Members of Congress will introduce historic legislation today to permit for the regulated production and retail sales of cannabis to adults in states that have legalized its consumption.
Representative Jared Polis, (D-CO) is sponsoring legislation that seeks to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol.
Separate legislation to be introduced by Rep. Earl Bluemenauer (D-OR) seeks to establish a federal tax structure for retail cannabis production and sales.
Both Representatives, along with drug policy reform advocates, will discuss these measures at a teleconference this afternoon.
“When residents of Colorado and Washington voted to end their state’s prohibition on marijuana last November, it was a watershed moment for our nation’s move towards sane marijuana laws,” said NORML Communications Director Erik Altieri, who will be speaking at today’s teleconference. “But there remains a lingering conflict between state and federal law. These historic measures seek to resolve this conflict and empower states to dictate their own marijuana policies, without fear of federal incursion. NORML would like to thank the Congressmen for taking this brave step forward and encourages their colleagues in Congress to join them in calling for sensible marijuana law reform.”
Both Representatives have also released a report today outlining the need for federal marijuana law reform, titled “A Path Forward: Rethinking Federal Marijuana Policy.” The report states that “it is time for Congress to allow states and voters to decide how they want to treat marijuana. The current system is broken. It wastes resources and destroys individual lives, in turn damaging families and entire communities. It is past time to take action and stop this tragic waste in the future.”
Members of Congress will also call for the establishment of a Congressional Working Group on Sensible Drug Policy.
You can read the full text of that paper here.
Please check back the NORML website later this afternoon for further details regarding today’s press conference.
It is no surprise to me, at all, that the Representatives sponsoring this legislation are Democrats! I Salute them! They have their work cut out for them going up against a house full of Republicans though…
The Republicans, in particular, have a lot of financial ventures tied up in marijuana prohibition (e.g. Private Prisons, Big Pharma, Alcohol, Tobacco, Law Enforcement (of the non-violence related kind, etc…)
I continue to hold out hope that the Prohibitionists (the Anti-American liberty squashers) get what they deserve; and we all know what that is! Hint: If justice was to prevail, a lot of them would end up in prison.
It’s long overdue that they stop ruining peoples lives over a damn plant…… totally ridiculous.
It will be fun to watch the ONDCP and DEA react to this common sense, increasingly popular, fact-based approach. I predict that they will condemn it as wrong-headed and say they cannot support any measure that makes drug use seem OK to children.
Let’s hope this historic day is the beginning of an era where people who responsibly use marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes not only can be open about their use of the herb, but also lose the stereotype that has surrounded people who consume marijuana for years.
My life. My Body. My Choice.
It’s about time.
Legalizing mj for adults would achieve so much. Primarily it would take a lot of fuel out of the drug cartels coming up from Mexico which seem now to present a serious us security threat. It would also create a barrier to minors acquiring it. Having a legal accountable system would eliminate the basis for involvement of marijuana in the illegal drug trade altogether. We could end up with a budget surplus if mj were legalized. And watch, I bet Washington and Colorado don’t disintegrate into chaos because of their legalization measures.
Ah ha! There lies the rub, “… a Congressional Working Group…” As most Americans already know, a camel is nothing but a horse designed by committee. Will common sense rule or will Congress, like Obama, know better what is good for the people than the people themselves?
Personally, I believe that this will, at the very least, get Congress talking. However, egotists like Chabot, will probably try to shove nonsense-able legislation down the throats of the public. All we can really do at this point is hope common sense prevails and donate $ to our favorite lobbyists in favor of reform. Like they say, money talks, bullshit walks.
A good start, lets stop filling our prisons with nonviolent potheads. Instead embrace alcohol type of taxes to help our economy. Everyone knows in their heart that weed is not the devil stepping stone to harder drugs.
One Word. Finally!
It seems like a 2 way sword.
Vote Democrat = Legalize Marijuana
Vote Republican = Support Gun Owner Rights.
Its this or in a decade or two the support while reach alcohol prohibition levels and the states well take the right away from the government to prohibit canabis, if they keep this kind of stuff up eventually all the civil rights groups well see there fighting for the same thing and we’ll see an amendemnt to grant us sovergnty over our bodies……..and we dont want that do we.
Obama will shut this down if it gets to him
i just dont understand with some many benefits this plant offers, why is it such a problem to just do some research. it would show our government what good possibilities can come from this, and the wide range of people it can help.
If this bill were to pass, it would super-accelerate the rate at which states introduce and pass tax and regulation policies, for federal government intervention is one of the leading reasons states don’t want to be a part of this. Once enough states do pass legislation, Cannabis will more than likely be removed from the schedule 1 substance catagory and be moved to the same catagory as alcohol, officially ending this senseless prohibition.
Each state will legalize in do time, I believe that President Obama may be open to this, IF. We people and government can come to some type of easy control and tax proposal and he can create some type of easy distribution without chaos… People tend to be irrational and chaotic when the plants soul purpose is to relieve so many genetic antagonists bipolar depreeion, fibromyalgia ect. Some people just like the cloud feeling…
How on earth is a drug proven to help cure and relieve cancer patients, also the same substance that can ruin the life of a young adult that smokes in a state that doesn’t recognize it’s medical benefits? How is the government TAXING state governments with medicinal and legal marijuana, when they call it a “schedule one narcotic” ?! They shouldn’t collect a dime if they don’t agree to it! Also, if they can’t admit that smoking marijuana will cause zero harm to a persons health, then maybe they can look at it compared to other LEGAL substances that kill people daily, such as alcohol and cigarettes! End this silly war on drugs, it makes NO sense!
one can only hope and fight!
2013 Legalize it!! And make me an American citizen again!!!
I just finished reading the paper, and it seems well-put. I am more concerned with the future treatment of those who would “home-grow” under this new legislation. Since it is insisting “all” marijuana be taxed, could home-growers be tried for tax evasion? Tobacco is regulated in this way, and so it is a possibility. Especially if the hoped upon amount of $50.00/ounce TAX to growers is the ends. That cost WILL be passed along.
Not that I wish to belittle this document or those involved, as I am an advocate myself, but it is a concern we should have. I (in my personal thought and opinion,) do not want to purchase my greenery from a gas station in cigarette packets.
If anyone has more information, I am very interested. I am 100% for legalizing, just 100% against being railroaded. It is important we ask and know the answer to these kinds of thoughts.
The excise tax only applies on the first sale of cannabis, so it would have to be a commercial grow or producer. Home cultivation would be allowed, permit and tax free, in states that allow for it (ie: Colorado currently allows anyone over 21 to grow up to 6 plants).
This Police State Nation of ours already uses Marijuana as a cash cow , the government is The Real Cartel. The Government uses Marijuana and any other thing thay can to control and inslave the masses. I am a former US Marine and Police Officer, I am going to keep skokeing Marijuana no matter what.
Pass the tax and regulation bill so the government wont come and arrest people for growing, and smoking pot. The so called “drug war” failed, ruining peoples lives and taking away there freedom because of a plant that grows and then you smoke it. And change the schedule of marijuana its less harmful than alcohol and cigarettes. People kill people driving drunk everyday, you hear about it all the time. Do you ever hear marijuana killing anybody, or marijuana causing a car accident because there under the influence. My opinion is, and im sure many others are as well, driving after smoking pot relaxes me and makes me a more cautious driver.
Back off government and 5-0, were not going away, marijuana will always grow, and people will be there to smoke it.
I will say it one more time ! This is the year to put 1 million people on the Nat’l Mall on 4/20/13 with 1 million blunts to be lit @ once @ 4:20 p.m. To send a smoke signal that the world will NOT be able to ignore anymore ! Do we want our rights ? Than we must assemble and insist upon our rights being upheld !!!
NORML, on the ball as always. Thanks for the clarification, Erik!
NORML has been involved in this legislation as it was coming together, as consumer advocates we always push strongly for home cultivation!
Legalize MJ and we won’t need gun control. The responsible citizens of this country aren’t the problem. It is the 1% of insane or irresponsible people that these laws are meant to stop. We all suffer when we give up freedoms under the assumption that we can protect everyone by taking away our freedoms. Don’t be fooled by Government intervention.
After smoking cannabis for 45 years, it is way past time to legalize nationwide. Stuck here in the backward southeast of the U.S. it seems unlikely to pass rightwing government. I don’t see how non legal states can prosecute if it is legal in any state of the U.S.
As more and more states choose to legalize Cannabis the federal government will either have to give the power to the states to do as they wish or try and stop it early on before a huge momentum is created. That momentum is at a crucial stage and we aren’t over the first hill yet. We have to wait and see how well Washington and Colorado handle their new laws concerning the use of Cannabis and what the feds do, if anything.
If you go to the Marijuana Majority home page it is plain to see that there are more and more well known people, conservative and liberal alike and from many diverse walks of life joining together to challenge the present laws. When you have people like republican conservative Davis Koch saying – “I have friends who smoke pot…it’s ridiculous to treat them as criminals” you know change is coming.
100% legalized, and 100% excise tax-free is the only solution I’ll be 100% satisfied. This would be a HUGE step in the right direction, but there would still be a big fight for true justice, and I find it disgusting that the only reason they would even consider legalizing it is because their greedy asses are seeing dollar signs.
How about this: Prohibition is unconstitutional. End of discussion. The Federal State (and their drug bureaucracy) is in direct violation of the supreme law of the land with all this garbage. They should be tried, convicted, and imprisoned for their crimes against the American people. Screw them. I’ll be happy when they have to pay for the 76 years of injustice they have perpetuated.
Totally agree t should be legalized taxed abd sols to the public.
I currently take narcotic pain medicine, but would much rather smoke a joint to relieve my chronic pain. Bring it on soon…..
Would there be taxation on cannabis imports? If the pressure is taken off the traditional producing countries such as Afghanistan, Morocco, Jamaica and (especially) Mexico this is where cannabis will be produced. It is not the current situation because these countries persecute growers (at the behest of the US) and smuggling is difficult and expensive but under a legal frame the production and importation costs would plummet. Any legal framework needs to include a hefty import tax if local producers are to make any money. There is no point making the production cost of marijuana $100 per ounce in the US when it can be produced for 50 cents somewhere else in the world.
(Those fancy named hybrid seeds grow very well in all sorts of countries so don’t imagine anything produced in California can’t be produced to the same quality in Mexico)
Dont industrialize it…. just simply decriminalize it
If this does pass our bicameral legislature, I doubt that Obama will veto it. Hypothetically, Romney may have as part of fighting it ‘tooth and nail’.
Back in the 1960’s, I talked to a few people who were ‘waiting until they legalized it’. I’ll bet they’re happy now. I had begun to believe I would be dead before they legalized it. Maybe not.
I wonder if anyone will dare sponsor a bill funding continued prohibition for the price of $100 billion a year.
There should be no argument whatsoever.
Amendment 10 of our Constution clearly says.
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.”
This ends the argument no matter what they try to say. It’s the law of the land already.
GENOCIDE via Haters and their Petroleum Wars
or
Industrial Hemp.
STOP GENOCIDE, VOTE INDUSTRIAL HEMP
To tell you the truth, I’d love to see this at least get to sunlight to be voted on. But, alas with Mitch McConnell, McCain and Boehner in congress, that will never happen. I’d be surprised if this piece of legislation even made it to the floor for a vote. Do you really think that a congressional body like ours can come up with common sense drug police when they can’t (and won’t)come up with a plan to balance a budget or vote on one that represents the people of this great Nation?
MAN, I SURE HOPE THIS IS PASSED WHILE I’M STILL HERE ON EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CHANGE THE DRUG POLICIES, MAKE MONEY BY LEGALIZING MARIJUANA, AND TAXING IT, AND EACH STATE SHOULD LEGALIZE IT!!!! YOU WILL SEE A DIFFERENT AMERICA, AND A NEW ATTITUDE, AND MONEY COMING IN TO PAY OFF DEFICIT!!
Honestly, being a republican and for pot, I see no reason why the older, stereotypical republicans are against it. The only older republican representative I know of that would legalize it is Ron Paul. But seriously, why do they think it’s bad for you? The benefits outweigh the (very minor) risks in spades. Hell, if Maryland had dispensaries, I could probably get a prescription EASILY due to chronic depression and ADHD, which are both proven to be great treatments for both.
Seriously GOP, this isn’t 1935. Reefer Madness has been debunked multiple times, get your dicks out of the oil wells in the middle east, legalize pot, and get the oil out of our own damn country, we certainly have enough.
When I was in my forced treatment for MJ use, they told us that the definition of insanity is repeating something over and over and expecting different results. Is 40 years insane enough?
When I was sent to my force treatment for MJ, they told us that the definition of insanity is repeating something over and over, expecting different results. Is 40 years insane enough?
Norml, What are the chances this legislation doesn’t just get buried in committee never to see the light of day?
This is great – thanks to the folks who are working for this. It oughta happen – yeaa!
Ya know, if all those Republicans who hate Obama really wanted to mess with him,
what they should do is keep passing marijuana leagalization bills everywhere
so he’s forced to either send in the DEA or genuinely support legalization.
Either way it’s a wet dream for them because they can then turn around
& say it’s all his fault like they always do with everything else.
And if they wanted to be real bastards, they could just join together
in a “bipartisan” effort to pass a federal bill for full pot legalization
he’d then have to sign or veto. (And no, I do not love Repuglican’ts..)
Sounds great! Now if the Beltway Bunch in Congress can put it on the schedule and vote it into law, that’s another story. I read the main points, and I didn’t see anything in there about a work-around for international treaties that prohibitionists love to put up as a road block.
I Can’t Drive 55.
by
Sammy Hagar
Go fast!
Vote Democrat= Legalize Marijuana
Vote Republican = Support Gun Owner Right
Vote Libertarian = Both
FREEDOM!!!
I just want to be able to go to the store and get a pack of cigs and a pack of migs
This is years past due, imagine being in jail for pot, it even sounds ridiculous. My God we are a backward people.
Thank you Representative Polis and Blumenauer, you have presented a great case study for why marijuana should be legal and hemp allowed for cultivation. Now if Republicans will take the time to read it, and realize there are over 50% of Americans that want this to happen!
Doing so at a federal bases is a good place to start. It’s about time too, if they pass things such as this. It is time to quit criminalizing people over a very useful plant.
These things will slowly pass now too, as more Americans are realizing, that there’s little to be concerned about with the actual herb. More people know the truth, and Government will have to deal with it, even if they don’t want to. It is our time, at last.
??
Good news, now it is not just the two retired members with a good bill introduced! Hey Scott, I agree with you again, I wonder if we could get a million people there, and if it would make a difference. They may send out haters to infiltrate and get the whole crowd tear gassed arrested and any other shit they can think of. Does anyone else like this idea, or do we just continue to chip away state by state? Either way lots of good folks risk arrest all the time with the current awful laws. Thanks for the article.
Erik, McCain is a supporter of legalization
We need to free the weed. Prohibition is making the criminals wealthy. Our country can benefit from many uses of the marijuana plant. It time our government wakes up and reaps the billions of dollars in revenue from the recreational, industrial and many other uses this plant has to offer. God made cannabis for us. Who are we to argue with god? I will everyone would open their minds. Stop spending money trying to fight the battle against marijuana. It will always be around forever, reap the cash and medicinal benefits from it.
You democrat lovers need to get your heads out of your asses. Dems have had plenty of chances to do things properly, but suck just as bad as the repubs.
FFS, stop drinking the damn koolaid. You look foolish when you bash one party and love on the other…. both are equally responsible for the current state of affairs.
To say anything different just perpetuates our political issues.
Seriously, I bet alot of you fuckers even think obama matters lol.
I just don’t understand why Congress would cite all these reasons why Marijuana is harmful and even go so far as to say “it could affect children” when alcohol has been killing children by means of intoxicated drivers since its’ initial inception. A poor argument.
Its about time our nation at least discussed marijuana policy reforms. Alot of people have been waiting for this. Personally I’m not sure it will pass but it is a start, I also wonder how much the budget deficit has had to do with this new measure being introduced.
$7/g tax
Finally we are having progress. After all this time trying to get someone to reconize tht this is a bigger pain than it is a help to this economy. I really hope that it gets legalized here in the U.S. I have gone over the numbers in what we get from the gov’t for the prison population in comparison to what we would get from taxing it and we would get more money from taxing it…so why haven[t we done it…i’ll tell you why because we have dumb people where we should have more intellegent people. We also have to make it to where they do for the nation as a whole instead of doing for just themselves. But I am glad to hear that someone has reconized the issue as it is and is doing something about it. Congratulations and keep it up.
see now heres the problem with 7$ a gram thats 196$ an ounce witch all the way up is 3136$ a pound now i know some people that pick up 1800$ a pound half that if 2 people were go on it thats 900$ for 8 ounces alone cut that in to 4 people thats 450 for qps of high quality stuff alone thats the big problem cant compete with the black market they lose cant even imagin what that person is geting it for that dose 1800 for that so all being said i say 100$ an ounce 50$ a 1/2 25$ a 1/4 15$ or 20$ 1/8 no grams puts all illgal marijuana dealers including cartell out of bissness and i would like to see tabbacco illegal instead of regular dutches lets make hemp duches and hemp papers and hemp everthing to fuel,contrution,clothes its funny alot of people say were a long time away from hemp powered cars when it was done in the fortys so i say thats bull i know people who use greese for fuel and if thats the case are they saying were more stupid now then back then thats bull making a billon doller cash crop illegal that never killed anyone and helps with just about just every problem the us has thats bull a plant that could put millons back to work if enough revenue was made and get us out of dept i think its time for people that oppose and most people in congress to wake up and relize why oppose it and why keep millons of people out of work?? oh because of a public health problem even though most of are foods have GMO witch is linked to cancer and the tooth paste we put in our mouths and the water we drink have has foride in them both witch lowers IQ not to mention tobacco or alcohol killing enough people as it is and they wanna talk about marijuana causing health problems oh but what a awsome coutry we live in right?? i could all day but i think im done for the day and like always thank you people of normal doing the right thing!
Take it off the schedule! It is not and should not be listed as a schedule I drug. That would make a big difference. No more excuses.
@ BW,
It’s true that Democrats have done plenty of things in the past to warrant your criticism. And in many ways they are just as much in the pockets of the lobbyists as Repubs.
But to insinuate that they’re exactly the same is complete foolishness, and an indicator that you only pay superficial attention to what is going on in our govt. You, or your father, or grandfather, can still count on getting that Social Security check every month–thanks solely to Dems!
I won’t waste my time explaining all the ways in which the two parties are different. But I will say that Democrats, by and large, support MJ legalization far more so than do Repubs. They even support it in greater percentages than independents. If not for Democrats, you’d probably have to wait another 10-20 years for even the slightest hope of MJ legalization.
You might wanna think about that next time you consider a harangue.
This is about time, just have to vote the right people into office that are pro weed.
Its time to stand up and tell them what WE want!
I personally contacted Marty Flynn, D PA. And asked him where he stood on legalizing weed.
He wrote me back more surprized I think than anything.. Surprised that I would stand up and actually say something about the issue!
That tells me that no one is talking to him about it at all. He even continued on to commend me on voicing my opinion and said he wished more people would come forward and speak up for what they wish.
Time to get our heads outta the Sand !!
Yes there are problems with this bill, the tax is just one, in fact as it stands I don’t support it. That said it’s not going anywhere this session, but it’s intent I doubt is to actually pass but to start the conversation and gain test the waters for gaining support for future efforts and in that it’s a useful device.
I’m hoping to ” free the weed” in every state ..soon .I have chronic pain..anxiety..and use. Weed daily ..also if gov would stop and think of the tax money that can help at every point …
Taxing Marijuana is going to be hard. When it finally becomes legal I will grow my own for my use only. Most people would prefer to buy from a dealer, because they don’t know how to grow a quality 20% to 25% thc plant. However if the government tries to screw growers by charging a 50% tax (that will just be passed on to the consumer)consumers will learn to grow their own, due to cost. Marijuana should be taxed equally with cigarettes, when sold like cigarettes, and equally with tobacco when sold by weight. More tax will simply create another black market.
I agree with Stone Mountain-
IF it is a well-written first-round attempt to test the waters, then I am all for it.
The taxation should fall in lines with tobacco. Tobacco is taxed fairly heavily, yet isn’t smothered in the process.
While the general public is not likely to gain a clear understanding that cannabis is better for the populace than tobacco- we can at least hope to get the legalization started with that supposed equality. It would, at least, be a good start…
It would be a shame to see exorbitant taxes crush it, last thing needed is IRS goon squads looking for moonshiners and farmers…
I wonder what the taxes, by weight, of tobacco is? (And it being a KNOWN contributer to societal woes and healthcare costs)
The dumb hillbillies from the States in the South may never legalize . They are too dumb in the South to know it only makes good sense .
As Congress realize the financial conundrum they are facing, they will be looking to shore up money to save the day, good old Mary J and hemp have a very strong possibility in getting us back on track. The Demi’s a d Publicans both know its a failed policy but, just like $16 trillion in debt, they want to play politics.
Agree with 3rd post political parties are brainwashing and their only purpose is to divide us. All parties should set aside their difference and unite against our common enemy the federal government controlled by corporatism.
THE TIME IS NOW.
If the entire country legalized the Herb, we could feed every every hungry man, woman, and child and still have tons of cash left over for education and infrastructure. Millions of sick people could use was a cheap and EFFECTIVE medicine that HAS NO SIDE EFFECTS. Hemp oil CURES cancer. Juicing raw Cannabis and smoking it helps to prevent it.
I post this stuff as if all the readers don’t already know lol.
We should also start thinking about sending to jail everyone who has been involved in sending pot users to jail. Cops, prosecutors, judges, politicians: Lock them up in retaliation for the evil they have done to thousands of citizens.
Joe – Comments like that do no help, and I might add in light of the recent close vote in AR, and efforts underway in AL and to a much lessor extent GA make your comment look foolish.
Stan – you said “When it finally becomes legal I will grow my own for my use only.”, I wanted to let you know that under H.R. 501 you would be defined as a “producer” for a home grow, necessitating registration and related fees, and if you consumed your own product, you would owe tax on such. Yet another problem with H.R. 501 – no safe harbor is defined for a home\personal grow tax wise. As the bill reads you would effectively be treated as a moonshiner and subject to similar penalties and fines.
Yeah, well, they were just doing their jobs, like we asked them too.. The people made it Illegal, not the cops.. Now its time for the people to make it LEGAL. Just like Alcohol back in the 1930’s.
Just keep passing the word and speaking up about it ! We WILL BE Heard, LOUDLY and Clear.
A few things to ponder. 1) letting “potheads” out of Prison if they were carrying < 1 oz. = money saving for budget.
2) Profit by taxing the product. Simple use ABC rules. = money saving for budget
3)Less court time, = money saving for budget.
Last but not LEAST!!! Help for all the people that will gain physical relief from using it leagally. Less stress on their already immune suppressed bodies.
@Emma, Why the quotes around Potheads? I agree with all your points except the slang names. Why not just call us what we are users, patients,etc. When folks enjoy a glass of there favorite drink do we call them “Bottleheads”. The sooner we cut down on the derogatory name calling. We give our opponents less verbal ammo, IMHO…
What my original post was going to say was.
YEAH government greed is actually going to try to work for us? With all the cuts to budgets across the country. We all know that both government and big corps are going to find any way they can to get into our pockets. Even if they have to repeal laws that are 80+ years old. Which I don’t mind if they actually help us and keep the taxes within reason. Even if they do try to tax us to death (or greater than alcohol). The Black Market that has been operating since prohibition will still be there. My personal stance “Grow your own” done right nothing tastes sweeter than a crop you grew and harvested properly.
But 1st lets see if 2 politicians can turn into 20 then 200. I’m 52 and have waited 36 years to hear news like this.
America and all states need to legalize it. Pills and alcohol are destroying this country when this plant can change life’s. They lock you up for a plant and then people use fake spice shit that destroys there mind its time we wake up.
Sometimes I put a piece of pie in my cereal
You guys should try that out
I went with apple pie and cornflakes
Can the tears of joy flow yet?
Just make it legal its causting to much to house all the inmates that keep offending time after time. Canafa will save a shit load of money. It could be put to better use like feeding starving people around canada keep our weed in canada. And trying to say its like booze. Well ya should pull your head out of your ass cause its not the same. I smoke weed every day. Not drink. So really how can u conpare it just not logic at all
Cannabis prohibition is criminal. I see drunk people and I can’t believe how stupid they act. Drink up idiots. It’s legal.
time to legalize and give amnesty to all those in jail because of pot
I live in CA. Opened a storefront and was arrested by our county DA. I am 60 years old with a disabling illness, I watched my husband of 30 years die of cancer. My 2 sisters and I opened a health co-op, we offered many healing avenues for our pt. had a nurse on sight to help pt. dose for themselves. As of today we have been fighting this alone for two years as even our pt are afraid to support us in court. I have lost my life saving, my home and what was left of my health. I have never been a criminal before. I am ashamed for this country, D & R both have failed us. This was a fight I knew may have to fight when we opened our doors and I stand proud in spite of the hardships, becuz IT IS TIME TO STAND UP. If we live in fear, we die in fear. Freedom is not just a word. The thing is we did not break any CA law, and this is how our gov. protects it’s law abiding citizens.
Turning a productive, tax paying citizen into a criminal, for weekend, social smoking of marijuana, really should be the crime. What a waste of city, state and federal resources. Meanwhile here in Houston, we have a backlog of around 20 yrs., on hundreds of rape cases that we are unable to test because we don’t have the funds available for rape kits. WTF happen to priorities? Politics, that’s what. Lady justice weeps…….the cycle continues in the name of career advancement and personal monitary gain. This is where the real intervention should be focused. To the powers that be, its painfully obvious you’re not familiar with the word dignity, how about integrity? Let me guess, your hands are tied. Yea………….it’s shameful. From where I stand, it sucks to be you. Small dose of reality for ya, Southern style. Razr, Houston
For it is the tree of life so free it now!!!
What we have here is momentum. Nothing is written in stone yet so all of the rhetoric about taxes and fees and who can and cannot grow etc., is just silly. It will be up to each state to create their own set of laws and regulations which is the point of the article and the potential pending legislation. To coin a phrase, “we aren’t out of the woods yet”. But again, and let’s be clear here, we have momentum and that is a nice change and hopefully for the better. Stay tuned and remember to actually cast a vote when the time comes or it all means nothing. And in the meantime, be a responsible cannabis user so there isn’t any cause to slow this momentum down. Peace.
58 now retired worked n paid taxs since 16. Smoked weed daily .not a criminal,diabetic do not drink alcohol which is like hard drugs. Never caused an accident or injured anyone. Weed does help control my diabetes. Unfortunately, I have to get my weed from scary people n have been ripped off a few times.I wish my state will legalize weed so I don’t have to take chances when I purchase it. Legalizing and taxing it would also help my states budget. I have lots of friends like myself who are productive citizen’s and r not criminals. Keep up the fight NORMAL to end the crime of prohibition on the weed laws.
“It will be up to each state to create their own set of laws and regulations which is the point of the article and the potential pending legislation.”
—
Actually if this passed as written (which i agree it’s not going too) no it would not in many respect, states could certainly add there own restrictions and tax etc, but the federal laws would apply as well and irs would be after you if you were no in compliance with this federal legislation. The rest of that post I completely concur with though.
Congratulations America in particular Washington and Colorado – Legalizing marijuana consumption and production is the best alternative smarter fight crime cartels and raise billions in taxes.
Here in Brazil the cartel’s daily crime drugs kill more than 100 people, we atrazados culture of freedom in production and consumption of marijuana, we have over 2 million users of marijuana.
We live in a small State. One of the counties stated reasons they had against allowing dispensary in its community.
1, it would attrack criminals and a less than reputable types
2. It will raise the crime rate (robbery)
How can anyone ever make such absurd comments. Every storefront has a potential to be robbed. Personally I’d go for jewels,but that’s just me.
also, there is a huge number of criminals selling drugs everywhere. Taking weed sales away from them has many advantages.selling and cultivating mu is a huge boost to any community.