence,
and would also be spared the biological hazards of poor handling / storage / transport,
(i.e. mold-spores),
and
of harsh chemicals used to mask its odor.
– What would be even better is if retail cannabis packaging
also indicated the percentages / ratios of other cannabinoids in addition to THC.
(This could be easily accomplished, we have the technology. . . ). 😀
– Varieties / cultivars containing higher ratios of CannaBiDioL relative to THC content
produce a ‘sleepier’ effect than those containing lower ratios of CBD to THC.
2)
– – Regulation would more effectively prevent children / minors from partaking in cannabis use
than present Prohibition System / complete illegality does.
3)
– Legal, state-regulated, licensed sales of cannabis would DE-fund criminal organizations,
especially if retail-cannabis is priced to UNDERCUT the cartels / gangs.
(Contrary to the faulty diatribes spouted off by various prohibitionist sheriffs and Atty. Generals across the country). 🙄
GG you lucky massholes 😉
That’s what they call us. lol
Is there any other place that i can find the latest info on where this is going. If it passes, I’m going to open a farm on 20 acres!!!
Umm.. have any of you done the math? a $250 excise tax on every ounce sold? So, you would have to sell each ounce for $350 just to make $100 profit. This seems like legalization, but the state is just smart enough to make the sale of this stuff a ‘break-even’ endeavor for the grower. I’d rather keep the black market, and take the risk. Keeping $4k per pound, vs selling at $4k and keeping $1600 is okay with me. Think about it.
YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR SOMEWHERE IN USA FOR WEED TO BE LEGALIZED!!!!! 😀 SUCKS FOR THE AGE. BUT WHO CARES IT’S GOING TO BE LEGALIZED!!!!!!!! 😀 HOPEFULLY THIS WILL ENCOURAGE CALIFORNIA TO LEGALIZE IT? PLZ! WOW WOW WOW DAMN FUCKIN WOW!!! THIS SHIT IS GOING TO BE THE BESSSST! EVERYONE OUT DER WHEN IT BECOMES LEGAL SERIOUSLY BUY IT. I MEAN A LOT OF IT! SO THAT WAY THE GOV. WILL SEE THAT IT’S HELPIN MASSACHUSETS ECONOMY AND THEN OTHER STATES WILL LEGALIZE IT. I’M SOOOOOOO FUCKIN HAPPY RITE NOW!!!!!! 😀
i think making it leagle will be good for the economy but the tax of 150+ that is going to double the street cost, it will be hard to find people willing to pay that much. go at a more reasonable tax and you might find you will make a lot more money
IF IT WAS LEGALIZED. HOW WOULD IT WORK TO BE BOUGHT?
WOULD BE SOLD IN 7-11 STORES CIRCLE K’S AND SUCH FOR LOWER PRICES?
AND WOULD THE PENALTIES FOR MARIJUANA DEALERS, AND GROWERS STILL BE THE SAME, ALTHOUGH ITS BEEN LEGALIZED?
Legalize and tax…taxes can be adjusted later so stop with the IT”S TOO HIGH A PRICE whining..and the drug dealers who want to make 1600K for every pound..>SCREW YOU…i’d rather pay the gov’t than a whiney ILLEGAL DISTRIBUTOR who sells to anyone>>PUNKS your going out of business…most people will grow or pay the luxury of buying top grade stuff from liquor store..>GOO GO GO GO GO GO.
NO MORE CHILDREN SHOT OVER A PLANT your GRANNY CAN GROW in her window box…kids are shot in the head over hundrds of bucks of weed… RIDICULOUS.
LEGALIZE NOW. Everyone write the senate.
ANY PROGRESS? where can we find progress on the bill?
right on! but we need to do some major action in Texas. The unjust way we are treated is inhumane! WE NEED OUR MEDS!!!!!!!!
Mass. has legalized cannabis and Rhode Island has legalized prostitution, whats next? I can see the world turning into the Idiocracy movie. Maybe I should just relax, puff, then puff some more, and just forget about it until my high wears off. Time to make some money off whores and addicts.
why the age of 21 and not 18? im 16 and i know this, simply because at 18 you are still learning to moderate things sometimes and are still irrisponsible at 18, probably also makes it harder for ids that are my age to know a person of the age 18 to buy it for them
Thats awesome!
Just got to do this for TEXAS
hahaha look what I found.. this underground LA designer, has a spring line coming out, called Bake at 420º, to support legalization, and it is themed around “baking” cookies… http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=505399286
I would like to inquire if any bill or petition is currently intriduced to our goverment for legalization of marijuana or medical marijuana in the state of Alabama. I feel that this state which I live in is the worst and the most corrupt about arresting small time users, reaping huge fines, forcing small time users that get caught with small amounts to go to DUI school at a cost of $300.00 per person and AA classes plus drug testing at $40.00 a pop every 2 weeks or sometimes weekly for at least 6 months up to a year for small amounts of marijuana, that is after they decide if you should spend jail time and/or being put on probation up to 2 to 4 years and we aren’t speaking large quantities most aren’t even 1/4 of an once. Then we have thier great repeat offender law which if you get caught twice then they can charge, fine, incarsarate or do to you what they want at their will. The worst is the fabrication of stories that’s being published in our local newspapers about how they are arradicating marijuana plants by using helicopters at a cost of around $4,000.00 an hour but they only show little plants not even 3 foot high nor have they matured to harvest buds from them claiming they have taken a street value of hundreds if not thousands even millions of dollars of marijuana off the street when we all know this is only propaganda to try and verify the money they waist on erradication of a pure natural god given plant. Is their anyway that we as Alabama citizens can stop the madness? I agree prohibition isn’t working, but the local judicial system here in this state are reaping millions from poor people that do not want to buy from the black market only to make some cartel from another country rich and famous. Alabama has some of the most rural areas and some of the most jobless people in America, so why do we need State laws forbidding even the medical marijuana that the poor (and they are alot of poor people in Alabama) can’t afford. We need help Obama not just words or unkept promises.
An Alabama Citizen
On another note that I forgot to mention, has anyone given any thought or is their any information out there that anyone is aware of pertaining to “What would happen to any ordinary working citizen even in CA & MASS (or any state for that matter) when or if MJ becomes legal and they consume it in the privacy of their own home and theoritically the next day the company they work for gives them a drug test”? Will they looose their jobs like today? These companies that have imposed their own illegal laws on Americans today will they be able to continue these practices? I do understand that, like today, if you go to work stoned or drunk you can loose your job and that may be justified. But if you consume MJ in the privacy of your own home a day or evening before the next working day, who are they to say you do or don’t have the right to a job? Will our legislative goverment address that issue along with the taxes they expect to reap with legalization of MJ? That just takes us back to prohabition in a sense. I’m all for leagelization but if or when it becomes legal to consume but not legal to keep a job if you consume it where do we go from there?
I agree why should the age have to be 21 instead of 18? I tobacco products can be sold to people 18 years of age I believe cannabis products should also be available. But I guess just having the chance for them to be legal at all in the state of Massachusetts is a big step forward.
I’m sorry maybe I missed it in the spam but when does this take vote?
ITS ABOUT TIME THIS COMMONWEALTH STARTS MAKING ANY SENSE NOW ALL WE NEED IS 2 LEGALIZE POT AND WILL START MAKING DOLLARS.1 POINT I LIKE 2 MAKE(ABOUT THE BIGGEST MYTH)POT IS A GATE WAY DRUG!TRUE,BUT NOT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING ATTRIBUTED 2 THE DRUG ITSELF BUT RATHER BECAUSE THE SAME PERSON WHO SELLS POT ALSO SELLS
(COC,HEROIN,PILLS ETC.)SO IF WE TAKE IT AWAY FROM THE BLACK MARKET WE WILL SEE POT NO LONGER A GATEWAY DRUG(NOT 2 MENTION YOUNG ADULTS WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE 2 OBTAIN IT NEARLY AS EASY AS IT IS 2DAY.SO NOT ONLY WOULD OUR GOOD OLD UNCLE SAMMY BE ABLE 2 SAVE THE ECONOMY,BUT OUR CHILDREN WILL BE SAFER,PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM ILLNESS CAN BE TAKEN CARE OFF.ITS A WIN WIN SITUATION NO MATTER HOW THEY LOOK AT IT.U REALLY WANT 2 KNOW WATS A GATEWAY DRUG(PESCRIPTION PILLS,PERCS,OXYS,ETC.)IF POT WAS THE GATEWAY DRUG LOOK OUT THERS A NEW HIGHWAY IN TOWN AND ITS CALL PILLS,KIDS ARE NO LONGER HEADED 4 THE BONG THEY GO STRAIGHT FROM THE MEDICINE CABINET 2 THE COOKER!REMEMBER IF IT MAKES DOLLAR$ IT MAKES $EN$E.!.E.ZAYAS.!
http://www.loserthought.blogspot.com has a real nice breakdown on legalization and is a full supporter of the legalization and taxation of marijuana for responsible medical and recreational use.
i live in mass this is awsome only thing i dont like is the tax paying 750 a ounce is not cool 500 is bad as it is
Legalize it! 18 should be the age not 21….. Thats just going to make kids want to smoke it more!
This is a long time coming i have been with for over 20years, hopefully it wont take as long to get this up and running maybe for for once beacon hill can get it right and do what right for all of us maybe they know someone who in pain! please make it soon PLEASE.
WHEN IS THIS GOING TO VOTE?
this country has become a nation of debt where only money matters, not law, freedom or rights described in the constitution. police are kicking doors down like this is Iraq for non voilent crimes, the reason they need money. if the have to investigate for weeks to find wrong doing wouldnt it be safe to assume that any activities were not out in the open disrupting the community. they need helicopters and planes burning taxpayer gas outfitted with infrared cameras to see through walls, to invade your privacy to find you breaking the law. then they say voters dont want legalization, fellons can no longer vote so it seems to me the voters necessary to pass such laws are stripped of their rights so the govt can control who votes and on what issues.
Did anything ever come of this? NJ recently did something along the medicinal lines I believe.
I am a young woman in my 30’s, and this should be the prime of my life. I raised my kids, but I sit here day after day in chronic pain. I think that voters should consider people like me, and not just themselves. I need something like Medical Marijuana. And I haven’t even the touched the stuff in my life. The pills tore up my stomach. I think this is the perfect alternative. There are so many reasons why people need this alternative. When used properly I think at the end of the day we can all still get along.
-MEGAN
blog.norml.org : http://www.mpkealcba867.blogspot.??m