This coming November’s mid-term election is going to have major implications for cannabis law reform.
In South Dakota, election officials last week certified Measure 13, the South Dakota Safe Access Act, for the November ballot.
If approved by voters, Measure 13 would exempt state criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana or six plants by authorized patients — making South Dakota the fifteenth state to legalize medicinal cannabis use. Proponents of the measure, the grassroots South Dakota Coalition for Compassion, collected over twice the number of signatures necessary to place the proposal on the 2010 ballot — a feat that they believe is indicative of medical marijuana’s growing support in the Great Plains. In 2006, voters narrowly rejected a similar proposal – marking the only time that citizens have rejected a statewide medical marijuana legalization proposal.
The stakes are arguably even higher in California, where election officials last night confirmed that the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 will appear on the November ballot.
If approved, the measure will allow adults 21 years or older to possess, share or transport up to one ounce of cannabis for personal consumption, and/or cultivate the plant in an area of not more than twenty-five square feet per private residence. It will also permit local governments the option to authorize the retail sale of marijuana and/or commercial cultivation of cannabis to adults and to impose taxes on such sales. Personal marijuana cultivation or not-for-profit sales of marijuana would not be taxed under the measure.
The measure will not alter or amend any aspect of the California Health and Safety code pertaining to the use of marijuana for medical purposes, when such use is authorized by a physician.
You can read more about this proposal here.
According to an April 2009 California Field Poll, 56 percent of state voters back legalizing and regulating the adult use and sale of cannabis.
Other states are in play as well. Ballot drives in Washington and Oregon are ongoing, and numerous municipal measures are also pending. Meanwhile, in the nation’s Capitol, DC council members are discussing allowing authorized patients to grow their own marijuana legally — despite the federal ban.
No matter how you look at it, this November is shaping up to be the most important month for marijuana law reform ever.
Let the battles begin.
Going to be a huge voter turnout! Lots of first time voters registering to be a part of all this.
I don’t really see this failing in California or South Dakota. California is really the lynch pin though. This is going to be a cultural way point comparable to the equal rights and women’s suffrage movements. It is going to change not only the actual landscape, but the political and cultural landscape as well. For those of us interested in the movement, we will remember election day 2010 in California like we did the way we remember where we were and what we were doing when 9/11 happened. Great news!
as we go forward please remember to be polite and factual, we strive against stereotypes. This will be the second time in my life that i have seen cannabis almost legal, lets not blow it at the last minute. Be strong and proud our time is coming…good on you
California has my YES vote!!!!!!!
I wish there was a list of the municipal measures. Saint Louis county looks like it’ll decrim this November.
This is not just about our right to get high – which we do have.
This is about restoring america.
This is about ending Mexican violence.
This is about ending un-american incarceration culture.
More is at stake than a joint. Blood of mexicans, and fresh air and sanity for americans is at stake.
With the combination of the mounting scientific information we have about cannabis, and the knowledge of cannabis prohibition’s origin, and the knowledge of what prohibition is doing to countries across the world now… we, as a society, would be INSANE not to legalize.
Fox News has a Poll about Cali legalizing cannabis.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/03/25/agree-californias-bid-legalize-recreational-use-marijuana/
Let the propaganda from law enforcement interests begin!
NORML should set up a “truth squad” like Obama did to strike down the lies and slanders that we know are coming.
Imagine if we had a potion…
Imagine this potion could potentially cure cancer. Imagine if it was shown to reduce breast cancer, slow growth of cancerous cells.
Imagine it had miraculous uses on a pantheon of alements.
Imagine this elixer could restore parts of american economy and society. Imagine it could restore Mexican society and economy.
Imagine that it could be used to make clothing, paper, cars, oil, food, and anything else you could imagine.
Imagine it had spiritual applications, mind altering applications, with no risk
Imagine that it helped growth of brain cells.
Imagine it were completely safe. And not only safe (neutral) but very benefitial.
Now Imagine that the government that ‘governs you’ made a law which forbids this potion.
Now imagine following that retarded law. They wonder why we dis-obey. Nothing is more Un-American than believing in and following laws which are un-constitutional and incongruous with the American idea – that we are all created equally, and freely, and the we are garunteed rights… including the right to smoke cannabis. (an act which Jefferson, Adams, Washington, etc were VERY fond of)
You bet “let the battles begin” This movement has grown in strength and in my mind we’re way past the point of the clock being turned back ever again.
Yesterday on the news there was a quick blurb about the California measure. The newscaster said “opponents of the measure say they can defeat it”.
To be accurate the newscasters should have said, “prohibitionists say they can defeat the measure”.
This is certainly great news. Although my state may be far behind about being compassionate(Texas), this may be the catalyst that moves me to the West Coast, from the Gulf Coast.
Good luck California! Norml, awesome job.
I hope America does finally grow up! By November if only One state could show the others that this(re-legalization) can be done in a respectful, reasonable, adult manner maybe just maybe they will follow? I also read that Obama and the gang does not want legalization on their watch! True pity to act like Cannabis was really made illegal for health and society’s safety. Sheeple are easily Fooled!
California is ready. Bring it on come november.
I hope all the readers here will donate to the California campaign to help ensure it wins in November!
Only 1.5-2 yrs left to study for a new degree, since my old one blows in todays economy, then it looks like a cross country move to Cali is coming up. great climate, good people, a gov that is screwed up, but right now the whole country is. legalized Cannibis L Sativa will revolutionize Cali and make it a haven of intellecual (sp due to dyslexia) knowledge.
this excites me. 🙂
hopefully that 56% has and will continue to grow.
Norml, this is great news. I love to hear this and any other marijuana information. But is there some way or someone that could give me some information on how the Missouri bill is doing and who is representing it? I write ALL people that I can in Congress over missouri laws, but I only know of government congressmen and not of the people in state congress. I would just like to email my local constituent. Thank you and gl to Cali….you might end up being the most populated state in the nation after this year….
[Paul Armentano responds: House leadership opposes HB 1670 in Missouri. This is why the bill has not received a hearing, and why a recent medical marijuana amendment was rejected by lawmakers. Medical marijuana in Missouri is not a federal issue but a state issue, and you and like-minded folks will need to continue to lobby your state elected officials to change this reality. Assisting the efforts of groups like Joplin NORML and Sensible Missouri is a good place to start.]
The first state with straightforward legalization will certainly have at least two more Professional, law abiding, tax paying, non-child having members amongst their numbers as my wife and I are ready to relocate and bring our spending power to a more enlightened area. In these horrific economic times, one must pare down and choose the things that matter the most to concentrate their energies on, regardless of others’ judgment, and we are sick of being disqualified by our personal choices and opinions that have no bearing whatsoever upon anyone else. We just want to be free in the respect that has affected us most throughout our lives. Viva La Legalization!!! And make room for two more…
Hey-lyrics “yah it doesnt matter where your from-you may of been born with a dose of a green thumb-Or born with an eternal disease-WE GOT TO SET YOU FREE.
Thank you-Thanks thanks thanks thanks thanks
thats BS that medical marijuana is in D.C., the nations friggin capital, but we can’t have it nationwide. is that so the politicians can continue their drug abuse (pills and pot) while the laymen suffer? SUCK IT D.C. (unless medical mary jane becomes nationwide… then WAY TO GO D.C.)(until then SUCK IT)
I can only hope that this will be a snowball effect and the rest of America will wake up.
Let the Domino effect take it’s course. The cost of high end cannabis should be on par with the costs of high end grapes. Legalization should lower the costs for consumers otherwise what’s the point? I shouldn’t have to smoke or vaporize, I should be able to buy high end cannabutter at nearly the same cost as regular butter.
Please make an effort to get the Libertarian leaning Tea Parties on board for November. Most Tea Partiers are very open minded and believe the War on Drugs is wasteful and a failed policy. Maybe a liberty minded NORML speaker at a rally or two.
As optimistic as I am, I know that there is a risk that these measures can’t pass. I’m begging EVERYONE who sees this comment to GET OUT AND VOTE THIS NOVEMBER FOR MARIJUANA!!!! make sure you know the dates, the locations where voting is being held, AND bring your friends to VOTE FOR MARIJUANA!
I agree
Let the end BEGIN
Usually politicians are asked if they have smoked in there life and more than half say yes. Then when elected they show there hypocracy by arresting people for doing there old thing.
This year a comprehensive cannabis law perspective should be sought and required from EVERY canadate. If they are not pro cannabis then screw them thats our biggest issues. You cant have 3 states legalize it and the press still not say jack…it is coming
I cant wait, I would love to see the faces of all the cannabis haters when its legalize and they realize there the ones that have been wrong for so long. Such stupidity i cant wait till it all ends. Thanks Norml
The time has come for the states to drop their pants and wave their privates at the FEDS. We will not fear you any longer. We will prove it to you. We will defy you. We will ignore you, and if need be, we will defeat you. Because here in America, the PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER!!! Let the battles begin indeed!!!! The new generation is here and ready to make a change!!
Yes it is , an i know we r just going into summer and i love summer but i cant wait till November ,havent heard any more about Iowa though only that everything is still pending , such as medical,deciminization,tax an regulation thats what i seen on USA Today .Hell maybe the state of Iowa is waiting till Nov
I really hope that Oregon and Washington State also get marijuana on their ballots for this November. One of them is bound to be approved!
Andrew Napolitano just did an interview on Fox’s Studio B. Flat out said “…I think it is time to do this.” It was great for the Fox demographic to hear this. The more stories that have older, seemingly dignified individuals presenting a case for ending prohibition. The anchor (not Smith) then spoke about guns…way ever the hell he would do that. But, all in all a huge thanks from myself to Judge Napolitano. Evil hippies and ghetto bangers are not the only ones who would like to be free from the government to make choices for themselves.
thank you paul.
Ah yes… I can’t wait until this is a serious debate topic in the next presidential election. It’s too big to ignore now.
The tipping point has arrived ladies and gentlemen.
Lets push this over and spill it out everywhere!!!!
GO NORML 2010!!!!!!
Finally, the time will come for voters to be the ones who make decisions about their own lives.
Wish I lived in Cali to vote this November. Get out there Californians, don’t let this slip away!
About time we are getting legalization of Marijuana in one of the most policed countries in the world. Keep it up California, hopefully this will make people realize it is safe for Medical reason in other states that do not have Medicalization laws, like Kansas for example.
This type of change is long overdue. I’m sure the feds are doing their damnedest to keep it from happening, but watch this type of legislation sweep across the nation from here. Go Cali, Go!
The ‘Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010’ has to be one of very few things in Americas legislation process today that has the potential to help our struggling economy.
Day after day I both hear and read others opinion on the legalization of marijuana. Most people that I discuss the topic with today, be it friends or even customers at my place of work, seem to not have a problem with the idea of the legalization of marijuana as long as it is CONTROLLED and TAXED in the open market. The only people I come across that are unhappy with the idea are people who are afraid of what it could do to society (i.e. more traffic fatalities, lazier workers etc). The issue I have with these arguments is that there is absolutely NO data to back it up. Sure, smoking pot and driving is most likely not a good idea. I’ve done it and know many people that have done it as well and it seems to have no affect on however, it IS a mind altering substance and should be treated as such. Don’t smoke and drive laws should and most likely will be passed to discourage any driving while under the influence of drugs (DUID). As for people being lazy at work… well, just because its a legal substance doesn’t mean your place of employment will allow you to come into work high or even work there at all. Companies will still have the right to drug test and turn down possible employees for use of marijuana. The law being passed alone will not harm that process. It wont be until the ‘Equal Opportunity’ law is revised that those rules will change’ or so I’ve been told.
I highly encourage EVERY citizen of California that reads this article to become a registered voter and say YES to this law reform in November of 2010. I think I can speak for everyone who supports this act in saying that you all have the chance to take the first step in helping our economy recover… and to just simply tell the govt that they are not in control of our lives… we are.
Lets get it done.
DJ
We are gathering signatures in Seattle today for I-1068 at Qwest Field and in Pioneer Square before and during the Seattle Sounders game. Please do your part and get out and sign. And remember to PLEASE get out and vote in November!! You can also find a list of Businesses in and around the state that are hosting a petition at our site http://www.sensiblewashington.org . Puff Puff Pass…
I will be moving to California if we don’t get our act together in WA — The state of Washington won’t afford me my civil rights, so I will bring my high income and subsequent tax money, as well as my significant skillset, to a state which is truly progressive — and beautiful to boot.
Good bye rain — Hello, Sunshine.
california… you are the ones to gain a very very importent freedom back for all americans!! we are all behind you on this importent ledgislation. every one must vote yes to stop this lost drug war now and forever. this is a freedom we must have back for all adults in this country.. give em hell cali!!
My prediction is 2013 all federal bans gone!!! All I can say is I had a dream!
You rock NORML!!!!
“1. Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes.
2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.”
—Communist Manifesto 10 point program
“(a)…may include imposition of appropriate general, special or excise, transfer or transaction taxes, benefit assessments, or fees, on any activity authorized pursuant to such enactment, in order to permit the local government to raise revenue…
(b)… including without limitation income taxes, business taxes, license fees, and property taxes, without regard to or identification of the business or items or services sold.”
–Section 11302: Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010
yikes!
[Editor’s note: What is scary is you wrongly comparing the Communist Manifesto to standard tax language, which is both counter-productive and idiotic.]
what a surprise, it made the ballot in California…
i await to be surprised again this November.
Can someone please explain this to me, “Meanwhile, in the nation’s Capitol, DC council members are discussing allowing authorized patients to grow their own marijuana legally — despite the federal ban.”
Washington DC is a FEDERAL municipality with NO State government, only Federal government, so if they authorize patients, wouldn’t that be authorizing it for all Americans?? Do we not all follow the same laws as DC Federal? Confused I guess to how they can pass medical marijuana in DC only, and its not for the average American under the same federal laws.
[Paul Armentano responds: The District of Columbia has its own city council that passes the laws for DC. The federal government has veto power of DC’s laws, but the Council and not the Feds, are who pass the laws in the jurisdiction on Washington, DC. The DC City Council is establishing local regulations regarding the legalization of medical marijuana because DC voters passed an initiative mandating it to do so — just like voters in California, Washington, and numerous other states have passed medical marijuana laws over the years.]
A great big Thank You to NORML, Richard Lee and all of the people working on reform in America. Keith and I may actually live long enough to see legal cannabis. I still can’t understand why Obama hasn’t gotten behind lifting prohibition. Cannabis prohibition was based on racism and to this day is racially charged. Declaring war on our own citizens is tyranny. I still believe our bodies belong to us and the government should not be able to tell us what we can put into it. I hope the voters in California, Oregon, Washington and South Dakota speak loud and clear about personal freedom. Again thanks to all who support lifting cannabis prohibition.
Oh its going to be exciting boys and girls. Like waiting to open chrismas presents on christmas eve. Hey hands off the presents! No peeking! 🙂
When Cannabis is legalized (yes I said “when” not “if”), employment will be at record levels, since much of the cannabis trade is labour intensive. The Cartels will have their knees cut out from under them losing about 80% of the money flow they once had. Taxes will drop since we will not have to pay as many police and gaurds to lock up people for a victimless crime. Drinking will decrease and teen use will drop. What teen wants to be seen with his parents or grandma consuming their medicine? Sparking up will no longer be cool. Honest education can proceed from here about drugs in general. Did I forget to mention Hemp? Hemp will explode and the price will drop like a stone around the world. All in all it is going to be a much better world.
Bring it on!!!
This should be very interesting indeed.
Should get a lot of publicity towards November. If one passes, the rest will follow suit in due time, or maybe the feds will close the state down (lol).
Decriminalize it!
DONT PUT YR BIG COMPANY PATENTS AND TRY TO CONTROL A PLANT THAT GROWS NATURALLY!
– Passage of California’s “Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010”
on this November’s ballot will be a major step towards enacting sane, humane policy…
🙂
– Why should something less harmful than alcohol or tobacco
remain less legal any longer…???
Sadly, the nay sayers are already out there and afoot. Today’s San Francisco Chronicle carries an article from the blog of Doctor Gurley and she is essentially spouting all the same propaganda—teen use, carcinogenic smoke—quality control blah blah blah—of prohibition. NEVER even mentions consuming the herb OR vaporizing. Disappoints me as I usually think she has good things to say. In the end, I guess she’s just another western med. doctor in the pocket of big pharma. It’d be great if someone from NORML could jaunt on over to her blog site and rebut the information she has up there with more finesse than many of the respondents on the blog are currently doing.
Here’s hoping it DOES pass in November.
A marijuana legalization win for California will be a win for America.
I have already registered to vote ONLY because of this, finally the day will come. Every smoker should register.
And the prohibs are lining up too throw their hands in the air as they see the possible loss of funding from the government for furnishing ads,school programs and spreading the propaganda furnished by NIDA and the ONDCP.
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0325/Now-on-the-ballot-could-marijuana-legalization-happen-in-California
Excerpts from above article:
“Proponents like Smith, however, argue that social mores have changed. He points to last year’s Michael Phelps episode in which a photo of the Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer was widely distributed on the Internet.
“His sponsors reacted negatively, but the public was outraged by the furor over it,” says Smith. “They were saying, ‘hey, this is no big deal … a guy in his early 20s smoking at a party … so what? Half of the people in that demographic do it.’ ”
And it really messes up their claims that marijuana use
causes laziness and under achievers when the fastest swimmer in the world smokes pot.
I wonder what it did for y=them when Cheech Marin beat a Yale and a Harvard graduate on Jeopardy at a charity game last week. Anderson Cooper said on his nightly broadcast on CNN that Cheech not only beat him,he crushed him.
Smith also points to the high cost of policing and incarcerating marijuana users at the expense of other areas of public safety.
If marijuana is legal,what policing and what incarceration costs,duh? It is so nice when the prohibs furnish the very reasons for legalization as
a reason not to legalize.
“We are spending a fortune in our efforts to police consensual adult behavior while there are other important issues of public safety that need to be addressed,” he says.”
According to the last report I saw,the removal of marijuana from law enforcement’s resposibilities would leave the police a considerable amount of time to address those vague issues that Mr. smith refers too.
And with the name of Mothers And Dads Against Drug
Dealers,they should be supporting legalization,since it is the only way to reduce the profits from marijuana
enough remove marijuana as the major source of their income.
[Paul Armentano responds: A few notes about our opposition. The Steve Steiner quoted in the CSM article’s son died of a drug overdose, as reported by the CSM. What the CSM doesn’t tell you is that his son died of a prescription drug overdose (oxycotin), and that Steiner is now funded by the manufacturer of said prescription drug (Perdue Pharma) to lobby against marijuana.
http://blog.drugpolicy.org/2006/02/stalking-is-fun.html
Likewise, a new website has been launched as of today to oppose the CA initiative: http://www.nipitinthebud2010.org. You can read it for yourself. The driving force behind the site is Alexandra D. Datig, a former escort (turned tell-all author) and methamphetamine addict now in recovery:
http://www.fiveyearsfromnow.net/
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1683&dat=19960419&id=IHAaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_C0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3110,3657846%5D
What about Arizona’s ballot initiative? No love for the valley of the sun? Shame on you NORML!
Not only is it great that in California, people will be able to finally have a say in the matter, but now, with this issue on the ballot, because it will draw more young people into the booth, as well as many people who don’t normally vote, other things besides this issue may start to change. The ratio of the voters will change. And the younger, politically lazier, however, in my opinion politically more intelligent in general (and that is a huge generalization which is not always true) will finally have a chance to get their asses out there and tip the scales of justice for this and every other issue on the ballot.
Let’s make it happen CA!
Good Luck America!
sigh… 8 more months
I am more interested in how Congress and Obama handle California if the initiative passes.
I am also interested what happens in my state with Governor Lynch who vetoed our medical marijuana bill in the rudest way and is threatening to veto our decrim bill if it gets to his desk.
well the only thing that could be very bad is, if these greedy corporations take it over.that means a few will get very rich,and many people the slave wage workers will get exploited for there hard labor.if the average grower can make an honest living out of it pay his part, so california can recover that is a great thing!but if a few get rich and the wealth is not shared around that is = to criminal corruption!
This bill passing will help towards ending the hypocritical War on Marijuana. Once California changes the law the other states will start to pop up with new reform. Tax Cannabis 2010!
i think what is the principal work of norml now is making the people know is if has changes, these changes won’t go cause any harm for the society and the state… What is true! in question about sociability, health risks, epidemic overdoses and the “zombie-pothead migrates for the hard drugs” these thing never going happen… and we need to educate them…
http://www.nipitinthebud2010.org/sig_pr.html Anyone else think the picture at the bottom is just ****ed up?
Paul and all,check this out.
http://www.marijuana.com/drug-war-headline-news/143427-mex-mexico-bristles-some-u-s-states-relax-marijuana-laws.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Marijuana_Headline_News+%28Marijuana.com+-+Headline+News%29
Excerpt:
“MEXICO CITY — As more U.S. states permit medical marijuana, and California considers legalizing cannabis sales to adults, Mexico is voicing irritation at the gap between drug laws north and south of the border and saying it undercuts the battle against Mexico’s violent drug cartels. Mexico Secretary of the Interior Fernando Gomez Mont said last week the U.S. medical marijuana trend was “worrisome” and “complicates in a grave way” efforts to resolve Mexico’s soaring drug-related violence.
The issue came to the fore earlier this week when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton led a high-level U.S. delegation to Mexico to discuss counter-drug strategies.Clinton said law enforcement authorities are keeping close tabs on medical marijuana dispensaries in the 14 states where such sales are permitted. She added that she doesn’t believe that the rising number of states that allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes was a major factor in marijuana flows into the U.S. from Mexico .
“We have not changed our laws, and we do not see this as a major contributor to the continuing flow of marijuana, the vast, vast majority of which is used for recreational purposes,” Clinton said.”
Since we all know that the legalization of marijuana would harm the cartels ability to buy guns and soldiers,why would the Mexican government not want us to legalize,unless they want the market to stay intact
and remove the cartels from control,so they can take over the market?
And our government is helping them to do that.
I wondered why Calderon would want the black market closed down when it would devastate his countries economy,but that is not what they want,they just want control of it.
wow ok this is just great i love to hear news like this its always a way to brighten my day (that and mary jane =D) well i really hope this vote passes its time to get out of this. prohibition didnt work then and it wont work now in phycology class the other day we had a debate and honestly its a war on the generations it seems those who are older such as my grandparents have different views and such liek back then they had reefer maddness and only the burn out druggies seemed to smoke now almost everyone even our role models in life(thanks to phelps that asain guy i mean i dont care about him but even still…) and even my parents are borderline where as myself and many of y peers enjoy it for everything its worth well sory for my speach i could carry on but who cares about some long ramble ill get off my soapbox =D
ON A SIDE NOTE— well this is extremely off topic but i wonder who actually reads the stuff read by the other writers such as myself well lets have an experiment after your 2 cents could you skip a few lines and put the numer of who alls post you read heres mine
— 1,2,3,4,8,37,42,60 (yes a skim aroudn after awhile)
thanks everybody for the support
–cory
ON A SIDE NOTE AS WELL—– just a few articals i found you might find of use good for them makign the world go round in a circle liek a bong sess and man the goverment is a mess i dont wanna say to much im not trying to piss anyoen off http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/marijuana_scent_led_police_drug_production.html
#64 Anonymous Says:
March 26th, 2010 at 2:07 am
http://www.nipitinthebud2010.org/sig_pr.html Anyone else think the picture at the bottom is just ****ed up?
@ #64 Anonymous:
Yes it certainly is,
as well as this one:
http://www.nipitinthebud2010.org/fumigitus1.jpg
Nip It has ZERO-CREDIBILITY because they’re using idiotic SCARE-TACTICS…
– The opposition is MAGNIFYING, (1000x), and conflating, (falsely-attributing),
the Hazards and Consequences of Prohibition,
(of illegal, UNregulated, underground markets),
of poorly-handled, poorly-stored street-schwag, (“decomposing marijuana”),
with what would be available in a legal, quality-regulated market.
– If tomatoes were illegal, and poorly-stored,
(to ultimately keep them hidden from view),
they’d be moldy too!!!
But tomatoes are not illegal, and neither should cannabis be either!!!
Great, But how is this going to play out with the rest of the country and all the laws that change almost by zip codes. Washington needs to listen to us And do what the people want. We need a Federal law! If I travel can I take my meds with me? Will I be fired for thc in my piss test? In 1865 we had a devided nation that united again. “north /south” The Federal government had to make law to unite the country. History does repeat itself and I hope DC finialy gets enough balls to do the right thing, Mr Lincoln did
Why was I not born in California? New York is still a fascist police state!
First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they try to fight you. Then you win.
-Ghandi
Finally, real hope in the nightmare of the Drug War.
If this passes, it will work and when it does the world will see some real change.
I would not be so quick to assume that just because California legalizes pot that the rest of the nation will automatically jump in line. California is just one state, and in the eyes of many Americans the place where “all the lunatics” eventually move to. It (legalization) could very well work against us for a while. However, if places like Mass and NY were to legalize, then you sort of “legitimize” the issue with “east coast snobbery”. But then you got the rest of the country, largely viewed by both coasts as a bunch of dumbass rednecks. No folks, we are in for a long fucking battle.
I read your stuff as do most most people who reply or want to see what somebody elses opinion on a topic so it’s not a lost cause….lol
Go Pot
I have a urning for a burning in my cannabinoid receptor They’re feeling deficient…
: )
Citzens of California register to vote at
http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm
Just complete the online form and mail it to the address on the form.
Check out the website so you can assure yourelf it’s legit, and then repost the link as you think appropriate.
Cudos to all states and municipalities that are conciously and intelligently seeking an end to the unfounded war on cannabis. However, we overlook taking a very essential step before creating(continuing?) a classic Catch 22. Recently, a valid medical cannabis patient in Michigan was fired by Wal-Mart for a positive drug test. Although, he is STATE LEGAL for medical cannabis, the fact that cannabis is ILLEGAL BY FEDERAL STANDARDS allows corporate entities to unfairly persecute their employees. I sincerely request that the legal staff of NORML draft a letter for all to sign and send to their Congressional Representatives, Senators and President Obama to PLEASE REMOVE CANNABIS FROM SCHEDULE 1 CLASSIFICATION. Otherwise this madness will probably worsen and more people suffer needless consequences. Frankly, I personally feel this should have been included in Health Care Reform!
let it begin, the great battle of are generation, like generations before us have strived to make a “more perfect union” so shall we, but let them not anger you my freinds, let not the seeds of hate consume you, for that way there is no victory
be intellectual
be argumentative
but draw the line at anger, for we must convince, not shame those who do not understand.
let this be a battle of educating the ignorant, and let us hope they open their eyes and are enlightened by this miracle medicine that is marijuana, for both recreational and medicinal purposes let them see there is no harm in it, let this be a glorious day of brotherhood in our nation, and not a battle
Let the teaching begin
I am very grateful to be living through such a life-changing time. Fight against the ignorance and stand up! Legalize it!
Go California and NORML!
It’s great to see measures like this going on the ballots. I’ve written my state Senator before to mention the possibility that a comprehensively regulated, state contained market ( the whole market, from seed to selling finished product, is contained within state borders and subject to state law) would be constitutional and exempt from federal regulation. She responded, somewhat favorably, to my first letter but not to later ones.
To #30 – the gun rights cause is actually very pertinent to our cause. Both the right to bear arms and the right to consume cannabis/medicate as we see fit come down to personal freedom. Both are activities which can be accomplished without harm to third parties, and, as such, should be fully legal in a free country, as long as people who engage in these activities do not bring harm to others through them. Further, guns rights cases can lay legal framework that can be used later on to advance cannabis law reform. For example, I read recently that Idaho is considering a measure that would make the domestic Idaho gun market – those guns entirely manufactured, distributed, and used within the state of Idaho – exempt from federal legislation. Just looked that up, according to WorldNetDaily, 5 states already have that legislation, and several more including Idaho are considering it. Point being, these bills take an industry we generally accept to be under federal jurisdiction, nullify the federal laws, and place it under state jurisdiction. Kind of a legislative cousin of jury nullification. This is exactly the approach we are taking with measures to legalize medical cannabis and the full legalization schemes. If these laws are upheld when they are finally challenged, it will have enormous positive implications for the political and legal feasibility of our own initiatives. You can’t protect your own freedoms and then turn around and tell somebody else they can’t have theirs.
I have always and will always find it amazing that things like Alcohol, and Tobacco legal and Cannabis illegal. You look at all the lives that have been taken early and families ripped apart by Alcohol. They are both highly addictive and yet are legal. Yes Cannabis is a drug but so is Alcohol and Tobacco so that argument is a futile one at best. Any one who claims it is physically addictive and is in the medical profession should have there license revoked. I have known LOTS of people over the years who were users and one day just decided they did not want to do it anymore. I can’t recall any of them telling me that they went through any type of withdrawal other then saying they missed the relaxing feeling they got from Cannabis. It is time to let American’s decided what they want to do. As it is people who want to use are finding ways of doing it and unfortunately some of these good citizens (some with families) are ending up in jail for no good reason. Yes if California makes it legal you can expect a sharp increase in use it is inevitable. However as time goes you will actually see levels of use that will be lower then they were when it was illegal. It is proven in other countries that have legalized it. I really see no reason in any way not to legalize this across the board and let people grow there own plants if they want to. The majority of people will not grow there own plants and just buy it from the local show because they don’t want to deal with the whole setup and maintenance of growing it. Also the home grown most likely will not be as good as the stuff coming from the shops. Therefore the tax revenues from this will be substantial to say the least. This can be put towards education, health, and any other good budgets that are being cut because of lack of tax revenue. I thank NORML for all the work they have done and continue to do. Also GO CALIFORNIA!!!!!
All I can say is this: I hope that the articles I have seen saying that NORML and MPP are lukewarm in their support for this referendum are false. While some might think this was not the right time for this initiative, it is now a reality and we cannot afford to let it fail.
I am prepared to do what I can in terms of donations, but what I expect is that NORML and MPP will do their absolute utmost to make sure that this measure passes. The NORML chapter here in Texas is, in my opinion, not worth much in that all I ever see it promote are counter-culture hippie parades, smoke-outs, concerts, etc., all of which simply reinforce the stereotypes that many have of “stoner” potheads.
Get on board with this push NORML and MPP, please. Now is the time to pull out all of the stops. You should be running ads already. Start lining up celebrities willing to do free spots. DO SOMETHING. Keep national attention focused on this. Start getting out the vote!
[Editor’s note: NORML has endorsed the CA initiative and works cooperatively the organizers. NORML has availed an online network of almost 1 million opt-in supporters to TaxCannabis2010 for organizing and fundraising.
Look to 4/20 for the promotional campaigns in support of TaxCannabis2010 to begin in earnest.]
CALIFORNIANS!
Educate anyone you can. Get the word out. You all can do this! I’m so excited…hope it all works out.
re; # 33;
“The tipping point has arrived ladies and gentlemen.”
—
HELL YES !!!
CNBC and FOX airing nuetral or positive coverage of the marijuana issue,
PROVES the tide has turned,
THE TIPPING POINT HAS BEEN REACHED !!
FULL LEGALIZATION, NOW !!
All this is very exciting. I really think California has a chance at legalization. But I think this will fail on just the money thing and tax dollars. I think in order for this to win it must also come from a human rights position. The public must realize that voting for this is protecting a whole class of people. This needs to be promoted as well as the financial thing.
This should make it into the history books, can’t wait!
This is very exciting indeed. And it’s about damn time! Legalization is a no-brainer. A few things to consider: Sure we have the polls, and the campaign will have the money, and it’s encouraging to see the campaign will have some talented strategists behind it. However, I’m worried that the campaign might resort to some fear tactics, fact and number manipulation, and personal slander. (No offense, I just know how vicious campaigns can get in this country) We KNOW the prohibitionists will. It’s important that this campaign is run by showing the true facts, and showing compassionate and encouraging reasons to vote “YES” (the same way MMJ passed). I would hate to see disturbing or graphic pictures of Mexican cartel violence, for instance, on a “YES on RCTCA” ad in an effort to scare the public. Not that the issue shouldn’t be brought up, and be a main talking point, but the campaign should focus on civilly and rationally debunking the Prohib attacks and arguments, THEN the problems that this measure would solve. ADDRESS LEGITIMATE CONCERNS DIRECTLY such as: driving high (including RELIABLE testing and enforcement), rehab, treatment, and counseling options for those who take it too far (don’t be dumb, some people do abuse pot, whether it’s actually “addiction” or not), education, protection, and prevention for minors, drug tourism concerns and benefits, etc. Don’t give the Prohibs ANYTHING to use against us. Be forward, be civil. People don’t like to be tricked or deceived into voting for something that isn’t what the campaign says it is. So explain the bill, clarify the language and the implications it will have on the state. Don’t rely TOO much on polls and statistics. If even one poll, survey, or statistic turns out to be less than 100% legitimate, the Prohibs will run their entire campaign on it. (For anyone interested in how polls and statistics can be and are manipulated watch the episode of Penn and Teller’s Bullsh*t: “Numbers”) The campaign needs to reassure the citizens of CA that this measure will be for the benefit of all and become a milestone of liberty and American democracy. Let them know that the concerns have ALL been considered and will be addressed if the measure passes. Let the pros far outweigh the cons. Have NORMAL and upstanding people as spokespersons (I’m sure you know that. I’m just reiterating). Don’t let the Prohibs take advantage of any stereotypes that could turn-off voters. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CA AND THE YES CAMPAIGN, don’t screw reform up for the rest of us. Ride on the wind of the green movement and surf the Obama wave, and I totally agree with a previous poster, get the Liberty movement on our side. It might help get more conservative votes. Don’t let the more cooky teabaggers talk too much, but make it clear that this is not only a common sense, compassionate, progressive measure. It is also about the Constitution and American Liberty. The Religious Right and Fundamentalists are probably unreachable, but there is a number of progressive Christians and Church groups, who even if they don’t all approve smoking cannabis personally, (I as one, do like to smoke from occasionally to often, however I’m in the minority) are open minded, reasonable people who will look past strict moralism and see the benefits that this measure could bring to the state.
We also know that the Prohibs will bring up the Federal Law/State Law conflict (remember that’s why so many MMJ measures have failed. Damn government cowards.) Nip that in the bud/nug off the bat. The Civil War only told the states that they couldn’t secede from the union. Our states still have the right to make their own laws, and the feds should only step in if those laws contradict the US Constitution and/or take away fundamental human rights. It’s time that we as one, then two, then fifteen, then twenty-five, then someday fifty states stand up to the Federal Government’s unconstitutional laws and wars. Fifteen and counting are already doing it with MMJ, lets take it a step further.
Hmmm I hope I covered everything that was on my mind. As a CO citizen I’m sorry I can’t vote YES on this, but you know the Mile HIGH State has got yo back. I have many friends and family members in CA, so there’s a place in my heart for your state. I visit often. I will also be making sure to tell my CA contacts to get out and vote YES!
On a personal note this is also a little painful for me. I come from a predominantly Conservative Christian family. Most of which still lives in CA. I myself am a recovering Republican (now I’m a more Progressive Independent leaning Libertarian… lol it’s kind of funny to say that) my father and all but one of my uncles on his side were CA Law Enforcement at one time, and my grandfather and one uncle are retired CA Police Chiefs. My cousins have had hard drug/alcohol problems (ironically), so I know I’m going against my entire family by posting this comment. God if any of them stumbled on this post they’d know it was me too. Doubt they know what NORML is anyway so whatever. But I’m willing to be at odds with the family that I love dearly to see this law passed. To see the black market for cannabis crumble, to see the worst of the violence in Mexico behind us, to see the Law Enforcement officers in CA with the time and resources to focus on real crime and be RESPECTED for it, to see the economy show signs of life as new jobs and industries are created, and to see families reunited after being torn apart by frivolous searches, seizures, arrests, and prosecutions. Not to mention gang violence and terror. Yeah, LA will still be Gangland, drugs aren’t the only problem there, but the Cops will be able to focus on true crime, and the non-violent, non-victimizing potheads will be able to do what they’ve been doing without fear. And hey, I’m not going to lie, I like to smoke it too. But who says we can’t also have a personal motive when we vote? I’m not an expert, I’m only 22 in college, but there is just no argument that the other side brings up that can convince my rational mind that all these possibilities are a pipe-dream. (I read every comment on the LA Times article and I’ve done a lot of research over the years, for and against.) And we’ll never know unless we try it out. If we all turn out to be wrong, re-criminalize. But I doubt we are.
If you made it to the end of this ridiculously long post, first I would like to congratulate and thank you. Now I would like to end with one question for anyone that can answer it: I know the MMJ laws in CA aren’t going to be changed or amended, but will this ballot measure allow for some special benefits for MMJ patients in the future? Such as maybe insurance coverage, discounts, medical grow co-ops, etc? Yeah it may be legal, but I still think the sick and dying should have some added benefits that the recreational users won’t, or what would be the point of having the MMJ laws anymore?
P.S. Boulder 4/20! CU There!
the only problem i see with this and i dont know if this is federal or by state but im prety sure if you have a record you cant vote.. and alot of us have records for canabis and wont even be able to vote on somthing that if passed before the record was recived they wouldnt have a record at all..
I support the I-1068 here in WA.state, I will gather signatures,and hope that it will be approved by the citizens. IF it does, what are we going to do when some asshat politician files a suit against it, or somehow challenges it and ties it up in the courts?? You know it will happen, hell Chris Gregoire has already said that it will conflict with federal law. So do we defy the “authorities” or do we take it in the ass and say “thanks for looking out for us “.I would like to see just one state legalize Cannabis, and then defy the feds to do anything about it, surely will be a bust in that dam called prohibition.
The government has no say in any transaction between me and a plant!!
Couple of guys talking today at break.In Idaho they think it is cool to drink and drive. How in the hell am I Supposed to educate pepole in a screwed up state like this.
Freedom and liberty in the United States? What will they think of next! Next thing you know some elected official will take office by swearing to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, then actually do it! Just when you think you’ve seen and heard it all. Cannabis should be re-legalized immediately. Prohibitionists should be put in prison and kept there until they learn to mind their own business.
Every smoker in the state of California needs to do his or her part to get that initiative passed. This could be the beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition. If one state legalizes fully, others are soon to follow. I just pray there are not enough racist/fundamentalist/gullible/old school voters in that state… But if the poll numbers are to be believed, then this one has a great shot at passing.
https://sensiblewashington.org/donate/
You know you want to
Washington state will gladly take the lead. thank you, California, for not attempting full legalization of marijuana, we Washingtonians have Inititiative-1068, the Marijuana Reform Act, which will legalize marijuana for adults 18 years of age and older. grow, smoke, transport, sell, and even have paraphernalia, to boot. if you really want to drool, go to sensiblewashington.org and read all about what we are doing to be at the forefront of marijuana legalization……and we will get the required number of signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
be careful what you wish for recreational users! remember, tobacco used to be psychoactive too!
Not trying to be a partypooper but if you let the ‘tax and regulate’ gov into the world of weed you also get the ‘free market’ types as well, which may lead to much worse weed than we had in the black market.I live in CA and have noticed that altho the dispensary weed may be dried and cured with more care and marketed much better with silly names(who wants to smoke ‘green crack’ anyway?) the QUALITY of the weed has suffered.
Unfortunately, the profit motive does NOT always produce a better product.
Maybe some things are best left to your LOCAL black market.
Historic statewide initiative in California to legalize, control, and tax cannabis. Help build national support for the movement. Sign up on the website, join the campaign! taxcannabis.org
i will vote for legal reevfer any chance i get
oops i wanted to say reefer
ther are 98 responses of people(my brothers and sisters)that support the legalization of marajana in california.a year ago i would have been for it,since then my mind has changed.i used for a while and when i say a while i mean 8 years.it was fun.i had good times and bad times,lived and learned,but in that time every time i looked at my reflection i seen physical changes on my face,my hair long and greasy,eyes red and sunk in,my clothes stunk and my ambiton low…..im just speaking for myself i know not everyone is the same,but i know alot of people have an addictive personality just like me…since ive stopped using i have got my complection back and i dont have to worry about getting caught,not to mention my creative side has acually improved since getting off of it….and what ever happend to just being a rebal,doing something because they say we cant….although it is relitivly harmless and next to no short term side affects i feel long term damage would be there.just any thing els,moderation is the key and i would hate to see kids get mixed up with it just becouse everyone els is doing it.so there need to be programs set up to help reduce the chance of kids wanting to use……all in all,is marijana harmless..yes and no……do we need full bown out legalization…..no……penalties should be reduced but addiction prevention should be a main concern…thats just my thought on the matter
I never thought that I would see this day (approaching).. Good for Cali, and hopefully, the rest of our nation follows. I live in Louisiana, which has some of the strictest, most ignorant marijuana laws in the nation, and I had to quit smoking, because of my fear of losing my home, kids, and freedom. It shouldn’t be like that.. I hate drinking, but, that’s what I’ve been reduced to, these days. 🙁 Bring back marijuana!
It’s not [just] about marijuana under seige…it’s the whole bloody ball game!
We the People have spoken to [you], Lords of the Modern World, with a loud and clear voice, face to face, and in no uncertain terms – but – [you] have turned your head with deaf ears from we speakers and our will. It’s obvious [you] clearly believe that [you] have, and consumed the government with no regards for its citizens. We the People’s eyes are set on things to be done. It’s not a conundrum to us! We know the score! There’s no mystery in an enigma! We know exactly who you are and what you’re doing, and we are not timid with our mandate and voice. No man thinks alone and no man acts alone. [You] have let the tiger out of its cage.
So! When [you] receive [your] just dues, [you] will have only [yourself] to blame. If it’s [your] ambition to get re-elected, be assured, “It would be easier to pass a camel through the eye of an needle, than it would be to get our vote.” We the People will see you in November, if we don’t see [you] sooner.
Lords of the modern world…we are flying our [American flags] upside down…get it? Probobly not!
It’s not [just] about marijuana…it’s the whole bloody ball game!
[You}, Lords of the modern world, with scratches on your belly and muddy lips; [You], Lords of the modern world, who seek to assassanate freedom and control the world with prohibition; [You], father of all lies; [You] the false prophet; I shqall bruise my heel on your head. I shall for all times, put enmity between [you] and my Constitution. I shall expose [your] existance and [your] subtleness in all things for the world to see. I shall engage and enlist my brethren to defeat [you], and together [as one], we shall redeem the souls of those [you] have abducted and hold hostage with [your] tyranny. [You], Lords of the modern world, shall not succeed or endure, not in a free America, not where my brethren gave their lives and spilled their blood to defeat [you] to ensure liberty for ourselves and our posterity. Their [red American blood] will not be sged in vain, and will not be on our hands. Make no mistake! We are “Free American Individualists.” We are [your] enemy, and “proud of it.”
Keep this solidly in mind, Lords of the Modern World;
when the laws of a nation oppress the rights of its citizenry, anarchy is created. It’s not government that makes its citizens law abiding, it [is] the citizens that believe in the rule of law and justice that allows the law to stand. But – when law becomes oppressive, law abiders accept, even encourage, anarchy…if [you] haven’t noticed.
I have been waiting for over 35 years for MJ to be legal. So, I have no illusions about legalization happening tomorrow. It’s great that it seems to be moving closer to that end; but I’m not holding my breath that it will happen–nationwide–any time soon. However, I hope that CA at least can do so, and that other states will follow. CA and NY have almost always been among the most progressive states in the country, so if any states are going to do it, they will.
I notice that some of the posters use this site to preach their political philosophies–and I’m getting weary of it. For those who seem to hate the idea of govt so much, I wonder what they would use as a substitute? No govt, no roads. No govt, no stop signs, no street lights, no public libraries, no post offices etc etc etc. (Gee, that sounds a bit like Somalia)
If the water system or sewer system breaks down, you govt-haters gonna fork over the dough to fix ’em? I doubt it. (In fact, how you gonna get your water? I guarantee, if the only sources are private sources, you’ll be paying up the *** for something as basic as water.) You like going to the park? If the only parks around are privately owned, guess what, you ain’t going to the park. In fact, it seems that the only govt program some of these people like is the friggin’ military! I am no lover of the govt.–but I get so tired of hearing these anti-govt rants, I’m starting to love the govt more and more.
PS–If you hate the govt so much, and the thought–egads–of a robust and compassionate govt–you’d better not go to Amsterdam! (You might actually see what happy people look like.)
Florida laws suck!
Everyone in California says – “We want our pot!” We are a sovereign state exercising our sovereign right to control this substance. Th feds could claim “prior competeing governmental interests,” but the consequences would be adverse, at the least. The State of California belongs to “We the People” of the Sate of California.
The [most important], I repeat the [most important] thing anyone can do is [force] the FDA to reschedule cannabis from a schedule I subsatnce to a schedule III substance. It’s just that simpe. Cannabis is [not] a shedule I substance, it has [never] been a schedule I substance, nor will it [ever] be a schedule I subsatnce. The argument can be made that it’s a food, not even a drug. What it was, was a false and misleading campaign to indict cannabis to receive increased funding to an alredy failing Bureau of Narcotics. Deception was its foundation, and its those many floors of deception that will cause its foundation to crumble under the weight of the mountain of truth. But – until cannabis receives its proper schedule, legalization can walk down the middle of Las Vegas Blvd. barking at the moon.
America Remember: Man Made Beer and Cigs. God Made Marijuana !! WHO YOU GOING TO TRUST ? Im disabled and all the Doctors have to offer me for Pain is PILLS.. Pills That Kill… Im so tiried of the Pain and the Pills dont do what their made to and Marijuana does… STAND UP AMERICA & LITE UP !!!!!
103 LONGTIME PUFFER 04.06.10
Why are you weary of political opinions…the whole world operates based on political opinion. We are all posting – because – someone’s political opinion is stronger than ours and they have the firepower to enforce their political opinion. I’m thankful for politcal opinion -because – I hold my loved one’s close – but – I hold my enemies closer.
REBEL, I am weary of political opinions because many of them have little to do with pot, okay. There are plenty of internet sites for those sort of discussions. But if this is going to be a forum for us to spew out political diatribes about any and everything then I will be happy to play too.
And since you seem eager to go there, start by explaining to me who these “lords of the modern world” are, and how they differ from the lords of the old world.
here’s an observation:
in addition to Initiated Measure 13, South Dakota is scheduled to vote on an initiative called Amendment K, which is a “legislatively-referred constitutional amendment” as opposed to an “initiated state statute,” which i believe means it was put on the ballot by legislative action rather than citizen petition drive.
my point is that even though its worded as a “labor union” related measure, the wording of it suggests it will allow for “secret” vote tallying even on the medical marijuana initiative!
that would mean, we are trusting the diebold voting machine to be honest with us.
do the math people! its one more prohibitionist tactic to quell the unstoppable grassroots momentum of the Cannabis&Hemp movement.