PRINCETON, NJ — Gallup’s October Crime poll finds 44% of Americans in favor of making marijuana legal and 54% opposed. U.S. public support for legalizing marijuana was fixed in the 25% range from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, but acceptance jumped to 31% in 2000 and has continued to grow throughout this decade.
The highest level of support for decriminalizing the use of marijuana today is seen with self-described liberals, among whom 78% are in favor. In contrast, 72% of conservatives are opposed. Moderates are about evenly divided on whether the use of marijuana should be legal, although they tilt against it (51% vs. 46%).
Gallup also finds a generational rift on the issue, as 50% of those under 50 and 45% of those 50 to 64 say it should be legal, compared with 28% of seniors.
Public mores on legalization of marijuana have been changing this decade, and are now at their most tolerant in at least 40 years. If public support were to continue growing at a rate of 1% to 2% per year, as it has since 2000, the majority of Americans could favor legalization of the drug in as little as four years.
Americans are no more — and no less — in favor of legalizing marijuana when the issue is framed as a revenue-enhancement tool for state governments. Regardless of how the question is asked, 53% of Americans living in the West — encompassing California, where the issue could be on the ballot in 2010 — support legalization.
It’s not a question of if cannabis will be re-legalized; it is a question of when, where, and how. Stats guru Nate Silver has opined that overall support for re-legalization should top 60% by 2022/2023 independent of any other factors but the continuing movement of Baby Boomers into retirement age. However, we here at NORML don’t really want to see another 11 million arrests between now and then, so we urge all of you to contact your elected officials to help us prove Mr. Silver to be too pessimistic.
“Re-Legalization”, Never thought of it like that. That should be the new catch phrase.
Only 44% of Americans are in favor? What is wrong with the 54%. And what about the other 2%. Common people, just because it will be legalized doesn’t mean everyone has to partake of it. (Although, I would stongly suggest it, because it makes everything more fun.)
I meant to say Come on people, not common people.
“If public support were to continue growing at a rate of 1% to 2% per year, as it has since 2000, the majority of Americans could favor legalization of the drug in as little as four years.”
I disagree, there is a thing called the “tipping point”. We have reached the point where talking about legalization is not frowned upon anymore. This accelerates the process. The more people who discuss it and know the facts, the more the word spreads. It is not linear, it is a geometric increase.
This god given herb for all we know can be legalized by next year!
“Should top 60% in 2022/2023” Are you kidding me?
If anything, MORE than 60% favor legalizing. They are out there but might be scared of speaking out due to being arrested!
That guy doesn’t know what he is talking about. The way this country is being runned now, THERE WILL BE no america left by the year 2022.
What i’m saying is almost everyone is sick of this failed war on drugs. Everyone i ever talked to feels this should be legal, every state i ever been too, seriously.
wait a minute where is this poll so it can get my vote?
nevermind i think its over
Yah – 44% means a loooooot of you people out there are still in hiding! Come on out and play, the sun feels nice!
Raise our numbers, and let’s get re-legalization on the minds of the majority. (I definitely like that phrasing much too!) 😀
Good story though Normal you guys n gals r the shit
Now that i think of it as they pretty much decriminalized it right there,cuz the GOV says theres no medicinal use for it,it helps me with alot of everyday stress or cant sleep at night jus toss n turn an i dont take p ms either no pill diet….lol,wait vitamin C thats it
Even groups like Republicans and Christians seem to be evermore supportive. I would guess that the numbers against are largely the older generation population. This group is also the largest actively voting.
I think it’s imporant that we are getting more of facts and reality of the situation and rid of the rhetoric and propoganda. Share the truth with others by having them visit CannabisPlanet and CannabisTV.org
And how much of that 54% against legalization could possibly be Dealers, Groweres, employees or relatives of employees of the DEA or prison unions, Big Pharma, and so on, where maybe they dont join those that are morally against it but stand to lose finnancially because of it.
44% is A LOT of people. That alone should be enough. Why does public approval need to cross a 50% barrier to consider re-legalization? You can’t please all the people all the time, but if you can make 44% of them happy, I’d consider that a success.
Here something to think about.
Our Federal & State Governments and their courts have repeatedly stated that We the People DO NOT have a Secured Constitutional Right to use and have in our personal procession any form of the Cannabis / Hemp plant. In the beginning of the Constructive Fraud the government abrogated the people inalienable right to this plant by it’s restrictive legislative acts, that this inalienable right is derived from the our creator which is indeed covered in the bill of rights. The act of abrogation by congress demonstrate that a constitutional rights did exist and that they were abrogated by an unlawful act of congress. That the citizen population has a legal valid claim to this inalienable right which has existence since the first civilization sprang forth some 3000 years ago. That the denial of said inalienable rights and the efforts put forth by law enforcement to unlawfully deny said inalienable right has and is still causing great harm and disharmony with in our Nation. That the very act of prohibition of cannabis has decreased the safety of our Nation which violates the will of the people to be secured in their homes. That this act of prohibition of cannabis has decreased the health of the American people and has unlawfully restricted their doctors to use cannabis as a traditional medicine. It has interfered with the exploring the cannabis plant’s potential as a medicine. That this act of prohibition of cannabis has unnecessarily endangers the welfare of people of this Nation again violating the people’s secure right to be secured in their own homes. That these principals of National Safety of the American People, that the Good Health of the American People, and that General Welfare of the American People is paramount are indeed covered by Constitutional Provision known as the bill of rights. That these legislative acts against the use of Cannabis by the American People are in violation because they violate this Nation’s fundamental principals guarding our Liberties.
Although common defense is one of the purposes of the federal constitution, it was not formed to merely guard the states against danger from foreign nations, but mainly to secure both union and harmony at home and safety against injustice. 16 Am. 2d, Constitutional Law, Section 11.
that:
The constitutional provisions and amendments to the constitution relate to the fundamental law and certain FIXED Principals upon which governments are founded. Constitution are commonly called the organic law of the state. State Ex Rel Halliburton v. Roach, 230 N0. 408; 130n SW 689.
Our inalienable rights are fixed principals, part of the fundamental aspects of law, the foundation of our republic. The first ten amendments, our bill of rights is not open for the government to negociate with, they are fixed, in place and binding upon the government. They know it, they are just hoping to keep the citizen population in the dark, time for us to turn the light on their constructive fraud and address it openly with transparency so all can see for themselves.
The time is Now! Time to think for ourselves and do what is good for our country. It is time to protect the liberties of the people by acting through the instrument of the Constitution and our Courts, perhaps one day the legislature will comprehended the will of the people and respect it.
I always said that those making money on both sides, dealer, growers, lawyers, prisons, are all making money, making a profit off the abrgation of our rights by way of this constructive fraud. Time to step into the light and be free of both the cops and the robbers. Time to take what is our back by court actions, Class Action will best express the people to this wayward government. Jury Nullification will stop the injustice in it’s tracks so act now, learn now and be ready to make the stand for our rights. Lets nullify this dam cannabis law and put this puppy to bed.
AOL’s poll for legalization on the page about Obama’s new medical marijuana policy had 64% saying legalize it, 26% for no and 10% for undecided last time I checked.
http://news.aol.com/article/new-medical-marijuana-policy/445182
http://www.wsfa.com/global/story.asp?s=11342231
Please vote for alabama
In a recent America Online poll of over 66,000 members, said that 63% of those respondents favored the legalization of Marijuana and another 11% were “not sure” either way. Most AOL polls yield results which lean heavily toward Republican & conservative views. So if 74% of that conservative base either favors or is neutral about legalizing Marijuana, that saying a lot!
Umm… How accurate can this really be?? I mean, every time a cannabis vote comes up, it get’s overwhelming support. What was the #1 question asked to Obama again? I forget.. Write your politicians ppl!!!
Unrelated topic: Pot City, USA (A&E) just came started. ~weird~
[Paul Armentano responds: Gallup is a scientific poll. This is a random national sampling. Online polls, such as AOL’s polls, are not scientific. NORML contracts with Zogby to do national scientific polls, and are last results (Feb 09) showed 44 percent. This Gallup result is significant.]
Polling isn’t an exact science. Zogby reported in May that overall 52% want cannabis legalized. If the mass media and politicians would engage in science and facts we’d be years ahead in this struggle. Unfortunately all the bought and paid for special interest lackeys are capable of is nothing more than vile and below the belt emotional terrorism on the populus!
This is so great I cant believe its happening in my lifetime. I guess its thanks to those hippies that cut their hair and went into politics but didn’t forget where they came from. I just wanted to point out how funny the “by ideology” line is with the conservatives having reservations and the moderates are being…moderate. That poll is total crap though there cant be that many people who are against marijuana. I bet they forgot to ask the other half of the population thats already been locked up for it.
It is time for re-legalization and stop the dumbing down of cannabis knowledge.
C.M.
It’s time to write the President a thank you note for the policy announcement yesterday, advising Federal prosecutors to not waste resources prosecuting medical mj users. EVERY politician out there is watching to see where the public opinion lands on this one. Let them see that the public supports this move!
It takes two minutes; Here’s the address
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
[Paul Armentano responds: NORML Has an automated system set up that let’s you contact the White House directly here:
http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14205391%5D
We have to target those conservatives. Many of which church going folk. Mass marketing something along the lines of “Marijuana is prohibition is the work of the devil” might not be a be a bad idea. Lets hit them right back where they hit us.
I just smoked 1/2 of a small bowl last night of some high grade cannabis, that was all I needed, so there goes the “THC %” arguement.
This morning I got up at 7am, got my kids breakfast, my one child off to school, and am on my way to another glorious day. Cant really say that cannabis I smoked last night is affecting my drive or judgement this morning, all is status quo. Well, there goes the “Laziness” arguement.
HOW ON EARTH can that 22% who call themselves ‘liberal’ NOT want freedom? BOGGLES MY MIND!!! AAAAHHHHHHH!!
“Public mores on legalization of marijuana have been changing this decade, and are now at their most tolerant in at least 40 years. If public support were to continue growing at a rate of 1% to 2% per year, as it has since 2000, the majority of Americans could favor legalization of the drug in as little as four years.”
There’s your answer. Hemp rallies and ballot initiatives are a step forward, but it’s the NORML PSAs, publicity like “stiletto stoners” and people talking favorably about legaliztion of Fox News that is going to ultimately make cannabis legal again.
THANKS, WOODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the 73% of “conservatives” who dont agree with legalization arent really conservatives. they want big gov. to come bust your door down, what the hell i feel like im living in bizzaro america. conservative means telling government to take a hike not bust your next door neighbor.
The today show reported on this issue but said we just wanted the medical use and weren’t seeking to undue the wayward law on cannabis. HA HA
We seek to restore our right which has been unlawful abrogated. Don’t they get it? Is the media so dumb or blind to the fact that there has been a constructive fraud placed upon our sub-culture for the last 70 years? God dam it, they will chase a empty bloon but can’t see the writing on this wall?
We are the light at the end of this long ass tunnel, when they get closer they (media) will realize we are a freight train coming down the tracks seeking justice and equal protection of the law, that we seek what others have or ignor to have, but none the less we seek our secure rights, we want them returned, we want this government to correct itself from it’s wayward behavior towards the will of the people.
Lmao @ “I bet they forgot to ask the other half of the population thats already been locked up for it.” Good point man. (#21)
They think all we want is the right to use medical cannabis. WOW! Can they not see us coming?
The today show reported on this issue but said we just wanted the medical use and weren’t seeking to undue the wayward law on cannabis. HA HA
We seek to restore our right which has been unlawful abrogated. Don’t they get it? Is the media so dumb or blind to the fact that there has been a constructive fraud placed upon our sub-culture for the last 70 years? God dam it, they will chase a empty bloon but can’t see the writing on this wall?
We are the light at the end of this long ass tunnel, when they get closer they (media) will realize we are a freight train coming down the tracks seeking justice and equal protection of the law, that we seek what others have or ignor to have, but none the less we seek our secure rights, we want them returned, we want this government to correct itself from it’s wayward behavior towards the will of the people.
I got it! The media outlets in America are just too overwhelmed from chasing hot air that they just can’t cover the fraud of the century, or the fraud that lasted almost a century. Watergate was nothing compared to this constructive fraud.
Contacting gov officials is important, but talking it up amongst the common people is just as important. Come out of the cannabis closet. Telling people on the street about the truth is what will change opinions. Don’t be afraid to admit that you are an responsible adult consumer of cannabis. I have been doing so for quite some time now, and I have never been arrested, or even I believe looked at by the police with whom I have no trouble entering into a conversation on the subject with. I wear a cannabis pin on my Marine Corp utility cover every where I go. Stop being afraid, it is after all the Safer Choice.
NO EFFIN’ WAY !!
WE ARE WAY OVER 50% ALLREADY !!
we have allready PASSED the “tipping point”.
let’s not start going backwards here.
1. first it says; “Americans are no more — and no less — in favor of legalizing marijuana when the issue is framed as a revenue-enhancement tool for state governments. Regardless of how the question is asked…”
—later it says; “In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.” (from gallup)
2.Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,013 national adults.
—that is a VERY SMALL sample, that is less than 21 people per state.
3. Interviews are conducted with respondents on land-line telephones and cellular phones.
—old people mostly use land-line telephones, (and are mostly anti-pot), while young people mostly use cellular phones, (and are mostly pro-pot).
and they dont say what the proportion is.
bored old people pick up the phone, for free, and are happy to talk, while busy young people avoid calls from unknown numbers to save a per-minute charge.
4. “For results based on the total sample of national adults, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±4 percentage points.”
—usually we get an estimate of error, (± percentage points),
but this is the first time i have ever seen an estimate of the estimate !! (95% confidence)
5. the poll didn’t offer choice of actions.
give them a CHOICE, and the numbers will be much higher.
(do think we should legalize pot, OR, should we just raise taxes so we can hire more police and build more prisons?)
6. the poll asked “legalize”, if it asked “RE-legalze”, or “just tax it and regulate it like alcohol” the numbers will be much higher.
7. can we please stop punishing peacefull people allready ??
8. (only slightly off topic) the republican party is now on record as the first-ever pro-rape political party, by a 30-to-10 margin, (of 40 senators) so where is their “moral high ground ??
why should we listen to their effed-up views of “morality” ??
[Paul Armentano responds: Gallup is a professional polling firm and has been using this methodology for over 30 years. These polls resuls echo those of similar polls conducted this year by NORML/Zogby (44%), ABC, CBS, Rassmussen, and others. It does no one any favors to overestimate supposed public support for legalization. Recent legalization initiative efforts in Colorado, Nevada (twice), and Alaska have all failed at the ballot box, garnering public support in the low 40 percentile — or about the same numbers that pre-polling results indicated going in. It is accurate to say that national support for regulating marijuana is at an all-time high, and it appears clear that public support on the west coast (53-58%) and in California specifically (52-56%) has reached majority status in the past year. But to imply that these polls are greatly underestimating national support for the issue does not help our overall reform efforts.]
Someones not bein honest cuz ive lived on this planet
little less than 30 years and ive personally come across an 80 percent or more people who have seemd cool with herbs in my life. Matter of fact ive only come across a small handful of people under 55 yrs who truly have hated pot
RE-LEGALize both Cannabis and hemp….Sh!t. I’m tired of watching de-forestation ruin nature; when hemp-paper is the GREENer way to go.
Take a look at this blog post by a university scholar supporting medical marijuana in, of all places, Texas:
http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog/2009/10/a_welcome_change.html
The power reside in the people to claim what is and was rightfully theirs in the first place. Congress never truly had the right to act against the people of America, Never was the safety, health or welfare of the Nation endanger and therefore Congress lack the right away to abrogate our inalienable rights secure with in the constitution. Here in lays the proof that we as people do have a constitutional right to use cannabis even though it is not named specifically in the constitution by name.
We the People of these United States is where Sovereignty resides, Sovereignty doesn’t belong to our employees – government. Sovereignty resides in the employers and only the employers.
The law of the land says; “ In the United States, Sovereignty resides in the people, who act through the organs established by the Constitution.” Chisholm v. Georgia, 2 Dall 419, 471; Penhallow v. Doane’s Administrators, 3 Dall 54, 93; McCullock v. Maryland, 4 Wheat 316, 404, 405; Yick Yo Hopkins, 118 U.S. 356, 370.
Organs established by the Constitution is where our protected sovereignty lays and only by our taking action can we use that sovereignty to pursue our liberty and happiness. So we as people must act in order to receive what is ours in the first place, we must assert our liberty. We can find our inalienable right to use cannabis in the United States Bill of Rights, in Bell v. Hood, 71 F. Supp., 813, 816 (1947) U.S.D.C. So. Dist. CA. The Court said; “ History is clear that the first ten amendments to the Constitution were adopted to secure certain common law rights of the people, against invasion by the Federal Government.” It is here that the Court recognizes that the people retain Certain Common law Rights, these rights are not for government to decided as to what they are, it is the people who decided what these certain common law rights are and is our sovereignty to do so in pursuit of our liberty and happiness. Therefore we have a constitutional right that lays with in what the Court calls, “certain common law rights.” It is further clear that these common law rights are referred to in Article IX, of the United States Constitution, “The enumeration (to count out) in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed (explain) to deny or disparage (lower in rank) others retained by the people.” This makes it clear that there are certain common law rights which the people own.
Our Constitution or original contract from us to our government clear states where the boundaries are and who the boundaries were meant to control. That these boundary limits were set by the founding father for good reason they were set to prevent any stealthy encroachment upon our liberties, pursuit of happiness, and among those certain common law rights.
The Court has stated that the U.S. Constitution is Paramount Law, that it is the Law of the Land and everyone is bound to it.
We can see that Congress must also follow the structure of our Constitution for in Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 491. The Court made the following statement, “Where rights secured by the Constitution are involved, there can be no rule making or legislation which would abrogate them.” There is no Supreme Court case law or law of the land that changes this statement. This Court clearly tells the people of America that legislators and those who make the rules can not, I repeat, can not make any legislation or rules that abrogate our secured rights, even those described as Certain Common Law Rights in which our right to have and use cannabis arises. So you see We do have a Constitutional Right here and it has been unlawfully and without due process been abrogated.
The Court went further in South Carolina v. United States, 199 U.S. 437, 448 91905) when it said; “ The Constitution is a written instrument. As such, its meaning does not alter. That which it meant when it was adopted, it means now.” ‘…Every word appears to have been weighted with the utmost deliberation and its force and effect to have been fully understood.” Wright v. United States, 302 U.S. 583 (1938).
History has shown us that our government can and will act wayward and out side the will of the people. We know that Congress over steps it’s boundaries from time to time or Chief Justice Marshall would not have made the following statement in Marbury v. Madison, 5, U.S. 137, 174, 176, (1803). He said, “ All laws which are repugnant to the Constitution are null and void.” This would indicate that Congress at times violates the Constitution and when they do so those laws in conflict with the Constitution and the will of the people represented therein, those laws are null and void. And in Amos v. Mosley, 74 Fla. 555; 77 So. 619. (Congress) the Court stated, “ If the legislature clearly misinterprets a constitutional provision, the frequent repetition of the wrong will not create a right.” Even after all these years of fake due process, all the bullshit lies handed down, the great injustice upon our sub-culture and the total lack of equal protection of the law, We, the People still have the ability to fight in Court(s) for those “certain common law rights” which are open for us to define not the government (employees).
So you see folks just because the Court makes a claim that we do not have a constitutional right to have and use the cannabis plant and therefore have no constitutional argument I say we just haven’t presented our argument in a way that the Court can not ignore. We must ask the right question of constitutionally in the right Court excepted form to be heard. It is difficult to present the truth about the cannabis plant when some one has spent time wiping it clear from our historical records. But I a sure you the light is on and the lies are for once being seen as fake. The Constructive Fraud can hide no more.
It is great that the 14 states have come to the aid of the sick but I know and you folks know that medical cannabis respect is just one step in regaining what has been stolen from us by our wayward government. Above you can see just how far this wayward government has fallen from the Constitution and our liberties. You have been made aware of Jury Nullification and how a jury of our peers was designed to protect us from a wayward government as we have today. By planting your seeds in the enemy face we show them that whatever they do that is outside the will of the people will fail and that in the end the people’s will and it will be adhere to one way or the other. You would think that our fellow Americans would realize this simple truth.
I don’t care about smoking the stuff but love to grow some in my yard. I think they’re beautiful plants.
As a 34 yr old NC born and raised American, who served his nation, has owned 3 small businesses, and now is a father of 2 young boys, and I know this one will really suprise a few conservatives, but Im God fearing Jesus Loving Christian.
Its amazing that the same people who endorse the alcohol and tobacco industries are at the forefront of keeping our non man made product under the earth. And its even more embarrassing that my forefathers not only did the black race wrong but those same people are the same ones who see to it that our judges and cops and political peoples “remember how they got their old money, and how that same old Southern White Man mentality made its way from the south to D.C.
Im proud to call myself a man, a business owner and a father, but depending on what state Im in Im a criminal drug abusing manufacturer. Funny, with alcohol your a social drinker / entrepreneur if you own a micro brewery. I cant even watch Sunday football or ESPN with my twin 7 yr olds for all the beer commercials.
Tell me this America, where else can a product kill hundreds upon thousands yearly, and still be promoted and accepted as the Norm. Yet something that heals, calms and collectively soothes the soul, can be hated and exciled like it is.
Coming from a family line of Hwy Patrolman, you would think the people who see what alchol has done to this country would have some stand up backbone for the difference in what really is a problem on our streets and what is causing these issues.
Every day marijuana prohibition stays in place, theres another reason for an illegal to come across our border and try to make a dollar. Theres a reason why the drug dealers stay in business. BC you cant go to the store even the doctor in my state of NC and get a product that does deserve to be overseen and controlled. This problem eats off its one root: Supply and Demand! Get this plant out of the hands of criminals in the hands of adults who arent out to hurt this nation. The last time I walked down the street or even my neighborhood, the grocery store, college campus, try buying alcohol as an underage kid. It wont happen. I promise you any kid on the steet can put his hands on tablets, crack, meth, heroin, coccaine, 10x’s as fast as alcohol. When you take control out of a product its left in idle hands! In this case drug dealers. The one group in America who doesnt care what people ask for or receive. Its a lazy mans career.
Personally I respect my father, but I hate him for what he stands for and as he sips his Jack and coke and turns into the jerk we all call late nite Jack. I pray he chokes on it!
And for all of you who can’t maturely accept our God given fruit, I promise you: Keep this policy in place and we’ll see our nation rott from the inside out! I truely cant wait until these baby boomers who started this mess are asleep and voice speaks no more!
Truely,
Your American Son
these jump in figures can likely be attributed to more people knowing the truth about marijuana. considering the millions of people who smoke regularly and those who have smoked in their lifetimes, it is becoming harder and harder for the government to keep rolling out their tired old misinformation tactics. just continue to educate yourselves and others about the reality behind marijuana laws and it’s history. the truth is on our side and it shall set us free!
when its re-legalized, NORML should open up shops all over the country…. i would buy my weed from NORML all the time as a big thanks for working so hard for our rights!
Look, i am all for legalizing nature..but honestly i dont really give a f you c kay. im still going to smoke it and i dont have a medical license and i dont have any disease..i just enjoy it!!!
so f you c kay babylon vampires!!! your ignorance doesnt effect me : )
one love
Mr Smokey Da Weedy
re; Recent legalization initiative efforts in Colorado, Nevada (twice), and Alaska have all failed at the ballot box,
1. unfortunately, all too often, these initiative efforts are self-defeating.
in a foolish attempt to win over the people who can NEVER be won over (for whatever reason, ideology or $$$ vested interest) they put in too-low limits, (1 ounce), rediculus restrictions, way beyond what is required for alcohol or prescription drugs, no legal access, (o.k. to have, illegal to sell or grow, etc) harsher provisions for some things, (for smokers who have kids who might see, or smell, something, but are NOT being harmed in any way), causing MANY pro-pot people to vote against it.
then, next time, we seem to say, “well, we lost last time, we need to give up even more to the other side this time”
“treat pot like alcohol or tobacco” gets OVER 50%.
2, i thought Alaska allready had the right to 4 ounces for many years.
3. there is no such thing as ballot box stuffing, miscounting, fully programable electronic voting machines, (that print no recipt), or fraud. (bush “won” twice, sure).
4. law enforcement comes out in force, and says “‘the sky will fall’ if you vote for this” and pepole vote out of fear.
our previous victories took them by suprise.
they are now fighting us.
our side doesn’t get the airtime they do.
re; It does no one any favors to overestimate supposed public support for legalization.
1. and under-estimating it does ??
2. supposed support ??
it is 100 % genuine support.
it is the other side’s support that is over stated, out of fear.
3. if people feel (falsely) that they are in the minority, they will stay in the closet.
when they know they are truly in the majority, they will make their voices heard, we will legalize, and some pepole will be out of their cushy jobs.
(cops),
(prison guards),
(drug dealers),
(you).
[Russ responds: Damn! Our double-secret classified master plan to keep pot illegal so we can roll around in piles of cash in our stately penthouse suite has been discovered! I was hoping my driving around in an eleven-year-old used car with major body damage and a rear differential that sounds like a bad shopping cart wheel would hide the luxurious wealth I enjoy in my cushy job moderating comments at the NORML blog. You know, I was just thinking about this last time I voted against a pro-pot initiative because it just wasn’t good enough. I thought, you know, it’s a good thing 850,000 people a year have their lives upended paying $400/ounce for plant matter so I can live such an opulent lifestyle.
I thought we were alone in this kind of double-cross – promoting legalization when we really don’t want it because working in the non-profit, donation-supported political advocacy sector is so financially and materially rewarding. Turns out, though, that there are plenty of us working in advocacy non-profits that secretly don’t want what we’re fighting for because it would cost us our jobs. For example, my friends working for PETA really do want to see more puppies abused and tortured because it keeps the donations flowing. My pals at Greenpeace really do love to see more Japanese whaling because every dead cetacean is another dollar for the cause. My NAACP buddies don’t really want to see an end to racial discrimination because they’d have to find real work. Just like we here at NORML really want marijuana to remain forbidden so we can write blog posts, answer emails, lobby politicians, appear on radio and TV, and travel across the country for something we don’t believe in.
If only we were better at masking our true intentions, like the guys in the grassy knoll, the directors on the moon landing soundstage, and the explosives experts in the basement of the World Trade Center, maybe we could’ve gotten away with it all.]
#42 please don’t confuse all of the people in the baby boom generation with prohibitionist. Timothy Leary wasn’t for prohibition. Most of what was done was long before our time. I wasn’t born when these terrible laws were passed (1937). If my generation is guilty of anything it would be falling for government propaganda. Growing up in the 60’s you either drank alcohol and were considered a red neck or you smoked weed and were part of the cool people. I’ve been smoking for over 40 years and have supported NORML for over 30 years. We have made a lot of progress and we hope all of the young people will not be fooled into thinking cannabis should remain prohibited.
You didn’t mention the fact that the group “Drug Free America” is sponsored by the drug and alcohol business and are mainly responsible for the lobby interests in keeping it illegal. Alcohol destroys so many lives and families and then the laws against marijuana destroy more lives and even more families. This issue eats at my soul! So many political lies, I hope you people who have gotten rich off judging others in our so called “Christian Nation” get your day in Hell! Your the same people who put Jesus on the cross! Your the same bigots that hate people for skin color or race! I know so many people who go to church every Sunday and still don’t understand the basic principals of Chistianity! He didn’t die on the cross for you!(ok he did) but, I hope they find the error of there way before it is too late. Judge not less ye be judged.
People can choose to be what they want to be in life, they don’t have to fit a profile so you can be comfortable. Let people make there own choices!
-30+ Veteran
De Oppresso Liber
“The Professionals”
The trumpets sound, the banners fly,
The glittering spears are rankèd ready;
The shouts o’ war are heard afar,
The battle closes thick and bloody;
But it’s no the roar o’ sea or shore
Wad mak me langer wish to tarry;
Nor shout o’ war that’s heard afar–
It’s leaving thee, my bonnie Mary!
#45 idont know if u were talking to me,but its CK NOT c kay n i as well smoke without a med card proly as many as 10million do
AIRPORTS IN BAY AREA ALLOW TRAVELERS TO CARRY 1/2 LB. ON PLANE.
Amazing but true……It would be great if we could get reciprocity with all the medical states and get the airports to do the same. At this point in time, it seems reachable……
Here’s the link to the article and video:
http://www.medicalcannabisinstitute.com
Rack one up for a “traditional conservative” who lives in the Midwest who favors all out decriminalization and ending marijuana prohibition… I am the oddest of all in the country… according to Gallop!
This is good news. Once we have a Gallup poll that shows 50-60%, we’re gonna be set. That will be a very strong tool for the legalization lobbyists. Of course I’d rather have it now, but some people have been waiting a lot longer than me.
When you’re 56 years old , who the hell has the time to wait till 2022-2023, i will be 70 years old. As surveys go, numbers can be manipulated, some guru. What about all the people that are still in the closet for marijuana use? Indiana has no marijuana legislation except for putting people in jail or fines or so called rehabilitation. We do not need surveys, we need legislation to change the laws in states that have no legislation. The winds of change are coming, but not fast enough. The DEA (DEAD END ATROCITIES)are still in the UNICORN business. Victims of a drug war they will never win, because altering the consciousness is a natural thing. Look at all the victims during alcohol prohibition, the masses wanted their booze but federal law overrides the power of the people at that time and it created crime, death and made the alcohol cartel rich and federal revenue losses. The same thing is going on with marijuana prohibition, but on a global scale. United we stand but divided we fall and marijuana prohibition will not let us stand and keep us divided until the laws are changed. 420 ALL THE WAY!
These polls can help formulate targetted stategies!
Democrats and Liberals: check.
Republicans and Concervatives: We need to remind them that prohibition creates big government and higher taxes and weakens our national security.
The older age groups: Keep reminding them of medical benefits. (Their friends are on Chemotherapy) We also need to remind them that prohibition fuels organized crime, which eventually preys on them.
Midwest and the south: You could get in on the farmers market rather than buying from migrant workers. Weed sells for a higher price, with less effort, than corn.
East coast and South: The tobbacco states should realize domestic tobbacco use is in decline. They can easily adopt this market.
While we move foward, we also need to pay attention t0 where the health care plans and the integration of federal law enforcement and intellegence agencies are headed. These two issues can be dangerous to the cause.
Just because Obama backed the DEA off States that have Medical Marijuana, does not mean that government controlled healthcare will allow doctors to continue to prescribe it down the road.
The intergration of the CIA, NSA, FBI, & DEA and their coordination with he military have turned the war on terror in Afganastan into a war on drugs. Whatever the outcome, this fight will eventually end and the troops as well as these agencies will be brought back home. They will need to justify thier jobs. We need to watch out for a larger DEA with idle hands.
I am yet another supporter who is not factored in this poll, but I feel a great day is ahead of our nation, I see a gleam!
NORML manages to frustrate me and brighten my day everyday. Frustration because I keep finding more and more articles and blogs about the incompetence that is our government in regards to marijuana. It’s such a shame that such a beautiful part of nature is constantly scrutinized by misinformed fools. It’s articles like this that brighten my day and give me hope for a future where marijuana enthusiasts, such as myself, don’t have to enjoy nature with a head turned one way or the other to keep watch for people that enforce such ridiculous laws.
Thank you NORML for keeping your heads held high(no pun intended) all these years.
-Lander Bethel
I think more and more conservatives are opening up to the idea of legalization. The more news that comes out debunking the stereotype the better. I think many of them are still just fighting old battles with phantom hippies. Most young conservatives can be reasoned with with a few sound facts and light-hearted jokes. I have made very good strides with my relatives too, God-loving, republican-voting Texans, the lot of us.
“1. unfortunately, all too often, these initiative efforts are self-defeating.
in a foolish attempt to win over the people who can NEVER be won over (for whatever reason, ideology or $$$ vested interest) they put in too-low limits, (1 ounce), rediculus restrictions, way beyond what is required for alcohol or prescription drugs, no legal access, (o.k. to have, illegal to sell or grow, etc) harsher provisions for some things, (for smokers who have kids who might see, or smell, something, but are NOT being harmed in any way), causing MANY pro-pot people to vote against it.
then, next time, we seem to say, “well, we lost last time, we need to give up even more to the other side this time”
“treat pot like alcohol or tobacco” gets OVER 50%.”
The person that wrote this is correct. We need BETTER ballot initiatives. The ones we have right now are ver poor. The only mostly good one is the California Cannabis Initiative, or The Tax, Regulate, and Control Cannabis Act of 2010. Which can be found here:
http://www.californiacannabisinitiative.org/
Well, now that I think about it, Oregon has a really good one that can be found here:
http://www.cannabistaxact.org/
These are both good, in large part because they maintain personal cultivation rights that are reasonable. Where we can grow our own cannabis if we don’t like what the companies are growing, or whatnot. We need to be able to grow our own cannabis, tax-free, at our homes if we are going to have any leverage against the corporations that will try to take over the cannabis industry immediatly after it’s legalized.
#45 you may not give a f about if it’s legalized or not but I do. Yeah, I’ve managed to keep on smoking despite my former supplier moving out of state (and then running him and his wife into the ground-her literally-with getting hooked on oxycontin-why the hell wasn’t pot enough you dumb shit?!?!?). I’ve stayed smoking despite prohibition and living in one of the most “conservative” pockets of the midwest-conservative in that they want government’s hands off big business so they can keep running their employees till they drop but all too happy to let uncle sam put his hands down my pants in the form of random drug testing. It’s taken some effort and resourcefulness to keep smokin’ but I’ve managed, and yeah, I could continue to “manage” and still keep my private pleasure undetected but you know what? I’m tired of dealing with people that would probably have no compunctions about selling to minors and who sometimes think that selling me weed entitles them to try to sneak a grab at my ass (touch my ass once and I’ll never buy from you again). I’m tired of buying just whatever’s available.
I want to be able to go to a licensed store where there is accountability and it can be tracked to ensure that nobody’s slipped in some crazy drug like crack or soaked it in coca cola to make it seem sticky. I want to be able to buy it fresh and to be able to choose my strain. I want to be able to invite friends over for social events that include pot as well as alcohol. I want to be able to smoke without the fear of having to show up for that random drug test that my employer has instituted to get a discount on workman’s comp insurance. I want to be able to “smoke openly in front of my child” without someone charging me with “corruption of a minor,” or even threatening to take my kid away. I want to be able to raise my kid with a sense of right and wrong and truthfulness, and to be able to make wise choices about what substances they use (which they will anyway if I have to move my family to the Netherlands or Portugal).
I want to be safe and secure in my own home without the fear of arrest or job loss. I’m sick and f****** tired of the threat of being hassled in a major way that so far hasn’t happened but which looms over my head and is a major buzzkill.
I actually worked for Gallup and these polls are not always reliable. Many times customers will not answer and the survey taker makes up an answer. Gallup is not to be trusted.
#59 u said that Very Very Well,Even on the whole Quality thing, an piss test,i as well think the same way.Its just out right wrong.Sure this is America,but i really dont think its The Land Of The Free, like i was raised on.
Check out the age distributions. Just wait them out…Tick, tock, tick, tock….
Reform of the law relating to all drugs must be a core social imperative. Cannabis, for its ecological, medicinal applications and significantly to strip away the double standards, impediments to credible health promotion while acknowledging recreational displacement of the contingent harms of alcohol and tobacco (yet perversely merchandised) must be the foremost priority.
re; Russ responds: Damn! Our double-secret classified master plan to keep pot illegal so we can roll around in piles of cash in our stately penthouse suite has been discovered!
we here at NORML really want marijuana to remain forbidden…
———–
1. google this;
“Legal-Pot Backers Split on Timing”
OCTOBER 3, 2009.Legal-Pot Backers Split on Timing .
SAN FRANCISCO — A majority of Californians in recent polls say the state should legalize marijuana. What pot proponents can’t agree on is how soon voters will really be ready to approve legalization.
A schism has emerged among California’s pot-legalization advocates. On one side are those pushing to get a proposition to voters quickly, including activists such as Richard Lee, who last month began collecting signatures to put a pot-legalization measure on the state’s November 2010 ballot.
On the other side is a
go-slow camp (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
calling for a 2012 vote, including activists like Dale Gieringer, director of the California chapter of the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws, or Norml.
“I do think it will take a few more years for us to develop a proposal that voters will be comfortable with,” said Mr. Gieringer.
———–
yeah, let’s slow down, NORML needs years to develop a proposal that voters will be comfortable with.
(sounds like “let’s give more of our rights away, let’s compromise more, to try to win over the prohibitionist vote”)
should have had it worked out years ago, since that is your stated mission.
let me help you.
how about this one;
A. “regulate and tax marijuana exactly like alcohol”
–purchace as much as you want, same age limits on purchaces, limited to licenced distributors, quality and purity controls, you can share with your own kids in your own home if you want to, just like alcohol, without your kids being stolen, no smoking while driving, make your own at home tax free, etc, etc.
or this one;
B. “marijuana is hereby recognised as a medically active plant substance, like garlic or olive oil, and shall be regulated as such.”
or this one;
C. the criminal code for marijuana shall be ammended as follows;
add the words “for those persons under 18 years old, only.”
there, i just saved you a few years.
2. so when is NORML going to start a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT against the DEA and FDA for publishing and promoting lies, in violation of the Data Quality Act
????????????????????????????
[Editor’s note: It is a weird stretch to construe that a 25-year volunteer like Dr. Gieringer is trying to stretch out cannabis prohibition because he, like many other reformers, don’t support Richard Lee’s initiative (as maybe these activists support one of the other three ‘legalization’ initiatives) does not make him a turncoat or prohibitionist.
Your lack of civility and conspiracy baiting here is not appreciated or warranted.
Re class action lawsuits…if you were better informed, you’d know that law reform groups like NORML, and lawyers independent of the organization, have attempted to get the ‘class’ of medical cannabis left out of the federal government’s Compassionate IND program certified before federal judges, who’ve unfortunately to date ruled in favor of the government’s requests for summary judgment.
Re the Data Quality Act…the act has never been implemented via a lawsuit and ASA has been waiting like 3-4 years for a ruling in their DQA suit. NORML will wait for that first case to conclude before launching any DQA lawsuits.]
re; These polls resuls echo those of similar polls conducted this year by NORML/Zogby (44%)
It does no one any favors to overestimate supposed public support for legalization. ?
just google (at google news);
“52% ,legalize marijuana”
and the truth is right there…
Examiner.com – ?Sep 26, 2009?
… Citizens — 52% according to a 2009 Zogby poll — now support the complete Legalization of Marijuana for all citizens: not just the sick and dying. …
and
Poll: Majority of readers who voted favor legalizing pot
OCRegister – ?Oct 12, 2009?
A Zogby Poll earlier this year found that 52 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana. The same poll also found that six out of 10 Californians …
HA HA HA !! told you so. !!
[Editor’s note: You’re not informing anyone at NORML or reading this blog. Unfortunately, there are no reliable polling indicating that a majority of citizens support legalizing cannabis. The poll you cite did not have a large enough sampling to be representative of the country (unlike the Gallup, or CBS/NYT polling) and the wording was not ideal.
The current working number of your fellow citizen who support legalizing cannabis is at 44%…and is on a path upwards. Best to accept reality and get to work helping to raise the numbers up to 55% and higher, which is what is needed to move this issue at the voting booths and/or legislatures. 55% and below pre-vote may not be enough as 58% and higher is what is usually needed to win.]
re; Unfortunately, there are no reliable polling indicating that a majority of citizens support legalizing cannabis.
you trust Zogby when they tell you 44%,
but distrust Zogby when they tell you 52%, and 60% in california,
it has allready been proven people don’t respond well to the WORD “legalize”, and if you instead say “just treat like alcohol”, you gain 8-10%.
and you know there are people who don’t really care, who will say they are with the majority, no matter what that is. 5-10%
and you know lots of pro-pot people are still in the closet, because they have kids, or a good job they can’t afford to lose. at least 5%.
and it was the #1 question on obamas call in show.
re; Re class action lawsuits…if you were better informed, you’d know that law reform groups like NORML, and lawyers independent of the organization, have attempted to get the ‘class’ of medical cannabis left out of the federal government’s Compassionate IND program certified before federal judges, who’ve unfortunately to date ruled in favor of the government’s requests for summary judgment.
if you were better informed, you’d know that
class action lawsuit means;
A type of lawsuit in which the claims and rights of many people are decided in a single case.
in other words, millions of smokers all adding their names as victims, and sueing together.
your answer has nothing to do with my question.
[Editor’s reply: The survey in question is a large Gallup poll, not a small sampling Zogby poll. You can’t win an argument when you’re not supported by the facts. Stop insisting there is more public support for cannabis law reform than there is…it does not help anyone to exaggerate the level of support for cannabis legalization.
Again, for the second time, class action lawsuits in favor of medical cannabis patients have already failed to be certified by the federal courts.]
re; does not make him a turncoat or prohibitionist.
never said he was.
just pointing out, he said he wanted to wait till 2012.
my point is,
we should be doing EVERYTHIMG WE CAN
as quickly as possible.
it makes us look like lazzzzy, stoooopid stoners,
if we can’t even get our sh!t together and agree on what we want, or when we want it.
if we let it be known that we are willing to wait till 2012,
there is zero chance it will happen sooner.
why would non smokers vote our way, now,
if they think we are unsure about legalization,
or that we are willing to wait 2-3 years longer ?
they wouldn’t.
NO WAITING !!
[Editor’s note: You maybe wildly impatient, politically immature and keen on wasting millions of dollars on initiatives that will fail. However, thankfully, NORML, MPP, DPA, ACLU, ASA, etc…are not.]
Who out there honestly believe that baby boomers are gonna wait till 2022-2023 to roll one ? Our wait time has run out and 2009 is good enough to proclaim right now THAT MARIJUANA IS NOW fully LEGAL and nobody can change that in my mind.If it takes lawyers 20 years more to write a text making marijuana legal its OK.
Everybody knows that there slow acting.
What will this poll say when we use our right of Jury Nullification on these unlawful cannabis laws?
Don’t forget to plant your seed this spring.
Just remember when the government was deciding our nation’s morals and what behavior is right for all of us folks in America they were hanging black people from the local light posts and then posing for a photo shot. Yes it is these murders and thuds that wanted us to have good morals while staining their hands in our blood. These folks in the government thought that a constructive fraud based on some lies was a great way to raise our moral standing. No we can’t damage the our bodies, no we can’t decided for ourselves what we put into our bodies, but we can surrender our souls to the soul-lessness of our government for our own good.
Thank you Government of America now I can rot in hell with you folks, just what I aways wanted. Nothing like being American and living the American Nightmare brought to you by the wonderful wayward unlawful government employees.
After all who knows more about evil than those who are evil and use it everyday as a form of justice.
Just remember when the government was deciding our nation’s morals and what behavior is right for all of us folks in America they were hanging black people from the local light posts and then posing for a photo shot. Yes it is these murders and thuds that wanted us to have good morals while staining their hands in our blood. These folks in the government thought that a constructive fraud based on some lies was a great way to raise our moral standing. No we can’t damage the our bodies, no we can’t decided for ourselves what we put into our bodies, but we can surrender our souls to the soul-lessness of our government for our own good.
Thank you Government of America now I can rot in hell with you folks, just what I aways wanted. Nothing like being American and living the American Nightmare brought to you by the wonderful wayward unlawful government employees.
After all who knows more about evil than those who are evil and use it everyday as a form of justice.
ill just bet that if every one of us that work for a living had to stop consuming cannabis because of drug testing….norml would have lots more support and would be doing more….i know cause im faced with that as many of us are. it has made me get off my ass and learn how to talk to people .we need people to know what it is like to ,like the buzz and that it does not belong with the likes of other harder, man made drugs.we need support of people who dont know what it is like. i would like nothing better then to get off work and just enjoy some peace and comfort from the pyrex. ok?
End U.S. Government Support of Terrorism.
Legalize Cannabis Now.
Life is much too short to do anything of value later. Re-legalize cannabis immediately!
re; NO WAITING !!
[Editor’s note: You maybe wildly impatient, politically immature and keen on wasting millions of dollars on initiatives that will fail. However, thankfully, NORML, MPP, DPA, ACLU, ASA, etc…are not.]
yes, i am totally convinced that our chances will be so much better in a few years, when the dems are out and the repubs are back in !!!
Legalization could bring in good amounts of tax dollars if done properly. Tax it, regulate it, and sell it. businesses would start up and jobs would be created. Thousands who are wrongly imprisoned for such offenses would no longer be, especially for something which is less harmful than alcohol and cigarettes. This whole “war on drugs” thing is a waste of taxpayer’s dollars which could be used in other, much needed ways (health care?).
So i have been doing my own studies for a while now and part of me wants to lash out at some people that we have put up with in our history books. Look its like this (at least for me). Oil is about to be a very big issue. Some say no its not. Look at the books and the numbers. Its going to cost us a fortune, soon at that. Resolution (take a guess), Paper and other things we use in every day life are made from trees. Trees are being taken down very fast and it takes em how long to grow back, that is if ever. Lots of problems if we run out of trees. Resolution (Take a guess). Employment rates in America hit above 9% september 2009 (correct me if I’m wrong please) Manufacturing requires employment oportunities. Medical uses are unlimited. Prisons and jails are full of what. People who are partaking of a natural herb for whatever reason. Almost 8 Billion a year spent for “solving” that issue. I could go on and on. But I think you should see my point by now. Marijuana is not a “gateway drug either” If you drink, yupo you got it. If you smoke, your there as well. (I smoke and I drink some) so please dont think I’m singling anybody out. but for real. I dont think I need to say much more at all except. One Love—-
50 mil and counting. How many voices will “get up, stand up, stand for your rights” –Bob Marley
I fantasize everyday about legalization, but I do not think that there is any chance whatsoever, despite whatever the public opinion may be. Even when it gets to 60% approval, hypothetically speaking, it still will not be legalized. When is the last time that the government did something that people wanted? It’s a nice thought, but I don’t think that weed ever be legal.
So I went back and read everybodys posts. Thanks to those of you who posted the sight that let me email the White house. I have wanted to do that for a long long time now. I do have something to say to Texasinkhole. No pun intended. But you should be hopeful of this movement. I was very sceptical for a long time. Though I do understand were your views. I myself am tired of dreaming of this. But as long as people do not speak about it, in general as well as to the public and every other person out there. It will be a dream. I am very much for this movement and I will not sit quite any longer. The voice of one man/woman is all it takes to inspire another to speak out. I have been sitting on this subject for a very long time. Waitting for the correct moment to bring this out. Honestly I thin kthat now is the time to put this movement together. Who thought that medical MJ would ever be legal. I know that I didnt, and I’m almost sure that you did not either. Thats the first step to success. When I read that the bill for Medical Mj was passed I smiled all day and am still doing so. I’m not sure who it was that spoke this quote but its much of the truth. -“There is nothing to fear but fear itself”- Unknown! I think that if enough poeple realy want this to happen. It will heppen. We are talking a lot of people and a lot of work. Hippies have always and will always be around. So will the opposing. Bob Marley once said, “Get up stand up, Stand up for your rights” It’s time this issues be openly fought by the poeple (we the people)! I will sit no longer in hidding. You should no longer sit either. I am and will make my stand not only for the people but for myself and future generations as well. Get the Cocaine, Meth, Heroin, and other hard drugs off the streets and let love take over. Use the Sativa and the Indica to our advantage. Paper, Textiles, Fuel, health foods, Sewage treatment. Medical uses as well as recreational. America is on the path to destruction because of things that we have overlooked for so long. Re-Legalization is the key to many of these issues. Not to mention for those of us who have no work. Employment rates wont be as high they have in the past few months. It makes me sick to see what has been going on for so long now. America needs to take a toke, sit back, think about it, and come to its senses. Honestly I’m not sure, but if there is a way to put this issue on a special ballot of some sort before the next presidential election, and make it publically known. I think, more people then we could imagen would step up and make the vote. For those of you who do not support this movement. I feel sorry for what you are missing out on. As for the media. They are a big part is this as well, no matter how much we do or don’t like it. Turn the media in our direction and turn the eyes of millions. Both here at home and els were.
Lol Can you believe that I grew up in Utah, still live here matter of fact. Thanks again for posting the email web links. If you havent taken a look I strongly suggest that you do. Who knows maybe you could be the voice to change the deciding mind on this race. I also urge people to take the time to read and learn. There is so much that Cannabis and hemp can be used for. So many thing that this recession could have been avoided almost completly.
“Risk may cause Failure, But success can not come without it”-unknown !
-_-One Love-_-
hey guy, i m fullly with legalizing this god gifted stuff,thats all i am with.no more words i have to say.
put all ur efforts ,god is with you all the mj lovers
So did you take a look at todays News. Take a look at the Breaking stories. Ca is taking this a step farther much sooner then we all would have thought. Lets keep our fingers crossed.
LMAO… How many of these people were stoned when they left these posts???
What’s up, after rading this amazimg polst i am as well happy to share my know-how here with mates.