June 18, 2009
Washington, DC: Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank, along with co-sponsors Ron Paul (R-TX); Maurice Hinchey (D-NY); Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA); and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), will reintroduce legislation today to limit the federal government’s authority to arrest and prosecute minor marijuana offenders.
The measure, entitled an “Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults,” would eliminate federal penalties for the personal possession of up to 100 grams (over three and one-half ounces) of cannabis and for the not-for-profit transfer of up to one ounce of pot – making the prosecutions of these offenses strictly a state matter.
Under federal law, defendants found guilty of possessing small amounts of cannabis for their own personal use face up to one year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.
Passage of this act would provide state lawmakers the choice to maintain their current penalties for minor marijuana offenses or eliminate them completely. Lawmakers would also have the option to explore legal alternatives to tax and regulate the adult use and distribution of cannabis free from federal interference.
To date, thirteen states have enacted laws ‘decriminalizing’ the possession of marijuana by adults. Minor marijuana offenders face a citation and small fine in lieu of a criminal arrest or time in jail.
“The federal government has much more important business to attend to than targeting, arresting and prosecuting adults who use marijuana responsibly,” NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre said. “This is an issue that ought to be handled by the states, not the Feds.”
According to nationwide polls, three out of four voters believe that adults who possess marijuana should not face arrest or jail, and one out of two now say that cannabis should be regulated like alcohol.
The reintroduction of the Frank/Paul bill comes one week after the duo reintroduced HR 2835, The Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act of 2009 – which seeks to halt federal interference in states that have enacted medical marijuana laws – and just days after Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) called for federal legislation to sentence certain first-time marijuana offenders to 25 years in prison.
“The US Congress has a definite choice,” said St. Pierre. “They can choose the path of compassion, fiscal responsibility, and common sense by supporting Barney Frank’s and Ron Paul’s efforts, or they can continue down America’s failed drug war path by endorsing Rep. Kirk’s draconian legislation. It is abundantly clear which direction the voters wish to go; will their elected officials follow?”
Additional information about the ‘Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults’ is available at NORML’s Take Action Center.
We need to continue to keep the pressure on legislators. It seems that some are actually paying attention.
Well lets see if the fed chooses to continue to stomp on American citizens or give us the ability to make choices for our selves. I rather think they will continue to stomp on our rights.
Sanity creeping back into government? Just when you thought you had heard and seen it all! I may not have to move to North Korea to live in arguably more freedom and liberty than here after all.
I heard this legislation being announced on the Bill Maher show almost a year ago. It’s good to see this becoming a reality. Props to congressmen frank and my hero, and hopefully my future president, Ron Paul.
Thankyou lord only if the state of florida would get its act together and decrim. small amouts of marijuana i would be fine. 100 grams is cool with me.Thank you Mr.Frank and Mr Paul for using common sence in this matter.I feel the tide is turning on probition.
all i gotta say is that they better f*ckin follow the wishes of this voter, or im gonna be voting them out of their fancy rich office.
ReaL Eyes
woulda Realize
its been overdue time to Legalize~
Hey guys, I know this is a long blog post, but I feel as if this needs to get out in the open as much as possible. This man is not a criminal and needs as much support as possible. MPP and NORML, this is a challenge to you guys, get this man NULLIFIED by a jury of his peers, and WE HAVE WON the war on drugs. The war on americans. Missouri is the bible belt state and will probably be the last to support any MJ laws but maybe if we can nullify, it will take the prohibitionist’s feet out from under them. Here is the post, i hope it doesnt anger anyone from its size:
I’m not sure what’s in store for Kenneth Wells. I suspect it’s prison, but I hope not.
Ken called me recently to talk about his criminal case. He told me it’s a “medical marijuana” matter. Firefighters discovered his “grow room” and stash of marijuana plants while Ken, his wife and their granddaughter watched his house burn down Jan. 16, 2008.
At some point that night a sheriff’s deputy arrived. Ken lives on Pond Hollow Drive in unincorporated St. Charles County, near St. Peters. A burning candle caused the fire.
Ken, 54, has epilepsy and other neurologic problems stemming from a 1983 stroke, including pain in his left hand. The stroke occurred while surgeons removed a brain aneurysm.
Marijuana has drastically reduced his seizures, he says, as well as the pain, as well as the negative side-effects of the anti-convulsion medications he takes.
The side effects include nausea, depression, headaches, dry mouth and tiredness. Without marijuana, he says, the meds would zonk him out to where he’d sleep 14 hours a day.
“I would be sleeping much of my life away,” he says.
I asked Ken if he was sure he wanted to talk to me. You see, there is no Missouri law that allows the medical use of marijuana, no matter how much people might think it helps with the pain of cancer, the nausea of chemotherapy, ailments like epilepsy or the chronic pain, let’s say, of a broken back.
I told Ken that even if I were to write a compassionate story of why he grows and uses marijuana, the bottom line is that he’d be telling me and you and prosecutors that he broke the law.
The stakes are high. If convicted, Ken faces five to 15 years in prison.
Ken says he has no criminal record. I couldn’t find one on Casenet, the state court website that covers Missouri, where Ken has lived his entire life. Jack Banas, prosecuting attorney for St. Charles County, says Ken is charged with growing marijuana and there is no evidence he was selling or distributing it.
Banas told me he’s puzzled Ken seems willing to risk a trial.
“It certainly is not a good idea to go to trial with a defense that is not a genuine defense,” Banas says. “That is a pretty dangerous proposition.”
Ken says he waited too long to say yes to a plea deal that would have included six months of house arrest and five years of probation. That deal later became six months in the county jail and five years probation. At the completion of probation the conviction would be erased. Ken declined. If he pleads guilty, he says, he loses his right to appeal.
Ken says he called me to raise public awareness about the issue and that, in his view, the medical use of marijuana is a godsend for people who cannot otherwise find relief from pain and seizures.
He has not grown marijuana since the fire, when his equipment, including grow lights, was seized, he says. He’d been growing his own for six years. He declined to say if he still smokes marijuana.
Thirteen states allow the medical use of marijuana if prescribed by a doctor for severe pain or serious medical conditions. The most recent to do so is Michigan.
A medical marijuana bill was passed last month in the Illinois Senate. It was sponsored in the Senate by William Haine, D-Alton, a former Madison County state’s attorney. The House sponsor is Lou Lang, D-Skokie. As of now, Lang said Thursday, he doesn’t have the votes in the House. But momentum is building, and the session doesn’t end until January 2011.
“I believe I will pass this,” he says. “I just don’t know when.”
For several years there have been medical marijuana bills introduced in the Missouri General Assembly, and each has had a Democratic sponsor, says Dan Viets, Missouri coordinator of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
Typically, these bills die early because they don’t get assigned to committee, Viets says, and there’s never been a Republican lawmaker willing to serve as even a co-sponsor.
Missouri’s Western Court of Appeals has upheld a trial judge’s decision to not let jurors consider a “justification” defense in a medical marijuana criminal case, he says. A justification defense, basically, is the argument that in certain grave circumstances an otherwise illegal act becomes legal. Breaking into a home, for example, to save a family from a house fire.
Ken’s trial date is Sept. 1. His lawyer, Wayne Schoeneberg of St. Peters, tried to suppress Ken’s statements to police the night of the fire. He lost. He tried to quash the search warrant used to discover the marijuana. He lost that one, too. If Ken is convicted, there will be an appeal, Schoeneberg says.
“I think our laws in Missouri and probably nationally are pretty antiquated,” Schoeneberg says. “I am amazed that we spend all this money chasing weed around. But if it all went away my income would drop precipitously.”
Schoeneberg, 62, says his own mother smoked marijuana – in Missouri in 1980 – during the worst of her cancer chemotherapy. The disease killed her.
“A lot of this stuff is subjective,” Schoeneberg says. “There are people who go to faith healers who believe they are healed. There are those who go to highly trained professional people and believe they are healed. And there are those who go to both and get no relief.”
At trial, there’s the possibility of a justification defense, Schoeneberg says, as well as “jury nullification.” That’s when a jury decides: Damn the law and the promises we made to follow it! We’re doing what we believe is right and in the best interests of society!
“And we all know that juries do that from time to time,” Schoeneberg says.
All I can say is Ken must be committed. Because I’m not sure I’d roll the dice on “from time to time.”
Please help this man. send emails to his lawyer. send emails to missouri lawmakers. send emails to Mr Obama
this post came from the website:
http://stcharlesjournal.stltoday.com/stevepokin/2008/06/behind-scenes-drama-of-making-pokin.html
The only way to keep this momentum going is to ACTUALLY DO, or KEEP doing something about it. What good are we sitting around angry over our current situation? If we’re not emailing the people in control then we have no right to be upset. If we’re not contacting our officials and giving our time and efforts, why do we deserve legalization? If we’re not matching idiotic prohibition statements with factual intelligent ones, then we’re not doing our part. With as many responses as I see on NORML, and Huffington Post, and all the other sites that dare to debate or accept comments on legalization, I can’t help but wonder if we’re all doing our part. I email 6 people that can change the laws in my state. I email them bi-monthly. My father always told me that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” IT’S TRUE! If we’re quietly taking this and not filling some inboxes, we will not get the grease we want. People, if you’re not ready to wage verbal war with a prohibitionist, that’s ok. You can still encourage a similar minded person to speak up WITH you via letter, personal visit, rooftops, etc. If you’re not willing to speak of it, then you should at least email.
It really trips me out when I see the droves of people that complain about this and I know for a fact they’re doing nothing.
My request is that we all put a little drive behind our words. Things are changing because we the people are DOING something about it. Ranting about legalization amongst ourselves won’t fix it. So if you’re not doing your part, spare us the rant.
Peace and Love,
Tyler D.
whoops…wrong website…here is the real one:
http://www.mpp.org/states/missouri/news/poking-around-a-dangerous.html
This guy Mark Kirk is a JOKE!!!! He’s really trying to help things huh?? When is America going to grow up…
this would be great
I will be PRAYING for this to pass.
And I’m very agnostic.
About time. I bet my liberal/progressive legislator from Wisconsin named Russ Feingold won’t support it…
*SigH* Stoopid legislators.
Go Ron Paul… 2012 reform our conservative party back to what it used to mean being conservative. Keep this government out of my business!
my fingers are crossed and will remain that way, lol
I am also praying that FLORIDA will decriminalize personal possessions of small amounts for responsible adults. Let’s stop this war on the people.
THIS IS IT. Do or die time!
Someone needs to plant a small amount of weed on Mark Kirk and have him locked up for 25 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hope this law passes.
How bout a national poll so the pple can decide?I bet it would really pass then
Never in my life have i ever seen such a travesty as trying to give someone 25 years jail time for something like that!!
I think a big push in making it legal is making it known why it was made illegal in the first place.
Michael Moore made an interesting observation in his get out the vote documentary about how once people knew the truth about the Iraq war that support of it shifted in favor to not supporting it. Marijuana and Weapons of Mass Destruction have alot in common.
I think the same strategy would be applicable to ending the prohibition on marijuana considering how the tactics in criminalizing it were based on racism and fear to financially benefit certain industries while also benefiting Anslinger’s own personal pursuit of power…
The truth shall set marijuana free but first the truth has to be free.
Even the basic fact that politicians are considering this is a good sign. Illinois is making strides to get medical, and this is good news, as opposed to misinformed lawmakers like Congressman Kirk. If I choose to smoke in my own privacy, and responsibly, I should not have to worry about my career, family, because I self medicate with something that actually works and doesn’t have all the negative side effects like some rx drugs i’ve taken. Thank you Mr. Frank and Paul, for having the courage to stand up for the people in this country and working on change. There is hope.
If there’s anybody in Washington who is a true Republican fighting for the Constitutional rights and liberties of the American people, it’s Dr. Ron Paul!
I hope this gets passed being it would show America that their is no need to fear marijuana and that if Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank, along with co-sponsors Ron Paul (R-TX); Maurice Hinchey (D-NY); Dana Rohrbacher (R-CA); and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are willing to see logic and support the cause in some way with out worry that they wont get re-elected by doing so and that they are doing so to help the American people then others should follow suit unless they are spineless and do not want to remain in office . We the people put them into office and we the people have the power to make sure that if they are not going to be for the people and do the right thing as NORML , LEAP , SSDP and others are doing then we the people have the numbers and guts to not put them in to office when election time comes around. We put them in to office to represent us and our rights and not just sit behind a desk to get a paycheck . We are not their slave and are not willing to let them not be for the people and our cause.
Tyler…email them every week. I do.
Thank you gentleman from Mass, as well as Mr. Paul. This has the support it needs to pass, and is way over-due.
We the people demand this law pass! (added by Mobile using Mippin)
im actually gettin hopeful. i swear if our gov dashes my hopes ill die a little inside.
gonna get real interesting if this passes congress…what will obama do? what will the states do? i’ve got hope…
Legalize and tax it to save our economy.
America just needs to wake up this is destroying peoples lives and our country. I cannot thank these brave men enough they stand up for what is right and passionantly speak about the issue. and thanx to NORML for informing us of all these giant gaps that need filling! I wish to meet the crew some day and see some change!. My word is not alot. but it should be.
Apparently the majority of people are ignorant to the fact that cannabis DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SMOKED.
Alternatives are numerous and including vaporization, which releases the cannabinoids (active medical ingredients) without burning (combustion) the plant matter. As a result, the harmful effects of smoking are negated.
The THC and other cannabinoids can also be extracted and made into butter to bake THC-infused cookies, candies, suckers, gum, ice cream, and everything else you can think of.
Besides, even if people do choose to smoke, the physical harm is negligible in comparison to the nicotine in cigarettes or the alcohol in beer, wine and hard liquor.
And lastly, smoking or consuming cannabis is any way DOES NOT make you a loser. It is not only a safer, undoubtedly healthier option, but the effects are considered to be more enjoyable and relaxing than the out-of-your-mind feeling of drinking too much alcohol.
I choose the safer, healthier option but despite this, a simple posession-only conviction would result in a permanent criminal record. A 6-month suspension of drivers license (goodbye job), never able to vote, not eligible for college loans, and the list goes on.
Consuming cannabis IS NOT A CRIME.
One voice, One love!
Ron Paul and the rest of them deserve an award for “Voice of the People”.
I just hope that the government will wake up and see what positive things could happen. The only thing is NORML isn’t giving the whole picture on how the government could help get out of debt. Beside’s taxing it they could also have prison inmate’s work on the chain gang’s. Think about it, not only would some of the prison’s empty out but the prisoner’s don’t have to be paid all but a couple of dollars a day. At the same time the stalk that is left over could be made into particle board to be used in disaster relief when the not problem comes. The only thing that would really stop them from making it legal is that the drug companies would lose allot of money and that’s who pays the polations for there campaigns’s. Maybe we should start giving them money for the next elections. I hate to say until people fully are willing to play by there rules nothing will get done. Until then people like me who need it will suffer. On a different note when will the people stop acting like our government and stop ripping there customers off trying to make more money off of others pain. In the last 5 years the prices have grown 3 times what it was. From $70 ounce to and more then $200 ounce. The dealers are no better the our government. Someone told me that the bust are getting more frequent. Bull! Nothing has changed. Until it’s legal the busts will continue at the same pace that it has for many years. In other words not only fight the law makers but the people who are taking advantage of others.
Preston unless you are crossing your fingers while emailing or calling your representatives that wont help you or any of us!
Ron Paul 2012
Let your voice be heard…
is there any politically savvy people out there who could reasonably estimate this things chance of passing?
If this Bill passes and the federal government still wants to fuck with people. I will keep my guns ready and I will shoot a motherfucker in the face. No kidding
Tweet them, email & call them to let them know how important this issue is to the American People & how it will change lives, bring in major $$$, center cops on real issues, fund schools! People would not feel shame for using something that makes them feel better. Marijuana is good for arthritis, glaucoma, nausea in Cancer patients, insomnia, stress relief, osteoporosis aches& pains, & the list goes on.
So what’s the next step on this?
What needs to happen before our elected officials actually get to vote on this?
Who should we be emailing on a daily basis?
Ron Paul baby! ..Ron Paul!
Campaignforliberty.com
I can see the era of cannabis prohibition coming to an end.
FREE EDDIE LEAP!!!!!!
CFJ
That was very motivating and inspirational Tyler D. It almost got me to actually do something. Maybe this weekend…
T, didn’t you see Tyler D’s post? Praying is not action. Go do something about it.
The same goes for you too Preston. What will crossing you fingers accomplish?
Like a wide man once said.
first the laugh at you
then they mock you
then they listen
then we win!!!
looks like were at the listening part
Senator Barney Frank and his co-legislators would never try to pass new Federal marijuana laws if they really thought it had no chance of passing.
Allen St. Pierre, you did a great job writing this very point with percentages of support encluded in the blog report above showing chances are that the Bill will pass. I’m very happy and in a state of mental shock to say the least.
If I didn’t visit NORML’s blog site here, I’d never know about this! I wonder why this legislation isn’t in the National News Media or here in Tennessee any way!
Gotta get to the “Action Center” quick on this one, damn I feel like shedding tears over this!
Harry Anslingers use of the spanish name for hemp or cannibus still haunts us to this day. We live in a mainly english speaking country so we should be using the english name for this plant HEMP. His tactic worked so well that to this day most people in America still use its spanish name. Our founding fathers would not know what we are talking about. Screw Anslinger and never ever call it by its spanish name ever again. Thanks to Ron Paul and Barney Frank for striking another blow for true freedom. They are the real heros of this nation. Speak loadly and vote HEMP.
Fed pot laws are completely, totally, and obviously unconstitutional. Those dirtbags on the Supreme Court, sure, they called it “interstate commerce” so they could keep the lie going.
C’mon SC you intellectual whores, is it contraband or is it commerce?
You can’t have it both ways and still claim to use logic.
Sounds like a sold bill for the first step in legal state regulated cannabis, where it should be. Props to by boy Paul and Franks. This is now more in the hands of Franks, since the Dems have the huge majority in the house. Franks really needs to push his fellow Dems on this and its a done deal. We really dont need any more Reps to pass this bill. This is even more important than the medical bill these two introduced because this will effect recreational and medical at the same time. We know what to do. Contact your federal reps people ! This bill is priority.
more people need to come forward that are in the public eye and add support to the swell of legalization, we need to approach ever possible friendly hand and take it, so tired of being a criminal in my own country just for enjoying the blessing of weed
Oh man this is a real breath of relief considering the last two posts. COME ON GUYS LETS GET THESE VOICES OF REASON HEARD!
Also @ Callum
Dude i feel your pain, but we need to save our ammo for when a real revolution breaks out.
This is a start, hopefully other politicians will get with the program and push this bill through. Then afterward we would see which states are run by assholes and who needs to be voted out of office and etc. I think this is possibly the beginning of the change which the government so dearly promised for us if we voted Obama’s administration in. If he vetoes this or for any reason any of his administration defeats this bill, we will know it was all a lie and we can then perform a coup d’etat on their lying asses.
Free the weed! Legalize and end the insanity!
Excuse me while I lit my spliff! Haaaaaaa
p.s. Mark Kirk should die of nepa virus…..
Sounds like a solid bill for the first step in legal state regulated cannabis, where it should be. Props to by boy Paul and Franks. This is now more in the hands of Franks, since the Dems have the huge majority in the house. Franks really needs to push his fellow Dems on this and its a done deal. We really dont need any more Reps to pass this bill. This is even more important than the medical bill introduced because this will effect recreational and medical at the same time. Two birds, one stone. We know what to do. Contact your federal reps people ! This bill is priority.
I’ve written my congresman and senator as should everyone on this post that thinks this bill should pass
(CHICAGO)(June 16, 2009) Internet
Powerhouse and U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin announced today that Congressman Mark Kirk lied to the People of Illinois and the media when he falsely claimed that his divorce files had been “unsealed Martin contacted the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Alexandria, Virginia, where Kirk was divorced, and was advised that the file was “sealed
#45 brewmaster Says:
June 18th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I can see the era of cannabis prohibition coming to an end.
RE:
WHEN???
You must live on the COAST…..
Another great day and well job towards the cause. I only had a few approved on AC360 but the ones I did post made realistic and firm facts that would help the cause.
http://bit.ly/GqqVD Illinois Congressman Mark Kirk caught in divorce lies on top of marijuana lies
Finally, some elected officials are looking for toeholds. Especially dramatic is the allowances for not-for-profit transferances of small amounts of cannabis. Although, “not for profit” still leaves too much lassitude for the potential of organized crime from profiting from dispensaries. We still need to confront where the stuff is coming from. As long as black market cannabis is finding its way to the dispensaries we are going to still have problems.
If Frank and Paul can confront the issue of legalizing growing cannabis in the same step, we will really be having a revolution. Anyone should be able to grow as much of the stuff as they want. The restrictions should be on distribution of the flowers and leaves, which is really what they are offering us here already.
If Ron Paul can bring back old fashioned hemp for agricultural production and free up growing for anyone along with decriminalizing possession, he has a guaranteed vote from me if he runs for president again.
if you ever wanted things to change now is the time to get off your ass and send a E-mail to your congresman…
If you don’t do any thing then don’t bitch when you get sent to the pokey.
NORML, your next blog should be to start a movement, actual ACTION, by having the step-by-step easy way to contact your legislators. Yes, you already have that, but it’s not front and center. I’m talking about organizing an entire social campaign for pot reform. Organize a sort of gathering like Seatle’s hempfest in different cities, with speeches and whatnot, maybe even a tour. Try getting pro-pot artists to play, have a concert, vendors, etc. That’s just one idea. Many people comment about having a million man march/smoke out on the capitol. This might prove to be extreme or too difficult to do logistics-wise. You’d have a better shot doing that in California, where there are a strong concentration of smokers there, and where many people already support legalization.
California is probably the best target right now for legalization to happen. Once we open up Pandora’s box in Cali, it’s all downhill from there.
Alsol, maybe it’s just me or it’s just chance, but I’ve still yet to see any of your commercials on cable TV.
And to Mr Mark Kirk. I hope you or your people troll this site cuz im gona giv ya a non friendly warning. You dont know me but if i come across you in the twenty years im gona kick your smarmy little fuckin face in. Dont ever come down Kansas way cuz i got a fuckin army of people wanna kick your ass. Steal 25 years from a person for a plant? Fuck you and fuck anybody like you. Yuol get yours buddy someday soon.
Kansas maybe a state loaded with rednecks farmers and illegal immigrants but we become mighty unfriendly wen we hear some pissant queerduck mamas boy wants to rob us of 25 years for pot. Sory ppl u can resume your other topic chattin. i just hope he sees. it. There was like 300 comments on his article.
Wow… Now is definitely a great time to make sure your voice gets heard. Remind our politicians that the election season of 2010 is right around the corner. We must prove to them that this issue must be dealt with.
If this measure does not pass, then it’s time we enact our legal right to revolution because cannabis prohibition is the greatest civil rights violation since slavery.It was founded on a lie and racism, is therefore an unjust law and one that needs to be FORCEBY overturned – if this measure does not pass.
Because its now or never friends. 50% won’t cut it this time. It has to pass by at least 70% or we are back to square one. And if that’s the case, I’d rather be homeless in Amsterdam.
I agree the time is now to do this #64 the one huge question after this bill does get passed to be asking is if you are allowed 3.5 oz for personal use and can not sell then how are we to get the 3.5 oz for personal use?
I was under the impression that this bill is brought before the House every year or so. If I remember correctly, it failed last time by a 200-some odd vote against and 150-ish in favor.
Though it gains votes every time it is brought up, I don’t think we can count on it passing without some strong activism on our part. As others have said, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE contact your elected officials (repeatedly!) and let them know you support this legislation! Don’t give up and don’t give in!
pt.2 to the post I made on #65 . Do we still have to get it from a street dealer or are we allowed to grow our own? This is a huge step how ever till it is 100% legalized and taxed that is all it shall be is a huge step and not a victory. For a victory we need it to be 100% legalized and taxed then at that time then and only then could we enjoy victory…!
well as fas as kirk the jerk is concerned he can put this in his pipe and smoke it!!!!!!!!!
LEGALIZE IT!!!!!
I think we’d all be better off getting drunk, getting behind the wheel and killing an innocent human being resulting in 30 days in jail like Brown’s reciever Donte Stallworth than getting caught with ganja.
It’s shit like this that makes me sick…what’s our world coming to?
you know why we might see legalization. minus the million good reasons? every time obama held an online QnA the numbers for marijuana support were overwhelming. AND NOW ITS VOTIN TIME BITCHES and for me personally at this point i dont care if the congressman is an ex-con rapist w/e ill make sure he gets my vote if this goes through.
If you go to Wikipedia and look up the War on Drugs, it has the prohibitionist perspective and their reasons for keeping this illegal…
-Substances which can do significant harm to an individual, particularly from only a single use, should not be legal
-Drugs are especially harmful to the physical and mental development of children
-Addiction is a brutal disease which can destroy individuals, families, communities, economies, and potentially an entire society
-The treatment of addiction is expensive and unreliable compared to either the ideal of no drug use or the costs of prevention
-Drugs are heavily associated with crime, including organized crime and gangs
-Drugs are not “productive” in that they do not improve an individual’s well-being or society’s capacity to do so
-Drugs have the potential to undermine social order
All of these “reasons” have been proved incorrect and flawed in design, time and time again by scientists, lawyers, economists (and “joe” pothead just sitting on a couch)… except for the last one.
Which only leads to the conclusion that the reason MJ is STILL illegal is to control the masses. There cannot be another explaination.
If children, addiction treatment, medical risk e.t.c are qualified reasons, then why am I able to walk LESS than a hundred yards to one of numerous gas stations and have the ability to purchase a six pack of Coors and a pack of marlboros earlier today on my own volition? Oh, and dont forget the three Dr. Peppers I consumed today.
And as for non-productivity?
Here’s a fun personal fact- Before weed? I was content with my occupation as a records clerk for the state (for whatever reason…good money, though). Now? Im currently pursuing my degree in particle physics (with a minor in chemistry).
I will gladly blame weed and its provided altered state of consciousness for my educational pursuance. (Getting high and thinking about ANYTHING hard enough will do that to you, I bet.)
Saying that governmental social control is justified is equal to stating that the just and loving God in common religious texts justifies genocidal extermination. (Unfortunately, certain religions HAVE interpreted their texts to this result.)
So how do prohibitionists still have a leg to stand on?
They don’t.
So follow suit with other commenter’s and become active- even if ONLY with an e-mail.
It takes 4 mouse clicks and 18 seconds FROM THIS PAGE (depending on connection, of course) to send a pre-written letter (how easy is that?!) through NORML’s emailing system to you representatives.
Hell, if you weren’t reading this, you could’ve sent an email AND smoked a bowl by now…
…guess Ill shut up then…
Glad to see Barney out pushing for something again. I had thought for a time there he’d backed down a little. Either Kirk splashed his knowing this was up and coming or this is a response to his bill.
Too hard to follow the pulse in DC from afar, but I hope this is not another item for the republican side to think would be good to martyr over. They seem hell bent right now on staying “news worthy” …
I e mailed my congressman Bruce Brailey Frm Iowa Yes We Can
http://news.google.com/news?pz=1&ned=us&hl=en&q=marijuana,+barney+frank
a whole whopping 7 articles, fucking media
Didn’T Ghandi say First they ignore you,Then they laugh at you,Then they attack,Then you win? We have been ignored,laughed at,and according to estimates of 1 million + arrests this year,looks like the attack is on. After 40 years in the closet I enjoy sending options to the Pres and senators etc waiting for the feds to pull up…cough Seriously though The more voices the Better…NOW
I know you guys are still pushing for this, but I cannot help but think this is the wrong course.
Guys, we’re decriminalizing marijuana and not regulating it. By disallowing the sale and limiting possession, aren’t we actually emboldening cartels, smugglers and dealers?
I still hold to marijuana being legal and regulated by small and large businesses like alcohol… none of this “dancing-around-the-drug” bullshit.
If you can persuade me that decriminalization is better than regulation, I’ll sign.
Wow. If I can, as a patient (extreme pain in back and down both legs), get involved, start a local collective (dispensary), start support groups, write many many letters and emails to officials when I spend 85% of my time in bed Im sure that you can find it in yourselves to do at least SOMETHING to get involved as I and others like me should NEVER have had to do this ourselves.
Maybe if I keep getting my court case continued it will be legal by the time it takes place! Yea right…
I agree with number 65 ed. NORML to me you guys are lik on saintly status. I feel you guys do little to no wrong. But why isn’t our issue not gettin the public attention it deserves. My aunt is always tellin me about marches and peacefull protset. She says ppl were to close minded and unnformed. She says if the hippies of yesteryear marched and stuff today then pot wood be legal. If you lead NORML, WE WILL FOLLOW.
[Editor’s note: Your aunt is incorrect as the ‘hippies’ have been marching and protesting for decades! The status quo regarding cannabis remains not because NORML, ACLU, DPA and the 20 other pro-reform organizations are not necessarily doing enough to reform these antiquated laws, the main reason is because well under 1% of the cannabis community joins reform organizations; visits their webpages; listens to their podcasts; reads their blogs, attends their conferences and protest rallies, or, most importantly, contact and hold accountable their elected officials to end cannabis prohibition.
The self-evident problem re cannabis law reform is that our elected policy makers, the people you (and I) collectively vote into office, are chiefly responsible for the continuing harms and expense of cannabis prohibition–not hardworking, largely volunteer non-profits group who work on grassroots-derived budgets.
If readers of this blog want genuine, lasting cannabis law reforms, don’t entertain playing the role of lemming or the-easily-led, by NORML or any organization. Instead, recognize that the law is where you live…change the cannabis laws in your city/state, often working in concert with groups like NORML/ASA/DPA/MPP, etc…, and you’ll be making a major contribution towards national cannabis law reforms.]
#12 JJ Says:
June 18th, 2009 at 11:18 am
whoops…wrong website…here is the real one:
http://www.mpp.org/states/missouri/news/poking-around-a-dangerous.html
RE:
LINKS to original articles at Suburban Journal
Suburban Journal Forums
SJ News-Article
Did you hear the latest B.S. ad that the DRUG , ALCOHOL and TOBACCO companies came out with ? It starts out with a Mother asking her kid if he ever tried Pot she then asks , Cocaine , heroin , mexican speedballs ? What these Companies are doing is tying Pot in with Heroin , other hard drugs to deceive the public by convincing them that Pot is the same as all hard drugs . This is an ad for a drug testing kit which was also brought to you and even invented by these Companies . That’s why cannabis tests positive and their ( deadly ) drugs do not . They do this because their sales will decrease with the increasing use of Pot .
IDK why people even get excited over the leg. in DC as it pertains to MJ. Obviously if you are a member of Change.org website they have pushed the Mj subject COMPLETELY out of the way to continue our country’s policy of fear mongering and use of the word Nuclear and Terrorism so we won’t be as concerned with our rights being taken away. Everyone just relax, it will be a crime to have Mj today, tomorrow and next year, nobody on a fed level is going to legalize anything in any amount. If a country can collectively elect a president then have the Supreme Court say otherwise then what chance does MJ have? None, sorry.
Also before the attacks come at me, I have written everyone in my state leg. as well as the president and anyone else who has a petition and an action attached to MJ. I am a full supporter of trying to do the right thing but I just realize that it won’t make a difference. Move to MI or a REAL free state to take advantage, thats going to be your only option.
LOL hey every one I missed CNBC last night and saw what was on there that was about the cause and had to share
this with you all .
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1157659519&play=1%5D
I posted a few post on the AC360 most did not get approved but the ones that did made some good points towards our cause. Being tonight is the last night for the live blog lets flood the AC360 live blog with all our information and what not to help the cause. I am deffinatly going to be on there doing so and hope every one else will be as well.
Because I really hope this guy runs again. god, we need him after the “obama fiasco”.
Dear Rep. Paul,
I have followed your speeches and views on a great many of this country’s issues and I am proud to have a brave and courageous man like you fighting for my freedoms. I believe you are one of the few who represent the true beliefs and fundamentals of what intially made this country great. I believe that over time we as a people have lost sight of what is important. With two wars being fought (war in iraq and “the war on drugs”) as well as economic crisis, a weak healthcare system, ailing schools and inflated taxes we are in dire need of strong legislation that promotes real change, not just pretty words and ideas. I strongly believe that you should run again for office in 2012 because many people are seeing that you had forssen many of the problems we are experiencing now as well as the fact that you have many common sense and positive solutions for them. I may only be 24 years old, but I fear for my children and grandchildren. I fear that the united states won’t be a free country for them. I fear that they will grow up in fear of antiquated laws that only benefit those with money and pay outrages taxes on everything to fund all of it. It pains me to see all the people who are hurt by there own government for being sick and using medicine prescribed by their doctor (cannabis) or using the substance responibly to relax as many politicians use alcohol. It pains me to have money taken from my pay for taxes and then paying tax on my groceries and other goods. It pains me to see troops over in Iraq, separated from their loved ones to fight a war that I believe is over oil, all the while spending money we don’t have. Finally, it pains me to know that somewhere someone is being raped or murdered while a policeman is busy busting some teenager for having a joint. These are painful truths but they are realities that I’m sure you are aware of. Watching this take place has shifted my party affiliation back and forth until I realized that it’s more important to vote according to a man’s principles than allegiance to red or blue. It is this division that is ripping our dear country apart and it is this division that has bred a horrible beast that we have no control over. Once again I applaud all your hard work and fighting in the face of adversity. I do encourage you to run again and I support all your efforts to ease the burden of everyday americans. Good people who are just trying to make a living and pursue happiness. I wish you all the luck in the world with your proposed legislation and wish that someday we can have you or a man like you in office who won’t laugh off important questions and who will speak honestly the evils of the current system so that we may face them and conquer them together as a country. If I had one wish, it would be to see that glorious America that I was taught about in school rise again. once again, thank you for your time and for fighting the good fight. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Antonio J. Sierra
same bill as 2008 that went no where, will see if it gets more than sent to committee this time… I know that things are changing, and I have sent the e-mails but don’t realy think it will see the light of day again… Hope I am wrong
I dont diagree about any points in particular NORML. Its just i think to myself why hav we not had like a Hemp-aid or Hemp-march or annual pot awareness festivals. i think these should be organized but who would be more efficeint and educated in these matters? Me? or a nationally accredited polical activist site? And what about the 1 percenters you spoke of? How do we make the cannabis comunity as a whole more active? Can we not learn from the homosexuals? I live in a small minded smll town. And the closeminded rednecks here are always debating the gays. But the opinion on pot regardless of publicity is always hated. I also want you guys to know i aint bitchin at you just questioing, conversating, and after the editors note; learning as well. Thanks Norml VIVA NORML!
We are making huge steps towards legalization but that is all it is till we have a bill that legalizes MJ that is passed till then we must keep up the fight and keep the pressure on and if by election time there is no bill passed those who we elected to office who do not do any thing to help need to be simply not re elected . In time we shall prevail but till then we are still fighting for what we know is right and just…
Bear, #82, you have to understand that this is a process. We cannot say “because this isn’t legalization, we shouldnt support it.” The only way this will work is if the prohibition is taken down one piece at a time. Complete overhaul is feared by those even in support because of the potential changes that could immediately come upon legalization.
But don’t worry about that. Dont support it and see what happens when you get arrested for possession. Wouldnt you want AT LEAST the Federal protection that this bill would somewhat provide?
Walk before you run, baby.
http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=235435
When are they going to vote on it? Let’s get this done.
#82 Bear Says:
June 19th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I know you guys are still pushing for this, but I cannot help but think this is the wrong course.
Guys, we’re decriminalizing marijuana and not regulating it. By disallowing the sale and limiting possession, aren’t we actually emboldening cartels, smugglers and dealers?
I still hold to marijuana being legal and regulated by small and large businesses like alcohol… none of this “dancing-around-the-drug” bullshit.
If you can persuade me that decriminalization is better than regulation, I’ll sign.
RE:
You’re right,
Decrim and not regulating it
still emboldens cartels…
DECRIM is the WORST of BOTH WORLDS…
A form of…
Half-ashed legalization.
DECRIM ends up leading back to RE-CRIM.
(Just look at Mississippi and Alaska!)
And finally, i understand how you would have me act to change laws in my city. But please trust me when i say i have to be somewhat an underground supporter. I call and write people but the simple fact remains that i live in a town of about 3000 and if i tried publicly to get attention to our cause it would instantly have me raided and persecuted by local lawenforcment. I dont know if any of u hav lived in the rural bible belt but the rule of freedom of speech does not always apply. And as i said earlier the locals will even debate homosexuality but the issue of pot is closed. i would hav stuff planted on me and end up in jail. what wood you have me do now?
I just heard on KGO radio in , San Francisco that they are going to start requiring ” warning ” labels on Medical Marijuana that are sold to indicate it may give you cancer ( like cigarettes do ) . Hmmmm , now why not pharma / Alcohol Companies ? I’ve never heard of anyone dying or getting medical problems from marijuana but , i know a lot of people that have either commited suicide or gotten health problems from prescription drugs or alcohol .
Were these ideas about ” warnings ” brought to you by the Big Pharma . / Alcohol Companies ?
To SteveJustice:
Prayer can work miracles.
I agree with the other poster that if this dies, a part of me will die inside also. Either that or move to Amsterdam.
O yeah and i know there is small time festivals and like but im wondering what itd take to get like a woodstock sized pot stock that wood gain national attention.
My coworkers can go out and drink after work, and go out in the parking lot and smoke cigarettes, and talk about it openly. Cigarettes make me nauseous and dizzy, alcohol makes me feel sleepy and waterlogged. Pot makes me feel awake and inspired. I am in the lowest 10% as far as employee use of sick time. But if I smoke pot I can get fired or arrested. How is that fair?
I don’t holed out too much hope. but it is a good thing anyway.
Hr 1772 is the only bill I can find that is currently pursuing decriminalization. (added by Mobile using Mippin)
@ 82
Decriminalization is better than it being illegal. While being legal may be better, anything thing is better than it being illegal. Convince me that it being illegal is better than being decriminalized.
Here here! Legalize my daily pot use so I can know what it’s like to be a law abiding citizen. Then throw a generis excise tax on it that still lowers the drug war prices I currently pay. Then the leaves of this weed shall heal the nations.
NORML,
After reading some of the other posts here (57, 65/72 & 85) this seems like this actually something to get excited about.
Now is the time to do webpage equivalent of a “special edition” of your website that is visually different. Give people coming here for the 1st or 50th time an “ïn your face” link to contact their elected officials. Put in a “click here to see our regular homepage” link if folks are looking for other content hosted here.
I’ve never seen any advertising either, but banner ads on other forums not related to reform efforts can reach a lot of people who man not know about this.
http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=13568661
Hey ! Stop sending me comments or please tell me how to turn off messages sent to me .
“Bear”, it seems to be that you’re reading the government propaganda and deceiving your own mind through miseducation. Im not here to insult you, but your incorrect perception on MJ laws without verification leads me to correct you once again…
Alaska currently has a decriminalization law of up to one ounce within ones home- a perfect example of responsible use- recreationally, it shouldn’t be anywhere else besides that. Not in your car, not at your job (exempting medical use with doctors permission, of course).
If you had looked at NORML’s own legal page you would have found that out on your own, rather than probably feeling insulted by my informing you of this.
The Gov loves to use Alaska’s first attempt at decriminalization as a way to plague fear into the misinformed, (neglecting to make known the current status of the law) just as they have with you, sir.
Its easier to step from decriminalization to legalization than to make the step from prohibition to legalization
If not, than why have more than 10 states taken steps already down decriminalization than legalization.
Once again, walk before you run.
Now that the issue is finally in the public’s eye; it is the perfect time to introduce this bill. Our leaders know that we expect a vote and some action taken on marijuana prohibition. Their decision on this particuler issue will be broadcast mainstream media and the whole country will know if right is being done on capital hill. I have faith that the facts will override special-intrest and WE THE PEOPLE still have the final say-so. Keep writing and E-mailing your congressmen and everyone else you can think of. Be part of this amazing turning part of history; were WE THE PEOPLE no longer have fear arrest and persecution.
Last day down on AC360 towards the live blog to help the cause and a lot of great posts. I posted a lot with others and being now that the live blog on AC360 has ended for the week have to say now the only thing we can do is do what we are doing and see what happens after we do all we can to see results. It is by no means saying do nothing on the contrary we still need to keep doing what we are till marijuana is legalized and taxed. I personally want to thank every one for a well done job this week as well as hope that every one enjoys the weekend. Thanks again to all fellow supporters…
#111 I happen to be a net work marketer and have done some non-profit advertising for NORML with out asking for a dime due to the fact it is for a good cause. If you know where to look you will see NORML’s banner on some sites that I know and am a part of that allows banners and I do a lot of advertising it is kind of my specialty and I did let Lee who is NORML’s intern know that if NORML would like me to help to feel free to let me know. How ever it takes more than what a net work marketer can do to help NORML and the cause it is up to every one who is for the cause to take action by educating others , by doing what they can to support NORML as well as to use NORML’s contact your rep system to support any bills that is for the cause by going here
http://capwiz.com/norml2/home/
The rest is mostly up to our government to support NORML , LEAP the SSDP and others who are with NORML and the rest of us on the cause. I do agree that if NORML does a idea that you pose it may be use full . In short what we need is a rep who is not afraid and that is for the cause to legalize,tax and decriminalize marijuana vote for or make such a bill and present it to our govt with out fear of being ailinated one who is for the cause as i had said. Currently their is a bill as you may have heard that is in process that is a huge step towards that but it is not 100% for legalization,taxation and decriminalization. We need a bill that covers all 3 of these and to be passed to be 100% .
non-General Jake,
Brother.. I’m from a town of less than 1500 in Central Louisiana.. I feel you on being restricted for your views. Small towns, closed minds, crooked cops, etc.. That’s nothing new man.. But what I’ve done is that I’ve checked NORML and I write my State Representatives (James Armes, John Smith, John Fleming), I write my senators (David Vitter, Mary Landrieu), I write my Governor (Bobby Jindal), and anybody else that comes to mind. Present a sensible argument to them.. Ask for their views, ask why they hold those views, and counter them with facts. Be smart.. Nobody will get anywhere by saying “yall are stupid, give us pot.” But if we could break the preconceived image of people that don’t care about anything, that don’t want to do anything, that are a bunch of leeches, then maybe people will take a second look at the issues we hold as important. We can be taken seriously. Instead of some nothing shouting for decriminalization it will be some ones secretary, a car salesman, a banker, a lawyer, a loan officer at the bank, a school board member, a police officer, a mother, etc..
I don’t think there’s a demographic for marijuana users. There are people. And those people come from all walks of life. Different backgrounds and educations alike. You’d probably be surprised who smoked in your town. If you cant fight it face to face, keep contacting your officials man.. And when it gets rough, you’re not alone. “One people, one struggle, stand united, stand peaceful” – Anti-Flag
Best of luck bud,
Tyler D.
fuuck kirk the jerk
105# LOL get a pot stock huh? I think for that we have to shut down the internet and get people outside first…just sayin lol.
If it gets legalized,we have to stay on top of it. You know the drug warriors and corps wont be happy and try reverse anything that gets done.
Sounds like a plan.
My only question is: how are we supposed to buy it if the sale of it is illegal?
Anything that can be done responsibly should be legal by default, and the lawmakers should only be concerned with irresponsible acts. The fact is there are billions of people around the world who sell or use marijuana without harming a single person: not even themselves.
I agree #121
Obama will consider legalizing cannabis with a million votes to this number. I think you have to call and hit the “Pound key”. Tell all your friends to call and vote!
If the govt is going to pass such a bill then they should put up businesses that will sell to the people or at least let people grow up to 2 plants for personal use if they want the 3.5 oz but can not sell. Where do they think people would have to go other wise to get the stuff other than the street dealer? That bill has some flaws to it as you had mentioned #121 “how are we supposed to buy it if the sale of it is illegal?” it will not stop the cartels profit if it means that people still have to get it how they are while it is illegal . The only way to do that is that the govt open up stores or coffee shops or allow people to grow their own as long as it is a small crop for personal use.
Keep the momentum going!!
Does any one know what the Bill # is to keep track of it?
Truth Will Prevail!
Never mind post #124 the Bill can be tracked here:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2943
To Tyler D. im glad you feel my pain. I do write my public officials even kansas gov. But sometimes i jus want to put a giant banner on my front lawn, paint myself green and run around town shouting POT IS NOT HARMFUL! Its like im in the hemp closet. Id move to a bigger city but i got 3 little girls and the schools here are good.
#109 Ray Says:
June 19th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
@ 82
Decriminalization is better than it being illegal. While being legal may be better, anything thing is better than it being illegal. Convince me that it being illegal is better than being decriminalized.
RE:
Ray,
– Granted,
it is better to get caught with an ounce
in California, (only a ticket and civil-fine),
than in FloriDUH, (a serious, awful “felony-offense”).
However,
– decrim in the U.S. is STILL not true legality,
it only means it is not as severely-illegal,
(yet still illegal, nevertheless), 🙁
– The problem with ‘DECRIM’,
(as opposed to full-legalization and
regulation like alcohol),
is that prohibitionists will try to use the
problems occurring under pseudo-legal,
unregulated ‘decrim’ as ammunition to
make it more severly illegal once again.
– The cannabis-plant itself shouldn’t fall-under
any regulation whatsoever,
UNLESS it is grown commercially,
(treated as an agricultural-crop for its multitudinous-uses),
or when sold as a pre-packaged herb,
(regulated for purity of product, (to only contain cannabis),
and labeling indicative of cannabinoid-content).
Small steps, but we fail to see the inherent corruption of a machine. As long as there is a single restriction applying to the cultivation of cannabis and subsequent use of derived products we must not stop. There is a very real and logical reason why somebody would lie about cannabis.
There should be a demand for a restoration to trial by jury, if not then how can we ensure the will of the people can be imposed. Educate yourself on democracy and you will find the U.S.A. severly lacking of basic human rights, nowhere today does a true democracy exsist.
Hi Everyone
I guess I can find it out, but someone said it was 200 against to 150 for well it would be nice if NORML would show the Congressmen’s vote last time, we have to get to pass. And we need try hard I emailed my Congressman this week.
Andy!
So when is the vote going to occur? [Peace to all beings]
Ron Paul 2012
If opponents of legalization believe that this sends the wrong message to kids, then why is alcohol and alcohol advertising so prevalent? How can ANY message be interpreted correctly when you see a bunch of men at a bar ordering a drink, and then after such action all of the sudden girls and fun arrive in your face? Is this an example of teaching our children personal responsibility? How about the judge who sentences a pot smoker who was arrested under non-violent circumstances to felony charges, yet weeks later he himself commits vehicular manslaughter while under alcoholic influence.
I just recently held employment at a liquor store in a college town, and the only threat we had as a business were the cops sending kids into buy alcohol, not the responsible adults. If I sold to them or ANY underage person, I went to jail- not them. Trust me- I ID’d EVERYONE to cover my own ass, and I proudly did not sell to those that were underage, and sent them out the door (even if I dont agree with the 21 years of age law).
My freedom was put at risk by these idiot teenagers who just wanted to get “fucked up” and did not know the consequences that I would suffer if I let down my guard and became a “buddy” for just those 5 minutes.
Yet I doubt the drug cartels are checking ID’s.
How ignorant is it to say that MJ usage will spiral out of control upon legalization? Alcohol laws kept ME in check, and in turn kept alcohol out of the hands of minors. Even though I disagree with the age laws, I can sleep soundly with the reassurance that my actions maybe kept a couple kids ALIVE that night, because they did NOT have the intention of responsible use that evening. They were not there for beer (0.1%-10% abv), rather vodkas, (30%-60% abv) rums (35%-80% abv) and even harder intoxicants such as 151 and everclear (>99% abv).
Opponents are not in need of a debate, but an education.
The result would only be the same
I support this bill 100%.
When I wrote to Obama on the subject of Marijuana, I was told (by F. Michael Kelleher… I highly doubt Obama even got my letter) to join the website, which I had previously done.
What’s funny to me is, when we do join and give our opinion, we’re laughed at and quickly ignored, which I personally don’t appreciate as I (and I’m sure many others here) voted for Obama.
If Ron Paul does run again, he will indeed be getting my vote, as well as my advertising efforts. Just because he’s pro-cannabis? Nah… its just a plus 🙂
But yea… keep us up to date NORML!
yeah i jus went over to the ron paul site and read his articles. The one about the FDA regulating big tobbaco is a scary notion in light of us tryin to get pot legalized. Anyhoo yeah the views and policy are perfect for bringing this country back to its former self.
NC is currently debating medical cannabis. Please vote in this poll…
http://raleigh.mync.com/site/raleigh/news/story/36869/poll-should-lawmakers-approve-the-medical-marijuana-bill
and i also read the constitution hes got in its entirety. wow. our government pays NO heed to our promise of liberty. matter of ffact its jus sad how far thngs hav gone.
http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_12654249
anyone else hear about this? california medical marijuana dispensaries, will have to label the weed as Contents may cause cancer when smoked.
This legislation is long over due. I hope my fellow country men and women will stand up aganist these unjust, insane marijuana laws. How much longer until we have true freedom in the U.S.?
Decriminalization vs. legalization.
It’s true that this legislation does not directly confront where the cannabis comes from. And this might play into the hands of the prohibitionists, except that prosecuting for simple possession does nothing to police the black market distribution of the drug cannabis. Prosecuting simple possession of small amounts is a strictly moral crusade and only serves to entrench users into the social network of organized crime by exposing them deeper inside the prison system/law enforcement network. Once an innocent user winds up under the thumb of law enforcement they become a fellow traveler to organized crime. By releasing users from law enforcement and prison, the user becomes much more available to releasing information about distribution to law enforcement.
This is bound to be such an effective way of policing distribution, it should really also be extended to low level distribution. Small time dealers shouldn’t have to worry about jail time either.
Prohibition has created an explosion in the black market trade in the drug part of cannabis. Decriminalization at least and, even better, legalization would completely destroy the black market and I sincerely believe that under legalization both distribution and consumption of the drug cannabis would reduce by at least 25%, especially under a tobacco/alcohol model.
Bryce, Everclear is 95% abv, not 99%.
Just a little something i noticed.
http://www.goodsearch.com/default.aspx
let’s see if we can’t raise a few cents for norml.
http://www.enddrugprohibition.com/
The system is really really corrupted, to the point that an all out effort, by true supporters of freedom, will be needed to alleviate the woe’s of our once great country. STAND and be counted, I for one will give my LIFE! For my CHILDREN, to be (FREE HUMAN BEING’s) again, hopefully in my lifetime this will be accomplished before I am killed or die. PEACE AL
R.I.P. Neda
#145 Brian R. Says:
June 21st, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Bryce, Everclear is 95% abv, not 99%.
Just a little something i noticed.
RE:
True, Brian.
– The evaporation-point of
a mixture of 95% alcohol / 5% water is
lower than that of either pure water or pure ethanol.
#142 Jeremy R. Says:
June 21st, 2009 at 11:01 am
State Rules MJ Smoke
anyone else hear about this? california medical marijuana dispensaries, will have to label the weed as Contents may cause cancer when smoked.
RE:
– Even though cannabinoids reputed to provide
protective-effect against carcinogens…
this still gives greater impetus to
EMPHASIZE
VAPORIZERS and EDIBLES over smoking…
#142 Jeremy R. Says:
June 21st, 2009 at 11:01 am
State Rules MJ Smoke
anyone else hear about this? california medical marijuana dispensaries, will have to label the weed as Contents may cause cancer when smoked.
RE:
– Even though cannabinoids ARE reputed to provide
protective-effect against carcinogens…
this still gives greater impetus to
EMPHASIZE
VAPORIZERS and EDIBLES over smoking…
#152 I know about what you are saying what I was getting at is did any one look at that site and seen what was put on it about california medical marijuana dispensaries, will have to label the weed as Contents may cause cancer when smoked. I personally think it is some what BS being you do not need to only smoker MJ there are other ways to use MJ such as edibles , Drinks and Vaporizers. Also IF and that is a VERY BIG IF MJ was to give you cancer you would have to smoke more than what is humanly possible for that to happen. When I saw that site and post I shook my head and was thinking boy oh bot are they not educated do not get me wrong putting a warning lable on it like do not operate a machienry while on this product is some what wise but to put what they want saying it may cause cancer when it was proven that if anything it can reduce cancer risk is just being uneducated on their part.
It is like saying put a warning lable on milk saying that milk may cause alcoholism…
Bryan – I stand corrected. Thank you for pointing that out.
Wow…that was REALLY easy to say…
if only prohibitionists could do the same…
*brian
You want to see an end to prohibition within the next 30 DAYS?
July 4 everybody on the Wash DC Mall!
NEWS FLASH!!!!!
Mexico has (quietly) decriminalized all drugs. Only awaiting Calderon’s signature. Read all about it:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705311999/Vote-decriminalizing-some-drug-use.html
Barney Frank is leading the charge on many fronts including online gaming (gambling).
The US is missing out on millions and probably billions of dollars by not allowing certain things – and Rep. Frank is helping take our thoughts and hopes to a real level.
Does anyone know the date time, or where to look for a possible date and time the congress/senate will debate and vote on these two bills?
As i mentioned before i live in a small rural kansas town. Well today already has caused me great happiness and sadness. As you probably can guess good herb is hard to come by. But about once a month my friend from Colorado Springs brings me a coupla quarters of the Kinds or Kush. Then i bing a quarter over to my fifty year old neibor lady. She has brain cancer. Wen i bring her over a sak of the ggod shit shes so happy she tears up and is really greatful. then i thought about it: it cood be a 25 year penalty for wat im doin. And that thought makes me sad. But i wot stop helpin her ut i promise that. I will never stop writing and trying. Its sad there is prohibitionists still. (especially if u hav ever smokd reg herb from around here!) Why theyd wanna deprive the rec users and the sick is beyond me.
But on the bright side i got some hella good shit for awile. Im goin to burn a fat one at 4:20 kansas time. Care to join me?. (and my neibor lady whos really hapy today wen my friend comes by too)
Steve Francis anti cannabis dude and idiot, see for yourself if you’re a cali resident from san diego it should really be of interest. Let him know how you feel:
http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-06-22/news/steve-francis-debunking-call-to-legalize-marijuana/comment-page-1#comment-4771
California will have to post that cannabis is a cancer causing hazard in work places with 10 or more employs i think cigarette and alcohol stores post as will as super markets all ready its just a cover your ass from crazy lawyers and a sign that soon cannabis will be LEAGLE VOTE PEOPLE IN OFFICE THAT WILL LEGALIZE VOTE OUT THE PEOPLE THAT WONT !!!!!!
To those who are calling for more action:
Over at Ron Paul’s site we have organized days where we “bomb” our legislatures with emails, faxes, phone calls, and office drop ins. It has worked really well for us: Just look into HR 1207 and what we have been doing with that.
Anyways, you could learn a lot from us on how to push these bills through.. The best part is that I am sure a lot of the Ron Paul folks will help push this through!
Go to campaignforliberty.com and check it out. Read stuff about 1207, start talking to us, and let’s make this happen!!!
Im gonna guess that this bill doesn’t go though. stubborn government 🙁
This prohibition is stupid and it needs to change. Not just cause Im a pot smoker but for all those getting busted for a bullshit crime possessing part of a plant. How stupid have humans stooped to? Im startin to say it, I’ve lost faith in humanity.
Is anyone listening? Does anyone care about our rights? Does this government care that we are living in a country where we can’t make our own choices? I think “NOT”. We just sit around, writing our little, meaningless comments on websites while this government squashes us one by one like cockroaches. Marijuana smokers in this country are gutless. All we have the guts to do is write our comments. We deserved to be squashed.
#165 safety 1st Says:
June 22nd, 2009 at 6:29 pm
…just a cover your ass from crazy lawyers…
RE:
safety 1st,
For such a litigious society we live in…
:p
HOLY HELL IF THIS NEWS ABOUT MEXICO GETS OUT………
NORML- why am I hearing this from a blogger and not from you?
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705311999/Vote-decriminalizing-some-drug-use.html
[Editor’s note: Is this really new news? A search on ‘decriminalization’ and ‘Mexico’ finds numerous articles about the Mexican government debating, and passing ‘decrim.’ laws going back to the 1990s. The question is, ‘to what end?’]
(You guys still kick ass and take names though…)
#153 Jeremy R. Says:
June 21st, 2009 at 11:21 pm
…putting a warning lable on it like do not operate a machienry while on this product is some what wise…
RE:
And also the warning:
“Objects may appear
more edible than they actually are…”
😆 😉
Oh here we go…Glen Beck Is talking about Brney Frank And mexicos decrim. Come on Glen…Lets not step on peoples rights here.You talk about peoples rights all the time…this is just part of that equation Glen.
to:take this country back
rock on.
PROBLEM: It’s almost impossible to separate medicinal cannabis, recreational cannabis, and religious cannabis…but…they truly are apples, oranges, and Holy Sacrament.
WAIT JUST A DAMNED MINUTE HERE! HOLD YOUR HORSES!
Question: Since when does 20% tell 80% what to do?
Answer: It doesn’t…not since 1776.
So then…it’s not a matter of percentages, or the Will of We the People. It’s a very small pin-pointed mass of prohibs that tells 100% of We the People what
we can do, and where we can go.
Question: When does “reality” impinge “fantasy”?
Answer: We the People never expect to receive 100%. The only time you have 100% is when you are standing there alone, without mixed emotions. There’s two times when you,re alone…when you take a stand,or you’re on the run.
In conclusion: If the 20% thinks…they put prohibs in office…think twice…because it’s the 80% that’s going to vote their ass out. Why?…because…if the
20% cannot see the justice in this issue…they can’t see the justice in any issue, and have “no place” in a just government. They have reinfected my Constitution with a disease…one which we cured in 1776.
It’s always 10% that cause 100% of the problems…but
then…when you deal with human beings, you have to deal with human being problems. As P.T.Barnum said…
“People love to be humbugged.”…or…”There’s a sucker born everyday.” Well!!! We the People are not
“suckers”…and…if these prohibs think we are…1776
was a good year.
Re-legalize it. Give us our freedom back, please.
You kno wat c. anderson? you are write. Though i appreciate the tireless efforts of the ppl tryin to decriminalize the legal way like NORML i still think yoiu are right. our government dont giv a flyin fuck about ppls rights no more. in reality we r wastin our times. nothin will change till we stand up and shake off the yoke of our oppresion. but yeah most of us are stuck online and far too cowardly to rise up. Give me a army c. anderson and we will march on washington and demand our rights bak.
#176Manford Mantis,
very nice post. I support your veiw.
#173 LOL I hear you there….. And the next thing they will say is “govt warning we appear more stupid than we are” LOL had to put that even though I know we do have some decent people who are for the cause in the govt I simply am refering to those who are not….LOL
I think that the prohibitionist just need to smoke the hooka instead of being idiots who know nothing but to violate our rights and be ignorant descriminalizing bastards….
#181 Jeremy R. Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I think that the prohibitionist just need to smoke the hooka instead of being idiots who know nothing but to violate our rights and be ignorant descriminalizing bastards….
RE:
Jeremy,
I would recommend the GAS CHAMBER for them,
(Retrofitted with Volcano™ Vaporizers,
prepped with finest BC-Bud, in lieu of HCN…),
😉
I am Manford Mantis…a cartoonist, writer, and activist for the word of my creator and his/her gift of Manna as Holy Sacrament for CDXX Communion. My sister Hootie Mantis is a fundamental christian and hangs out with the prohibs. I keep reminding her of Genesis I:11,12. Genesis I:29,30,31.Genesis IX:3. She gets it. I sure would like to know who else gets it, and stands by “THE WORD.”
I know “religious use” will cause an issue with the fundamentalists, but their belief in our creator is “no greater” than mine/ours, or in fact the rest of the religions of the world do. I just think a little more honest bible study wouldn’t hurt. I know it wouldn’t hurt because I know and believe that my/our creator doesn’t practice “mind control”…at least on me.
I know that “religious use” may be an issue with those who question the existence of a creator, or flat don’t believe at all, but individual freedom is my creators
gift to his children.
Whether one believes as fundamentalists do, or doesn’t believe at all, I sure would like to know who else believes as I do. Talk to me.
P.S. When I told her about Christians for cannabis, she
shuttered a bit, but not as much as her fundamental friends…I’ll bet.
I could deal with the way the laws are now if I could just get a job like non-cannibus users can. I think that if you work hard, show up on time, and do your job to the best of your ability it shouldn’t matter what you do outside of work. If you come to work high; I agree that whoever should get fired. Just like you can’t come to work drunk. I’ve smoked for 5 years everyday. I had to get a job and quit on a dime. Man that stuff must be addictive huh? Also made straight A’s and got into an accredited University, but pot makes you dumb doesn’t it? Only reason I hate quitting so much is because, its not something I wanted to do. Its something the government forced me to do. Doesn’t sound like something that would happen in the land of the free does it? I feel like if the government starts regulating marijuana it will ruin it. The government is good at ruining good things. I don’t want the government in control of marijuana but I want the government to stop treating marijuana smokers like criminals and let them choose how to live their lives. Don’t we have the right to choose how we pursue happiness?
#183 Manford Mantis Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I am Manford Mantis…a cartoonist, writer, and activist for the word of my creator and his/her gift of Manna as Holy Sacrament for CDXX Communion. My sister Hootie Mantis is a fundamental christian and hangs out with the prohibs. I keep reminding her of Genesis I:11,12. Genesis I:29,30,31.Genesis IX:3. She gets it. I sure would like to know who else gets it, and stands by “THE WORD.”
RE:
Manford Mantis,
– If any professing Christian church or believer
considers themselves “fundamentalist”,
yet is a prohib, they are contradicting
themselves by ignoring the fundamental-precepts
in the first chapter of Genesis…
– I believe:
Cannabis was created by God to fulfill certain,
specific, unique, biological and nutritional roles
that no other plant can…
186 Neurogenesis1:29
Thank you for your belief system. It’s really great to know that there are those out there that aren’t fearful
of declaring their faith…which is trust and belief.
This is for sure…I would much rather get busted for religious use, even more so than medicinal use. If everyone that believes in their creator, and the gift of Manna to creation, stood up for their faith??????? Rastafarians do…they even have a religious defense
…but…so does the worlds religions. Their defense is God! And…this is an “ode to Eddy Lepp (Rastafarian Minister).” who received a 6 year mandatory minimum sentence for cultivating for the members of faith, instead of two life sentences. Dear God.. they’re putting ministers in prison now. God save us all. Hope to see you again Eddy.
Little more than 200 yrs ago i believe 55 men and 13 colonies stated that “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness—-That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
We are allowed the persuit of happiness if someone does something illegal and hurts others while they are persuing then they should be put away for the crime the original persuit, “Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new Government”, the government arresting over 700000 ppl for personal use possesion to me seems that someone is taking ppls freedom for their right to persue what they feel will give them happiness. If the ppl speak the government should listen if they dont our fore fathers were sure to put an escape clause, although i dont suggest all out rebellion yet, next time we go to vote it is time to make sure our voices are heard and get rid of the mighty idiots that think once elected they are there for life!!! ( One last comment be sure to know your rights don’t let them find you and give you a felony conviction because besides being a negative on your background check they also take your voice at the ballot boxes, Hmmm if we lock up all the pot heads then they cant vote against us? just a thought)
we need to make noise about this.
this legislation is more important than the states medical/decrim laws. dont remember the last time fed laws were being done over.
What is this bill titled? is it HR5843 like it was last year, or did it change? I can’t find anything in the media about this…
[Editor’s note: Information about the bill, HR 2943, is front and center at NORML’s Legislative Alert section, at:
http://capwiz.com/norml2/home/%5D
I think the federal government has no right to enforce laws within the state due to any amount
the only way the federal government should be able to gain jurisdiction is if state lines are cross ,
the amount means nothing , the law as to MJ should be change and legalize for any useage what so ever
who the hell is feds think they are Congress is wrong to not allow legalization efforts for all 50 state
massvocals
i an not an user but am for the decriminalizing,legalizing,taxing,regulating-whatever it takes to let a god created plant grow along side all other god created plants as intended and be used as god intended then if some seed lands on some one’s property by weather,animal,bird and so forth and grows we pray to god that it becomes legal to be allowed to grow as god intended-it is so ridiculous to throw someone in prison and treat a good and non violant person like a criminal-waste of tax money,manpower,time,aircraft fuel and the list goes on! it is a horrible way to treat people -especially over a god given plant!!!!!!!!
@ Manford Mantis, “Talk to me.”
Hello. 🙂
“I sure would like to know who else gets it, and stands by ‘THE WORD.'”
I’m trying to “get it.” Everyone “stands by something,” (actually A LOT of things) whether it/they turns out to be true or not—whether those beliefs hold together or come apart—is the question. 🙂 The words one stands by are one’s own, and if they were true, accurate, honest, then of course this is a good thing and means standing on the rock. But if one mostly spoke lies, tricks, and engaged in other Non-Golden Rule Behaviors, then that person’s own words will most likely end up cutting that person to pieces.
Have you taken a look at the video that NeuroGenesis1:29 links to? Check out the last passage used.
One strong underlying thread I see to many of the most divisive/expensive/etc… issues of our day is the desire of one or more parties to force their will on others, overriding the wishes of the victim.
As a counterpoint to the forcing/legislating/strong-arming/etc… of one party’s will over another, there is not doing so and using reasoning—talking, conversation—instead, as an attempt to change behavior.
People who believe in violence have no problem in forcing their wills on others, in a variety of ways, even escalating to death. They insist on more and more heavier-handed approaches.
I think the best advice is to avoid the brow-beating (and worse) techniques employed by the fear-mongers/extremists/scripture-worshippers/idealogues in many religions (and other belief-systems), and focus on reasoning, nearly exclusively, using “neighborly” conversation with others.
Here are some essays you might like:
We Love Religion, But Not Forcing It On Others!
Prohibition Prophecy Showcases some “intersections” of the Bible with modern-day events.
The Evils of For-Profit, “Private,” Prisons
Wanted: God, for Creating Illegal Plants! A video some Aussies made, with a custom introduction, to make sure the point was obvious.
Go Barney! We’re rooting for you!
the fight for legal weed is a big one, we need to protest like our ancestors did, but instead of the war in vietnam, it will be the war for our rights as americans and legal marijuana!!!
woot woot
it is so wonderful to see some people who have the courage to stand up and show that they are going to fight for our rights-we thank you very muchto barney frank,ron paul,maurice hinchey,dana rohrabacher and tammy baldwin-you all are dfinately appreciated!!!we all know how crazy it is having a god given plant illegal-it is stupid on how people get treated over a weed and how much tax money is wasted on aircraft fuel,auto fuel,man power and it goes on and on-then if seed lands on someone”s property from animals,birds,weather and so forth they come in busting and tearing up people’s property and treating them like a criminal-they should go after real criminals.again thank you so very much.i pray there are more of you out there that are as smart as our beautiful people that are fighting for our rights!!!!!!!!we are with you!!!!!!!!
This bill will never be passed. These five Representatives are exceptional, They don’t own Pharma and Prison stocks.
you may be surprised on how things are starting to happen on legalizing marijuana-people are becoming educated on the real reasons why marijuana was made illegal which is greediness and other STUPID reasons.they are starting to see how ridiculous it was to make a god given plant that was meant to grow along side all other plants illegal-changes for the good are coming!!!!!!!
By the way, buy Wifi blocker to jam all secret devices in your room or office.
Finally! This is great news and hopefully the laws continue to move in a positive manner!
Want to do something about it? Simply convince jurors (or people) to let drug users go free. You people talk about legalizing it; do the next best thing: legislate as a juror.
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I seldom leave a response, but I browsed some comments on
Lawmakers Call For An End To Federal Marijuana Prosecutions
| NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform. I do have some questions for you if
you don’t mind. Could it be simply me or do a few of these remarks appear like they are written by brain dead folks? 😛 And, if you are writing on additional social sites, I would like to follow you. Could you post a list of every one of all your social sites like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?
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