[Friday morning update!] In California, voters decided 46 percent to 54 percent, against Prop. 19, which sought to legalize the adult possession of limited quantities of marijuana in private, and to allow for local governments to regulate its commercial production and retail distribution. The 46+ percent (3,471,308 million Californians) voting ‘yes’ on Prop. 19 marks the greatest percentage of citizen support ever recorded on a statewide marijuana legalization effort.
Commenting on the vote, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said that marijuana legalization is no longer a matter of ‘if,’ but a matter of ‘when.’
“Social change doesn’t happen overnight, and in this case we are advocating for the repeal of a criminal policy that has existed for over 70 years federally and for nearly 100 years in California,” he said. “We are taking on the establishment and those who have vested interests in maintaining this longstanding failed policy. Yet, despite these odds, we have momentum and an unparalleled coalition of supporters – from law enforcement personnel, to civil rights groups, to organized labor, to lawyers, clergy, and public health professionals. In just a few short months, this campaign moved public opinion forward nationally, and led to the signing of historic legislation here in California that will end the arrest and prosecution of tens of thousands of minor marijuana offenders.”
He continued: “Throughout this campaign, even our opponents conceded that America’s present marijuana prohibition is a failure. They recognize that the question now isn’t ‘Should be legalize and regulate marijuana,’ but ‘How should we legalize and regulate marijuana?’”
He concluded: “In the near future there will be a slew of other states deciding on measures similar to Prop. 19 in their state houses and at the ballot box. And no doubt here in California, lawmakers in 2011 will once again be debating this issue, as will the voters in 2012.”
Backers of the measure have already announced plans for a similar campaign in 2012.
In Arizona, voters are narrowly against Proposition 203, the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, which would permit state-registered patients to obtain cannabis legally from licensed facilities. But the gap is closing. As of Friday morning, the the race still remains too close to call, with Prop. 203 is trailing by less than 4,000 votes. With as many as 300,000 ballots and provisional ballots left to be counted, it could be several more days before election officials make an official decision. The proposal is sponsored by the Arizona Medical Marijuana Policy Project, an affiliate of the Marijuana Policy Project. Learn more about Proposition 203 here: http://stoparrestingpatients.org/home/.
In South Dakota, voters decided against Measure 13, the South Dakota Safe Access Act, which sought to exempt state criminal penalties for state-authorized patients who possessed marijuana. South Dakota voters had previously rejected a similar proposal in 2006. It is the only state where voters have ever decided against a medical marijuana legalization initiative.
In Oregon, voters decided against Measure 74, The Oregon Regulate Medical Marijuana Supply System Act of 2010, which sought to create state-licensed not-for-profit facilities to assist in the production and distribution of marijuana to qualified patients. Oregon voters initially authorized the physician-authorized use of marijuana in 1998. Several states, including Colorado, New Mexico, and Maine, have enacted statewide regulations licensing the production and dispensing of medical cannabis.
In other election developments that are pertinent to marijuana law reformers, California Democrat Kamala Harris is still narrowly leading Republican Steven Cooley for the office of state Attorney General. As of Friday morning, Harris is leading Cooley by less than one tenth of one percentage point (some 9,000 total votes) with 100 percent of precincts reporting. Yet with over two million ballots still left to count, The L.A. Times today reports, “With such a slim gap, the race for California’s top law enforcement office remained too close to call, and a clear winner may not emerge for days or even weeks.” Cooley is opposed by many marijuana reform organizations, including Americans for Safe Access, for his public opposition to medical marijuana, and his contention that any retail sale of medical cannabis is in violation of state law.
Also, in California, voters approved citywide ordinances in Albany (Measure Q), Berkeley (Measure S), La Puente (Prop. M), Oakland (Measure V), Rancho Cordova (Measure O), Richmond, Sacramento (Measure C), San Jose (Measure U), Stockton (Measure I) to impose new taxes on medical marijuana sales and/or production and businesses licenses. California NORML, along with several other reform groups, specifically opposed the Rancho Cordova measure as an excessive penalty on medical cannabis growers. Groups were divided in their support of many of the other local proposals.
Voters in Berkeley also approved a separate ordinance (Measure T) to permit a fourth medical marijuana dispensary in the city and reconstitute the city’s Medical Marijuana Commission Voters in Morro Bay and Santa Barbara rejected proposed municipal bans on dispensaries.
New Mexico voters elected Republican Susan Martinez to be the state’s next Governor. While campaigning for the office, Martinez voiced opposition to the state’s medical cannabis law, which since 2007 has allowed the state Department of Health to authorize medical marijuana users and third party, not-for-profit providers.
In Vermont, Democrat Peter Shumlin narrowly leads in the Governor’s race, with 91 percent of precincts reporting. While serving as state senator, Shumlin has been an advocate for both medical marijuana and decriminalization.
Connecticut voters have narrowly elected Democrat Dan Malloy for Governor. However, as of Friday morning, his Republican challenger Tom Foley appears ready to legally challenge the vote count. Malloy reportedly supports decriminalizing marijuana for adults, and also supports the legalization of medical cannabis. Malloy’s predecessor, Republican M. Jodi Rell, vetoed legislation in 2007 that would have allowed for the legal use of marijuana by those authorized by their physician.
In Massachusetts, voters in over 70 cities and towns decided favorably on non-binding public policy questions regarding the taxation of the adult use of marijuana and the legalization of the physician-supervised use of medical cannabis. Approximately 13 percent of the state’s registered voters weighed in on the questions.
Finally, Dane County (Madison), Wisconsin voters resoundingly backed a non-binding local initiative that asked, “Should the Wisconsin Legislature enact legislation allowing residents with debilitating medical conditions to acquire and possess marijuana for medical purposes if supported by their physician?” Seventy-five percent of voters decided ‘yes’ on the measure. In recent years, Wisconsin has been a highly contested battleground state in the fight for medical cannabis access.
california is a bunch of failing fags. stop ruining it for the rest of the US! i dont want to be 40 by the time i see legalization in NJ.
Better luck next time… 🙁
I know your all trying to be optimistic and say that this is progress, but the truth is this its just another example of a injustice that will never go away. There is no end to this battle because as long as there is a penny to be made groups and politicians will always spew lies. And not enough people will care for it to be passed. there are plenty of stoners and users of Marijuana but for every one of those people there is at least 2 people who don’t. Plus everyday theirs more people obtaining medical licenses. Everyone a potential lost vote. What patient who already can purchase it will vote yes on something that in all probability increases the price of there medication.
No end in sight. No possible happy ending for this battle. As long as the power is in the hands of government(aka MONEY) we will see no progress.
Yet again more failure. Wow… I give up. Maybe we need more hemp rallies… approaching college kids who won’t bother to vote and celebrating getting blasted on college campuses. Maybe we need to do intellectual rebuttals of all the oppositions points. Maybe we need to be patient nd bide our time
Oh right– we’ve been doing all those things and keep getting destroyed. Maybe it’s time we start getting our guns to defend our personal freedom.
NOT FUNNY!!! prop 19 not passing is a spear through my heart!!!
my doctor says for my panic and bipolar that marijuana would be one of the best things for me.{he of course has to always follow up with a little writing in my records that says he explained to me that its against the law and medically its good but i cant smoke it}
the legalities of marijuana are based on nothing more than those who seek to profit from it staying illegal.
i know personally from smoking it that i would reduce the amount of meds taken.as far as im concerned i once again look to see who loses from the legalizing of marijuana.in my particular case it would be the makers of these damn drugs i take everyday.how ironic is it that a plant that grows freely is banned but i am prescribed drugs that are man made.one drug that if a child even was to eat a chip of one pill would most likely die.i take about 2000$ worth of drugs a month.with my prescription plan that is brought down to about 200$.if permitted marijuana it would bring cost of meds down to 20$. im tired of living in the land of the free-when nothing is free and everything must be fought for.
what some call getting high i called getting healed.
sad day for marijuana. bright future though.
i don’t understand how the surveys were so far off.
Looks like the Legalized Pot Movement got skunked!(no pun intended.) That’s democracy in action 55% of the people think it’s okay to imprison,torture and even murder the other 45% for smoking flowers! Disgusting!!!
Hmm…This is terrible. I can’t believe it failed. Damn the media and their twisted Reefer Madness.
It’s 46 to 54 percent on that website.
Great… people are still blind sheep I see 🙁 This was a failure solely due to the propaganda war of lies and false scare tactics. Every time I turned on CNN OR Fox all I heard was the same old rhetoric with half assed retorts. Even Stephen Colbert failed in his interview with the former drug czar.
No one came out and mentioned the fact that it’s already easier for minors to get ahold of this than alcohol OR the fact that the traffic violations won’t make much of an impact compared to what they already are OR the fact that ANY damage done to the drug cartel’s pockets is GREAT damage and much more than the current system can claim now.
Meanwhile.. our taxes are still being devoured into the black hole of a failed war on drugs that has caused our country more damage than Al-Qaeda could ever dream of.
Excellent Article.
Prop 19 was a success the moment it was put on the ballot. Even though it didn’t pass it nevertheless represents the growing shift in the public’s mind as to cannabis law reform.
The worse thing to do right now would be to give up. This snowball is gathering speed and while it may not have knocked down California, that doesn’t mean it lost any momentum in the attempt. We need to keep the fire burning and then its only a matter of time. We’ve been waiting close to a hundred years, I don’t see why we should get impatient now, especially when we’re so close
You can thank the growers and sellers in Humboldt countys.
and the Emerald Triangle. Got to keep all the profits they can.
Hopefully we can do this nationwide in 2012
What a discusting thing to wake up to. Its hard to believe theres still that much ignorance in this country.
To all the “Stoners against Prop 19”:
I hope it feels good to cut off your nose to spite your face. Steve Cooley’s coming after your preciously protected source of income.
You have hurt the cause and you have hurt the patients. I’m sure this WILL NOT be forgotten.
Way to go you bottom-feeding scum-sucking traitors!
Society is so brain dead, spending billions of dollars to lock taxpayers up in jail. No surprise people are all for Crimes Against Humanity.
Nice going California. You’ve just GUARANTEED that another 1.7 million Americans will be arrested over the next 2 years.
Hello, I just wanted to throw out there that over the next couple years til the next elections, I feel the focus should be on changing cannibis from a schedule 1 narcotic, or implement DEA tracking numbers to prescribers. This opens up the world of research within the U.S. borders and I feel is the essential step in obtaining our common goal of legalizing MEDICAL use of cannibis, not recreational. Thank you.
California I am disappoint.
eh this is bullshit don’t get me wrong we are getting closer and congratulations on that but we still aren’t up to speed the general public needs to get informed and kids need to vote (most people who are of voting age usually don’t take the time to vote i never started to vote until my mid 30’s) alot of people died so peopel could have the right to vote maybe it would have pasted then. this is bullshit
so close yet so far away.i give it 15 years,that gives us time to change the image of the”pot head”and for any older voters to die off.
In the past 2 weeks, 10 separate friends of mine came to the independent conclusion that they weren’t going to vote either way for prop-19. Now I am in NH, so that is MOST of my friends in Cali.
Prop 19 gave too much regulatory power to the state. Many people argued that the decriminalization model was better and safer for them than prop 19. Whether that is true or not, prop 19 needs to be written by THE PEOPLE and not by lobbyists and lawyers. I mean hell, Goerge Soros of Monsanto was one of prop 19’s biggest funders!! That HAS to be concerning.
Try again in 2012 Cali but DON’T LET LOBBYISTS AND LAWYERS HAVE A HAND IN WRITING THE BILL!!
[Paul Armentano responds: What is concerning is how many people in this community believe deliberate misinformation and propaganda. “George Soros of Monsonto.” Really? Do you have any CLUE who this person is or what he has contributed to this movement? George Soros single-handedly funded Prop. 215 in California and the medical marijuana laws enacted in several other states. No Soros = no 215, and now you and your clueless like-minded friends have made him the enemy?! Congratulations.]
Well fuck
Maintaining optimism & a sense of forward momentum may be hard for all of us that invested so much of ourselves in this election . . . but as was said above, nothing changes overnight. Despite the rejection of prop 19, we still live in incredibly positive times for legalization. It *IS* coming. Keep talking about it. Keep advocating the herb to those who will listen. Educate yourself with the facts & statitistics so that you may present a solid case to those that will refute you. Keep a cool head. You have truth & good will on your side.
Damn. I’m pretty bumed, I thought we might of had this. Never the less, This is the begining of the end of marijuana being illegal. <3
Change doesn’t always happen overnight. The California legislature voted to ban cannabis in 1913, 24 years before the Federal Harrison Act passed, kicking off Prohibition 2.0. California again led the country, being the first Medical Marijuana state, in 1996.
While Prop 19 was a far from perfectly constructed referendum, it would have been the first effort at re-legalization. Neither main-stream political party would support this legislation, but the larger factor may have been “NO” votes from California cannabis growers themselves, as a pocket-book issue. No farmer likes to see the prospect of the value of his crop decrease by up to 80% overnight.
Prop 19 would have opened the door for the introduction of large corporate competition into the state’s cannabis cultivation. Perhaps the next re-legalization effort will address those concerns — the cannabis equivalent to boutique family wineries does hold a certain appeal, a matter of quality versus quantity.
Prop. 19 lost in Humboldt county. Not all of the entrenched interests supporting Prohibition are opposed to marijuana, some just like the black market price gouge.
NOT GOOD! One thing i don’t understand is if 45% of the people want to smoke marijuana and cant, that is not fair for them/us to say next year or maybe one day. Think about the people who smoke cigs, im sure it is less than 45% of the population that smokes but that don’t make it right to stop them. 45% is a lot of people and it will be hard to reach half the people across all states that want to smoke marijuana and get them to vote YES!
ITS HARD TO GET HALF THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TO LIKE ONE THING, BUT THAT DOES NOT MAKE THE OTHER HALF WRONG!
What a giant letdown. Next time, I’d focus our media advertisements on the science that proves that marijuana is a safe substance vs. tax dollar savings.
Good job Cali
Everything about this sucks. Fucking CA. You had a chance to make the world a better place. You screwed the pooch on this one. Idiots.
I honestly think this would have went through if the language of the bill hadn’t been even more restricting for many of our own in California. This is the kind of thing that needs unanimous support, and having the base that’s supposed to be full on supporting legalization divided, even somewhat, is what unfortunately makes these types of things way harder to pass.
Although those Californians should have looked at the bigger picture and sought expansion of the laws later if necessary, one can understand how voting to have rights taken away regarding marijuana seems as bad to them as gaining rights seems good to us. And considering how close the vote really was, I personally believe that those sentiments regarding how restrictive the bill is could have easily been that 5% that would have been necessary to put this through.
This is the Headline America is waking up to…
SAN FRANCISCO – Californians heeded warnings of legal chaos and other dangers and rejected a ballot measure Tuesday that would have made their state the first to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
The spirited campaign over Proposition 19 pitted the state’s political and law enforcement establishment against determined activists seeking to end the prohibition of pot.
Yep…. It was pot against Law Enforcement, Law Enforcement WINS. It is funny how none of the News stories say anything about RL or other issues the MMj croud cried about. Just the Evil Weed is still Evil… Cali says so.
Thank You Medical Mj villans.
I hope NORML and all the money finds a different State to support next time around. It is obvious they are oblivious!
Never Give up!!! It was a midterm and the results are usually conservative and favor Republicans. Donate to Norml and join your local chapter to raise awareness of the stupidity of Cannabis Prohibition. The time to stand up and fight is now!!!
Well I’m very disappointed that the people of California squandered a great opportunity to end the Madness ! How could you retain Barbara Boxer? Jerry Brown ? Is this the best you could do ? The blood of all those murdered in Mexico & over the border will now be on YOUR hands ! Douche bags ! California Is the ARM pit of the country now ! Good luck w/those morons ! California IS & will forever be bankrupt !
Now all of us easterners don’t have to move to california to escape the neo-fascist totalitarian police state situation that we live in here. I knew that Prop 19 would not pass even though we were all praying it would. The Usa will never do anything cool. American does not like freedom and does not know cool.
I am not suprised at the results. The media is trying to sell this “overwhelming defeat” of Prop 19. Out of nearly seven million votes, the proposition got over 3 million votes in support. To many mid-term voters and not enough youth voting led to this. So we continue with the charade that the prohibitionists are right. I am for one disapointed in the state of California.
If more people who smoke or are in silent support had voted we would have won this. Brick by brick the wall was built. Brick by brick it will be removed.
It is time for pro cannabis falks come to gather a form one big party like the tea party. WE all seen how efct they have been. So we need one now We know who one our side. Texas is bad and geting worst. We need learship. There sevry pro org. But we all need to come to gether here
Well, it was a great effort by NORML and I will continue to support the effort. Until the politicians and law enforcement can see how legalization would benefit them in monitory ways, we have an uphill battle. It’s all about the revenue.
Seems like a giant step back. You had your chance California. Hopefully 2012 will be the year. Until then, I’ll still try to have compassion when the Feds come busting down your doors. People let greed stand in the way. I’ll keep my donations in-state next time.
……sigh….
Very disappointing overall, in my opinion.
Why new mexico?!? Now my neighbor will have to go back to dangerous opiates or buying illegal mexican weed for his back pain and spasms, while every other MMJ patient gets fucked also. If only I was 18 and could vote 🙁
To be completely honest. I bet some of the voting machines were rigged. Arizona’s Medical Marijuana was doing better the entire time… I’m still trying to find out if it passed…
This morning is especially bittersweet for me; it brings one of the saddest mornings I have ever experienced in my brief existence, but represents utter proof of the change in the wind. A fundamental law governing marijuana will not be changed this year, and as long as there continue to be those who profit from its staying illegal I do not see this issue ever coming to a vote again.
It was all I could do to keep from shaking with rage or breaking into tears when I first saw the numbers on the voting results page. Yet, I must realize that this vote of my “peers” is the sole process in history by which the people of one of the most powerful nations on the globe can affect major change in the policy of the government that controls and protects them. However wrongly and falsely arrived at the result (or indeed the root ‘laws’) may be, these kinds of results forecast the coming paradigm shift, as the older world generations move on and the newer, more modern and capable generations advance and proliferate.
For now, I will keep working towards my degree, keep working at my job, keep smoking my illegally obtained shit in the peace and quiet of my own land, and keep an eye out for others like myself to take to the top.
In ten years after a bunch more of the reefer madness generation have died off and more young ones have gained the right to vote, marijuana will be completely legal somewhere in the U.S.
I am so disapointed I could just cry. Yesterday around 1:00 pm the people that brought us this prop. 19 gave a final press conference and they looked like they knew it was going to fail. How could they know at that time in the afternoon? And last night Jeffery Tobbin on CNN said we are just not ready for marijuana legalization yet. He also said by the looks of the vote margine we are many years away from MJ ever being sold legaly. Oh well…..
Thank you NORML for a great effort and also for nationalizing the issue. Keep up the good work
Ignorance,fear and greed strike another victory.The last nest of rule makers were successful; keep em dumb,mean and full of fear. Who else will fight our manufactured wars.
This fight is not over! We have blackened the eye of the prohibitionists even if they won this battle. We’ll get them next time for sure!
For now we all need to continue doing what Carl Sagan did, consume in secret out of fear of law enforcement…
This is very discouraging news. Norml staff, will it definately be on the ballot again in CA in 2012? Will this loss hurt the 2012 effort or help it?
Well at least we’re closer than we’ve ever been before.
Until Eric Holder came in and proposed socialism even if the law passed, that is when the vote took a dip. Between now and 2 years we have time to educate people on the lies and propaganda of Refer Madness. Studies of Cannabis will be done. All is not lost. Hold on to your Cannabis stocks for 2 years. All is not lost. All is just starting!
I think this was blown. Shows Republicans are not against Big Govt.and personal choice. They just want their type of big govt.
Also, thank you Norml for being there for 70 years and thank you for being there this time in 2010 when the vote was closer than ever before. Thanks for all the hard work you did.
i had hoped it would pass, thier really is growing support for marajuana legalization. if only the growers had not been so greedy and selfish about protecting thier profits this prop would have passed. smokers of calif if u think an infraction is no big deal than wait till calif passes a law like ohio where any marajuana ticket costs you your license for 6 months.even if you arent driving at the time of a ticketor this one like ohios where if u refuse a drug test while driving u lose your license automatically. thanks norml and all the people of calif. who voted yes
3,261,373 say yes to 19 – 93% of polls reporting
Over Three Million Californians voted to Legalize Cannabis. It is sad that people will continue to face criminal penalties for growing a sacred plant but my eyes are set on 2012. There is work to be done in these next two years. The debate must continue.
Thank you to the people of Cali. any body need a bag . I still have my job. If you would of voted yes I would of had to get a real job and pay my tax’s,yes a couple more years of EZ money Thank you for Voting no . What the hell is wrong with these people? they had a chance to tell the Gov, We the people,Not We the Gov. It true to much sunshine will fry the Brain,or maybe it,s the smog . I just can,t beleve they had it in the plam of there hands and droped the BALL!!!!
::Sigh:: It does look like it is a matter of “when and how” rather than “if”, but how much longer can this go on for? Oh well, I’ll just keep giving money to drug dealers. Who cares about stimulating the economy anyway…
As of 8:00 this morning with virtually all votes counted, the Arizona proposition 203 has passed by a good margin. It means that soon those with a confirmed medical need will be able to purchase up to 2.5 oz. every two weeks–if anyone really needs that much–and pay outrageous prices for it.
Still, I voted for it and am glad to see it pass. It opens the door to future legalization efforts and the eventual establishment of a sane market with rational prices.
I blame the outcome on Stoners against prop 19 and people selling their personal medical Marijuana. Not to mention the growers in Northern California.
It comes down to one simple, yet inevitable factor…money. They are all making money off the current laws, why would they vote yes?
My solution: Regulate on these doctors giving just anyone a medical marijuana card, the outcome would have been much different.
Neither of those MA links have the questionnaire results from yesterday’s marijuana question on a lot of state ballots…
Anyone know where the actual results are?
Wow, selfishness there in Cali eh??? Most of the major pot counties said no???? Now when those growers get busted i bet they’ll think twice about saying to no to legalization. Fucking dicks…this goes to show that it’s all about business and money. To all the growers and dispensaries that voted no to prop 19…fuck you and you’re just like the corporations that shit on our country in order to keep their profits. I hope all you motherfuckers that are in the “biz” and said no to prop 19 get busted and see how it feels you selfish pricks.
Correction to my previous post:
The local paper, The Arizona Daily Star, was my source, and they had it completely wrong. According to the Secretary of State’s numbers, the measure is still losing by a few thousand votes.
We all learned a lot today. Never give up hope.
Dear Mr. Armentano – It doesn’t matter what or what not prop 19 would have really done. There is no way to know that. But what we do know is that MANY “stoners” were upset with the language of the bill, and for this to pass, that will have to be addressed. You can call me whatever names you want, but marijuana legalization WILL NOT pass if people THINK prop 19 is a worse model than decriminalization. I am not going to pretend I know either way for sure, but that was reality and “stoners” didn’t go to the polls because of their fears.
I feel that NORML didn’t address the “Stoners Against Prop 19” concerns directly. In fact, one can search online and find many prominent Cali NORML members who spoke out AGAINST prop 19. Now unless that is some massive conspiracy and we need to put on our tin foil hats to believe it was some conservative illuminati dissuading stoners from voting for prop 19, this NEEDS to be addressed for the next bill to pass.
Lastly, I think voter initiatives are a bad way to go about this. We are a DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC for a REASON!!! We are not a true democracy. Our founding fathers wrote about the “tyranny of the majority” much, and this is the perfect example of it.
[Paul Armentano responds: NORML authored numerous posts directly responding to the so-called ‘stoners.’ They are all archived on the Stash blog.]
dropping the ball: only ~38% of registered voters turned out in San Francisco. i still have to at the statewide stats. NORML needs to change from google/youtube to Bing and Yahoo. tell google/youtube where to go with their censorship behavior. one movement we can start is a smoke anything in the public movement: buy oregano or other spice and roll it up and smoke it on one day; this would then overwhelm the system….like San Francisco’s critical mass on bicycles; we can do this on a nationwide basis…….to see people in front of grocery stores strung out on legal spices. we need to start NOW for 2012
I am sooooooo disapointed. I saw on the news that it appeared that younger Cal. voters just stayed home. I have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Emphysema, Skin Cancer, and Stage 4 Metastatic Prostate Cancer. It was raining here(Texas)yesterday, and I had to get a pass from the morgue to go out,BUT I VOTED. What exactly is wrong with young Cal. voters? Perhaps they’re sitting around the house today saying “Na man, you mean that was yesterday?”. Your vote does actualy count people, but only if you use it.
I knew this would not pass its common sense that even if this ever gets legal in some state people can still be arrested from the federal department. Dont get me wrong i would love to see it pass in all states but this is just the cold truth.
Look at the fact that there are DEA bust of medical people all over the US its common sense that they will never get over it no matter how much this cost us tax payers
I’m glad to see at least 2 more years of Mexicans killing one another over a plant! For all of you douchebag stoners who sat this one out….Congrats! You just set the end of 80 YEARS OF BULLSHIT back another 2 years! Enjoy being extorted for your pot!
-Oz
OH, I almost forgot, I’m 66yrs young.
“To all the “Stoners against Prop 19?:
I hope it feels good to cut off your nose to spite your face. Steve Cooley’s coming after your preciously protected source of income.”
Get ready CA medical growers to get raided! This was CA’s chance to control pot on the supply side and protect all those growing. The “wild west” of marijuana cultivation continues and so do the problems (destroying forest land, drug cartels, gray area medical suppliers, etc.) These problems from an uncontrolled market will give prohibitionists all they need to demonstrate the dangers of a marijuana economy.
Again, medical providers and growers against Prop 19, get ready to be RAIDED!!!!!
When compared to the 1972 Proposition 19 in California (which also sought to legalize marijuana) this is a big improvement I believe it was 65% no and 35% yes.
I still don’t know if it will ever be legalized I mean we got tobacco, beer, alcohol companies all against it and more …
This web site shows a map of all the county specific results of the prop 19 vote. It’s interesting that 4 counties, San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, and Ventura made up more than half(250,000+) of the 500K votes that caused it to fail. wtf???
http://vote.sos.ca.gov/maps/ballot-measures/19/
This is definitely a major set back but atleast now we know the specific counties that need the most attention next time. It’s really f$%&’n sad that we have to hold the publics hand to make the right choice to re-legalize Cannabis:(
Peace!
It is so frustrating…Americans seem so ignorant and uneducated…is a shame! They brought this upon themselves now they will keep suffering from it.
I think the advertisements could of been a lot better and more persuasive. They should of had doctors talking about the effects of cannabis as a medicine. They should of showed how no one has died from smoking cannabis because i bet a lot of people did not know this. Advertisements could of been more thorough in my opinion. People need to know the truth about how safe cannabis is. i dont remember seeing an advertisement during the past couple of months regarding the scientific evidence.
Thank you NORML for your hard work and perseverance. You have over 70yrs of lies and unfounded fear to overcome. Lets shake it off and get ready for 2012!!!
I can’t believe all the negativity in this comment area. As a native of California, yet no longer living there, I am disgusted by the very people in here making a mockery of the state. Do you people realize that 45%-55% is an incredibly CLOSE margin? Don’t you people realize that this was merely a midterm vote? As far as I’m concerned, CALIFORNIA MADE PROGRESS!!! Sure the measure lost. But in just two short years you can bet your collective ass that another legalization measure will be right back on the ballot. Next time it will either win or be so close to call that it will come down to the last few votes.
Come on now folks, stop all the sniveling and whining. Every battle has it’s victories and defeats. Stand tall and get behind this with even more fervor.
I’m a mmj user that suffers from debilitating back pain, anxiety, and depression. If it wasn’t for the herb, I’d have killed myself long ago. But you want to know what keeps me going? It’s something that my grandfather, a WWII war hero and Iwo Jima survivor once said to me in my darkest hour. “Never give up. Don’t you ever, EVER give up!” This from a man who knows what a battle really is. So I say to you my fellow marijuana soldiers… never give up. Don’t you ever, EVER give up! We can and will win this battle. The fight isn’t even over. It has just begun.
Bradson, Where are you getting your information that prop 203 passed? These results just posted for the AZ prop 203 on the web site below; Only 3 precincts left and it’s losing by 6,703 votes.
Prop 203 – Arizona Medical Marijuana Act
99.9% of Precincts Reporting (2236 of 2239 Precincts)
Total Number of Votes Percent
NO 661,988 50%
YES 655,285 50%
http://www.azcentral.com/elections/index.php
Bradson: where did you find info on Az 203 passing? I read it was a toss up and maybe will need a recount. I couldn’t find anything on KTAR. I am originaly from Phx but now live in Colorado. So just interested in what was going on back home. Thanks
I feel the movement tried pushing too hard too fast. Cannabis needs to be first moved out of schedule I status and hemp needs to be legal again before Cannabis will ever be legalized. Sentiments won’t change until perceptions change. If Cannabis remains in schedule I it is more than easy for the establishment to perpetuate the lies …
I found myself disgusted with the loss, and peevishly wondered if too many were too stoned to vote, and peevishly wondered if too many were invested in the high prices caused by the illegality of pot and voted no.
Then I looked for a website containing a voter breakdown. Who voted no? One article said the inland people in Southern California voted in the same proportions recorded statewide. Would love to see a website containing a voter breakdown for the whole state on all the propositions.
I think they should have to say how they voted , so that 55% can pay for the whole bill for any one arrested for weed , They want to send people to jail let them pay for it ,then see how long it takes to see the light. We CAN’T GIVE UP !.We have come to far ,to many of use have been put in jail, lost a job ,been called doper, the list goes on. No reason for it. A plant that God put on this earth. Man made Alcohol God made Marijuana, I know who I trust!
Im not saying this vote was rigged, but i am saying that the government is more than capable of making the vote come out the way they want it to. You can also thank the terminator for the decrim thing he pushed off on the state which passified people into not voting and/or voting against prop 19. All it did was make people think that why should they get up and vote for something that may become a conflict with the fed when it is such a minimal consequence if caught with weed. I dont live in cali so i couldnt vote, not to mention i have a felony marijuana charge which keeps me from voting, but this bill put a glimmer of hope in my eyes that America might still be America. Unfortuneately the glimmer is now a fire of hate and rage against what this country has become since it was founded. All this “we the people” and “change” is a crock of sht, we need some real patriots, atleast alot more of them, and people to put aside their personal feelings towards things they dont personally approve of, and remember what this country was intended to be. A crime is not a crime unless you are hurting someone else or their property or depriving someone of their property period!!!!!!! People need to fight for their freedoms, raise your spirits, raise your heads, and raise your fists!!!!!!!
It’s a shame that drug dealers and medical growers want to keep marijuana illegal for their own greedy reasons…its also a shame that the youth will not get off their lazy asses to vote…anyone who smokes weed and didn’t vote I hope you get caught and get thrown in jail……you fucktards just prove the opposition right when they say weed smokers are lazy losers…what a sad fucking day…Cali sucks ass
It is very clear to me what has happened to Prop 19.
The medical growers where not for it because it looked like they would have to be reduced to 25 square feet for their medical garden.
Why would they vote yes on something that would lower the amount of plants they could grow?
This caused us to loose lots of pot smokers at the polls.
This thing would have passed if it was worded just a little better. Their should not have been a square foot limit. We should have shot for full legalization
How can you be disappointed in CA?
The rest of you lazy a-holes don’t have 1/10th the momentum that we do. Stop crying, get off your ass and do something in YOUR state/country! Dopeheads…
I hate the voting population. Not enough people got out there and voted. How terribly disappointing.
Paul Armentano; is absolutely right on the money. George Soros has been and I am sure always will be a great supporter for our cause. Everyone needs to take a deep breath and regroup our anger towards the fed. This effort by Paul and all of his supporters went out of the way to stick life, career and name on the line. AND for you ungrateful’s (young & old alike) too bash this movement does no good. If you are not a member of Norml, join. 2012 is right around the corner and I feel better today than any time in the past thirty years. It’s not a matter of “if but when” This is a lifelong battle. GET INVOLVED over the next two years with your local Norml chapter and see what you can do to make this dream a reality for all Americans. And my thanks to Richard Lee for not only putting up the cash, but his brain power, getting the country energized and for sticking your life in the public’s eye. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you… I only hope the rest of you out there don’t give up; but dig in and make 2012 the year we change our failed laws of prohibition on marijuana.
Subject: “Voters Nation Wide Decide Marijuana Laws”?
Here’s how I see the attitude of the opponents to Legalizing Pot. It is similar to the same type attitude when it comes to judging alcoholics, heavy drinkers and sloppy drunks! Just a few “Sloppy Stoners” getting stoned, acting ignorant, getting busted, and thrown in Jail thus, giving the rest of the “Responsible Recreational Users” a bad reputation!
If only the Marijuana Community would improve its reputation (Self Police) and do only good for the community and to always try and do what is right and help people rather than focusing on themselves, (Self Centeredness).
It is socially acceptable to have a drink or cocktail in public and appear to be straight but inside your buzzing good! Of course these people are wearing suits! Guess what? They are your Lawmakers getting together and talking about whether “Pot Smokers” should be Legal. Their perception of us depends on the reports and information that goes out to the cops and media. The Marijuana Community needs to develop a new “Rigorous Educational Campaign” to inform the ”Ignorant” and “Unknowing” the facts of Marijuana and how it actually compares to Drinking and the adverse effects which follow. Everyone should know that Marijuana is the least dangerous of all drugs in which a person chooses to put in their bodies!
We as Responsible Recreational Users need to put our best foot forward and show the public and voters that we have been in the past, are now in the present, and will be in the future very imaginable productive hard working individuals who are a people of integrity and good character, an asset to the community who try to obey all of the lands laws except:
“We will Not Lay Down our Pot, Ever”!
In today’s Social Climate for example, if all Responsible Recreational Users wore a suit and tie, I’m sad to say, it would catch on faster and easier to legalize. That is why we need to get Congress on our side along with other state and federal officials.
That’s it. I give up. I can’t smoke pot at my current job due to random drug tests (and I was just tested today – ironically), so I’ve been holding onto hope that someday, the plant I love and miss so much would be legal. But seeing the results of all the propositions last night (not just Prop. 19) it is clear that I will be retired, or dead of old age before it’s ever legalized. Now where’s my bottle of Whiskey?
INTERESTING FACT:
I was looking at the exit polls for Prop. 19 and if you look at a couple of the stats its kind of shocking.
#1. Vote for Education: No High School. %60 said NO. that is obviously because they dropped out and are either in a gang or grow and sell it themselves. Same for H.S. grads. There were more post college grads saying yes and I KNOW for a fact that there are more young adults who enjoy marijuana and hate getting arrested!
#2. Do You Work Full Time?: %58 said NO…. only %38 said yes, come on please tell me this isn’t coincedence.
I just feel there was some stuff that isn’t fair because theres no way you can tell me that the drug cartels in California were worried about Prop. 19 because it may not be all their business its definetly easy money still.
I am shocked at the results I know more people have to want it legal but these exit polls make me lose more faith in people than ever.. ill always be an advocate but its hard to see things like that when the people saying NO have now clue fact-wise about voting no on it.
Guess I will keep hiding my social life and hope it will change so I can know what its like to not have society look down on me before I die.
I found this interesting article on the Washington Post site: The year is 2020: What’s happening with marijuana?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/22/AR2010102205573.html?sid=ST2010102805974
Check it out! It gives one hope that we’ll win this war after getting bruised in this battle!
ok, so this really sucks. im sooooo pissed off. dont they see the percentages are so close. the difference is like say 4 out of 10 dont want to smoke but u can make some serious profit within that 46%. the republican party said this is all about the people and how our priority is their priority. so we should once again bring this issue to their attention . come on now. i also heard ny approves legalizes by 70 % . maybe we all should look into this. my its new yorks turn. giveny the opprtunity.
What a freaking shame! Way to go 55% of the voters in California! You just murdered another what 10 thousand people and guaranteed another 1.6 Million people would be arrested in the next two years. I seriously hope this backfires on you. You just gave your state back to the cartels and Big Government treading on your personal freedoms. On top of that, you just gave the fed billions of dollars to continue their failed “War on Drugs”. And yet you call us stupid!
I expected it to fail at 42% approval, so at least it passed my cynical prediction.
More old people have to die, sadly. Harsh, but true.
The only thing concerning me is how people like Arnie can effectively sway votes to No. It shows there is still fear and blind respect for corrupt politicians.
Anyways I will be praying that Cooley loses, as a longtime MMJ user.
Visiting the ca.gov website this morning, and looking at the actual vote figures, one can see that Prop 19 was a tight race. The difference between the yes and no votes was less than 300,000 votes throughout the entire state. So to everyone pissing and moaning about ‘California letting everyone down’, I will point out that you are rebuking a big chunk of the voting public who was in fact in your corner.
If you want legalization to pass in 2012, you have to stop whining and start volunteering. Set up tables at public events, get active, talk to people about the issue. It happens one-on-one. I live in San Diego, and I bought a YES WE CANNABIS shirt to support the Yes on Prop 19 campaign. I then wore the shirt prominently, and I wound up talking to many people (both for and against) who basically were curious about why I was supporting Prop 19. It gave me a chance to explain L.E.A.P.’s position (I am a member), and also to show them that ‘pro-marijuana is your average, next-door neighbor’– literally.
So insanity will continue.
I Think NORML needs to do more in the media. all you ever see is celebrities getting on for the cause. you never see any DR or lawyers supporting legalization of a medical plant.
CNN all night was saying how it was going to fail and all the bad things about pot. all the bad things you hear in grade school so you wont smoke.
most of america is just ignorant we need to get the FACTS out there so people will listen.
Like post a ad on TV saying how many deaths from alcohol then switch to how many deaths from tobacco then be like POT 0 DEATHS ANNUALLY
We just witnessed history, America. We just saw Americans sell off the last bit of HOPE for personal freedom, out of FEAR…fear of the unknown BRAVE NEW WORLD where a plant isnt under attack.
I all but had my shit packed and was going to move to California this week. I would have brought at least ten, if not more, jobs with me. Not now. Not ever.
Fuck you, California. I hope the big one DOES hit, and all you lazy-ass slackers who cant find the god damned voting booth slide into the Pacific. At least the sharks will get some use out of you.
FUCK OFF!!! TRAITORS!!!! MORONS!!!
Unfortunately, it was an ass-kicking. I’m disappointed and right now I feel that I could use a couple days to be disappointed instead of lying to myself and saying that I’m happy with the progress so far. All this means is that it’s going to be at least another 2 years before it happens. That’s another ~2,000,000 cannabis arrests between now and then.
Thanks, in large part, to old people and conservatives.
Thank you for bringing ‘small’ government to a neighborhood near me… assholes.
We just need all 55 yr old conservatives to move to Iraq since they love being conservative so much…they should fit right in there. Old people vote…that’s the key
California was as ready as it will ever be. A free marijuana… dream on… never in this slimy country.
fuck the system!
It will come. Unfortunately not today.
To poster #1. I don’t want to be 80 when it’s legalized. I may not see it in my lifetime now and that’s a bitter pill to swallow. This is a really sad morning when we were so close to getting freedom and being treated like everyone else.
CA resident here. I am a medical user, and I voted YES on 19 (first time voting in my life @ age 34). I voted yes because medicine should not be so expensive, and because Cannabis is so much more than just medicine.
My 28 y.o. cousin voted for the first time – YES on 19. He’s unemployed, and want to become a grower, a farmer.
My 40-something co-worker voted YES on 19. As a black man, I assume his reasons included not being targeted by law enforcement for his brown skin (as opposed to his green plant).
My 50-something employer voted YES on 19. He is a business owner, a heavy traveler of CA roads, and the parent of a young boy … and he did not fall for the propaganda.
I really thought this was going to pass. But all is not lost … at least with me, the movement has a newly mobilized soldier. Let’s make this happen! It will not be easy, there will be losses – but the battles are shifting to our favor, and we will win this war.
Our traditional opponents (government, cartels, sheeple, etc.) have been joined by a new faction – corrupted suppliers of Medical Cannabis.
We must address this ‘internal’ division – or our only movement will be one of retreat.
53.7% of Californian’s are 100% stupid. A crushing blow to my faith in humanity. How disappointing.
Well, we’ll try again next time, and hope people have wised up by then. Although, you have to be living in a cave, or complete denial not to already see the light on legalization.
On the positive side, 46.3% of Californian’s are really smart — so there’s some hope there.
I feel REALLY bad for Mexico — I don’t know if they’ll make it another two years.
# screwcalifornia Says:
November 3rd, 2010 at 2:57 am
california is a bunch of failing fags. stop ruining it for the rest of the US! i dont want to be 40 by the time i see legalization in NJ.
Stop with the hate language. I would have thought your mother would have taught you better. Grow up.
Eh, just wait for the older voters to die off.
Even though I live far away in Virginia, I was deeply disappointed that prop 19 didn’t pass. I’ve always believed Cali to be the state that would open the door for the rest of us.
MJ for my fibromyalgia is the ONLY thing that gives me relief from this unending pain that is wearing me down and the good old boys in Virginia could care less.
Insults do not garner support! Don’t insult your fellow activists and don’t insult people who you may dislike but need support from! Don’t insult large groups of people (police, people who didn’t vote/didn’t vote for Prop 19). WE NEED SUPPORT THE NEXT TIME AROUND. PEOPLE WILL NOT SUPPORT US IF WE INSULT THEM/THEIR FRIENDS.
Wow this is really getting old. In light of all the blatant facts about pot our RETARDED fellow countrymen still wish to live in a system that locks up so many dam ppl it makes china jealous. Fuck this shit. If you voted against any of these props or measures well then fuck you too. Not a matter of if but when my ASS. this shit will continue and IF it does ever become legal itll be too late for any of us to enjoy it. Oh well its cheaper from Juan anyway. FUCK YOU AMERICA STOP LOCKING UP INNOCENT PEOPLE
Thanks Cali for showing the rest of the nation how we feel about this issue. Even though the pre poll was above 50 percent. Once again yalls ignorance and selfishness has screwed the rest of the nation. F-you Cali and thanks for pushing the legislation at least another 2 years back.
Thanks Cali, buncha ass holes. hope yall rot with your heads up your asses for life!
Oh ya and the biggest FUCK YOU to california. DUMB SHITS
This is the worst mistake since the making of the Justin Bieber movie.
Not really sure why anyone thinks that the defeat of the numerous propositions around the nation was a positive step for legalization. I am very upset with outcome of Prop 19. This was a chance for California to be a leader for the rest of the nation, set a standard, and it failed. I have read some comments that state we will see this in the future 2011,2012. How can you say this will ever appear in an election again? Politicians don’t work that way. This was a monumental victory for the prohibitionists. We were allowed a chance, as citizens, to prove to our government through a referendum vote that we are unhappy with our laws and we failed. I am really pissed at any of the burnouts that showed up to vote and were not registered, or did not know their polling location, or were just too lazy to go and vote, I’m sure it happened. The only thing that was proven in this election was the fact that the politicians now KNOW they are right and will stand behind this vote as proof!
When and not if this thing is over, remember to boycott N Cali growers.
We have to look at the positives. Yes, it was a disappointing defeat, but the debate is mainstream now. Californians will try again in 2012 and hopefully win. I don’t know about everyone else but I have learned something from this election. Citizens of other states, myself included (FL), cannot just sit by and hope that CA does it. We need to be doing the same thing in our states. This issue needs to be brought to the Federal level.
Never again will I support Medical marijuana. Legalization or nothing. So Norml, another 40 years ? FU California !
Also, I blaim the SF Giants for distracting the Bay Area with the World Series
We also need to start attacking the prohibition of the cannabis plant in general at the federal level.The plant in itself has so many useful applications above and beyond the THC uses (medicinal or recreational). It’s federal drug classification needs to be reviewed and adjusted inline with current research findings. Then and only then will we really be making progress. The fictitious paranoia tactics of the opposition need to be shown for what they are and put to rest once and for all. I wonder how many of our opponents drink alcohol or use other prescription drugs which are much more dangerous and have life threatening side effects. The time to start educating those people is now.
It was a spear through my heart as well. I live in Georgia and have been donating to the cause that I so desperately want to see passed (I need it medically). As depressed as I was this morning, I have now found NEW vigor to fight this battle. It WILL happen in 2012. We need only but 6% more voters – many of whom probably didn’t bother to vote yesterday even though they would have supported Prop 19. Many kids will turn 18 over the next few years only adding fuel to our fire. Everybody please keep your heads up and let’s keep a positive vibe on this. We’ll get it just like we’re seeing medicinal marijuana slowly, but surely, sweeping across the country. Let’s keep supporting the brave organizations like NORML who are putting everything on the line for us. Peace.
It really is too bad….HAD 19 passed last night–agricultural jobs would have been created..in turn generating U.S. industry growth; in the forms of manufacturing/distribution/marketing OF…..nutritional/medicinal/recreational products and services of literally ALL kinds!!! And don’t even get me started on the education of Hemp & it’s supreme positive impact on the ENVIRONMENT…….does anybody still care about helping/saving THAT!??
OOOH yeah, I almost forgot. Are you tired of seeing (made in CHINA) on the label of every(freakin’)thing you buy??…Then you MUST legalize for the sake of “AMERICAN MADE”.!! Industrial HEMP can bring so many jobs back to America…..REMEMBER, anything made from a Hydrocarbon can be made from a Carbohydrate(hemp in this case). And that, my friends equals a less toxic, and FAR “greener” environment.
sincerely,
Jolly Pirates!!
People if there anything to do with MARIJUANA VOTES YES.Cig are legal to smoke and that doesn’t mean im a go buy pack, I don’t smoke cig, Alcohol legal doesnt mean im going buy bottle from the liquid store ,I don’t drink alcohol. If MJ was legal in USA doesn’t mean U have to use which is SAFER to use. U CAN’T POLICE WHAT PEOPLE PUT IN THERE BODY. AMERICA LAND OF FREE MY ASS……..
No 19 and Cooley! Good luck dispensaries, I hope you make it 2 more years.
Everyone on here is so bummed out and I guess rightfully so. But please PLEASE keep in mind that this proposition was never even supposed to make it onto the ballot. I was amazed that even 46% of the people voted yes, this means we are making some pretty big strides with cannabis reform.
Things to keep in mind; 1. this campaign was kind of a last minute thing that wasn’t supposed to make it onto the ballot.
2. It failed by ONLY 4%. do you think that would have happened 10 years ago? even 5? absolutely not so these results should be seen as a benchmark of rapid social and political progress in california.
3. This was an amazing learning experience. If (more likely when) they draft a ballot for 2012, the writers can look at the reasons why 19 failed and they can draft a much stronger ballot for the next election cycle.
4. We have a lot of momentum right now. The 2012 election cycle starts NOW. Go out and educate yourself and everyone you can on the issues. If you know any of the dealers that voted no for their fear of losing money (and lets not be mad, its a legitimate fear) do what you can to ease their minds. If you don’t live in california, you can still be doing this. California is the most likely state to pass legalization first, but they don’t have to be. get something going in your own state.
5. This WILL happen some day. TO GIVE UP NOW IS TO KILL ALL PROGRESS!!!!!!!!!!
Things I would like to see next election.
1. Play up industrial hemp a lot more. There are almost zero negatives I can think of with legalizing hemp. It will be a source for jobs (farmers, transportation, HR, marketing etc.), tax revenue, greener products (no pun intended), safer products (for example, hemp insulation as opposed to fiberglass), and it’s an industry that for the time being, only exists in california, meaning that all money would be coming back to california.
2. Get graphic. It’s one thing to hear about the deaths associated with cartels, but its a completely different thing to see it. Scare people with the truth.
3.Do more to ease dealers minds. A lot of people I know voted no because they would essentially be losing their job. They are all small time dealers who can’t find work (because prohibition and the recession has screwed them hard) and feel that if legalization passes they aren’t big enough to keep working. I dont think this is true. I think that these people can network and align themselves with the right people to move into the legitimate side of the business. If the yes on whatever-its-going-to-be-called-in-2012 campaign can ease these fears, then it WILL pass. If the emerald triangle hadn’t overwhelmingly voted no this measure would have passed (or at least been around the 50-50 mark)
will prop 19 failing mean sb390 will come up again? How long until? Im pretty sure another mj prop will come up in 2012, I just hope that it will be written to where medical patients wont believe their medicine is in jeopardy. Hopefully by then dragon fly will stop spreading lies or goes mute.
Thank you California for giving it your best shot. It WILL happen, not this year obviously, but maybe in two years or four years. But it WILL happen. Next time maybe we’ll have a few states on the ballot.
The propaganda is still too heavy against legalization–along with the old Conservative vote (and obviously those still obsessed with tax and regulation).
To those Smokers who voted NO–“Gee, I couldn’t possibly vote to legalize it if it’s taxed and regulated, I got my principles, Man”–I hope your Karma doesn’t come back and bite you. “No officer, I wasn’t smoking, honest.”
Why all this animosity toward California? At least our state put the measure on the fucking ballot. We came damn close to majority. Society just isn’t ready to face up to reality quite yet, it’s going to be a little bit longer. Patience, please, and don’t blame us because a lot of us worked hard at getting people to accept the idea of legalization and almost half of us voted yes.
Many big defeats, a few small victories, but remember: the vested interests of Prohibition are rich and powerful. They pretty much own the mainstream media, even supposedly liberal papers like the LA Times or NYT. Also remember, each small victory is another chink in the Wall of Prohibition. Each defeat merely sets the stage for another attempt next election. A defeat does not result in more Prohibition. There is already more Prohibition than the country knows what to do with. So a defeat at the poll means little. It simply turns the clock back a bit before the day when marijuana will be legal throughout the world.
I would also like to add, if I may, fuck you smoking celebrities that didn’t do shit, the med patients who didn’t vote or voted no, the growers, and can I say fuck Obama? Intellectual my ass. I hope you all get to go to jail, same as me if I get caught. Traitors. Keep up the good work though NORML. Without you guys, it wouldn’t have even been close.
WTF HAPPENED? WHY? WHY? WHY?
Today 11.04.10 – there’s a great number of people left scratching their heads in dismay. How in the hell did we go from 71% in favor of Prop. 19 to down the tubes? Well! it’s as plain as the nose on your face.
1. The federal government, flexing its bully muscle, “intimidated California voters” by stating it didn’t care what California did – they would aggressiviely pursue enforcement of federal law. “They threatened California voters with the fear of a federal crime.” What’s new?
2. The newly elected California Attorney General Cooley rode the Republican wave to win – but in doing so – caused California voters to make the biggest mistake of the entire election – by electing an Attorney General that blatantly defies California law instead of enforcing it. “We’ve put the fox in charge of the hen house.” God help us – and forgive us – for we know not what we’ve done. As an attorney General – to not know [that] when you eliminate the crime – you eliminate the criminal – is as about as DUH! as you can get.
Voter intimidation – and – Cooley – that’s WTF HAPPENED! But – it’s business as usual [in that] the federal government is still defying the will of the people. How do you like that? boys and girls – ba! ba! ba!
guess we see who the real criminals are in the weed game. the people in northern california have made a fortune off pot for decades and they voted to continue making thier money over supporting the cause thats supported them. I say they have shown themselves to be on par with the cartels BOYCOTT CALIFORNIA WEED
i think that if it werent for the scum playin into the oil companies and tobacco and alchol compainies games we would not be in this situation furthermore we should have started this economy during the jamestown era on hemp if it was ever going to work now there is to much money and devious govt officals that it is truely impossible to get people to see the truth i pray everyday that someone will come and open the eyes of every human and see the real truth not whats on tv but its just like bob marley had said “never let no politican grant you no favors” this statement stands true today but what is really the sad part is about that guy hustlin his bag of weed to keep his kids fed and maintain two other actuall jobs to provide i salute that man for grind
see i live in Pa and have watched this since they introduced the proposition. and even then i said to myself, not out loud, that its going to fail. the reason i believe is because the people who talk about legalizing cannibus are the ones who dont go vote. i mean the pre polls that they were showing on the news had the proposition at roughly 54%-yes and 46%-no. im just inpatiant is all. it would be so nice to go to the liquer store and buy an O. just goes to show you what voter turn out does to things like this, regardless im still gonna smoke, legal or not.
Quit the crying and buc-up. Last night was a victoy / Thanks everyone for all your hard work on this…take a breather and get back at it! To everyone who’s hating on Cali…chill the f out. We’ve got retartds in our state too, but luckely they are mostly old fogies fighting a dieing battle / to everyone in Cali that loves the herb on voted no…go f yourselves – remember…Karma’s a bitch
This bump in the road will just make victory that much sweeter. Thank you Paul & everyone else at NORML for all your hard work and efforts. We will soon prevail.
In regards to Susana Martinez being voted in as the new Governor of New Mexico: Good luck. The Medical Marijuana reform in this state is now in its third year, with more backing than ever before. It would take a miracle for her to single-handedly stop this train since it has already left the station. I am saddened to see that the state of California is still full of Anslinger Era individuals who still believe Marijuana is root of all evil. Oh we,, there’s always 2012, when more of these “old” citizens will die off.
i was poised for failure for a couple of reasons. i mistrust our wonderful government that we know , already knows everything about cannabis yet, they will do whatever it takes to keep it illegal.it is killing me that, those that grow now would vote no because of their loss of profits…and , of course, anyone who is in the cartels that can vote will say no.these reasons piss me off more then the millions who are just plain ignorant about the truth. but not as much as those who burn but, would not get up off their lazy, fat asses to vote. or those who are …worried that someone may learn they hit that bowl…fear…how bout those that can still consume without fear of drug testing…lucky asses.never have i been so frustrated because i hold a decent job and have random hair testing….please know it takes all of us in some way to fight this as a group toward one goal…the return of our private lives.i have become quite the sceptic and , at this point, ill be dead an gone before it will be legal…i miss the peace that cannabis brings me. get off yer asses an be heard….
this sucks x
son of a bitch, people really are this stupid. Now it will never get to Florida…
The real way to make a difference:
1) get people high who have never tried it before.
2) talk to your conservative friends and family and make them see the economic reasons why it’s in their favor
25% of the voters showed up. This is why this motherfucking injustice has lasted for 74 years – because you people are too fucking lazy to do anything about it!!!! Put down your fucking cell phones – the radiation is making you brain dead, not pot!!!
SHAME ON YOU lazy young stoners who did not go out and vote! Young voter turnout seems like it could have been much higher!
and the stone age war marches on….WOW???
The young people everybody was relying on to get out and vote, did not vote. simple as that
Commenting on the vote, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said that marijuana legalization is no longer a matter of ‘if,’ but a matter of ‘when.’
GOD BLESS you Paul The Armentano
In the meantime it seems that
The prison/war/industry/lawyers/ add your tag
When The Final Body Count and someone questions the numbers
In The Next Election
GOD BLESS
What certainly doesn’t help the cause is the slew of ignorant people who can’t even figure out how to type their thoughts down. Maybe if your grammar were a bit better, the rest of the country would take us “pot heads” a bit more seriously. I mean come on. It’s called spell-check. Use it. If you can’t figure out how to use a program that does all the work for you, then it’s no wonder we can’t pass any laws that allow recreational use.
As for those who can competently and completely share their thoughts, I feel your pain. I too was looking to this proposition for a massive change in our country. However, though we have lost this election, it does show a daunting change in the mindset of the state that started making marijuana illegal, and that’s only the crowd of those that DID vote. I believe that if we can get everyone between the ages of 18 and 32 to vote, this and other similar legislation can and will be passed in the future. Not everyone in that age group smokes, but enough of non-smokers in that age group do not understand why marijuana is illegal and can’t see a reason for it to stay that way.
California has steadfastly ripped the mantle of “worst state in the union” right out of New Jerseys clutches.
Thats right, your lower then New Jersey.
you have the intelligence of a Rival Spore Mold.
Congrats.
Greed prevails
How many years can some people exist before they’re allowed to be free.
This is so disappointing, but not surprising. California is the largest supplier and distributor of bud in the country. All the growers in NorCal definitely voted against Prop 19 because their only concern is money. Which is incredibly selfish considering more than 20,000 people have been slain south of the Cali border over “mota”. I guess the growers are too far up the coast (or their own ass) to care about them.
If cannabis is going to be decriminalized it has to be addressed at a national level. In states where the people voting on the issue of cannabis aren’t the ones making money off growing it. I guarantee consumers outweigh suppliers by a tremendous amount in this country. The consumers, whether for recreational use or medical use, need a voice. Hopefully together, it will be one that is louder than the whimper we heard on Tuesday.
Go figure. Stoners didn’t even bother to go out and vote because “we had so much leverage.”
You blew it Cali. The big cock of failure.
In the past two months over 120 tons of Mexican marijuana have been seized. If this was produced legally in the US and taxed at $25 an ounce that would be a tax revenue of about $100 million dollars. Could buy a lot or rehab with that kind of money – for alcoholics.
This could be a blessing in disguise. CA could have potentially screwed this up so bad that no other state would ever think about legaliztation. Just look at what happened in L.A, CA with medicinal.
Only 25% of voters showed up? Jesus talk about screwing yourself. What a shame. No wonder ignorance prevails.
what the fuck. WHAT THE FUCK. I live out in connecticut. I was ready to pack my bags and move to calli.
It’s OBVIOUS this vote didn’t at ALL represent any freedom.
The fact that people voted on prop 19 alone means that we STILL (and always will) have our facist goverment dictate to us what we can and can’t do.
freedom means we are all allowed to make our own personal decisions. Freedom means you can use pot if you so choose to, or not use pot if u choose not to.
Marijuana DOESNT hurt anybody. Or ANYTHING.
Pot has such a bad rep, and it’s because the media lies about it, so does the government, school teachers, anti-pot ads (which if u havent noticed, those Public Awareness adds for pot NEVER state any imformation, or facts about pot, they just say its bad, or they use catchy metaphores to persuade you to think like them)
The illegalization from marijuana truly shows just how ignorant and fucked up our governmnet is. thank god i have the freedom of speech to say THAT. eventually THAT will be taken away.
making pot ilegal truly shows that we NOT a free country.
and seriously, i do not believe we are as FREE as our constituional rights say we are.
and yes, there are other countrys that are not free
the only FUCKING difference is they don’t go around calling there country the home of the free.
the very FACT that our government (and even most of the retarded citizens in this country) rant on about how free we are.
although, i do think that bill was poorly written.
try more like 21 (if thats what they think is okay to smoke it), and ANY ammount, regulate it JUST like alcohol. is it REALLY that fucken hard.
somethings gotta happen. seriously.
@#21
Let’s focus our efforts on the FDA.
We can win on that front. The whole country getting up and demanding that they reschedule, and declaring that we are not going to live their lies anymore.
Let’s organize, set our sights on the FDA, and hit them just as hard as we possibly can, and keep hitting them as hard as we possibly can, until they change their wicked ways. We can win on that front, we’ve got the high ground there.
53% of Mendocino county ballots voted no, and the same is true or a number of pro pot communities.
Prop 19 did not decide whether we want pot legal or not. We do.
focus on the FDA. Start writing them letters, expressing your frustrations with their lack of action on this matter.
[Paul Armentano responds: You do realize that the FDA does not control federal drug scheduling, right? That is controlled by DEA, HHS, and Congress under the CSA. NORML has advocated for rescheduling since 1972: See NORML v DEA 1988. Problem is that rescheduling decisions by DEA under administrative law are non-binding, which is why even though NORML won its decision, cannabinoids remain schedule I.
The FDA reviews patented drug products manufactured by private entities for the following: safety, efficacy, and standardization. Marijuana is not a product that would be subject to FDA review, as there is no private manufacturer and it unlikely meet the FDA standards of standardization.]
I agree with lots of the posts of FUCK you assholes who voted against prop 19 and have dispensaries or whatever, next time I too will keep my contributions to my own shit state (FL) Now we have to keep waiting and risking incarceration and all that shit. I was up hoping with the people at stickam untill the polls showed up…real disapointing,
On the positive side, I have been talking a long time to people I know, friends and family members and others who dont use to please change their attitudes, they know I am not a criminal, now they just have to stop pissing on my rights. Love you all who helped.
re; #48 said; ” I bet some of the voting machines were rigged. ”
100% GUARANTEED !!!
to all who are WHINING and CRYING that we LOST…
–FU*K YOU !!! WE WON !!!
YOU SHOULD BE BOILING MAD WITH ANGER, THAT WE WON, AND THE LYING, CHEATING, PROHIBITIONIST BASTARDS (mostly republicans) STOLE IT FROM US.
(just like they said if we won,
they would IGNORE THE LAW,
THEY HAVE NO RESPECT FOR DEMOCRACY, unless it works in THEIR favor !!)
good news, we cast the most votes,
bad news, the prohibitionists were in CONTROL OF COUNTING THE VOTES, AND REPORTING THE TOTALS !!
LOOK AT THIS FOR PROOF;
1. in Massachusetts, voters in over 70 cities and towns decided favorably on non-binding public policy questions regarding the taxation of the adult use of marijuana and the legalization of the physician-supervised use of medical cannabis.
SO Massachusetts IS MORE PRO-POT THAN CALIFORNIA ??
–BULLSH!T !!
(MUST BE ALL THAT BORDER VIOLENCE AND GANG WARFARE THEY HAVE IN MASSACHUSETTS !!)
2. MEDICAL USE GETS 80%, in all 50 states, therefore there are only 20% pot-hating prohibitionists.
3. previous polls showed 52% support and 54% support.
(and 72% in a cnn ‘non-scientific’ poll)
-WHAT do the EXIT POLLS SHOW in california ??
p.s. in case there is anyone who STILL does not know, BUSH NEVER WON. NOT IN 2000, NOT IN 2004.
-he who counts the votes, CONTROLS THE OUTCOME !!
We have to keep fighting. The press A.B.C. News gave us the same old gate-way drug teangers starting with marijuana then moving on to heroin shaft.I think this is B.S. I have been involved with marijuana for 35 years and have never incounterd heroin even once. Maybe A.B.C. News 20/20 needs to check their sources. Now just where might all that heroin have come from and who might have been able to get it past security these days with the threat of terrorism so high? Think about it people.
So the fight continues!
In 2011 in Washington state a ballot measure to legalize marijuana will be sought by the group Sensible Washington.
If that doesn’t work we’ll be back in 2012, 2013, 2014…..And onward as long as it takes
my heart is deeply saddened. Just like salvery surely we will some day do the right thing. Norml my hat is off to you for the effort that was put into 19 Educate the world and never quit the good fight. P.S. Cali wtf
I’m not gonna lie, I don’t even live in California, I cried.
on my “official sample ballot”, it CLEARLY STATES;
-“all polls open 7 am to 7 pm” for all poling places in my county.
-BUT- on CNN they said the polls close at 8 PM.
i guess they needed an extra hour, to cast some ‘EXTRA VOTES’, for the people who did not show up by 7 pm.
Another day,another dollar.
Prop 19 blasted doors off hinges,opened avenues and byways to legalization,win,lose or draw.
The slim margin of a win is a blessing and a curse for the prohibs,as the prisons keep overflowing,the kids continue to have easy access to marijuana and the killings continue to escalate in Mexico.
They rejected a proven track record of reduced access
to young people using the same methods as alcohol regulation for the proven failure of the feds and local police to keep marijuana from the children.
They turn down millions in tax revenue and underwrite the continued funding of violent criminals that use marijuana as their cash cow,,,,well good luck on fixing any of Ca drug/gang problems with deep thinkers like that populating the state.
**********Legalize cannabis in TEXAS*************
Why haven’t I seen marijuana activists in Texas. I know everyone here love’s marijuana. So why no legislation??
GET LEGAL CANNABIS ON THE BALLOT IN TEXAS TEXAS TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
~HAVE I MADE MY POINT YET~
.
I agree with some of the commenters above. Why all the hate for Calif? At least they had it on their ballot! How many other states can make that claim? ZERO! You wanna bitch at a state–bitch at your own state.
And as far as blaming the evil federal govt–that diatribe is getting old. It wasn’t the feds that defeated us last night–it was the old CONSERVATIVE codgers who beat us! They beat us at the ballot box, because those old conservative farts ALWAYS VOTE. You wanna blame someone, blame the CONSERVATIVE CODGERS of the world–then blame yourself if you couldn’t get off your dead A** and vote!
I just want to say “Cali you suck and you don’t deserve to smoke weed” pathetic losers.
Next time we need to double up on the seniors meds so they’ll stay home and nap all day, and not fuck up the vote.
Look MacFreaken weed is STILL not legal in Cali. you get a fine for a small amount , you can’t buy it or sell it without breaking the law,so your sorry ass’s did drop the ball for the rest of use, People from Cali ,think they are on the cutting edge of so much , so that bullshit law that Ary. signed was just to keep the masse’s happy ,but still FUCK them at the same time you fools, you fools now bend over and smile. P.S. I will send you some smoke’s when you get busted and they throw your ass in jail ,oh wait the state .of Cali. is broke. better make sure and bring a pillow and blanket . Stuid Fucker,go drink some booze and kill your liver so we can smoke in peace.
Good job idiots. Why was so much time spent campaigning and convincing those who were already for legalization?? Supporters completely failed to capitalize on the current political climate. They should have used all this anti-government sentiment and desire to get government out of our lives as the perfect springboard to access the tea party, libertarians and independents in a MUCH LARGER way. It appears they just didn’t have a solid organization to penetrate other demographics. I wish Paul Armentano would consider recruiting more conservatives/libertarians that are willing to do speaking tours and events. Paul, what’s the deal??
[Paul Armentano responds: As NORML has said many times before, we welcome people of all political persuasions and constituencies to speak out in favor of marijuana law reform. One of the most prominent members of the Prop. 19 campaign was Judge Jim Gray, a noted and well-respected Libertarian conservative.]
WOW anyone who smokes and didn’t vote yes in California, you better get off your lazy asses for 2012. I mean come on !!!!
If voting actually worked to change ANYTHING the politicians would have made it illegal a long time ago.
I guess in California, the growers and the prohibitioners in that state still want to continue the drug war to support the drug cartels in Mexico. I guess people like you want to see people die everyday so you can reap the profits just like the BIG PHARMA COMPANIES but they do it in a legal manner. I can see now who sucking on the Feds asses keeping MARIJUANA PROHIBITION alive. Since you people just shot down the new industry and lost jobs,taxes and hung your own asses of your personal freedom of choice, all because of greed. I wonder how you sleep at night with your stupidity. Maybe the DEA needs to send out flying drones with mini napalm bombs and burn out your gardens and even put a bigger slump into your economy. WHEN YOUR GREEDY YOU LOSE. I was planning a trip to Universal Studios within the next couple of months but I am going to Florida instead. BOYCOTT CALIFORNIA!
Thank you NORML (all of you that are part of the staff). I really appreciate everything you all do. I find it truly sad that there are so many cry babies posting here. Not many real men posting – you know, the kind that get going when the going gets tough! People like Mike (@114 for example) does more harm than good with his whining… It doesn’t help Mike – Man Up! Get over it and move on.
I think legalization of pot in America will probably be influenced more by pots legalization in Mexico and the South American countries that have real drug wars where there is killing of innocent people in the streets everyday. When those countries stop fight and start legalizing drugs then the Americans will follow their example.
It was clearyly VOTER FRAUD, what do you expect when its all digital??? Thats why they wanted it changed. Ever since Bush Cheated in 2000
Wow, I’m more upset with the incredible negative comments people have been posting than I am by the fact Prop. 19 didn’t pass.
This is a good time to be alive. As Armentano said, its not a matter of “if”, but “when.”
Please direct your anger towards something productive, not slandering CA or its people anonymously over the internet.
I could have sworn us weed-smokers would be more *sensi*ble than that.
cali you have well just lost the honor of being the state that started it all, i say we try a different state next time like CO. maybe they won’t fail us the way cali has.
we lost this battle but the numbers have shown us WE CAN WIN THIS!!!
we have with these numbers have bloodied the nose of the prohibitionist. and now more then ever… WE NEED TO BE UNITED!!! cause we have shown prohibitionist that we have had enough!!! and they will fight harder now!
cuz we now got them scared!!!
We all have learned from this. It will now become a big campaign with the mudslinging. Here is your first example: Did Eric Holder bother to read the Prop 19 bill because he sure ran his mouth and once he did that, No become one top. So for your viewing pleasure, Eric Holder admits here to NOT reading the Arizona Immigration law before he went and scolded, put down and everything he did the same with cannabis. Did he bother to read it? I doubt it now after this.
http://urbangrounds.com/2010/05/eric-holder-read-the-bill/#comment-173627
As the rest of you, I am extremely disappointed with this outcome. I smoke occasionally, but it concerns me more that it’s not being treated as a general restriction upon personal freedom. Also, I don’t think it’s fair to hate on California for this. In 49 other states legalization didn’t even make a public ballot and even if it did it would die by a far worse opposed majority. I commend the 46% of Californian citizens who made it their duty to try and end the tyranny against marijuana users. I hope other citizen in other states follow suit.
I’m really surprised at the vote in South Dakota. In 2006, with a LESS STRICT medical marijuana law, the vote was almost 50/50, barely failed. Now in 2010 with the strictest medical marijuana law ever imagined, it only gained 1/3 of the vote! What happened?
This is my 2nd post after post 31. and this is from the heart. I have not smoked due to job and IL state police. For over a year i have been clean and now have to serve time in jail for for a plant next week. Fuck you lazy Stoners for not voting i hope your next!!!! BTW lets not vote for Obama’s black ass again, he also failed all of us! Almost ever prez smoked pot and failed to do something about it. Who has a strong rope for myself this is not going fast enough. I guess since pot belongs in hell that’s where i will go!
Paul,
You noted to me;
“You do realize that the FDA does not control federal drug scheduling, right?”
I didn’t know that. But refile the petitions to the DEA- organize that “punch”, show us how to hit them so that the pressure falls on rescheduling.
[Editor’s note: Refiling the current re-scheduling petition with the DEA will delay the process over 12 years…and government technocrats at the DEA, insulated from public opinion, don’t respond to public pressure. Per usual, when citizens care about the issues surrounding cannabis law, the most obvious and applicable place to place ‘pressure’ is with their elected policymakers, who in turn place controls and reforms on government bureaucracies.]
Lift up your spirits people. This is not a loss, our patience will be rewarded in good time.
Let me preach at you a minute, or 6 minutes. God didn’t give this herb to Caesar; it is a common grace blessing given to all of mankind. Let me borrow 6 minutes of your time concerning religious liberty, and to lift up your spirits:
http://www.colsoncenter.org/the-center/the-chuck-colson-center/two-minute-warning/15561-civil-disobedience-chuck-colson
la marijuana è una medicina ed è una pianta sacra !
Saluti a tutti dall’Italia.
Marijuana it’s a medicine and holy plant!
Greathings from Italy
Well, well, well Paul Armentano! You got almost half of California’s voters to vote yes on Prop. 19 and that’s really very good. Now, take a vacation and keep working the plan. You and everyone else that’s good at projections knew this was coming. The closer you get the tougher it is on everyone’s emotions but it will be a good reminder next time around for lazy voters to look back and remember the pain of losing. Thanks Mr. Armentano, you did just fine. Your best is good enough, now let it go for now and come back with a vengence later my friend. As for all you stoners who didn’t vote, shame on you for now, return to vote another day or run like a scared dog for eternity.
In some ways I can understand that CA was successful after all and people should respect CA for what happened. But in some ways, CA really screwed up. I’m sorry but what lost this for CA was all the “stoners against Prop 19” and some of the medical people. In other words, our own people sold us out for greed. Had all the pot people been united on this Prop we could have all won. That would have been your 6 or 7 percentage points. People all around the world saw this as a way to freedom and justice; and for the most part, a good portion of CA stoners just turned up their noses.
I’ve learned one lesson from all of this. Next time I will think twice about donating money to any CA cause. Do people think that in 2012 the world is going to rally around CA again? Does lightning ever strike twice?
Whatever happened to the promising polls that NORML did before the elections? Where there were over 50% for proposition 19?
I just would like to know the discrepancy here between those polls and the results.
just a random thought…….what about opposition to funding this war on humanity oops i mean drugs.it seems to me that if everyone started exposeing all the lies that the gov’t tells and start showing the public how inhumane people are being treated because of this war on drugs,maybe we can vote not to support this war any longer in 2012
When I go to my pharmacy to pick up my perscriptions, I pay no tax. Why tax Medical Marijuana at all; just tax the Recreational user. Also, why not have Rx and MM sold at the same location? If MM ever comes to NYS, that’s how I’d vote. Our new Governor is against MM. Maybe that’s why our 3rd party (Green, pro MM) got the minimum votes for automatic ballot for 2012.
Heard on Good Morning America that the “Beer” and “Medical Marijuana” industries voted AGAINST Prop 19. I also heard that there was certain language in the bill that really needs addressed. Funny that the Medical Rx companies voted against it simply because they fear they’ll lose business. It’s obvious why the beer industry contributed cash against Prop 19 as well.
Even the former Surgeon General says to lift prohibition – it’s just a matter of time. The momentum is huge, this is gaining international attention now. The language in the bill WILL get straightened out and we’ll nail it in 2012.
I’m sad like every other sensible person who knows how many lives will be lost, how many people will go to jail, and how much money California WON’T see for several more years. I am proud of Californians for getting it this far… awesome.
Governor Schwarzenegger – you smoke pot in Pumping Iron and you know you still do. Come on brother, I can’t believe that out of all people, you don’t have the balls to be the Politician that takes the first step forward. What’s the worst that could happen? You’d lose your job? Shit, how many millions do you have… you’ll be just fine.
VOTE YES in 2012 – KEEP Your hesds UP!!!!
It is time we have a mager bolcox i think i spell that right but yal know what i been. Make the nusnnes pay
Ok I’ve read a lot of these posts (skipping over a lot of hate spewing)…
Everyone just stop for just one minute:
1. Did any of the previous victories for cannabis get overturned? No they did not.
2. Was there forward movement for the cannabis cause? Yes, California got penalties reduced and Massachusetts looks to be well on its way to Medical cannabis.
3. Was there a drop in the support for the cause? No, prop 19 gained the most support a cannabis legalization bill has EVER achieved.
4. Is there anything stopping the movement from continuing its forward momentum?… Well, yes. If the hate I’ve read in these comments is allowed to fracture our resolve, then we are truely lost. Take that anger, that frustration and disgust; channel it. Use it. Do something proactive with it. Move on to the next cannabis cause needing attention and support.
Don’t sit and stew about this for another day, let alone two years. You want legal cannabis? Then go and get it. It’s there for the taking. Make all those smug prohibitionists lose that grin. Don’t you dare give them the satisfaction of this bickering and quarrelling.
Do you realize how much power this gives them: to see us in-fighting?
California did nothing wrong. The contrary is true: it has done the most right. No other state can boast the achievements of California.
How dare any of you stain that list of achievements, you should all be ashamed of yourselves. NORML has risked it all for your benefit and you throw a temper tantrum like a 3 year old after one failed ballot initiative.
Does no one realize that Colorado is drafting a legalization bill right now?
Does no one realize we can try again in California as many times as we want?
With every passing year, more and more cannabis rights are achieved.
With a defeat we gain experience, we harden our resolve, we get our thick skin and a taste for battle.
So, NORML, point us to the next battlefield.
We’re ready to fight!
Now it’s coming out that the Emerald triangle voted down prop 19 to protect their greedy little profits ! If this is so, I say boycott anything coming out of that area ! If this is true I might come out there & help law enforcement really know what to look for as far as growers ! So what comes around goes around you greedy little pigs ! That probably made the difference between passage & fail ! BOYCOTT EMERALD TRIANGLE SWAG !
are we going to have to wait until all the baby boomers are dead before we can legalize reason?
Lets put the blame in the right corner. It was NOT lazy stoners who didnt vote, or stupid Californians. It WAS the Medical Mj “Caregivers” GREED that killed prop 19. They spewed misinformation to protect their income, and the stupid Californians believed it. If you want proof, take a look at forums such as THCFarmer.com .
I do believe NORML, and all of the funding should find another State to back next time around. It is obvious they are OBLIVIOUS!!!
I don’t understand how people can be positive about this. Great, it’s a matter of “when.” How is that supposed to be a comfort? I have no doubt that it will be legalized within 400 years or so – but that doesn’t help me.
I can’t stand alcohol, yet have the same reasons to drink as anyone who does excessively: I’d rather smoke pot once a month or so. Yes, I’m concerned about this only for myself. I understand that other people should have the right, but if I didn’t want to smoke pot, I simply wouldn’t care. I would say this is better than the conservative alternative which is to worry about what other people do.
How can anyone be positive? Norml and others have been working hard to all but guarantee victory for years (what’s this “doesn’t happen overnight” crap?). It finally comes down to the wire and fails. We have two years before another election – there is ample time to mourn the loss and no reason to pretend it wasn’t a failure.
Dear Norml,
If you go along pretending everything went according to plan, people are going to stop trusting that you can get the job done – because it suggests that you planned for failure. Of course, it’s also possible that everyone besides me eagerly buys into pretenses, in which case I could be wrong.
The country’s founding fathers must be rolling in their graves from whats been done to the god given herb cannabis. What a damn shame and what damn shame only 25% of CA voters got out and voted. You deserved to lose. What a damn shame.
to the people of Calf. that voted no for prop.19, have nothing to complain about what drugs are doing to Calf. you had the chance to make things better, but no, they won’t to stay back in the prohibition era. so don’t complain you made your bed know you can lay in it.
the truth is there are still far more non smokers than there are smokers and until we convince them that marijuana is a safe alternative then we will continue this battle. It also sickens me to see people with comments like these, poor losers, poor sports. A vote is a vote and if you lose you take it and try again next time, not cry like babies cause you didnt get your way. A majority of people dont want it legalized and thats the way its gonna be, I doubt that will ever change. You whiners want it legalized? I doubt you did anything to help the fact!
Better luck next time is all one can say. The Black market profits made from illegal cannabis also put the axe to the bill passing. Many dealers and growers need the black market gouge to make a living and did not want to see the bill pass. Americans are more than willing to forfeit other americans freedoms to make a buck. This also explains why americans fight universal health care in this the only industrialized nation without it. The Majority of americans support evil corporate interests whether it be prohibition, hmo’s, oil companies and big pharma. The people are the problem. How to change them? I’ve been wondering this for over 40 years.
“A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.”~Thomas Jefferson
Itll pass next time prolly i bet its a bunch of old people who think pot is bad that voted against it because i dont even know anyone under the age of 25 that doesn’t smoke it, its just a matter of waiting for our generation to get in office i think
hahaha the people of California messed up again the underground economy of northern calif and the tunnel diggers of the south the little dealers and gangs in between are still seller your kids weed tax free there are no green jobs that prop 19 could have created and in the shuffle the cops and courts still get cash off you in the form of a stupid tax thanks to the Governor and with no fuss thanks to little news coverage if your stupid and get caught with under a oz you get taxed 100 bucks lol smoke up tokers and feel warm and fuzzy none tokers,but really ca lost a shot at more freedom and voted for a police state and less freedom
Here in Colorado our marijuana legalization campaign for 2012 is underway. What good will it do? Not sure. It failed pretty bad 2006.
Lets not blame all the old farts for your loss. I’m 58, didn’t touch mj till I was 20, and today am much more for mmj, reform and responcible legalization than ever. And I reside in a state with none of the above. Regroup, get stronger and vote people!! Abolish ignorance. CANNAPEACE—>FREE THE WEED
Water vs Rock: Water always wins. Keep putting the legal MJ measures up until the prohibition rock cracks!
We need a air tight bill outlining and making sure every sale is taxed! Like everything else. I say fuck it WHY NOT?
P.S. to 138 VOTER INTIMIDATION BY THE GOVERNMENT.
“WE DON’T CARE WHAT CALIFORNIA DOES – WE WILL AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE FEDERAL LAW.”
Had the governemnt announced that [after] we the people sent our message and made our point on 11.02.10 -Prop 19 would have passed by the 71% in favor it attained. But – because they announced their intent before 11.02.10 they scared the livin’shit out of voters. Who the hell wants a federal felony layed upon them for smokin’ a joint – or even worse – voting yes on Prop. 19.
The question becomes – have they received our clear message – have they got the point. Here’s the message – plain and simple:
“You’re expendable.”
“If you ever – and we mean ever – try to intimidate we the people again – you can start packing your bags and purchase a “one-way ticket” out of town – because -we are working on your termination papers right this very minute. See security on your way out!
I am Italian and I live in Italy, I run a business and I have a nice family I always smoked ganja in my life and thank god I do not use alcool and smoke cigarettes. Thanks america and thank california to fight for the biggest injustice in history… go ahead for us as well. It is very difficult here to talk about ganja legalization because Italy is governed by people involved with mafia as the vatican is involved too and they are the first to make money on ganja. Good job I hope my son will live in a world without ganja prohibited
Arnold did one great thing before leaving office and before Prop. 19 failed. It’s only an infraction of the law to possess [limited] amounts in California. Medical cannabis is still protected. Like I’ve said so many times before, religious use is the only way to attack and defeat the feds. If you believe in God and God’s Holy Sacrament, you have, by declaration, the distinction of being a Genesist.
I’m not suggesting smokers boycott California tourism, but I know that I for one would have gone to CA for a vacation this winter had 19 passed but will now go on a cruise instead. I hope I’m not the only one.
I think for next time, we need to make some general concessions to take the bite out of opponents’ arguments. I believe wholeheartedly that an initiative with the following terms would pass: 21 or older, may possess, consume up to an ounce of marijuana. – May cultivate as much as may fit within a 15 foot x 15 foot area – State may license retail cannabis producers and retailers, in compliance with guidelines established by the Department of Health (with legal obligation for the Department to propagate good-faith guidelines within one year of enactment) – County and municipal governments may limit or ban retail cannabis production and sales, but have no authority to enlarge the state guidelines. – Preserves an employers’ right to terminate employees for marijuana use, at their sole discretion (I know this is bad, but it’s the number one opponent argument I heard during the campaign. Baby steps.) – Penalties for smoking within the same “enclosed room or single-family dwelling” as a present minor.- Drastically increased penalties for sales to minors. – Increased penalties for unlicensed sales in general. – Increased penalties for driving under the influence of drugs. – 10% of revenue from marijuana sales are legally earmarked for teen drug-and-alcohol abuse education programs. – 10% of revenues also earmarked for state and local law enforcement (more if it looks like that might actually win some endorsements)…… I think if something like this were proposed in 2012, it would pick up almost 60% of the vote. Frame it as something that cuts both ways (i.e. for and against increased drug use in general) and you have a MUCH better shot.
Re 216
Mike, I’m an old fart myself, 56 yo–but I’m talking about the OLD farts–those above 70 YO–our parent’s and grandparent’s generations. They were the last generations not to smoke MJ–and their voting habits reflect that.
But I agree with your message; the time for blame is over; the time for more work is here. (I think I’ve succeeded in changing MY mom’s opinion–at least she views alcohol as worse).
If anyone uses the products from FOX FARM please stop. Boycott all growing supplies from N Cali.
Hit them were it hurts, in their wallet.
In The World
The Son Of Man is not a drug cop
This makes me a sad panda. ): <—me
I just came here to say that if you’re angry, you have every right to be. Californians fucked up. So did the others states with marijuana initiatives that failed this election.
Yup, that’s right, America. People are still dumb.
In The Final Tome
The Fires Hve Been Lighted
All the way to DC
Prepare your rotting bodies for burial
Praym that your rotting corpse recieves blessed cannabis leaves
In the meantime gather closer to the FIRE
I think next time we gotta focus on refuting the prohibitionist absurd claims. spread the idea that dealers dont tax kids and marijuana mixed with driving is far safer than alcohol and driving or driving while sleepy. less focus on the tax issues, more on civil rights.
cheers!
Well, I guess my measly vote for Prop 19 didn’t help.
After reading some of the comments – especially the first one – and sampling some of the wisdom – or lack thereof – I can say without regret that I am glad to have stopped sending an annual donation to NORML.
If some of you think that only stoners read this blog, you are sadly in error. From simple typos to bad grammar, from insults to portraying falsehoods as fact, the list is too long and re-inforces the image stereotypical stoner.
And that neither helps the cause, nor does it reflect well on NORML and their effort.
[Paul Armentano responds: “After reading some of the comments – especially the first one – and sampling some of the wisdom – or lack thereof – I can say without regret that I am glad to have stopped sending an annual donation to NORML.” NORML’s blog is a forum open to the public, not just NORML members or even folks who agree with NORML’s position. It is hard to understand how your frustration with some of the thoughts expressed by the public justifies your refusal to financially support NORML or in any way helps the cause of ending criminal marijuana prohibition.]
This vote was a good indication of the overall state of enlightenment of our society at this point, and it’s not a pretty picture.
The misinformation campaign by those against legalization shows just how gullible the general public really is. But every time they see marijuana activists it just enforces their opinion of what nut-jobs pot heads really are. In some arenas any attention is good but not this one. If we truly want cannabis to be mainstream legal, it has to come out of the underground culture where it now resides. Popular personalities with fringe reputations lighting up joints on talk shows does nothing to help the cause. Cheech & Chong need to be replaced with more respected and accepted spokespersons.
Medical marijuana played the biggest part in killing this bill – and it was very much intentional. The government has seen the turn of public opinion on marijuana coming for years – allowing medical marijuana was the perfect solution for them. Those that sell it or grow for it have too much to lose to make it legal, so they voted against it and convinced their customers to do the same. Their friends and family voted it down in support of them. As Jon Stewart put it, it was a big case of I Got Mine and the “compassion” clubs voted to keep putting people in jail for what they enjoy freely.
So now the government can carry on locking up Blacks and Hispanics to fill their privately owned prisons and still get extra tax money from medical dispensaries. They shut up the only group that had any real public support – the terminally ill. The beer & tobacco companies are off their backs as are the religious right. Tax paying pot smokers carry on as closet smokers so no one finds out that their doctor, lawyer, pharmacist, etc., are really pot heads. It’s a win-win for the government and it wouldn’t have been possible without medical marijuana.
If we are to succeed with full cannabis legalization we need to put real money into educational advertisements – from scientists, doctors and respected members of the mainstream community and we need to challenge every piece of misinformation. The face of the typical marijuana user needs to change in the eyes of the general public. Yes, hippie looking pot head types still exist, but they are the vast minority now. The average cannabis smoker these days is not distinguishable from anyone else. That is what the general public very much needs to see.
This campaign was lost to fear, misinformation and greed. Education is the only way to combat a strategy like that. Comparing cannabis to alcohol and tobacco doesn’t help the cause. Neither does propping it up as the cure for cancer when it has not been proven to do so. Why not tout it as it really is? A relatively harmless relaxant that has many beneficial attributes and promising medical potential. The rallying cry should be one that everyone can get behind – freedom – the right to decide for ourselves what we consume.
I Think Massachusetts Will Be the First to Legalize… All 9 Districts that Voted on the Non-Binding Ballot Question on Nov. 2, 2010 Answered in FAVOR of MEDICAL and LEGALIZATION/REGULATION! Go Massachusetts Go!!! I Believe Mass. Will Make a Difference… Keep Believing Friends…
This probably isn’t the right forum for this, but WHY is it illegal at all? i mean, i know the history pretty well- the reefer madness stuff, and the political and financial conspiracies that went on in the 1920’s to have it banned…
but now, with very reasonable people making very reasonable arguments… i guess my question is why is it such a third rail politically? it’s the ONE THING democrats and republicans can hold hands and sing coombayah about. how is that possible? they literally can’t agree on the color of the sky, but they can stand like mighty monoliths AGAINST the will of the people on this? what’s really up here?
i actually thought mj would get a decent bit of attention under the obama admin, being as far left as he is- and when we got the #1 question on some damn show when he INVITED us to ask the most pressing thing- and when mj was asked about (NUMBER ONE topic,) he made some condescending joke about stoners.
sorry, i just don’t get it and something smells like a rat. btw, all the propositions failed specifically because of senior citizens- 2012 would be a better year for these initiatives because mainly the old folks turn out for midterms, and they aren’t gonna let it happen, thus the need for patience.
Re 207
Jason, I understand your frustration–but it IS only a question of WHEN. I’m guessing you’re fairly young by your impatience, tho I could be wrong. But I have suffered through this prohibition for over 35 years–and many others here have endured it even longer. And this is the closest I’ve ever seen MJ come to getting legalized.
As I’ve posted elsewhere ad nauseum, time IS on our side. The oldest generations today, those that didn’t grow up smoking MJ, are inevitably passing on to the great blue yonder–every year there are fewer. (I’m not celebrating this fact–my mom is still alive–but it IS a fact.) Those oldies are perhaps the most diligent voters, moreover, and they came out in force once again. But we came VERY close to having MJ legalized with Prop 19.
Just a 4% swing in our favor–and it would have passed! That’s 4%.
My point–don’t give up so quickly. Most of us here are in for the long haul, and if you really want it legalized, you should be too.
We lost but we won by putting another dent in prohibition & continuing our war against the prohibitionists ( Corporations ) making our movement stronger .
Berkeley & other Cali. cities have passed new laws on taxing Marijuana . Regardless of Proposition’s 19 defeat Cities out here are still remaining defiant of the Federal Government by turning more warehouses into grow houses . Cannabis is rapidly evolving into a legitimate business . Soon we won’t need a Proposition 19 since we are doing fine without it & are still moving forward toward legitimizing its legalization .
I tuned into CNN on Election Day and Anderson Cooper brought up Prop 19, there was total silence. The only guy that said anything about it was a Conservative who mentioned how Marijuana is not the harmless plant of the ’60s anymore and how more teens are going to rehab over Marijuana addiction. Did anyone else speak their point of view? No, they just sat there until James Carville changed the subject. What a fucking shame.
Personally I believe it’s time that serious thought be put into establishing a territory separate from the U.S. but in close proximity for the sole purpose of full cannabis legalization. As long as no Cannabis from that territory is brought into the U.S., the DEA at least in theory would have difficulty in interference. The purpose of such territory would be to host international travelers seeking medical cannabis treatment or for cannabis tourism. Maybe this could exist on a Native reservation or somewhere within Canada, Mexico, an island or even a ship off our coast in international waters? A small territory that could sustain itself solely on international cannabis traveler revenue would not be easily bullied. It would not solve the current problem we all face in our own states. However, it would create a haven for international cooperation on this issue and would serve a model for what is possible. Amsterdam is simply too far away and it’s not the ideal model for legalization. North America needs to really start thinking outside the box. I would really like if Norml could host lawyers on live shows to speak on the hypotheticals of legalization at least in close proximity to North America.
Never the less, I am not giving up hope. I’m from Texas, a very Conservative state. Most of my co-workers are all Republicans and Tea-Partiers. I brought up Cali’s Prop 19 to some of them and how it failed. One Tea Partier, in particular, made a grim face and said “I pay my taxes, so I feel I should have the right to smoke a joint when I get home from work if I want to!!”
Bad news on Prop. 19,The good news: 2 more years to get it right,2 years to educate the public,2 years to combine forces of ALL Pro-Cannabis orginizations,2 years to get Every Pro Cannabis orginizations to work as One,not as the one to finally get it Legal,but all combined to get the “Fear factor” out of the equation,If every Pro-Cannabis orginization will work together to get the “fear factor “out of Cannabis education,Cannabis as a recreational pastime and as an Agricultural crop will be in the future of the U.S. Or we could bemoan the recent setback when ,if by working together, and combining the mass effort of ALL the Pro Cannabis efforts( the drug and the non-drug varieties) could ,by the next election cycle win in a favorable way. The fear of “the Leaf” can be overcome,and that ‘s what it is,fear of the Leaf.When people see “the Leaf”,automatically we think Marijuana,when it is much more,your house,your car your clothes,your food,your medicine,your means to make a living,,in the past the way to pay taxes,the way to win the war,saving trees,the environment,the list could go on indefinitely.The cause should not be How to make Marijuana legal,the cause should be How to make Cannabis legal.Like a political orginization,but instead of the fear mongering we saw over the last few days,be the anti-fear ,the education orginazation,the positive conversation,the look at the facts people,the orginization that says”Cannabis is not a crime,It was and is a way of Life,it’s not new ,it’s been with us for Thousands of years and will be with us for thousands more.As someone said”Yes We Cannabis”!
Latest figures from the California elections site show that Prop 19 did not do as well as expected, because young people did not turn out to vote. An article today in the L.A. Times says that state election officials have said that had the youth vote turned out at the levels they did for the presidential election, Prop. 19 would have probably been too close to call.
This is based on the level of support that Prop. 19 had among those youthful voters who did turn out. So I guess what needs thinking about is how to motivate younger voters to turn out for EVERY election, not just presidential races.
I for my part am still here and still ready to vote YES on legalization in 2012. I am also still supporting NORML, L.E.A.P., and FireDogLake’s Just Say Now legalization efforts. The legalization issue needs to stay visible between now and 2012, and what will do it is monetary support for organizations working for legalization as well as personal activism. An easy way to do the activism part is to buy a t-shirt from NORML, L.E.A.P., or Just Say Now, and WEAR IT OPENLY! When people come up to you and ask you why you favor legalization (and believe me, they WILL ask), be ready to talk to them about the issue. Many organizations like L.E.A.P. have prepared talking points so that people who favor legalization can quickly get their message across.
There IS a lot of support out there for legalization, and the L.A. Times article says that they still see about 52% IN FAVOR of legalization in their informal polling DESPITE THE DEFEAT OF PROP. 19.
The non-sugar-coated truth is this: if young people really WANT legalization, then they need to turn out to vote in sufficient numbers to help the legislation pass. Also, everybody– and I mean EVERYBODY– needs to get active and make sure that the people around you KNOW CLEARLY that YOU PERSONALLY support legalization between now and 2012. Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes.
One other thing– all this F-U-Cali and F-U-old-people crap is NOT going to cut it– it is going to take money, speaking up intelligently for the issue, and SHOWING UP TO VOTE to win this.
Thanks Mr. Armentano for your tremendous effort in California. It is ironic that MM so muddied the political waters surrounding Prop 19. Perhaps Washington or Oregon will be a less contentious battle ground.
Still this blow to our momentum is not nearly as bad as our collective loss in GONZALES V. RAICH.
A legislative examination of the often used ‘Substantial Effects’ doctrine grafted into the Commerce Clause by the USSC in Wickard v. Filburn is badly needed. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 does not empower the Federal government to regulate intrastate trade.
If medical marijuana proponets worked against Prop 19 then they succeeded in removing what could have been a buffer for them from the ruling in the Raich case. As it stands they are only in buisness due to the tender mercy of our Justice Dept. Political winds change. Surely if we don’t hang together then we shall all hang separately.
The bigger the Medical MJ industry gets, the harder it will be to legalize it for recreational use!
For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die,” -Teddy Kennedy
Lets face it, polls are rigged. The establishment doesn’t want you to take their private funds away, so of course prop 19 failed. How many times does the CIA have to be caught bringing in the drugs?
I came here several months ago and told all of you that Prop. 19 would not pass. This fact was common knowledge among even low-level state lawmakers; which was where I received the early dubious message on Prop. 19.
It was made clear to me that lawmakers were told they pretty much had to be against it, to save face for future elections, and to maintain the “status quo”.
What you all seem to fail to realize is the fact that for so many reasons ($) this plant can never be made 100% legal. I am personally in support of full decriminalization and legalization.
Maybe I’m being overly optimistic, but everyone keeps saying that it’s been defeated…really? I was under the impression that 100% of the precincts have reported in and that the measure was defeated by approximately five hundred thousand votes. BUT, there are still 1 million, 5 hundred thousand ABSENTEE ballots yet to be counted! We wont know the REAL numbers till December 3rd. Again, maybe I’m being overly oprtimistic – but I say hang on – it aint over till it’s over.
Wouldn’t it be nice if a huge influx of MJ supporters could move to Colorado in time to vote on our legalization bill in 2012? I know I read many posts that people were ready to pack up move to California if Prop. 19 would have passed. We need people to come before the election to help make it happen. I know its a crazy idea. But its a thought.
224 Longtime Puffer
I personally watched them make “Rebel without a Cause.”
I don’t know if that makes me an old fart [being 72] – but- most of the old farts I know “do the dubie.”
220 Michele
The anti-tobacco and anti-alcohol prohibs sure don’t want to add another drug to their hit list.
What has happened in California is very much like a Mafioso message – the feds have intimidated the California voters by announcing “We don’t care what California does with their sovereinty – we will aggressively pursue federal law – got the message?” California went from 71% in favor to the mattresses andiamo.
i live in ny and i watched the midterm elections on tv all day just for this issue. you guys had one promising chance to wake up the next mornin knowin that you were free from arrest. im really disappointed in cali. yea u had good support but u guys collected all those signatures and put the issue on the ballot, for what? just so you can miss the vote by 11+%. im pissed. u could have paved the way for all of this country. the republican party said they were goin to listen to the people and that our priority is their priority. so lets bring up marijuana legalization to them. why are u guys waiting until 2011, 2012. do it now . come on !
Do you wonder why cannabis is so important?
A simple catnip, so many important people have inhaled
The Dreams
My Dream
Is to stop drinking so much alcohol
YES Cannabis
I have written my representatives, state, federal and every President since Clinton. I’ve donated to LEAP and NORML. I’ve constantly tried to educate anyone who will listen. I’ve supported those who have claimed to be “Progressive” and it hasn’t made a damned bit of difference. Neither the Democrats, Republicans or wacko Tea Partyers are ever going to support our cause. A great example is Obama. He claimed to be aware of the futility of the “War on Some Drugs” and as soon as he was elected he threw us under the bus. I’ve been fighting this for 30 years and I’ve come to the conclusion that I will never see Cannabis Legalization. There are just too many people who depend on Prohibition for their income. I believe the police are the worst. So I’ll remain a “Criminal” in the closet because exiting that closet would destroy my life. I have lost all faith in the government or organizations like NORML. NORML means well and tries hard but we just don’t have the $$$ or the political clout. I am sadly disappointed and disheartened by the failure nationwide to end this evil prohibition.
You know, when I tell people about the anti-cancer effects of cannabis extract or show them the Rick Simmons video I always get “I never heard that before”. The same is true for other diseases it really helps like MS. Public education about it has to happen in order for the average person to consider it. The “stoner” model just doesn’t work near as well. Is there any money left in the coffers that could be used for something like this?
Is that why you refuse to respond or allow any of my comments here? Most are refused and you say that you accept all comments. Dishonest. “You” absolutely have an agenda and “you” have lost trust with the people that you say you’re trying to help. Does that sound familiar? It should.
Just like that huge tunnel on the border that was said to be created by cartels. I wonder who really had a hand in making that operation? Sounds more like a “grey” op. It’s designed and made then its turned in as a “discovery” all upon the outcome of the ballots. Let me get this straight. It was six football fields in capacity with 20 tons already just laying around and no one was there? It’s not like cannabis almost became legal in Cali. Wait a sec. Sounds like someone was getting ahead of themselves. “You” must think we’re all going to believe whatever you say. Sorry. Delay the inevitable because cannabis will be legal one day.
What a mad and sad world we truly live in. Educate yourselves and spread the word because we can’t just trust anyone when it comes to the re-legalization of cannabis except for those who respect the truth. Don’t tell me that cannabis can’t go straight from illegal to legal. How did that work with alcohol again? That’s right.
Anytime, anyone wants to have open and honest dialogue with me about cannabis I will destroy your propaganda and lies. The truth will prevail and the ignorant can go to sleep. If ignorance didn’t exist there would be no need to deal in deceptions.
sure we all are upset however I think we learned that to legalize it we need more people to learn the actual benifits of this herb and the regulation needs to be better presented GO CALI dont give up yet like has been said it is not if but when we can legally enjoy mj
To pass a movement, an initiative like this you need to go back to the people who said they would vote for it and find out why they didnt. It is logistics, like some of you said, but on a more basic level.
Ask young kids if they voted, they will say no, they did not, but they wanted it to pass. Find out why, you will hear excuses and reasons, some valid. We need to organize and teach the supporters, most of who have never voted, to receive and send in MAIL IN BALLOTS, that way, if they have to work, have to go to school, or are too damm lazy that day, or just tied up somehow, there vote will still have counted. Many kids I talked to said the same thing, yes, they wanted to vote but they did know where to, they had to work, got to school, etc….VOTING 101 needs to be taught to the supports, I think there was 500,000 supporters out there who did not show.
Not passing in HUMBOLT County shows how some people are thinking small, that is too bad. Protecting their bottom line to the detriment of society as a whole, good job assholes, all the young kids, convicts in jail with their lives ruined will thank you forever.
so, the next step is to find out what people who oppose want different in a reasonable prop. that may get it over 50% an we can get over this, damn near hundred year suffication of freedom. how do we get more of the good points of cannabis across to those who just dont know.not only medical( altho important )but,just how our lives are for those who choose to use.oh, and the stupidity about people going to work stoned….how do we update people on saliva testing for work.im all for that.if they can develop a good test for number of hours its truly active in our system, then make damn sure your away from work long enough an get your test anytime. im tired of being hair tested dammit….now, im on our h.r. dept (nicely of course) at a company ive worked for many years. my only goal is to offer enough information to help them change this present form of testing. i was one, that up until they started testing, was” comfortable” with life…but now, life without herb sucks huge. more of us just need to start showing a better image of cannabis to america.we got to stand up for it more…show the ignorant the good side of herb…their are many who think if herb were legal, we would all weigh 300 lbs and destroy couchs every 6 months….please…what say ye….
well said #95………
Re 250
As I’ve said before, Rebel, you’re rare & unique. You are living proof that there ARE oldies, if you’ll excuse the term, who smoke (and in some cases voted for 19), tho they are in the vast minority.
This MAY surprise you, but my dad, who died over 20 years ago, smoked MJ back in the early ’50s in the Air Force (in the Phillippines). He went to college on the GI Bill in the early-mid ’60s, & hung out with bikers, artists & poets, & they’d come over to the house (when I was a small kid) and smoke MJ–that is, until my mom kicked all of his friends out of the house.
He came to a few of our parties in the ’70s & now and then shared a doobie. I would tell my friends, “Just pass him the joint and don’t stare.”
I’m positive were he alive today, he’d have voted for 19.
I’m all for continuing the movement, especially by open & honest education and correcting how cannabis users are perceived.
But I’m thoroughly convinced of something now, of what I will be doing and what I would encourage all others to do.
Boycott EMERALD [all about their green] TRIANGLE [for stabbing others in the back] bud wherever possible.
Boycott DISPENSERS [of DEA ‘justice,’ by proxy] against 19 bud wherever possible.
Boycott CARTELS [and their U.S. government sponsors] bud wherever possible.
GROW YOUR OWN!!!Take control of your own health and happiness by taking the time to learn how to grow … it’s a plant! We do not need these people. Dry up their source of power over us – OUR OWN MONEY!
The information on how to nourish the plant that nourishes you, is widely available. The costs associated with growing are less than purchasing in any market – OVERGROW THE GOVERNMENT and all others who would gladly see us in cages before giving up their ignorance, fear and greed!
EVERYWHERE YOU ARE – SPREAD THE SEEDS OF CANNABIS HEMP AND THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT THEY HOLD FOR US!
i think that for non supporters and people who hate marijuana users,..should NEVER be allowed to bennefit from it,…
for over 50 years these people have hated us – the marijuana users,…only users should be allowed to benefit from its use and growth ,..
users have been descriminated against by the people who hates us,..and now that they change thier monds they want to cash in on it,…after hating us for decades,…
no dice, no deal,..stop haters and descriminators,…keep it in the mj family
BTW – I’ve posted the same as above in another forum, and wanted to share my response to anyone trying to justify non-support of Prop 19:
It was never ONLY about the ‘few thousand’ Grower-voters up there who not only cast a ballot … but played an integral part with all guilty parties, even encouraging others to do so as well.
Dispensary owners, employees, marketing agents, etc., who continue to maintain shamefully (prohibition-)inflated prices.
Doctors – some rubber-stamping hangnails for $150.
And then there’s the Patients … some hurting, and some not so much. Scared into voting NO against THEIR own best interests.
The Medical Pot INDUSTRY is already corrupted, as it co-exists with the Black Market (and overlaps at times I’m sure). No need for Big Corp. to step in and make medicating/relaxing a risky, and expensive proposition.
This effort to end COMPLETE PROHIBITION needs every victory it can get, starting last century … and a coalition of supposed CANNABIS-supporters, not to mention PEOPLE-supporters(patients?, responsible adults?) helped sink one of OUR best chances to put a HUGE crack in the wall, for an ENTIRE WORLD waiting for so many FREEDOMS!
Anyone who did not vote or vote YES on 19 did it for the reasons I mentioned above – fear, ignorance, greed. Or some combination thereof.
The WAR goes on, thanks to vested interests who support the current prohibition of Cannabis – this inestimable natural gift to ALL OF US – vested interests who hate others and love MONEY(themselves).
You’ve switched sides. You’ve joined the oppressors.
And if you’re a farmer who just got caught up in all of this you’re just going to be one more casualty, and by no means the most serious (think: the incarcerated & their families, the targeted minorities and poor, the sick and tired and stressed and depressed …).
Don’t talk to me about crop prices – we all struggle to survive, some more than others. The freedom to use the Cannabis hemp plant is it’s own issue … not to be confused with U.S. economic policies on farming.
EXCEPT that opening restrictions on Cannabis for non-medicinal uses would have allowed something wonderful to happen – a start to the experiment of allowing this one plant to revolutionize FOOD, FIBER, FUEL and SHELTER industries (in addition to the medical) – while leading to otherwise unachievable ENVIRONMENTAL gains. All of which means one thing: a better ECONOMY for MORE people than you may even care about.
Thanks for aiding the continuation of modern slavery.
I live in north California where many small and large legal med. growers & users would support personal use, described in the FIRST section of Prop 19 (allows persons over 21: A-possess, share, carry 1 oz anywher; B-grow & possess, live & harvested plants from min. 25 sq ft garden per residence*; C-no sales permitted; consumption must be in private.) !!SEE MY NEXT POST!!
*State/Local govt. may permit larger garden
11/7/10,3:20 pm CONTINUED:
The SECOND section of Prop 19 is opposed by the few educated souls who read that far into the analysis:
It allows State and local govt. to authorize, regu-
late, and tax COMMERCIAL cultivation, processing, distrib., transport., and retail sales, IN ORDER TO RAISE REVENUE and pay for Prop 19 regulatory costs.
Small, caring producers would be overwhelmed by Big Tobacco and Liquor, who are planning huge grows.
[Editor’s note: What is your problem with paying taxes on cannabis cultivation and sales? Isn’t that what legalization is? Why should cannabis consumers want to keep paying ineffective and small scale cultivators $150-$500 an ounce for dried vegetable matter that is pennies on the pound produced outdoors and about $1 per gram indoors?
Why should society continue arresting, prosecuting, incarcerating and drug testing cannabis consumers en mass? To appease currently illegal or ‘medical’ cannabis cultivators and sellers?
If cannabis consumers don’t want low cost ‘corporate’ cannabis, they can pay more for ‘mom and pop’ veganic cannabis? Why is Cannabis Prohibition (with its crimes against humanity) preferable to the free market?]
I really hope those cock sucker in the golden whatever the fuck they call it get busted for selling the weed they grow to someone without a card , thats the main reason they don’t want us to enjoy weed they lose all that money they don’t have to pay tax’s on , the person they are growing for pays for them to grow it any thing left the grower sell on the streets. Sorry weed is not legal in Cali . you can’t buy it or sell it without braking the law ,when you get no fine , or jail time then you have got the job done , tell then the fight must go on. So to you cock sucker that live in this golden fucken weed haven I hope someone RIPES you off like you did to us. FUCK YOU !
I seems strange to me that such a high percentage of adults in America smoke weed on a daily basis but where are they when it is time to vote? There are so many “closet” smokers out there. I personally have been using for 30 yrs. If you want it you are going to get it. Why can’t the politicians see this? Now at an older age using has made me realize how medicinal pot truly is. Having just recently had back surgery, nothing helps the pain as much as smoking. Go figure!
Some of y’all should do a little reading before you open your mouths. While Prop 19 didn’t pass, the Governor had signed a bill stating that marijuana is decriminalized up to an ounce starting Jan 1. So while the taxation & legalization did not pass, we are still able to enjoy some of the freedom with worrying about going to jail. I say that is a win in my book!
“Some of y’all should do a little reading before you open your mouths.”
Some of y’all should do a little THINKING before you open your mouths.
“While Prop 19 didn’t pass, the Governor had signed a bill stating that marijuana is decriminalized up to an ounce starting Jan 1.”
The reasons for doing so were at least twofold: the state is broke; and timed to undermine Prop. 19. All it did was acknowledge that most Californians are struggling and suffering (more so than many Pot-Prohibition-Profiteers) and that all anti-19 crusaders were on the same team as sneaky politicians playing a shell game with our freedoms.
“So while the taxation & legalization did not pass…”
Yet the $100 fine (just another form of tax) remains upon the cannabis USER, while doctors, growers, suppliers and marketers continue raking in obscene profits.
“…we are still able to enjoy some of the freedom with worrying about going to jail.”
So all you want is SOME freedom? Is that because one aspect of that ‘freedom’ is the right to make money off of the blood of others? I’d be interested to know what you do for work “Anonymous”.
Many people outside of California still do go to jail for this – what about them? We could have BEGUN the end of prohibition for the entire planet – California leads the nation, this nation leads the world.
“I say that is a win in my book!”
Again, your problem is that you’re only concerned with YOUR book. Many other people across the world have books with much unhappier endings – they still go to jail and can lose their family & friends, their jobs, homes & possessions, and even their lives.
These ‘internal’ oppressors have made a local issue out a global one, a personal problem out of a societal one.
When the polls up to the day of the election show a close race and then you lose by 9-10% you can count on one thing-VOTE FRAUD! To paraphrase Joe Stalin;I care not who you vote for as long as I count the votes. The electoral process in this country is fraudulent and illegitimate. Wake up and grow up people. You live under a vile tyranny!!
P.S. Keep the corporate whores like George Soros out of cannabis production. The editor is shilling for more corporate control and that aint the free market. America was a free enterprise country in the beginning,not a capitalist country. Capitalism is private monopoly. Really sad to see NORML shilling for the corporations and taking money from a corporate ogre like Soros. No wonder NORML has been such an ineffective organization all these years. In my humble opinion you are what is known as controlled opposition! Let’s see if you have the cajones to post this Mr. Armentano!
[Paul Armentano responds: You have no idea what you are talking about. NORML does not, and has not, received money from George Soros, so you are incorrect on that point. NORML advocates for legalization, and in a legal market both small and large players would compete. And finally, Soros — who you malign — was the driving force behind the passage of Prop. 215, as well as similar laws in numerous other states, like Maine, Oregon, and Washington. But thanks for your post, especially the ‘controlled opposition’ comment. I’m always happy to post publicly the more insane, tinfoil hat comments NORML receives.]