Let states enact their own marijuana policies
By Paul Armentano, Special to CNN
July 6, 2011
(CNN) — It is hardly surprising that former drug czar William Bennett would, in his CNN.com op-ed, oppose any changes to America’s criminalization of marijuana. But it is surprising that he would lump Barney Frank and Ron Paul’s proposal to allow states the opportunity to enact their own marijuana policy with the effort to legalize drugs.
Let’s be clear: HR 2306, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011, proposed by Reps. Barney Frank and Ron Paul, does not “legalize drugs” or even so much as legalize marijuana. Rather, this legislation removes the power to prosecute minor marijuana offenders from the federal government and relinquishes this authority to state and local jurisdictions. In other words, HR 2306 is just the sort of rebuke to the “nanny state” that conservatives like Bennett otherwise support.
Barney Frank and Ron Paul: Get feds out of pot regulation
The House bill mimics changes enacted by Congress to repeal the federal prohibition of alcohol. Passage of this measure would remove the existing conflict between federal law and the laws of those 16 states that already allow for the limited use of marijuana under a physician’s supervision.
It would also permit states that wish to fully legalize (for adults) and regulate the responsible use, possession, production and intrastate distribution of marijuana to be free to do so without federal interference. In recent years, several states, including California and Massachusetts, have considered taking such actions either legislatively or by ballot initiative. It is likely that several additional states will be considering this option in 2012, including Colorado and Washington. The residents and lawmakers of these states should be free to explore these alternate policies, including medicalization, decriminalization and legalization, without running afoul of the federal law or the whims of the Department of Justice.
Of course, just as many states continued to criminalize the sale and consumption of alcohol after the federal government’s lifting of alcohol prohibition, many states, if not most, might continue to maintain criminal sanctions on the use of marijuana.
But there is no justification for the federal government to compel them to do so. Just as state and local governments are free to enact their own policies about the sale and use of alcohol — a mind-altering, potentially toxic substance that harms the user more than marijuana — they should be free to adopt marijuana policies that best reflect the wishes and mores of their citizens.
Does Bill Bennett believe that state and local governments cannot be trusted with making such decisions on their own?
Speaking during an online town hall in January, President Obama acknowledged the subject of legalizing and regulating marijuana was a “legitimate topic for debate,” even as he expressed his opposition. Yet Texas Rep. Lamar Smith, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, recently boasted that he would not even consider scheduling HR 2306 for a public hearing.
There might be another reason people like Smith and Bennett will go to such lengths to try to stifle public discussion of the matter. To do so would be to shine light on the fact that the federal criminalization of marijuana has failed to reduce the public’s demand for cannabis, and it has imposed enormous fiscal and human costs upon the American people.
Further, this policy promotes disrespect for the law and reinforces ethnic and generational divides between the public and law enforcement. Annual data published in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, and compiled by NORML, finds that police have made more than 20 million arrests for marijuana violations since 1970, nearly 90% of them for marijuana possession offenses only.
It is time to stop ceding control of the marijuana market to unregulated, criminal entrepreneurs and allow states the authority to enact common sense regulations that seek to govern the adult use of marijuana in a fashion similar to alcohol.
In Bennett’s own words, “We have an illegal drug abuse epidemic in this country.” How is such a conclusion anything but a scathing indictment of the present policy? After 70 years of failure it is time for an alternative approach. The “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011” is an ideal first step.
Editor’s note: Paul Armentano is the deputy director of NORML , the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, and is the co-author of the book “Marijuana Is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink?” (2009, Chelsea Green).
FORGET ABOUT ALL THIS RULES AND REGULATIONS.. WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN IS BUYING FROM PEOPLE ON THE STREETS AGAIN. ITS EXTREMELY DUMB THAT OUR STUPID GOVERNMENT WANTS TO PUT ALL THIS STUPID RULES AND REGULATIONS, WE DON’T HAVE TO FOLLOW THEM, THERE’S MANY PEOPLE THAT GROW AT HOME AND WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SELL THEIR PRODUCT OUT OF THEIR HOUSE AND GIVE THE RULES THE FINGER. i WILL RATHER BUY ON THE STREETS THAN TO LISTEN TO ALL THIS IGNORANT POLITICIANS.BEING NARROW MINDED AND IGNORANT IS GOING TO MAKE THIS INDUSTRY GO BACK TO THE STREETS AND NO MORE TAX MONEY FOR COLORADO. STUPID POLITICIANS RUIN EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING…. BUY FROM THE STREETS DON’T SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT RULES!!!!!!
Texas Rep. Lamar Smith, should be made to spend a day in the life of someone that needs cannabis to make it through a day.And for that matter all the pin heads that think the current policies are working or have ever worked!FFS people wake up ! Stop believing and perpetuating the LIES!
Just legalize the shit and get it over with. Lobbyist for pharma companies are making this a big deal to maintain big bucks.
Nice editor’s note.
Can you say treasoneous bastard.
I saw when Bennett first published the op-ed on CNN. I was both infuriated with CNN and disappointed with the media in general. Look around, how is marijuana reform being received by the media? It appears to anyone compelled to follow the issue throughout the various media outlets, that marijuana is coldly received by the media. Sure there are debates here and there on TV programs, but when it comes to visiting CNN, USA Today, MNSBC, etc. it all seems to be a side-show of sorts. We need to make the media more aware of our passion and our movement and restore the context of logic and rationale when discussing marijuana reform.
[“Does Bill Bennett believe that state and local governments cannot be trusted with making such decisions on their own?”]
——————–
Nixon, who created the DEA, didn’t even trust the FBI to carry out his own personal war on U.S.citizens.
Bring on the HR 2306!
While I appreciate the article, your characterization of Bill Bennett, proudly displayed at the top, does little to help you seem legitimate.
I’m pretty disappointed.
[Editor’s note: The truth hurts. Bennett profits mightily from his self-appointment as the king of virtue, when he is more like the king of vice. Should cannabis consumers and victims of the Cannabis Prohibition laws Bill Bennett is so famous for championing for decades feel about calling him out as a big fat hypocrite?
How many otherwise taxpaying paying Americans have suffered because of bloviators like Bennett wanting to maintain the failed and expensive policy of arresting cannabis consumers?
Why pretend to be civil any longer to a hypocritical moralist who would have you as a cannabis consumer get violently busted and to crawl into a cage, make you piss in a cup for a job, take your home and children away by government fiat while he chain smokes, drinks America’s most dangerous drug and twitches to go blow the family milk money on video poker.
Why?
Why should cannabis consumers and the victims of 74 years of Cannabis Prohibition continue to cede one iota of respect or deference to this man and his zeal to treat cannabis consumers like third rate citizens who he deems as criminal deviants?]
“Bill Bennett is an insufferable and overweight hypocrite who smoked or still smokes tobacco, drank or still drinks alcohol and has a gambling addiction!”
This is exactly what I said – “Everyone has bones in their closet.” If the American public becomes the paparazzi of these hypercrites will die on the vine.
Relax, prohibition will end just as long as leaders like Ron Paul and Barney Frank keep pushing for reform. Nothing happens over night and slow progress isn’t sptopping you from getting high, not really.
I appreciated the Editor’s Note 🙂
Wow – great article! I couldn’t have said it better myself 🙂 That’s because Paul Armentano is in a league by himself! I’m sure glad he’s on our side – the right side!
Republican Lamar Smith is another person who is in a league all by himself – and it’s not a good one! This guy would have half of America locked up if he could; total facist – Hitler like (in my opinion).
I was one of the contributors to the blog about the article written by Bennett. He is a dinosaur who’s time has come to depart this earth forever – him and others like him! Considering what Obama has done for us (against us) lately, he can go too!
Aye, fight and you may die. Run and you’ll live — at least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!!!
It still astounds me that people fear marijuana more than alcohol,tobacco products, and prescrition drug’s. It’s time for the END of marijuana prohibition. The states will do far better if HR2306 is passed, the $ spent on the marijuana prohibition is ridiculous. Prohibition makes criminal’s rich, look at what alcohol prohibition done for organized crime, marijuana prohibition is doing the same thing. Only marijuana is far less harmful and intoxicating than alcohol and prescrition drug’s.Wake Up!!!
In Bennett’s own words, “We have an illegal drug abuse epidemic in this country.”
No legal drug abuse? Come on Billy, let’s go drinking and gambling shall we? That’s all legal. I hear 4-5 people are dying daily in FL from oxy odee’s. That’s probably three times the deaths caused by any illegal drug world wide. So Bill, where’s your paycheck coming from these days? Right wing think tanks that are owned by (cough, cough) big pharma? Fucking cow! Please go away.
I remember Bennett when he was czar to the first Bush. He was creepy with shifty eyes. He has a smoking addiction, he drinks, and is a gambling addict. Now I know why he had shifty eyes. Maybe he could get MMJ card. I bet he would feel a lot better considering its all natural and nontoxic.
it seems i remember bill bennett has intrest in drug a testing company. what a bust for him if it were legal like alcohol. oh well, what do i know??????????
Tell it to George Washington, who used hemp, smoked cannabis you know what illy boy and your bullish- for about 40 years. George Washington would be embarrassed to know you.
There is no Federal law banning consumer fireworks in the United States. States pick and choose to ban some fireworks or all fireworks or allow some fireworks or all fireworks to be used and sold.
The same policy should apply to marijuana laws. States should be allowed to decide to legalize or ban it.
While I’d agree with the dislike of Bennett, it would be wise not to offend those who may not measure up to society’s expectation of body mass. I believe the object here is to persuade, not offer gratuitous offense. To note that he is a tobacco and alcohol-using hypocrite is, however, germane.
[Editor’s note: Correct. Using disparaging characterizations regarding Mr. Bennett’s choice not to watch his weight is not helpful. Unlike Bennett, your editor repents.]
Let’s go Mr. Armentano, keep up the amazing work!
bill bennett should give up drinking and gambling and try smoking pot!!1
He would probably be a hapier camper!!1
what a hypocrite!!
Tbyrde
Bill Bennett supports the old-school status quo of a vibrant prison industry and the police state we live under. Unfortunately, this is one of the main issues blocking any significant reforms from taking place.
Think about it. How many jobs would be LOST if marijuana became legalized today. There would be less need for LEOs, court system personnel, jailers, and drug-testers. A lot more people would be out of work.
The negative impact to the economy would clearly not be offset by the number of jobs the industry would create; and, I’m certain this is a major reason that Obama has stayed with the status quo on this issue as well.
“When you’re not welcome – you don’t hang around.”
One would think that prohibitionists would get the message by now. We have exposed [not only] prohibition’s weakness – but – its total failure as well. There exists no conceivable reason or justification to continue this senseless and unjust war [for the sake of] its profiteers – be it legal or illegal. Sooner or later – prohibs are going to “give up” the one thing they don’t have now – or never have had – “control.” That is why they never have won this war – nor will they ever.
Actually I would like to encourage Mr. Bennett to smoke and drink till his heart’s…well…stopped. If not in my lifetime then I’m teaching my kids the truth. Maybe in theirs. Maybe they can fix the economy too. It sucks that I can’t trust the government of the greatest superpower on earth NOT to screw my kids inheritance over with their greed.
So! Bennett has been depicted as a fat ass, smelly drunk, with creepy shifty eyes, an addition, and interests in a drug testing company [is that collusion]? He was also described as a treasonous bastard, King of Vice, and an insufferable hypocrite. IS THIS TRUE? All of this only tells us how the man takes care of himself – and – if he will destroy himself – why should we let him destroy us. IF THIS IS SO – who the hell would listen to him. See how a smear campaign is put together – and – dishin’ the dirt works.
The war on marijuana has broght the absolute worse out in politicians. They will always go to the utter most extremes to get their votes at our expense, won’t they? It will never stop till it’s legal. They will put us in a world of hell just to get what they want, votes. Time for us to take what we want, a little pay back. We ain’t never going to forget the lies from Obama and the millions jailed, the billions of dollars collected. And don’t tell me they disposed of all the evidence and didn’t take any home! Years from now, people will look back at this time period like it was cartoons and laugh. But not today, we ain’t laughing till they hurt like we’ve been hurt.
I can see why he can never change his mind. To do so, he would have to admit that he is partially responsible for tens of thousands of death, by murder, restraint of research and restraint of medicines, etc.
Think of the suffering that could have been avoided if people like Bennett had chosen to fight prohibition laws rather than fight (select) drug users.
Pretty Work 🙂
I don’t understand conservative logic. maybe because there is none. support states’ rights…..except when it comes to CURRENT illicit substances. Then back the feds…wtf??????
Talk about a Jackoff! Man this Weasel takes the cake. Typical republican. How much lower can our country go?All they do or have been doing for the last forty years is sit up there and dream up ways to screw the average Joe “nickel sack” American.All I can say, and I feel its coming on fast now, is,it’s time for payback boys, and you are going to get what’s coming to you,and I don’t want to hear you cry when it comes around and bites you where it counts,Mr. republican drug warrior,zealot,Facist pig, Mr. Bennett you’re going to need a really good fire suit where you’re going.And from what I hear your other buddie’s suits are’nt holding up too well, maybe I’ll send you some urine, if your lucky, to cool you down some when the fire gets a little too close for comfort.
Every one needs to be nice to Bill. He has addition to 2 Real bad drugs. And has no problem throwing the family money away. Feel for his pain. Then show him our pain. Let him have it. Any one that is pro prohibition is responsible for all the killing that is happen in Mexico .Let the world know that if u support prohibition. Then u are the ones that are guilty. And u must sham them i do they hate it to.
More than likely, when an article is published on this website I completely agree with it. This one is no different. However, what I do not agree with is the “editor’s note” that is riddled with ad hominems toward Bill Bennett. I don’t know the man, nor do I even particularly care for him, but I do understand that such remarks are not necessary and only lessen the impact of our cause. We are better than those petty comments that more often than not come from those opposed to our legalization/decriminalization/medicalization efforts.
Not so much “confronted and owned” as “rebuked and discredited”
We need to stay on Lamar Smith about this bill. He took down his facebook page and has had to hide from callers etc… this is good. Make him not want public service push, push, push. Keep calling! Keep writing! Go to his official webpage (lamarsmith.house.gov) and send him feedback there. Drive this SOB out of office. We’re starting to get public opinion more and more on our side.
If you do a google news search for “marijuana prohibition” or “Marijuana legalization” it is amazing how many of the articles are on our side… and then you read comments. If the internet is any indication the number of American supporting legalization is WAY more than 50% (though it IS the internet…..)
In any case, it is time for us to do some witch hunts of our own. Lamar Smith. ANYTHING to discredit or shame this man. That is what we need to get on… ruin his career and get him the F*** out of the way.
I’ll be doing my part (researching Smith’s skeletons and sending a contribution to NORML)
Good work Paul!
bill bennett has a radio show. why don’t we all flood his switchboard? if you get on, ask questions about his drinking or tobacco use. he has approximately 1 and 1/4 million listeners. we need to get on his show and expose what a lying buffoon he is. we need to continue to put pressure on politicians. lamar smith received $50,000 from the pharmaceutical industry for his last campaign. i think we need to ask the question, if the cannabis industry donated $50,000 (i don’t think that will happen) to his campaign, would his tune be different about HR 2306. i don’t think we need a bill in congress in order to continue putting pressure on congressional members. call a politician everyday, and ask them to support favorable cannabis legislation. we have to hound these people and educate them. educate their staff, as we will likely never have the opportunity to speak to them. call congressional offices that have supported favorable legislation and thank them. contact your local sheriff and police stations, and try to educate them about cannabis. realization is the key to the universe, and unless the realization occurs for people with the badges, the guns and the power to direct them, cannabis-users and their families will continue to be collateral damage in this war.
Genesists run “at it” – not – “from it.” We intend to run “straight at it.” Our Constitution is a vivid thread woven in the fabric of our great and glorious country. I am an American. What I believe – I believe! What I say – I say! What I believe – I say. The answer is too simple. We will overwhelm them with our 3141 Genesist Colonies – now and in 2012. The smallest thing we do – will be the biggest thing we’ve done in the final judgment.
Can’t say this about weed!
WellnessWorks of Hancock Medical Center
Alcohol Awareness Week
July 4-8, 2011
Alcohol abuse is America’s #1 health problem. This problem has major costs and consequences that place a huge burden on our society today. Such addictions strain the health care systems, economy, threatens public safety and plays a huge role in harming family life. In addition, alcohol addiction has no boundaries when it comes to ethnic groups, genders, and financial incomes.
THE PROBLEM
· There are more deaths and disabilities each year in the United States from substance abuse than from any other cause.
· About 18 million Americans have alcohol problems; about five to six million Americans have drug problems.
· More than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking.
· More than nine million children live with a parent dependent on alcohol and/or illicit drugs.
THE CONSEQUENCES
· One-quarter of all emergency room admissions, one-third of all suicides, and more than half of all homicides and incidents of domestic violence are alcohol-related.
· Heavy drinking contributes to illness in each of the top three causes of death: heart disease, cancer and stroke.
· Almost half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related.
· Between 48% and 64% of people who die in fires have blood alcohol levels indicating intoxication.
· Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading known cause of mental retardation.
THE COST
· Alcohol and drug abuse costs the American economy an estimated $276 billion per year in lost productivity, health care expenditures, crime, motor vehicle crashes and other conditions.
· Untreated addiction is more expensive than heart disease, diabetes and cancer combined.
· Every American adult pays nearly $1,000 per year for the damages of addiction.
THE ANSWER
· Addiction can be overcome with proper treatment, so seek help!
· Prevention is a huge part of staying away from your addiction!
To schedule an educational talk within your company,
call Service Coordination to schedule a meeting with your
Corporate Health Consultant today.
Bill Bennett deserves his bad habits. He has earned them.
Bill Bennett. Fuck him and the horse he rode in on.
Same goes for Smith.
Bennett pays his bills with the money he gets from prohibitionists. He is a fellow architect of oppression. He’s a has-been. He’s never going to admit his policies are a costly failure.
Smith, well he’s from Texas, so that makes him stubborn as a mule. Which prohibitionists have been funding Smith? Or is that not the case and he’s got some kind of Moby Dick obsession against cannabis? Could he be one of the poor souls who has lost a loved one in the drug violence, and now has a vendetta against all currently illegal drugs? What is his story, anyway?
I guess the corpus of politicians and movers and shakers are just not taking this legislation seriously because the of the sponsors. The guesses as to why are things one overhears at a venue with tongues loosened by alcohol. Because Frank is gay: Dick Armey referred to him on the floor as Barney Fag. Because Paul started off libertarian and is the butt of comedy when he strays from the republican prohibitionist dogma. He was in Brüno, that gay-themed comedy movie.
What are their reasons whey they perceive they are in their safe-to-say company of confidants?
Sacrament as a Food.
“Let the food be thy medicine, and the medicine thy food.”
Hemp Nutrition – Natures Super Food.
In the Genesist Faith’s penchant [propensity] to free our Sacrament from the prohibition that falsely imprisons it, we should not neglect to claim the superior benefits from hemp food – the most nutritionally complete food source in the world. Hemp is legal – it’s legal in any form. Hemp [God’s gift to his Creation as Sacrament] has been a food [that which grows naturally from the ground] since the beginning of time – The Sixth Day. Hemp, if not the first, was one of the first, plants to be cultivated by mankind, and present-day areas of wild growth have resulted from plants escaping from prehistoric cultivation. More recently, since the early 1990’s, shelled hemp seeds have been used as a foodstuffs, including, baked goods, snacks, breakfast cereals, beverages, frozen desserts, tofu, even cheese! Hemp is highly nutritious. From a nutritional standpoint the hemp seed is highly desirable.
The Geneist Faith promotes Hemp Therapy as a vibrant and essential part of a highly nutritional dietary program. In addition to its nutritional value, the Genesist Faith promotes physical wellness, by maintaining a concentrated program of exercise [both aerobic and resistance]. Diet and exercise go hand in hand, and are essential to well being.
To the Democrats: Better run someone else in 2012 cus Obama n Holder will be heading back to Chi Town. To the Republican n Tea Party: WTF! Go back and read the Constitution, and get back to me. Mean while the raids continue: Kent, Wa. 7.6.11, Police shut down 4 MMJ dispensaries, seizing product, phones and computers.
Oh, btw Holder, got them guns back yet! Guess Calderon is none to happy, how many people died while I wrote this. WTF over!
Just a note – when there are Congresspeople… And they have vices that are legal… and your vice is illegal… it doesn’t help win their favor by pointing out their flaws… We should enunciate the benefits of marijuana decrim/ legalization.
Judiciary committee chair Lamar Smith / Texas has said he won’t let the bill come up for debate; check out his Campaign Finances at http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?type=C&cid=N00001811&newMem=N&cycle=2010
Note the $20,000 from the National Beer Wholesalers Association (and see more about their contributions at http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/totals.php?cycle=2010&id=D000000101
Note also: $2,000 funding from Corrections Corporation, a gigantic, for-profit prison corporation http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/pacgot.php?cmte=C00366468&cycle=2010
The alcohol industry and the for-profit prison industry; is this why Mr. Smith doesn’t want a discussion about marijuana?
Neocons are idiots… if they knew what the word “conservative” meant, they would all be libertarians and not Republicans. Why does everyone want a nanny state? No drugs, Patriot act, no gay marriage, no guns, no pro-religion, no anti-religion, no abortion…
How about if you don’t like one of those, then don’t participate.
If the pendulum swings Republican, Gary Johnson is our only hope…
Here’s another link to Lamar Smith’s campaign supporters, Corrections Corporation:
http://herndon1.sdrdc.com/cgi-bin/com_supopp/C00366468/
Scroll down about 3/4 of the way to find Smith, Lamar…Texans for Lamar Smith. More than $10,000 over the years.
Norml, can you get this into the main stream press?
Anytime a politician says he or she wants to keep putting people in prison over marijuana, check their campaign finances (google their state name and the phrase, campaign finance, and you’ll see their state site). Every state site is different, but it’s usually possible to find the politician by name, or the words beer, beverage, distributor, wine, spirits, correction… any of those will often bring up interesting campaign money for people who _say_ they are all about keeping people safe, but _in_reality_ are taking money from corporations that make big money by keeping mj illegal.
Here’s a much better op-ed from someone who actually makes sense and has the right perspective: http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/07/07/johnson.legalize.pot/
Please, I urge NORML and everyone else to tweet this story and follow @GovGaryJohnson on Twitter and on his Facebook page. He truly stands for personal rights and has the courage to speak out about it candidly and tell the truth! We need him as President now!
Id say Bill Bennetts wife is still receiving funds from the jesus lovers, oh excuse me, the moral majority as they like to be called. She/They run an anti-dont do drugs thingie or something along those lines. The Bennetts are nothing more than Wahington D.C. butt lickers who are too lazy to axtually go out and earn a living.
They’ll be against drugs in America as long as it is paying for their cigaretts, liqior and gambling debts.
Nothing more than a hypocrite, not to be given any credibility, Next.
47. Jason
Is that really what you would have us do with congress people – sweep their shit under the rug – and – kiss their ass. We are not out to save the prohibitionist’s ass – we’re out to expose them for what they are – and – throw their asses out of office. Fairness is the Doctrine – but – you tell me – who has been fair? We’re not saying this behind their backs – we’re right up in their face. Jason – with all due respect – you wouldn’t last 2 minutes in Washington before they would eat you for lunch.
You think giving each state control over cannabis is the way, huh?
I strongly disagree. And I’ve laid it out like it’s never been laid out before.
Try part 6 of “Ten Reasons Why Medical Marijuana Is Cannabis Commerce’s Ball and Chain, right here:
http://www.cannabis-commerce.com/2011/06/ten-reasons-mmj-is-cannabis-commerces-ball-and-chain/6/
55. Lory Kohn
“You think giving each state control over cannabis is the way, huh?”
We don’t have to think – the Constitution and the U.S.Supreme Court already provides for sovereign states to control substances in their state. It’s the law of the land. Let us law abiding citizens obey the law of the land.
Here in Iowa I help Carl Olsen, who you should know a lot more about, to have standing before the courts as Iowa has very carefully obeyed federal Regulatory law. We do NOT need to disobey the law if it rationally reflects the will of the people. The love of our own law is a terrible casualty to the psychos like Bennet and their lust for slaves. We are setting Iowa up to have schedule two by the Science. Then we are after the regulatory law change to get the legality of pot as medicine established. This will Not get me my pot… Which I Will Have, bennet, you puke. It will set us up to force Iowa, as a state, to do what all the voter initiative states have failed to do, God bless your courage! You have NONE of you, taken your state out of schedule one for pot. You can Not get the DEA to change from schedule one when you are telling the world you think, at state law level, that pot will kill you. Little Iowa will make the ground tremble! We will get schedule one at state level with Zero access because we get to do the warp two turn and blast these bastards into the twenty first century at the DEA. Baby steps to History! No, we aren’t fast, but we are very accurate. You will love this when we pull it off!
amendment, please, we will get schedule Two at state level and then sue Iowa again to force it to sue the DEA to admit that a state, one state is all it takes!! has called pot medicine by pure science and then the correction at law to agree that pot is medicine. Nobody has done this yet. Oregon does not qualify because schedule two was Forced onto the state board of pharmacy. here in Iowa I appeared three times ranting them and the dreadful Office of Drug Control Policy thugs took my name and face as we stood before the soldier in this, the Day. Be warned bennetoids! we have staked ourselves to the ground! there is no running! this is till we win. period. Federal regulatory law is the secret brothers and sisters! Do not think we will let this end at schedule two! Pot has No business in schedule two! they jail just as bad for two as one here. Schedule Carrot or we Keep Bringing IT Bennet!!
Thank you to ConservativeChristian 48, 51, 52 for the proof.
As someone mentioned, can we get someone in the mainstream media or on cable news to talk about this issue? Gary Johnson backing up Frank and Paul? Paul’s son, too? MMJ has more support on a state count than gay marriage, and the federal level is doing more for that.
The public is getting all worked up into a frenzy by all this reporting on the disagreement about raising the debt ceiling. They could be okay with leaving legalization up to the states as budget cutting measures so as not to have the debt ceiling result in the military and its industry not getting paid and to avoid all the financial ripples throughout the financial markets.
Think about it. You could Noam Chomsky manipulate things in the western media.
57,58. UrpGag
I don’t know if we all are over-looking the obvious. Cannabis must first be – “DEFINED.” The definition must be based on “Scientific Conclusion.” The truth is in the science.
“We don’t have to think – the Constitution and the U.S.Supreme Court already provides for sovereign states to control substances in their state. It’s the law of the land. Let us law abiding citizens obey the law of the land.”
“Control” is the operative word. 80% of dispensaries forced out of LA in 2010. Same thing will happen this year in Denver — fees are triple what they were last year. Surveillance cameras going in this week. Big Brother loves states’ right. Keep voting for limited statewide initiatives then complain after they enact weird rule changes as if you didn’t empower them to do it that force business owners out onto the street. Read the link I provided and tell me how great state control is.
If by “(for adults)” you mean ANYTHING other than 18+ you deserve to be slapped and have some sense beaten into you. You are an adult at 18. No ifs, ands or buts about it. PERIOD.
Wait until the stars start falling off the flag! Maybe that’s exactly what they want – kill the country, its Constitution, and most of all God. Doesn’t anyone see the pattern here. Better learn how to say – “Yeth Masta.”
61. Lory Kohn
“The law is the law.” There are NO EXCUSES for the feds to break it – but – they sure as hell do – don’t they. Lory – “Power is the name of the game with the Lords of the Modern World.” I can tell you this without the slightest hesitation – California and Colorado are up their noses and out their asses – and – they don’t like it – why? – because so goes California – so goes the world.
If you want to kill a creature that is trying to kill you, start at the head not the tail. Lop off the head of prohibition ( not the tail ) and the rest withers. Have you noticed that most of the opposition are not sick or disabled?
64.American Genesist
The feds rarely show their faces around Colorado. The state Department of Revenue provides more than enough mischief for me and anyone else like me who can walk to 30 dispensaries to realize what an epic mistake it is to try and effect legalization state by state. It’s great if you don’t mind walking around with a ball and chain. Repealing prohibition is the only way to stop the insanity once an for all. MLK had a nice little term for going state by state: taking the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. The herbal rights movement could do a lot worse than emulate the civil rights movement.
If I control what you can and can not consume, I own you, you are my slave. Sadly, and un-Constitutionally, slavery is alive and well in this country. There was a time when there was no illegal drug use in this country. But that just wasn’t good enough for some folks. If there is a God in heaven those folks will surely burn in hell for their crimes against humanity. Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot. There is no money to be made simply leaving people alone. The mess caused by the drug war these folks started and wage to this day is un-Godly, un-Constitutional, insanity.
Its quite surprising that most republicans don’t support this new bill. I thought they didn’t like big governments all up in our business…… can anyone say AGENDAS? Cause that’s what it seems to me
65. Bobby D. Denning
Bobby Kennedy was the tail – John Kennedy was the head. To eliminate the tail they cut off the head. We’re very familiar with that mafia concept.
66. Lory Kohn
If you’ve ever become acquainted with a task force raid – you would recognize that every agency in the world is represented. What I didn’t notice was a animal services vest – maybe because the first thing they do is shoot the dogs.
“Repealing prohibition is the only way to stop the insanity once an for all.”
You’re absolutely correct. There is no question about that. Go for it!
“Taking the tranquilizing drug of gradualism.”
Now there’s a scary phrase. Gradualism is a drug – a drug used effectively by Fabian Socialists – of which Obama is one. That’s too easy to figure out.
Question: Who hasn’t tried cannabis? Anyone in the world who hasn’t tried it should be proud to stand up and say “I’m ???? and I have not tried it.”
I will gladly debate in public any one person or panel of persons that feels that the government has the right to choose for me, in anything.
The point you’re missing is that dispensaries/collectives/coops/clubs invite task force raids by agreeing to play under the ever-changing MMJ laws which have always been at odds with federal law. Wanna avoid that? Open an ice cream parlor. Or get on the bigger better more noble cause of prohibition repeal.
btw, 8 out of 10 parts have now been now posted for “Ten Reasons Why MMJ is Cannabis Commerce’s Ball and Chain” over at cannabis-commerce.com. The tranquilizing drug of gradualism is Part 6.
I see myself as a spiritual man! According to my Constitutional Rights, I can practice the religion of my choosing! In the Holy Bible, in Genesis 1:29, the 29th thing that God Almighty had to say to man!!!
“I give you every green, seed baring plant on the face of the WHOLE Earth. They will be as food for you.”
Now, who are you? You think that you as a government, can take away a Gift that was Given as Provision for me by God Almighty Himself? Who are you to argue with God?
It should be noted that Nixon’s hatred of the counter culture, i.e. “Grateful Dead fans in tie-dyed tee shirts” was such that he was determined to see to it that his enemies wouldn’t live to see decriminalization. Sadly, the result is that today therapeutic MJ is victim of a burning, wild-eyed political grudge. Toss in corporate opposition to the wonderful potential of industrial hemp and the damage it could wreak on Big Petrochem patents and the enemies’ list is formidable indeed.
Of course Nixon wasn’t just vilified; he was positively savaged (and deservedly so) even when he was still “honest.” Who knew that he was so thin skinned or (as with Kissinger) that he’d eventually return as a “senior statesman” or, continue to influence policy even after his death? (Not surprisingly, those of his ilk who remain in power are equally committed to an intractable, “never give ’em the satisfaction” posture on decrim)
I’m not optimistic about relief through legislation, and I’m hoping that either the entire corrupt federal mafia collapses (this is my wish and not necessarily shared by NORML) or we wait until the last Nixon-era crony finally dies. (don’t hold your breath waiting for any to retire)
No amount of remedial constitutional consciousness raising or facts about official corruption/growth of organized crime could have forced essentially the same batch of politicians who passed the 18th amendment to repeal it with the 21st. It was juries and their “not guilty” verdicts for victimless alcohol possession/consumption-related offenses that forced the issue. (Congress didn’t want jurors to get in the habit of judging bad laws on their merits) But that cannot be relied upon now because of our two-tiered justice system. As long as sons of privilege (like George W. Bush) can slip the nooses intended for poor and powerless targets of onerous enforcement, i.e. “official forfeitures to highwaymen/entrepreneurs and their Rolex Sniffing dogs” there’s little hope for relief.
While the police are flipping Chuy’s car hoping a seed will roll out federal drug warriors and political big shots are flying overhead in business jets and receiving suitcases brimming with freshly rinsed and sweet smelling cash from the long list of foreign and domestic opponents of decriminalization.
And the issue of jury stacking by court clerks (who repeatedly recall those who convict and seldom summon those from juries that exonerate) is another issue that deserves sunlight. (The “problem” undoubtedly received thorough reviews in most jurisdictions after a “rogue jury” freed OJ Simpson)
Intensive jury selection now begins before the summons is mailed and as with casinos the odds are supposed to favor the house. But, it only takes one “rogue juror” to monkey wrench a criminal prosecution. Of course we wouldn’t want to resort to that to frustrate a zealous anti MJ prosecutor’s case, would we?
80. Darius
Do I hear an echo from a Genesist brethren? I’m sure that you would enjoy the following passages as well. “Keep the Faith – Defend the Garden.”
Genesis I:11,12.
Genesis I:29,30,31.
Genesis IX:3.
Ezekiel [The Prophet] XXXIV:29,30,31.
Exodus XXX:22-29.
the hotel lobby will allow more blogging briefly but for right now everyone with cottonmouth follow me but, you’ll have to bring your own money…
Marijuana reform could have occurred decades ago. I see so many similarities to today’s push for reform and the one in the sixties and seventies. The children of the sixties were great at being angry,calling people names, demonstrating and being defiant. What we accomplished by this was the alienation of the “average Joe”. The phrase we lived by was “tune in, turn on and drop out”. Unfortunately, what we should have done was use the weapons furnished us by the constitution and selected someone who shared our views and voted. Right now the polls show that a huge percentage of the population if not a reliable majority favor reform. Use the system as our founding fathers intended. Nurture the people who already believe, politely persuade and educate the uncertains and let those who oppose the cause alone. I had a college debate coach who told me ” don’t enter into a debate with a fool, they are impervious to logic”. Don’t repeat our mistakes. An election is upcoming. Let’s make it count.
@84 – That is why I support Gary Johnson. If he gets elected, marijuana prohibition ends day 1. If he gets enough support, we could see the end of prohibition in less the 18 months(1 year 5 months and 27 days to be exact).
Mass marches on Washington DC or in every state in the union all at once on the state capital for publicity and debate!
86. Elwoodsquest for full freedom
Remember 4-20 @ 4:20. They’re not listening to words -physical presense most always gets attention.
George Santos a proponent of legal marijuana says “Law enforcement agencies today spend
many billions of taxpayer dollars annually trying to enforce this unenforceable prohibition.”
Taking the U.S as a whole, we spend about $68 billion a year on our prisoners. A total of about one third of those men and women imprisoned are locked up for nonviolent drug related crimes. Around half of these criminals are those who are marijuana users. This means about one-sixth of the prisoners in our country are in jail for charges related to marijuana. If we were to legalize marijuana that would be the U.S could spend $11.3 billion less on Americans tax payers’ money.
George Santos a proponent of legal marijuana says “Law enforcement agencies today spend
many billions of taxpayer dollars annually trying to enforce this unenforceable prohibition.”
Taking the U.S as a whole, we spend about $68 billion a year on our prisoners. A total of about one third of those men and women imprisoned are locked up for nonviolent drug related crimes. Around half of these criminals are those who are marijuana users. This means about one-sixth of the prisoners in our country are in jail for charges related to marijuana. If we were to legalize marijuana that would be the U.S could spend $11.3 billion less on Americans tax payers’ money.
what evr im gona smoke weed for the rest if my life and share it with my kids regardless of law
Dan Richeson here, I have started a little project and I am seeking others who can provide critique to the overall concept, some possible editing and networking. The concept is simple enough, instead of waiting for our elected officials to “give us our rights” we will formally declare them with a declaration of rights singed en-mass, sent to elected officials AND the United Nations (the first few paragraphs are from the UN universal declaration of rights). I envision a mass mailing at around April of next year. If you are intrested visit my face book page you should be able to find “DECLARATION OF RIGHTS OF CANNABIS USERS”. I have been posting it around so you might see it else where too.
If you are well informed and have similar intrests then I would like to hear from you.
Dan Richeson
– – – – – – – – – – – – – –
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS OF CANNABIS USERS
PREAMBLE
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.
Main Body
Whereas for too long now it has been observed that disregard and contempt for human rights has been allowed to exist in the body of politically motivated law that outlaws the possession, cultivation and use of cannabis by adults. The signatories of this Declaration wish to live in peace in this society, have been engaged in constant communication with their elected representatives individually or as part of groups. The actions of the government in this regards demonstrates continued contempt and disregard that we the undersigned feel that we have NO RECOURSE but to regard our government and some of our fellow citizens as hostile towards our declared rights and indifferent to the tyranny, oppression and terrorism that we have too long had to deal with.
Whereas by this declaration we provide the opportunity and impudence to engage with representatives in good faith negotiations which will lead to peaceful co-exisistance.
Whereas we the undersigned do hereby declare that IT IS OUR RIGHT to cultivate, possess and use cannabis AND that any law that says otherwise will be treated by us as the tool of tyranny.
Whereas we the undersigned in declaring our desire to realize our liberties and our desire to live in peace also recognize that the point is near where our rights and liberties will have to be defended.
Whereas we the undersigned are willing to do all we can to avoid conflict we hope that this WARNING also provides our fellow citizens and our representatives the impudence to also seek peace and understanding within our society.
Bill Bennett the hippie draft dodger …a real joke of a human.
The War on Drugs keeps slobs like Bennett and the other DEA, FBI and Homeland Security in pointless careers incarcerating Americans for what was once legal in this country. With the formation of the Narcotic Bureau in 1937 there was a sudden but obvious change of heart by the director of that agency now called the DEA. But in reality nothing changed except for the formation of this overbearing agency and it’s need to prove it’s value.
Consider how many of these useless slobs would immediately be unemployed if marijuana were removed from it’s Schedule 1 classification and decriminalized nationally.
It’s all about money and always has been.
Our country became a police state long ago. It’s time to elect true representatives of the people rather than these slaves to the almighty campaign campaign dollar.
Most of our politicians in Washington could be indicted for major crimes if they were all closely investigate. Bribery, corruption, influence peddling to name a few.