cannabisnews.com: Support for Relaxing Marijuana Laws Support for Relaxing Marijuana Laws Posted by CN Staff on November 14, 2004 at 08:02:35 PT By Jenn Abelson, Globe Staff Source: Boston Globe Voters south of Boston overwhelmingly supported measures to decriminalize marijuana, surprising some local legislators and law enforcement officials and giving a boost to the drug-law reform movement spreading across the state.The proposals to decriminalize marijuana and legalize the drug for medical use won by huge margins in all 10 area towns that voted on one or the other of the two initiatives, according to results from nonbinding ballot questions on the Nov. 2 ballot. The ratio of victory was more than 2-to-1 in nine of the communities. Backers of the local effort to rewrite drug laws say they hope the results, which were mirrored in other communities across the state, will persuade lawmakers to embrace the proposed policy changes and help push Massachusetts closer to passing permanent legislation that makes possession of marijuana a less serious offense."The numbers are only getting larger and larger and more in our favor," said John Leonard of Hingham, who collected signatures to get the marijuana questions on the Nov. 2 ballot in three area House districts, the Third and Seventh Plymouth and the Sixth Norfolk."If the Legislature doesn't get it together soon, a binding initiative will be the only way to go."Since 2000, the Drug Policy Forum of Massachusetts and other groups have initiated efforts to put the public policy questions before communities and give proof to the Legislature that people want to lessen the penalties for those caught with small amounts of the drug. Supporters of the cause say too much time and money are spent prosecuting people holding marijuana that, in some cases, is critical for easing pain for people battling serious illnesses.Some opponents of the decriminalization efforts contend that voters were not informed about the ballot questions and are unaware of the harmful effects of marijuana. Other law enforcement officials south of Boston argue that marijuana is a gateway drug and that lifting the criminal penalties would increase access to the substance for youths. Also, despite the success of the ballot initiatives, some local lawmakers still seem reluctant to touch the issue.According to the latest poll results, voters in the Third Plymouth District, which covers Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, and part of Scituate, backed the decriminalization initiative by a combined vote of 15,188 to 6,949. The nonbinding question asked whether the state representatives from the district should be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would make the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana a civil violation, subject to a maximum fine of $100, and not subject to any criminal penalties.Currently, the maximum penalty for first-time offenders is six months in a house of correction and/or a $500 fine. Repeat offenders are subject to a maximum of two years in a house of correction and/or a $2,000 fine, and the potential loss of their driver's license. In the Sixth Norfolk District, which covers Avon, Canton, and part of Stoughton, voters offered sizable support for the legalization of marijuana for medical use: 10,782 in favor of and 4,500 against the measure. The ballot question asked whether the district's state representative should be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow seriously ill patients, with their doctor's written recommendation, to possess and grow small amounts of marijuana for medicinal use.The same question received similar support in the Seventh Plymouth District, which covers Abington, East Bridgewater, and Whitman. In these three towns, residents backed the medical marijuana-use initiative by a vote of 13,756 to 5,882.The movement to decriminalize marijuana in Massachusetts comes as other states across the country take up the issue. On Nov. 2, Montana became the 10th state to stop the arrest and prosecution of people who use marijuana for medical purpose.Opponents of decriminalization are not backing down."There is only great potential for bad and harm with marijuana," said Lea Pallaria Cox, president of Concerned Citizens for Drug Prevention Inc., a group based in Hanover. "There are no benefits. Any mention of medical is totally ridiculous and unfounded."Cox said the ballot proposals sound innocuous because they are nonbinding and voters do not truly grasp the ramifications of decriminalizing marijuana. The prevention group usually tries to campaign against these ballot measures, but Cox conceded: "I learned about it very late. I did drop the ball."In Hingham, Leonard said he hoped the resounding victory for the questions would send a message to state Representative Garrett Bradley, who has expressed opposition in the past, that his constituents support change.Bradley declined to be interviewed and would not make any formal comments on the issue, said a legislative aide, Stephen Burm. The Democratic lawmaker is "still reviewing the results of the election as well as the legislation and the ballot question," he said.Representative William C. Galvin, who represents the Sixth Plymouth District, said he was somewhat surprised by the overwhelming majority in his district that favors the legalization of marijuana for medical use.The Canton Democrat said he also voted for the measure."If it's a critically ill person and the marijuana will help alleviate the pain, I don't see anything wrong with that," Galvin said.Still, Galvin is not planning to take the lead on pushing drug reform legislation and said he has not taken a position on the other measure, to make the possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana a civil violation.Cohasset Police Chief Jim Hussey said he believes that the maximum penalties are rarely imposed and that most offenders are handed lenient sentences."The concern to law enforcement is that decriminalization will make marijuana more readily available and get into the hands of young people who will then potentially experiment with other drugs above and beyond class D marijuana," Hussey said.Note: Measures pass easily in 3 area districts.Source: Boston Globe (MA)Author: Jenn Abelson, Globe StaffPublished: November 14, 2004Copyright: 2004 Globe Newspaper CompanyContact: letter globe.comWebsite: http://www.boston.com/globe/Related Articles & Web Site:MassCannhttp://www.masscann.org/Area Voters Boost Case for Easing Drug Laws http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19785.shtmlChanges To Marijuana Law Gaining Momentum http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19782.shtmlVoters Support Ballot Questions on Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19759.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #8 posted by OverwhelmSam on November 15, 2004 at 05:37:49 PT Comments On The Article "Some opponents of the decriminalization efforts contend that voters were not informed about the ballot questions and are unaware of the harmful effects of marijuana." and "Cox said the ballot proposals sound innocuous because they are nonbinding and voters do not truly grasp the ramifications of decriminalizing marijuana."Can you believe that they come right out and call the voting public, stupid? Someone is ignorant alright, but I don't think it's the majority of the people who make it a point to vote."Other law enforcement officials south of Boston argue that marijuana is a gateway drug and that lifting the criminal penalties would increase access to the substance for youths." and "The concern to law enforcement is that decriminalization will make marijuana more readily available and get into the hands of young people who will then potentially experiment with other drugs above and beyond class D marijuana," Hussey said.They make it sound like "the youths" have very little access to marijuana now?! They're in denial about marijuana. Next comes anger, then depression, and finally acceptance.Dennis [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 21:47:54 PT john wayne I think so. I'm a product of a Christian upbringing and education. I didn't always think the way I do now so I learned. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by john wayne on November 14, 2004 at 21:32:36 PT Is it true that christianity can be bent, forced and squeezed into a shape that permits tolerance? [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 13:01:37 PT afterburner The religious left that has a catchy sound. I was just talking to my husband about what I will do in the future with my extra time if we have to just sit and wait until Bush is out. I do have a second interest and that is our earth and what we are doing to it. My new computer will have lots of bells and whistles so it will be fun to learn how to do things I've never learned how to do before. I bought Front Page 2003 for the new computer because I really like Front Page 2000 for this computer. I will feel more hopeful if Angel Raich wins her case. What a burden she must carry knowing that so many of us are dependent on good news and yet if it doesn't turn out good it sure won't be her fault or for lack of trying. We saw how mean the right were to Kerry so we know how they are. We watched a show on CNN last night about Saudia Arabia and the battles within their country and it seems like a type and shadow of where we are headed. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by afterburner on November 14, 2004 at 12:42:34 PT Cannabis: Compare NEV version to Traditional KJV Psalm 23 :: The New English Bible 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall want nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, and leads me beside the waters of peace; 3 he renews life within me, and for his name's sake guides me in the right path. 4 Even though I walk through a valley dark as death I fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy staff and thy crook are my comfort. 5 Thou spreadest a table for me in the sight of my enemies; thou hast richly bathed my head with oil; and my cup runs over. 6 Goodness and love unfailing, these will follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long. Psalm 23 :: King James Version (KJV) Bible Gateway http://www.biblegateway.com/ 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."bathed my head with oil" equals "anointest my head with oil." Therefore, the kaneh bosm, the holy anointing oil which some scholars believe included cannabis, *cleans* the head, ?inside and out? as well as providing spiritual insight and healing power.Speaking of the so-called religious right, what about the religious left? If the vote for Bush 51% is interpreted as a victory for the religious right, then, the vote for Kerry 49% can be interpreted as a mere loss for the religious left. Of course, both assumptions are exaggerations. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 10:38:31 PT The GCW Which article do you mean? The one from The Boston Globe or Narco News. I appreciate the Boston Globe article because that's a very important newspaper. It's only been less then 2 weeks since Bush got elected and I don't know how far the RR will push against those who don't conform to what they expect. If Bush gives them a lot of power in decisions over moral laws we will be in for a very rough road. You can get into a mind set of thinking be quiet don't make waves and don't stir the hornet's nest. That's what they want and that is control. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by The GCW on November 14, 2004 at 10:28:35 PT FoM, That is a good news item.We will be seeing those ???'s everywhere.People can not keep bumping into walls; they gotta open their eyes in order to keep from bruising themselves.We will hear the squeal of brakes. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 08:57:31 PT News Article from Narco News Boston to Hold Public Hearing Investigating the War on DrugsBy Julia SteinbergerFriday Nov 12th, 2004 Boston, Massachusetts, USA - Boston City Councillor Chuck Turner is calling for a public hearing this Monday to investigate the War on Drugs. The purpose of the November 15th hearing is to gather data on the resources devoted to the war on drugs by different city, state, and federal agencies... The high cost of the drug war, both monetary and human, is the primary motivation for the public hearing. President Nixon declared the current global War on Drugs and created the Drug Enforcement Agency in 1973. The law enforcement budget has since inflated from less than 100 million dollars to tens of billions of dollars per year. In parallel, the number of incarcerated people has quadrupled in the United States, going from 500,000 to over 2 million people. Almost a quarter of state and federal inmates are in prison for drug-related offenses, and minority populations are heavily overrepresented among them. According to a 2003 Justice Department report, a black male in the United States has a 1 in 3 chance of going to prison during his lifetime. However, according to Councillor Turner, despite law enforcement and incarceration measures, the supply of drugs seems unrelenting. Chuck Turner wants to use the public hearing on Monday to find out whether the current war on drugs has failed, like its infamous predecessor, Prohibition.(Starting in 1920, alcohol was prohibited in the United States. Prohibition was a massive failure in limiting access to alcohol, and moreover was a boon to organized criminal organizations, which took over the distribution of alcoholic beverages. Prohibition was finally repealed in 1933.) Councillor Turner's goal is to develop a responsible drug policy, using the data gathered in the public hearing. He believes that a responsible drug policy approaches drug use as a medical rather than a criminal issue. He hopes to get an assessment from the law enforcement agencies on the cost and effectiveness of the current drug war. Many law enforcement leaders are growing disillusioned with the methods and results of the drug war, as the founding of the group Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) in 2002 attests. Ultimately, Councillor Turner hopes to gather support for a home rule petition for the city of Boston, allowing it to spend part of the monies from drug seizures on recovery centers for addicts. "I think we should move towards a policy of legalization," he said, "as we look at money spent on law enforcement and incarceration, people will move in that direction." However, Chuck Turner is not optimistic about the possibility of promoting change through a state-wide popular vote. Indeed, a ballot initiative calling for a fund from drug seizure money to be used for drug treatment, and for the possibility of treatment alternatives to prison sentences, was defeated in 2000 in Massachusetts. This defeat was partly due to the opposition by a large segment of the law enforcement community to the initiative. Councillor Turner believes that popular pressure can be used to persuade the Boston delegation of the Massachusetts Congress to advocate for an alternative drug policy in Boston. The public hearing will also address the issue of drug-related violence, especially in minority neighborhoods. The prohibition against drugs artificially inflates their price. The struggle over the large profits from drug sales results in violence, primarily gang violence in minority neighborhoods. This is analogous to the rise in organized crime during alcohol prohibition. "The increase in gang violence goes hand in hand with the development of the war on drugs," said Councillor Turner, "and the beefing up and militarization of the police has grown hand in hand with gang violence since drugs became illegal." The equipment, training, and tactics of the Boston Police Department have come under scrutiny due to the recent death of a young woman resulting from the use of "non-lethal" weapons. Victoria Snelgrove, a 21-year-old journalism student at Emerson college, was hit in the eye by a projectile fired by the police during the celebration following the Boston Red Sox qualification for the baseball World Series on October 20th. The Boston police has taken "full responsibility" for her death, and an investigation is under way. Many police officers are uncomfortable with the militarization of their work. The War on Drugs framework encourages armed confrontation, which more and more law enforcement leaders see as detrimental to their profession. Indeed, part of the mission statement of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) is to "restore the public's respect for law enforcement that has been diminished by our involvement in enforcing drug prohibition." Monday's public hearing to investigate the war on drugs may help citizens as well as law enforcement and other agencies to better understand the consequences of the war on drugs in Boston, and hopefully motivate them to pursue alternative policies. http://narcosphere.narconews.com/story/2004/11/12/18546/282 [ Post Comment ] Post Comment