UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! YOU CAN WATCH THURSDAY’S HISTORIC SENATE JUDICIARY HEARING VIA WEBCAST HERE.
[Author’s Note: The following legislative alert is being e-mailed to NORML e-zine subscribers. To sign up to receive federal and state-specific updates like this one, please go here, and don’t forget to check NORML’s Take Action Center for the latest legislative developments.]
This Thursday, December 3, members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will debate Senate Bill 714, The National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009. The time and location of the hearing are available here.
Senate Bill 714 will establish a `National Criminal Justice Commission’ to “undertake a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system … and make reform recommendations for the President.” The lead sponsor of this measure, Democrat Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, has remarked that this review ought to include a “very careful examination of all aspects of drug policy. … I think everything should be on the table.”
It’s been many years since a federally appointed commission has taken an objective look at American criminal justice policies, and it’s been nearly 40 years since federal lawmakers have undertaken a critical examination of U.S. marijuana policy. Please take time today to urge your United States senators to support Senate Bill 714. If your senators sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee, then it is especially important that that they hear from you. For your convenience, a pre-written letter will be e-mailed to your members of Congress when you enter your contact information here.
After you have written your senators, please take a moment to write or call Sen. Webb and thank him for raising this important issue. You may contact him here.
Thank you for assisting NORML’s federal law reform efforts.
This is amazing news.
thanks for the heads up and making this convenient 🙂
[Paul Armentano responds: You’re welcome. On a related note, the Pennsylvania legislature will be holding their first ever hearing on medical marijuana this Wednesday. They will be
broadcast/webcast by the PCN network. Visit Philly NORML for all the info.]
set the ganja prisoners FREE FOREVER !!!!!!
Da, How many idiots does it take to screw up a light bulb ? Hmmm , betcha they find even more ways to oppress and control us ! How many E-ons do we debate this ! They aint listening ! Remember this war ! And they aint winning ! Smoke on yaul !
maybe its finally going to happen. it sure has taken damn long enough for our government to realize there is something wrong with our criminal justice system. who knows maybe they will get around to updating education in the next decade.
O…M…G!
It’s happening! I hope this goes well! Thanks for the report!!
STOP WASTING TIME COMMENTING HERE, TAKE THE TIME TO EMAIL/WRITE/CALL YOUR ELECTED REPS INSTEAD!
Don’t come here until AFTER you’ve already told them what you want! They’re YOUR employees! You’re the boss, YOU tell them what to do!
We are making history as we know it. Keep it up NORML!
1st smile I have had on my face all day!!!! Thanx so much for keeping us updated
While I know this wont result in legal cultivation or even possesion of Cannabis, I do hope that maybe a national decriminalization could be a potential outcome of this. I think if this happens it would go a long way in helping our cause. Many many many people who consume Cannabis wont speak up about it because they are afraid of negative consequences to their job/property/liberty. But if these same people are only subject to a fine and no chance of jail time, I think we will start to see people coming out in droves to help support Norml and the like!!!
Here’s what I wrote to Specter and Casey. I’ve highlighted what I’ve changed, I suggest shortening it; no one wants to read hundreds of long, duplicate messages:
I am writing you today to tell you to support Senate Bill 714, The National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009.
Senate Bill 714 will establish a `National Criminal Justice Commission’ to “undertake a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system … and make reform recommendations for the President.” I believe that this evaluation is sorely needed.
(I deleted the rest of the pre-written text, except for the last line you see at the bottom.)
Drug addiction is a medical problem not a criminal one. Addicts need medical attention, not incarceration. Throwing nonviolent people in prison simply for possession of something that grows right out of the ground only exacerbates the problem AND the public’s resentment of the government. You’re not helping them overcome their mistakes, you’re ruining their entire lives.
I urge you to vote ‘yes’ on S. 714.
This is probably the best thing we could have asked for.
Mr. Armentano, regarding your ed. note above re: PA4MMJ, over a year ago I set up a Google Alert to send me a once-daily report of all news articles containing ‘cannabis OR marijuana OR hemp’ (this is just a suggestion you or some of your subordinates can do, if you haven’t already done so, to keep a running log of every news article published pertaining to this wonderful plant.)
In addition, after I learned of the Dec. 2 hearing finally on PA Medipot, I created another Google Alert searching for news with the words ‘Pennsylvania medicinal marijuana’ ( realize now this is a crude search effort and may refine it to include tildes (~) which to google means ‘words *like*’ i.e. ~PA would find PA or the full state name.
As such, here are some articles for you and others to peruse:
Metro columnist Dan Casey: One man’s crusade for legal relief
http://www.roanoke.com/columnists/casey/wb/228017
AIDS Law Project, ACLU-PA endorse medical marijuana
http://www.examiner.com/x-29881-Philadelphia-NORML-Examiner~y2009m11d28-AIDS-Law-Project-ACLUPA-endorse-medical-marijuana-HB-1393
Drugs and a movie: ‘Fix’ a hectic, hilarious and timely journey
http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/movies/drugs-and-a-movie-fix-a-hectic-hilarious-and-timely-journey
(Server down at the moment)
[Paul Armentano responds: The House Committee on Health and Human Services will hear testimony on House Bill 1393 on Wednesday, December 2, at 11am in Room 140 of the Main Capitol. You can contact your state representatives here: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=13244866. Philly NORML will be present at the hearing and holding media events throughout the day:
Press Conference: 10:00AM at the East Rotunda with Rep. Mark Cohen and PA4MMJ
Hearings: 11:00AM in Room 140
Supporters Rally-point: 2:30PM at the fountain entrance on commonwealth BLVD
Getting to Harrisburg
Driving Directions: GoogleMaps
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=225+Main+Capitol+Bldg+%2C+Harrisburg%2C+PA
More information about medical marijuana in Pennsylvania at http://www.pa4mmj.org]
While waiting for my next job in Los Angeles , i emailed , Mr. Webb twice thanking him .
And I just thanked senator Webb and told him I’ve already contacted Senators Specter and Casey in PA.
GREAT WORK, NORML!
This is great, one step closer.
2010 sounds like a better year already.
I did my part! wrote my senator and Webb! Did you do yours!
hydroponicsbrew.com
Okay I see they want to try and evaluate a situation here but are they thinking more in lines with how to expand as an understated goal or what? In the current political climate on the hill I am uncertain what this panel is being guided by. I honestly hope it is common sense and the voter numbers in support of a policy reversal though. Perhaps the AMA helped this to surface as well. Regardless of the unicorn argument, people are definitely living in a police state when it comes to current drug law enforcement. Too much effort is spent sniffing for cannabis and it’s consumers because it is simply too easy to generate money with.
Also, while I know this is relatively new in the notice department, who’s invited to their tea party to contribute testimony and data on the areas they will be evaluating?
I hope to see an excerpt stating the Shafer Commission Report being ignored presented as proof of malfeasance by various organizations in these discussions. It has to happen eventually, no?
Very exciting news. Lets hope all goes well and things are changed here in the next year or two!
Wow. I love coming home from work and seeing a new headline from Norml. I was NOT expecting to see this today however!
Unfortunately, none of the Senators from my state are on this committee.
Thank you God
Yay! Now hopefully the majority will actually use their numbers to their favor instead of still letting the insane conservatives continue to decide policy. I hope this doesn’t end up going the way of the health care debate.
We will see where this takes us. Senator Webb. Thank you sir for bringing it to debate. Thanks NORML for the update. Peace.
So in my estimate 2013 we will be free. Thanks NORML!
One of the things Mr. Obama promised during the campaign was that his administration would examine every line item on the federal budget and eliminate those programs that are not working or are not worth the money.
It is hard to imagine any greater waste of money than the U.S. government’s domestic and international war on marijuana and its users, not to mention the miserable failure that this policy has been.
On the other hand, marijuana policy in this country has always been based on demagoguery and political pandering, rather than truth and science. So the question remains, “Can Congress handle the truth?”
this is crazy we should give these “marijuana addicts”,the freaking electric chair.Guess i got everyones attention now.Lets hope the clowns realize the gig is up and worry about something important,its just a flower from a plant that the air when it is grown.
Take care my Brothers and Sisters
Well, dear ones, our prez is an admitted toker. I suspect he still inhales. He smokes cigs, that we know for sure. I swear to JEEZUS I could tell da dude took one big bonghit right before he did an interview on BET before becoming Commander in Chief.
But…the facts are, this nation is flat ass broke and we need some new industries for millions of unemployed citizens. China is buying GM, which leaves little in the manufacturing base anymore. Hemp was a big industry back in colonial days, will be again if certain forces get their way. Talk about cash crops! With 25,000 uses from fuel, fabric, food, materials, recreation and medicinal, the US could lead the way back to HEMP as a commodity. HEMP/CANNABIS is the ANSWER. America, the world leader in making useful, quality, hemp based stuff??? What a concept! Move over Canadians!!! I live for the day that this ridiculous prohibition is over. What absolute brainless SHEEPLE we have become believing a plant was evil and worthless.
God gave us this plant, people! Some even think it IS the BURNING BUSH that Moses spoke to. Some EVEN think it IS the TREE OF LIFE! Some even think it is the main ingredient in the oil of the ANOINTED ONE! What a concept? What if this was true? How will scholars look at this age in spiritual terms?
Maybe this extended age of stupidity (1937-2009) will finally give way to some kind of NEW AGE of REASON???
Finnalyy! I would send my senator a message agian, unfortunately I would just get back the same letter I always get about not supporting my veiw. Grassely is the one I’m speaking of. I dont think I have to explain him any further.
Hey Paul Armentano…Thanks for the heads up anyway.
[Paul Armentano responds: Sen. Grassley has actually tried to stifle this hearing from even discussing the marijuana law reform issue.
http://washingtonindependent.com/66600/grassley-hoping-to-keep-medical-marijuana-illegal
Grassley Hoping to Keep Medical Marijuana Illegal
By MIKE LILLIS 11/4/09 3:02 PM
On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider legislation designed to overhaul the nation’s criminal justice system by creating a commission to examine that system and make reform recommendations to Congress. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), is designed to confront the problem of the nation’s incarceration rates, which are far and away the highest in the developed world.
One focus of the commission’s review, sponsors say, will necessarily be the sentencing policies surrounding the decades-old “war on drugs,” which critics argue has packed the nation’s prisons needlessly with non-violent offenders.
Some Republicans, however, are wary of taking any steps toward a legalization of drugs. And they’re lining up with amendments to prevent that from happening. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), for example, has been weighing a provision that would prevent the newly formed commission from even studying the effects that drug legalization would have on the criminal justice system.
“The point is, for them to do what we tell them to do,” Grassley said Wednesday of the commission. “And one of the things that I was anticipating telling them not to do is to recommend or study the legalization of drugs.”
Asked by a reporter if his amendment would “have even stopped the discussion of legalized marijuana for medical purposes,” Grassley responded, “Yes, the extent to which it would be decriminalization, the answer is yes.”
The Webb-Specter bill has 35 co-sponsors, including Judiciary Committee Republicans Orrin Hatch (Utah) and Lindsey Graham (S.C.).]
Finally, the government has come to their senses.
Reform Marijuana Laws!
Been waiting on this, as it has a very good chance of getting something actually happening. Watch the lobbies go to work,buying support for the prohibition.
They will be discussing how much we have already spent on this war on drugs and they will have all the information on hand that is cold hard facts and figures,and not some prohibitionists wishful thinking on the ONDCP’s effectiveness.
“Marijuana is addictive to people the same way sex is,anything that good needs repeating.
cant find any mention of this news anywhere else on the internet… I am pumped about this but I think it’s value is being overstated considering it’s complete absence from the non-NORML news world. I hope I’m wrong.
[Paul Armentano responds: See the CBS coverage here:
A New Era for U.S. Drug Policy?
Jim Webb Says America’s Justice System Is Broken and Drug Policy Is Largely to Blame; Is Portugal’s Liberal Approach a Model?
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/03/national/main5515569.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody
This is the first link in NORML’s blog post.]
Thank you NORML and Jim Webb. Anyone that supports cannabis prohibition is an outright racist. “only Mexicans, Blacks and Jazz Musicians use the stuff” It is way past time to address this issue. Cannabis prohibition is the most destructive law this country has ever passed!
I wrote a thank you letter to Mr. Webb. I hope you all do the same.
god bless america
Feinstein is in there, ultra ugh. See that Hatch is on the list so consider it done NORML.
Please please stop this unconstitutional prohibition of marijuana. Is my body not my own private property and should i not have to right to do whatever i want with my private property as long as it doesnt interfere with anyone elses pursuit of happiness. The drug war has been a complete failure and i believe it is time to end prohibition and at least give regulation a try…
Like a snowball going downhill,Bigger and better. I am from Oklahoma,Senator Coburn is on the Senate Judisiary Committee and he has stated Cannabis has no medicinal value ,so we will have to see how it goes.All Oklahomans who partake of the Cannabis, need to send Senator Coburn a strong Pro-Cannabis message,you never know stranger thing have happened.
So if they are debating medical marijuana in PA, what is the next step to legalizing it because I live in PA and would like to get it or how long will it be before it might be legalized
[Paul Armentano responds: The next step is for average citizens like you to become involved. The House Committee on Health and Human Services will hear testimony on House Bill 1393 on Wednesday, December 2, at 11am in Room 140 of the Main Capitol. You can contact your state representatives here: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=13244866. Philly NORML will be present at the hearing and holding media events throughout the day:
Press Conference: 10:00AM at the East Rotunda with Rep. Mark Cohen and PA4MMJ
Hearings: 11:00AM in Room 140
Supporters Rally-point: 2:30PM at the fountain entrance on commonwealth BLVD
Getting to Harrisburg
Driving Directions: GoogleMaps
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=225+Main+Capitol+Bldg+%2C+Harrisburg%2C+PA
More information about medical marijuana in Pennsylvania at http://www.pa4mmj.org]
By the end of 2010 i’m saying total legalization.
good luck NORML! this good be revolutionary. hope you guys get to have a say in this discussion and im sure you’re all well aware of the arguments that need to be made …
Marijuana- the safer alternative!! in moderation it is literally harmless. im excited for this debate.
HOpefully something good will come out of this!!
THe drug war has to be one of America’s biggest failures , especially in regards to marijuana which could be giving the governments billions of dollars every year and free our jails of innocent victims. if obama had been arrested when he used marijuana, there is a good chance he wouldn’t be in his position today!
This could change our lives and it is a great opportunity for real change. Hopefully our prisondent for change doesn’t stop it from happening. Legalize it
Sheeeeett! My house just slid off its foundation!!
Hey number 11, I take offense at your reference to drug addicts in the context of this issue on two levels:
One, to talk like that will scare off some lawmakers whose biggest fear about all of this is perpetuating drug addiction, and by focusing on the drug addiction aspect of it you lump cannabis in with those drugs that do produce addicts.
And secondly, this isn’t about enabling drug addicts, it’s about allowing adults to use marijuana in a responsible and healthy manner and there is nothign in that that meets criteria for drug addiction.
Hey number 40, I’ve been saying by the end of 2010 for months now, I’m right there with ya!
They KNOW! They are wrong and their action UNJUST!
They KNOW they are the criminals, that they have commited treason against the will of the people using a Constructive Fraud to abrogate the rights of the people. The truth is out!
Jury Lawlessness by way of Jury Nullification. Teach your children well, for tomarrow they may sit in the jury box. Learn to just say NO, refuse to convict anyone for using cannabis and their law will be of no use. JURY NULLIFICATION, Know it, teach it, practice it, and flush that cannabis law right down the drain. Defy the law by use of our Court System, start by sitting in the jury box and use jury nullification to stop this unjust law. Just do it!
Jury Nullification in law is equal to Checkmate in chess. Get it! Use it! Stop their damm foolishness once and for all. Best damm way to shove that unjust law up the government ass.
Fucking finally!! Best news I have heard all week…no wait…all year:) Everyone please write and/or call their respective representatives.
I think this quote sums it up, and I think Cannabis does a wonderful job of helping to satisfy each of these 5 needs. Hopefully we’ll see some real “change” next year:)
“We are driven by five genetic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun.”
-William Glasser
@33
I meant links externally from this post. Except for the few provided links it appears this is nonexistent. News like this should be huge!
Grassley can kiss my ass!!
I’m sick and tired of being considered a criminal.
I have a small point of curiosity…
Just looking around the web at articles about marijuana, on those sites that allow user comments…it seems that pro-legalization comments outnumber anti-legalization comments about 9 to 1.
Now, we know that our Senate representatives are going to be innundated with mail about this subject and on the upcoming debate. What will the ratio of pro- and anti- look like in that mail?
Can we assume that there are a lot of folks contacting their Senators demanding that pot possession remain illegal?
Seriously? Can’t we assume that most of the mail will be pro-legalization?
If, in the end, the debate winds up recommending the status quo, won’t we be able to confirm that the Congress is full of shit and doesn’t give a damn what the people want?
…hmmm?
…and what shall we do then?
In Utah a 17 year old was shot in the head and is now in critical condition after a traffic stop by a UHP who “smelled marijuana”. The local news said the 17 year old shot himself in the head after a “scuffle” with the UHP “officer”.
Right … How long, how long, how long will this bull sheyit go on?
FYI NORML. Got an email reply from Senator Bennett that said:
Thank you for your email. It is important for me to hear from my constituents and I appreciate that you have taken time to contact me.
The number of Utahns that communicate with me via email has increased dramatically over the years. To help manage incoming emails, reduce the amount of spam and respond more quickly to emails, I have established an online contact form for constituents to send their comments and questions. Please resend your comments to me by using this form located on my official web site at http://bennett.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=EMail.
You can also send me a letter or call one of my offices to express your views. My contact information can be found on my web site at http://bennett.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Contact.
Thank you, again, for writing. I look forward to receiving your message soon through my online contact form.
Regards, Bob Bennett
———————–
I resent the email and the reply was: Thank you for visiting Senator Bennett’s online office. We have received your submission and your request is being processed.
If you have any questions, please call 202-224-5444.
this is the best news of the century i thought we might see baby steps near the end of obamas term that is if he didn’t think a second term would happen but this is one hell of a step in the right direction people just need to tell those Gallup polls that we support the most useful plant ever known to mankind those ever changing polls are what the politicians will point to one day when we all have life liberty and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
I was a child of the 60’s and we tried to make it happen. But wasn’t to be, until now when we are now old enough to be in charge of everything. The lies are no longer acceptable to the majority, because we are them and we are every where. This is going to happen this time. Every one stick to your guns never give up on this, and we will make it come to be.
The SENATE
Quote:
Name Number Election Cycle Committee Membership
Dodd, Christopher J. – (D – CT) (202) 224-2823 Up for election in November Banking Committee Chairman
Bayh, Evan – (D – IN) (202) 224-5623 Up for election in November Committee Member
Bennett, Robert F. – (R – UT) (202) 224-5444 Up for election in November Committee Member
Bunning, Jim – (R – KY) (202) 224-4343 Up for election in November Committee Member
Crapo, Mike – (R – ID) (202) 224-6142 Up for election in November Committee Member
DeMint, Jim – (R – SC) (202) 224-6121 Up for election in November Committee Member
Martinez, Mel – (R – FL) (202) 224-3041 Up for election in November Committee Member
Schumer, Charles E. – (D – NY) (202) 224-6542 Up for election in November Committee Member
Shelby, Richard C. – (R – AL) (202) 224-5744 Up for election in November Committee Member
Vitter, David – (R – LA) (202) 224-4623 Up for election in November Committee Member
Name Number Committee Membership
Akaka, Daniel K. – (D – HI) (202) 224-6361 Committee Member
Brown, Sherrod – (D – OH) (202) 224-2315 Committee Member
Corker, Bob – (R – TN) (202) 224-3344 Committee Member
Hutchison, Kay Bailey – (R – TX) (202) 224-5922 Committee Member
Johanns, Mike – (R – NE) (202) 224-4224 Committee Member
Johnson, Tim – (D – SD) (202) 224-5842 Committee Member
Kohl, Herb – (D – WI) (202) 224-5653 Committee Member
Menendez, Robert – (D – NJ) (202) 224-4744 Committee Member
Merkley, Jeff – (D – OR) (202) 224-3753 Committee Member
Reed, Jack – (D – RI) (202) 224-4642 Committee Member
Tester, Jon – (D – MT) (202) 224-2644 Committee Member
Warner, Mark R. – (D – VA) (202) 224-2023 Committee Member
Name Number Election Cycle
Bennet, Michael F. – (D – CO) (202) 224-5852 Up for election in November
Bond, Christopher S. – (R – MO) (202) 224-5721 Up for election in November
Boxer, Barbara – (D – CA) (202) 224-3553 Up for election in November
Brownback, Sam – (R – KS) (202) 224-6521 Up for election in November
Burr, Richard – (R – NC) (202) 224-3154 Up for election in November
Burris, Roland W. – (D – IL) (202) 224-2854 Up for election in November
Coburn, Tom – (R – OK) (202) 224-5754 Up for election in November
Dorgan, Byron L. – (D – ND) (202) 224-2551 Up for election in November
Feingold, Russell D. – (D – WI) (202) 224-5323 Up for election in November
Grassley, Chuck – (R – IA) (202) 224-3744 Up for election in November
Gregg, Judd – (R – NH) (202) 224-3324 Up for election in November
Inouye, Daniel K. – (D – HI) (202) 224-3934 Up for election in November
Isakson, Johnny – (R – GA) (202) 224-3643 Up for election in November
Leahy, Patrick J. – (D – VT) (202) 224-4242 Up for election in November
Lincoln, Blanche L. – (D – AR) (202) 224-4843 Up for election in November
McCain, John – (R – AZ) (202) 224-2235 Up for election in November
Mikulski, Barbara A. – (D – MD) (202) 224-4654 Up for election in November
Murkowski, Lisa – (R – AK) (202) 224-6665 Up for election in November
Murray, Patty – (D – WA) (202) 224-2621 Up for election in November
Reid, Harry – (D – NV) (202) 224-3542 Up for election in November
Specter, Arlen – (D – PA) (202) 224-4254 Up for election in November
Thune, John – (R – SD) (202) 224-2321 Up for election in November
Voinovich, George V. – (R – OH) (202) 224-3353 Up for election in November
Wyden, Ron – (D – OR) (202) 224-5244 Up for election in November
Name Number
Alexander, Lamar – (R – TN) (202) 224-4944
Barrasso, John – (R – WY) (202) 224-6441
Baucus, Max – (D – MT) (202) 224-2651
Begich, Mark – (D – AK) (202) 224-3004
Bingaman, Jeff – (D – NM) (202) 224-5521
Byrd, Robert C. – (D – WV) (202) 224-3954
Cantwell, Maria – (D – WA) (202) 224-3441
Cardin, Benjamin L. – (D – MD) (202) 224-4524
Carper, Thomas R. – (D – DE) (202) 224-2441
Casey, Robert P., Jr. – (D – PA) (202) 224-6324
Chambliss, Saxby – (R – GA) (202) 224-3521
Cochran, Thad – (R – MS) (202) 224-5054
Collins, Susan M. – (R – ME) (202) 224-2523
Conrad, Kent – (D – ND) (202) 224-2043
Cornyn, John – (R – TX) (202) 224-2934
Durbin, Richard J. – (D – IL) (202) 224-2152
Ensign, John – (R – NV) (202) 224-6244
Enzi, Michael B. – (R – WY) (202) 224-3424
Feinstein, Dianne – (D – CA) (202) 224-3841
Gillibrand, Kirsten E. – (D – NY) (202) 224-4451
Graham, Lindsey – (R – SC) (202) 224-5972
Hagan, Kay R. – (D – NC) (202) 224-6342
Harkin, Tom – (D – IA) (202) 224-3254
Hatch, Orrin G. – (R – UT) (202) 224-5251
Inhofe, James M. – (R – OK) (202) 224-4721
Kaufman, Edward E. – (D – DE) (202) 224-5042
Kennedy, Edward M. – (D – MA) (202) 224-4543
Kerry, John F. – (D – MA) (202) 224-2742
Klobuchar, Amy – (D – MN) (202) 224-3244
Kyl, Jon – (R – AZ) (202) 224-4521
Landrieu, Mary L. – (D – LA) (202) 224-5824
Lautenberg, Frank R. – (D – NJ) (202) 224-3224
Levin, Carl – (D – MI) (202) 224-6221
Lieberman, Joseph I. – (ID – CT) (202) 224-4041
Lugar, Richard G. – (R – IN) (202) 224-4814
McCaskill, Claire – (D – MO) (202) 224-6154
McConnell, Mitch – (R – KY) (202) 224-2541
Nelson, Ben – (D – NE) (202) 224-6551
Nelson, Bill – (D – FL) (202) 224-5274
Pryor, Mark L. – (D – AR) (202) 224-2353
Risch, James E. – (R – ID) (202) 224-2752
Roberts, Pat – (R – KS) (202) 224-4774
Rockefeller, John D., IV – (D – WV) (202) 224-6472
Sanders, Bernard – (I – VT) (202) 224-5141
Sessions, Jeff – (R – AL) (202) 224-4124
Shaheen, Jeanne – (D – NH) (202) 224-2841
Snowe, Olympia J. – (R – ME) (202) 224-5344
Stabenow, Debbie – (D – MI) (202) 224-4822
Udall, Mark – (D – CO) (202) 224-5941
Udall, Tom – (D – NM) (202) 224-6621
Webb, Jim – (D – VA) (202) 224-4024
Whitehouse, Sheldon – (D – RI) (202) 224-2921
Wicker, Roger F. – (R – MS) (202) 224-6253
Source: Campaign For Liberty — Targeted Senate List for S 604 (HR 1207 companion bill in the Senate)
Whoops, the wrong committee members are listed but the numbers are all right!
http://judiciary.senate.gov/about/members.cfm
Oh my God! I can’t believe this. I always hoped that I would see an end to marijuana prohibition! This is such wonderful news. The only trouble I have ever got into was with marijuana. God said if it was green it is good. He also said if it bare a seed it was good! Wow my heart skipped a beat when I read this.
Its to bad that our sen. is charged with murder. Sen. Jim Bunning (KY)
I sent my letter, However I sent one before and because Michigan has Medical Marijuana they lean towards that as being an answer, However there are certain Illnesses that Michigan don’t allow you to get Medical Marijuana.. I went to the doctor and he told me he couldnt’ prescribe Marijuana to me. I asked him if he Knew of anyone and he told me no. I dont’ have hardly any money to keep going to doctor to doctor and I am unemployed and Looing for work. I have Arthritis of my knee and Yes cannabis works well for inflammation. I am doing my Part thanks NORML for doing your part and all others who support the legalization of cannabis.
On a different note,Cannabis garnered a little PR yesterday on Fox News,Joey’s Mom,And her attorney appeared to discuss her self medicating of her autistic son with Cannabis laced cookies’Joey”s Cookies”
You rock #54, Burn up the phone lines!
It’s time to reGrow this country like our forefathers did.Ganja and social action not military control.
yea! i sent my email to my senator. so if all goes well, then what might happen ? is there more debatin about “fine print” issue or will we be able to smoke in our on homes?
If this commission fails to stop this insanity, then what? Continue to live in a police state? Sorry , but that is not an option.
Will this be on C-span?
[Editor’s note: It may well be, check your cable provider to confirm as C-Span does not publish their broadcast schedule until about 24 hours before a congressional hearing. Also, NORML staff will be in attendance to report on the hearings.]
Thanks for the heads up guys. I sent my letters already.
MN and WI each have two representatives on the committee!
I didn’t realize it beforehand, but now googling the committee I’ve learned both Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) and Al Franken (D-Minnesota) are members (and looking further, Wisconsin has two on the board as well).
On top of the fact that it’s nice to have two representatives from my state on the board, it’s important because of the decriminalized nature of cannabis here.
Here’s hoping it’s in our favor.
#59 Amy: Really do hope you find employment and arthritis is added to the list in your state.
I am still so sad this morning over the 17 year old being shot in the head over a trooper “smelling Marijuana”. This madness needs to end, now.
What does NORML expect this development to lead to?
Will they recommend legalization/decriminalization in 2010 and if they do will it be likely to pass?
Is this really THAT BIG of a deal?
[Paul Armentano responds: “They” would rather do nothing at all. It is up to “us,” the reform community and those who believe that these archaic laws ought to be amended, to impose our will upon those who purport to represent our interests. S. 714 seeks to establish a review commission only: whether the measure passes, whether the commission focuses on marijuana policy, whether it recommends decriminalization or legalization — the answers to those questions depend on us, not on “them.”]
JUST WHAT THE HELL ARE WE FIGHTING HERE!!!
IS THIS A “DONNY-BROOK IN REMAINDER” FROM 1937?
Are we fighting “against criminalization.” Up until 1937 it was “LEGAL.” Are we fighting to “keep it legal?”…or…are we on the defensive, do they have us on the ropes, fighting to “DECRIMINALIZE” a 72 year old “UNJUST LAW?” I guess it’s just a matter of the way one see’s it. It seems to me, on one hand, “DON’T TOUCH IT”…and…on the other hand, “PUT IT BACK.” It seems to me the more confident view is to say…”DON’T TOUCH IT…IT’S LEGAL…HANDS OFF…NOW! PROVE TO ME WHY IT’S ILLEGAL.” PROVE IT!!! That’s all I ask…”PROVE IT”…before you enact laws against it. If it were voted on for the first time today…the majority would say “DON’T TOUCH IT…LEAVE IT ALONE.”
I’m sorry but I have to temper my hope with the realization that these things never seem to work out the way they really should. Not to mention the fact that legalization puts the US in violation of a lot of treaties that we forced on other nations.
I really, really want to hope but with the way things go we may just be looking at a restructuring of who gets the money. I guess it depends on who gets to pick the ones to sit on the committe, huh?
The prison industry is huge and has a lot of interested (pronounced invested) parties so don’t think they will take to being reigned in easiely.
We do have the truth on our side though and hopefully the fact that over 3 out of 10 in our population being caught up in the penal system due to past failed policies is proof of that truth in the eyes of this panel.
We’ll keep fighting the good fight but we need to fight harder than ever because if this bill gets approval the battle is going to get real ugly.
Thank you Norml for helping us get this far. (and giving me a place to ramble:])
This law based on racism and fear needs to make way for a more sensible policy based on logic and reason.
With all the marijuana legalization articles on some of the major media outlets published lately, I wonder and hope that the media at some point acknowledges that this bill is being reviewed this Thursday. We need to continue to write to our representatives and make it known that the far outdated marijuana laws are in need of reform.
Great job NORML for doing such a great job in continuing to help us push this issue.
Congratulations to everyone involved with NORML!!! This is the most exciting time I’ve experienced since I’ve become a legal medical cannabis patient! I’m honored to be a part of the NORML team. God bless all of you!
Cheryl Shuman
Executive Director
Beverly Hills NORML
If only we could educate all of the national black organizations so they can join our cause. They will make sure their voice is heard loud and clear.
Let’s hope this doesn’t end up like the Shaffer commission. Luckily tricky dick nixon isnt in control now.
so whats norml gonna do once its legal? i mean besides jump up and down and scream from the rooftops?
I sent the message and they allready repiled, this is what they said………..
Thank you very much for contacting me to express your views. I have received your letter and I look forward to our correspondence.
The constituents of Illinois are of the utmost importance to me, and it is an honor to work on your behalf by representing you in the United States Senate.
If you have any further questions as my staff and I review your letter, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, DC office. Again, thank you and I am honored to serve you in the United States Senate.
Sincerely,
Roland W. Burris
United States Senator
Niiice! Im not gonna hold my breath though. By the time they get done ‘evaluating’ how many more lives are going to be ruined by prohibition? I find it hard to believe the $$ driven feds are going to allow any kind of sensable reform… Here’s hoping.
I don’t guess anyone noticed that Ron Pauls “Hemp” bill
and Barney Franks medical marijuana bill are also going to this committee for consideration. At least they are listed along with about 40 other bills that they have to debate.
With our present economic stress test and the fact that our prisons are full and our county jails are holding convicted and sentenced prisoners,awaiting an empty bed or space on the floor to be transferred to prison,this should be a no brainer,but I’m sure they will muddy up the water,some way. Not to mention that our courts and judicial system is backed up with cases awaiting trials or plea bargains too occur.
The “Pot” is boiling over,and someone has to clean up the mess.
[Paul Armentano responds: The Frank and Paul bills are in the House, not the Senate. HR 2835 is now before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. HR 1866 is before the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. HR 2943 is now before both the House Judiciary Committee, and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. All the information you need to support these bills directly may be found here: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/.%5D
Patrick J. Leahy
Chairman, D-Vermont
Biography
Herb Kohl
D-Wisconsin
Biography
Jeff Sessions
Ranking Member, R-Alabama
Biography
Dianne Feinstein
D-California
Biography
Orrin G. Hatch
R-Utah
Biography
Russ D. Feingold
D-Wisconsin
Biography
Chuck Grassley
R-Iowa
Biography
Chuck Schumer
D-New York
Biography
Jon Kyl
R-Arizona
Biography
Dick J. Durbin
D-Illinois
Biography
Lindsey Graham
R-South Carolina
Biography
Benjamin L. Cardin
D-Maryland
Biography
John Cornyn
R-Texas
Biography
Sheldon Whitehouse
D-Rhode Island
Biography
Tom Coburn
R-Oklahoma
Biography
Amy Klobuchar
D-Minnesota
Biography
Ted Kaufman
D-Delaware
Biography
Arlen Specter
D-Pennsylvania
Biography
Al Franken
D-Minnesota
Biography
As you can see,many of the strongest opponents to marijuana legalization are on this committee,so don’t plant your garden yet.
I sent my email in support of the commission. In addition to thanking Senator Webb for initiating this and for rebuffing Senator Grassley’s attempt to neuter the commission, I also brought to their attention once again information I sent them a few weeks ago. This involved a situation several years ago in which the drug war was cynically used to discredit me after I made whistleblower allegations in the nuclear power industry. This is one of the worst aspects of drug possession laws, the ease with which they can be manipulated to control and silence people for political or corporate purposes.
For the curious, there is more about this here:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/11/10/802636/-Nukes,-Drugs,-and-RockRollpart-II,-Whistle-Retaliation
#77 – Hopefully NORML opens dispensaries in every state and profits go through the roof for them. Hopefully NORML people end up being wealthy because in my heart I know they’ll always do the right thing with their well deserved earnings.
While individual states are doing the right thing for medical MJ the biggest challenge lies ahead and that’s the Federal government.
Even if medical MJ becomes real in my state we live on a military base as DoD employees. Not to mention all the active duty military that live on bases that need medical MJ.
And I don’t consume cannabis because of the husband’s federal job and where we live but I do write letters and make calls. Even writing those letters and making those calls has me shaking in my boots but I do it.
It upsets the husband that I do it but he does understand.
Two things:
a) I also live in Illinois but did not receive that respond email from Burris for some reason (unless I missed it). I appreciate you showing the message I surely would have received as well (despite the fact I wrote my own 5 paragraph plea… no one will see that but a computer. Quantity still helps though).
b) Roland Burris has already openly said he supports the decriminalization of marijuana, so we are already looking good there. More importantly, Dick Durbin, who is one of the 19 judiciary committee members also supports the decriminalization. That is the reason we are a January vote away from being #15 for medical usage (NJ has #14 wrapped up).
” bill (cowboydan) TN Says:
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:52 am
so whats norml gonna do once its legal? i mean besides jump up and down and scream from the rooftops?”
ive thought about this before- NORML could possibly move into selling high quaality cannabis?
maybe sell online- become the amazon of online marijuana.
if NORML uses this – a job would be nice! ill grow the marijuana
[Russ responds: I don’t know about marijuana selling. However, we get this question often: what becomes of NORML post-re-legalization? Well, first of all, it’s not going to happen all at once, it will happen state by state, so that gives us fifty separate battles to fight. Then once prohibition is repealed nationwide there will still be cannabis consumers and they will still need a lobby. Beer’s legal and the National Beer Wholesalers Association is a huge and powerful lobby. Places with more restrictive cannabis statutes will still need tweaking. Standards will need to be set in various cannabis industries. In short, I don’t see NORML going anywhere after re-legalization, I see us growing. Maybe we change the acronym to “National Organization for Re-legalized Marijuana Lovers”?]
Will this be on t.v.? If so which channel I am very interested and planning on watching it!
Does anyone have a list of emails for the judiciary committee? I really don’t feel that I should have to give all my information on some stupid web form in order to show my support… 🙁
Anyone look at the people on the judiciary committee? Look at when they were elected.. half of them come from the time of major drug propaganda… we need to educate these people.. but remember –
“Never argue with a person whose job depends on not being convinced.”
The system cannot support current practices. The corruptions created by current marijuana laws creates societal conflict with police and erodes constitutional values. Frankly our drug laws are essentially a way to keep minority populations at risk. As a mental health professional who has seen funding for behavioal trearnt diminish as the USA has taken a more hard line militant approach to drug problems. Rachel Hoffman would be pleased to see the current positive changes in the marijuana reform movement. Too bad she died in police entrapment strategy. This case is a stand alone example of this countries current drug policies! (added by Mobile using Mippin)
i saw it but did not understand what the hell they where talking about….
@Russ’s response in #88
Why not: National Organization for the Review of Marijuana Laws
I clicked on the link to watch the hearing but I didn’t find anyone for today. What happend?
Can we get an update on this story please?
any news?
ok so whats goin on with this bill ? does anyone know what happened ?
i found this
http://judiciary.senate.gov/
S. 714, National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009 (Webb, Graham, Leahy, Hatch, Schumer, Durbin, Cardin, Whitehouse, Franken, Specter)
Held Over
what does held over exactly mean? delayed?
I can’t find the part where they talk about the SB 714 bill. i don’t want to watch the whole 2 hours…
I wrote to my senator Bill Nelson (D) here in Florida and as he is one of the co-sponsors of the bill and he says that he is not in favor of legalizing marijuana and continued to say that it is a dangerous drug…
I wrote him back and asked him to do his research before concluding that it is a dangerous drug. Still waiting to here back from him on this, but if Floridians could all band together and mail or email him to get the point across that this is not a dangerous drug than it may help in our battle. Especially considering Florida is trying to get medical marijuana on the Florida ballot initiative for 2010, we need to let our senators know we want to be taxed on this cash crop.
Good points Bob riley. The aspect of society / law enforcement is something I mentioned in my email to Senator Webb.
I read on the site that 714 has been “held over” i am not sure what i am to think of this. Held over? Not acted on?
Can we get an update on anything that happened?
[Editor’s note: NORML staff attended the hearing and indicate that the committee did not reach the applicable part of the hearing where SB 714 was to be addressed. The bill will be up again for discussion at the next committee hearing, and it should come up early in the proceedings. NORML will continue to apprise the cannabis community and advocate for the creation of a federal review commission.]
http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/hearing.cfm?id=4218
looks like it might be brought up again on the 10th.
Oh man I get so tired of the roller coaster ride of hope and dispair. I’m so tired of technically being a criminal because I choose to medicate and recreate with a safer but wrongly villified substance by a bunch of people who (a large percentage of them) are usually drinking by noon every day. Being reduced to a third class citizen due to fear mongering idiots who continually ignore scientific evidence proof that they are on the wrong side of the issue and then use the media to promote their lies convincing most of the voting populace believe their garbage.
I just wonder how it doesn’t sicken the members of this commitee enough to take action when they read the same stories every day that we do about real criminals being released to rape more wemon and children, kill more cops and citizens and so on so we can make more room for the constant flow of “might be” and “would be” addicts and small time dealers.
obama can have a beer on the whitehouse lawn but i cant smoke a joint? one year i was in athens maine and a big sign read we suport our seletman i found out later she was busted for reefer.i also read that a pot plant 4 feet high was pulled up at the townbarn in athens maine.
WHEN DO U GET RESULTS! THATS ALL I WANNA KNOW!
I don’t see why everyone is so excited. I think a lot of people have already forgotten that Obama laughed at our face a couple of months ago. Don’t get me wrong, i think its great that they are doing this, but i don’t see it going anywhere!
this is such great news. people are finally thinking logically.
109, Dave
The reason we are so excited about this, is because it is yet another positive sign that people are finally waking up. No, there aren’t nearly enough officials in our gov’t behind us, but compare the number today that are to ten, or even five, years ago. We are not only gaining ground and support among the public, but now we have our foot in the gov’t’s impenatrable door. And personally, I can’t stand Obama, but I do applaud him for keeping good on his promise to stop going after cannabis patients who use it according to state laws. Also, in his defense, there is still a majority of voters out there who want pot to remain a crime. Now, from my perspective, he announced the question, had a chuckle, then moved on. This man LOVES to talk – whether it’s something he’s opposed to or not. He wanted the voters to see that, but I personally believe he has a vested interest in this issue. That’s my $0.02.
Hope this is debated today!
Was this ever brought up and discussed?? Does anybody know if it was even referenced?
Yeah…anything happening??? I rifled through this video, but found nothing of interest…did I miss it?
Any updates?
[Editor’s note: The senate committee met on Thursday, and about the only business they addressed was a journalism ‘shield law’. The next committee hearing should get to the Crime Commission legislation…]
Still any updates as to how the vote went on the 10th?
what is the word on this? i hope it goes well!
Do we know when this will be rescheduled? Read an article today on early release programs states are using because of overcrowding. Makes sense that this judiciary committee would put two and two together to realize that nonviolent crimes such as use and possession of cannabis should be decriminalized and legalized.
EDITOR: What happened? Anything?
[Editor’s note: The hearing did not get to this bill and will not likely until after the holiday break.]
This is what I got back from Al Franken.
———————
Thank you for contacting me about the United States criminal justice system. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue that is critical to public safety and the well-being of our country.
The United States makes up just 5% of the world’s population, but detains 25% of the world’s prison population. The number of drug offenders in jail has increased 1,200% since 1980, there are significantly more mentally ill people in prisons than in mental health facilities, and minors are being sentenced to life behind bars.
The National Criminal Justice Commission Act, which was introduced by Senator Jim Webb on March 26, 2009, would create a committee to review our criminal justice system. This bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. As a member of that committee, I am a proud cosponsor of this bill.
The bill would create a non-partisan committee to look at federal and state criminal justice costs, practices, and policies; research incarceration, gang activity, drug policy, mental illness in the system, and crime prevention; make policy recommendations; work with governmental and nongovernmental leaders; and submit a public report to Congress and the President. The commission would consider sentencing, treatment, and other fair, effective rehabilitation strategies. I look forward to voting for this bill when it comes up in the Judiciary Committee and the full Senate.
Thank you again for contacting me about reforming the criminal justice system, and please don’t hesitate to do so in the future on this or any other matter of concern to you.Sincerely,
Al Franken
United States Senator