cannabisnews.com: Voters in Colorado, Nevada Ponder Proposals on Pot





Voters in Colorado, Nevada Ponder Proposals on Pot
Posted by CN Staff on September 30, 2006 at 10:45:40 PT
By David Montero, Rocky Mountain News 
Source: Rocky Mountain News 
Colorado -- A ballot measure in Nevada to legalize marijuana looks like a big fatty compared to a similar - though much skinnier - ballot measure in Colorado. "We're offering the whole pie," said Neal Levine, campaign director for Question 7 in Nevada. But opponents of both measures say each is equally harmful, contending they are part of a larger movement - one to legalize drugs nationally. And if either passes, opponents of pot legalization fear it will embolden more legalization movements around the country.
That's why Robert McGuire, Colorado's campaign director for Save Our Society from Drugs, believes his side must succeed Nov. 7 in Colorado. "Everybody likes to look at the states as laboratories," McGuire said. "One state has a lower tax rate, so it has a leg up on competition for attracting business. Same is true with the legalization of marijuana. If they succeed here, Colorado becomes a drug destination and other movements in other states see it as they have a chance now." Polling shows measures in both states failing. In a Rocky Mountain News/CBS 4 poll earlier this month, Amendment 44 is losing 53 percent to 42 percent. In Nevada, the Las Vegas Review-Journal had a poll showing Question 7 failing 56 percent to 34 percent. However, an internal poll of the Nevada ballot measure showed it passing 49 percent to 43 percent. That poll, conducted by an independent research firm based in Los Angeles, was taken in August.  Regulated System of SalesLevine said the polling company, Goodwin Simon Victoria Research, asked voters the actual language on the ballot - no small task given what Question 7 actually covers - and voters seemed more amenable to it. Question 7 not only provides for adults 21 and over to possess less than an ounce of marijuana, it also sets up a regulated system where pot can be sold. Retailers seeking to sell marijuana would have to apply through the state to get a license to sell it. The drug could not be sold at clubs, gas stations or other general merchandise stores. The ballot measure also provides for tougher penalties for those who kill someone while under the influence of marijuana - doubling the maximum penalty from 20 years to 40 years. It also doubles the fine for those caught selling pot to minors - a maximum of four years in prison to eight years. Colorado's Amendment 44 is much simpler in its language. It would allow adults over 21 to possess less than an ounce of pot but it is murky on what happens if 18- to 20-year-olds are given marijuana by adults. Amendment 44 Campaign Director Mason Tvert said legislators would have to fix that if the measure passes. Tvert said they were hamstrung by the required single-subject wording of the proposed amendment. "We felt this was the cleanest, simplest way to change the law," Tvert said. "It's not as clear cut as we'd like it to be, but it's damn close and if we need the legislature to reintroduce a $100 fine, then so be it." As for Nevada's ballot item, Tvert said he's talked with the backers and is pulling for them to gain passage, but no support has been exchanged between the two groups. Eric Sondermann, a Denver-based political consultant, said that just because two statewide ballot measures are seeking to legalize marijuana for recreational use simultaneously doesn't mean the drug is emerging from the shadows and gearing up as a prime-time political issue. Supporters a Strange Brew However, he said the fact that it's even being debated and talked about so openly shows it is an emerging issue. And what it has going for it is a strange brew of constituents that seem to support it - from "lefty suspects" to a "smattering of conservative and libertarian" types. "I don't know if the (pro-marijuana forces) really have staying power," he said. "I don't know they'll take a run at the state ballot every two years. I think it depends on the margin of defeat. It's one thing to lose by 2 points and another to lose by 20 points." And it's expensive to qualify ballot measures. Tvert's campaign is far smaller than Nevada's, which is being pushed by the Marijuana Policy Project, the same organization that helped Tvert with I-100, the Denver ordinance passed by voters last year to allow pot possession. Tvert isn't getting support from them this time. Levine said the campaign to pass Question 7 has raised about $400,000 and has "dozens of staffers" working to get it passed. Tvert has another staffer and a series of volunteers working to get Amendment 44 passed. Recent records through the Colorado Secretary of State's Office show SAFER - Tvert's group pushing the ballot measure - doesn't have any funds on hand. Tvert himself said they are mostly working with a volunteer force. "Basically I work 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.," Tvert said.  Different Approaches To Pot Law• Nevada's Question 7 provides for adults 21 and older to possess less than an ounce of marijuana and sets up a regulated system in which pot can be sold. • Colorado's Amendment 44 would allow adults over 21 to possess less than an ounce of pot, but it is murky on what happens if 18- to 20-year-olds are given marijuana by adults. Note: Drug legalization seen as emerging issue nationwide.Source: Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO)Author: David Montero, Rocky Mountain News Published: September 30, 2006Copyright: 2006 Denver Publishing Co.Contact: letters rockymountainnews.comWebsite: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/Related Articles & Web Sites:Safer Choicehttp://www.saferchoice.org/Safer Coloradohttp://www.safercolorado.org/Regulate and Control Marijuanahttp://www.regulatemarijuana.org/ All The Right Reasonshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22213.shtmlSmokin' Debate on Pot Issuehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22206.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #30 posted by FoM on October 01, 2006 at 15:52:47 PT
A Note from Arlo Guthrie
Folkslinger Repair ***By adg on Fri Sep 29, 2006 I had some health problems while in Germany (nothing serious), and spent some time in the hospital there. They put some bionic implements of destruction in me which I finally had a chance to have removed this morning (minor surgical stuff). It wasn't that I didn't enjoy being bionic but I couldn't read the German directions. The docs say I have to stay home for a few days, so unfortunately, we won't be able to appear at this years Farm Aid show. I urge everyone to watch it on TV and show your support for family farmers. I am waiting for the day when we can see the Farm Aid logo on stuff in supermarkets, so everyone will know where food comes from. Meanwhile, I'll be here at the farm watching Star Trek reruns and generally taking it easy. Everything else on the schedule is still on. Good week for successful medical proceedures I guess. I hope everyone gets better. http://www.arlo.net/
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #29 posted by FoM on October 01, 2006 at 13:08:12 PT
Had Enough
Yes I did and it was a wonderful message. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #28 posted by Had Enough on October 01, 2006 at 12:48:55 PT
Vegetables
Did you hear the message at the end of Harvest Moon about going shopping for vegetables?I thought that was really good.As well as the tune, that is a cool, cool tune.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #27 posted by FoM on October 01, 2006 at 12:34:25 PT
Had Enough
I'm glad you were able to get the songs. I put them on a CD and have had a good time listening to them today. The sound on XM Radio was great. Maybe someone will get them on line. That would be great. One more song they sang for Willie was We Don't Smoke Marijuana in Muskogee.PS: A little trivia. It said on Farm-Aids web site last night that Neil supplied two buffalo he owned and they were used in the making of Dances With Wolves. Neil even owns buffalo. Very cool.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #26 posted by Had Enough on October 01, 2006 at 12:15:49 PT
Goodness Gracious!!!
It worked.Downloaded files. Have slooooww band. Clicked to download, went to take care of a few things to do. (went downtown to look at some vegetables…. :)..) Returned, most were done, now they are all finished and have been played.Harvest Moon did it for me. Especially the message at the end. That was good.The neighbors heard it about a half dozen times. Even the cop calling guy next door who keeps putting those red “Vote for Republicans” signs all over his yard every election season. He has also heard Living With War many times. He has heard “museman” (thanks museman) and Barry McGuire’s tune “Eve of Destruction” and others, quite a few times too!!! :)  One neighbor told him he shouldn’t be calling the police on people over a music issue. I guess he quit calling the cops; he just glares over with a serious look of disapproval now.All the other neighbors tell me to crank it up. So we do...
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #25 posted by FoM on October 01, 2006 at 08:52:30 PT
Had Enough 
You can download Neil's song for a while on this link. They are from the webcast. I saw almost all of Neil on the webcast and he was so cute and happy but I didn't listen on the webcast but on XM Radio and the sound was superb. He was kicking out his leg now and then and what I call prancing and smiling and having a wonderful time. That was really nice to see. Seeing Jerry Lee Lewis way back when must have been an unbelievable experience. First time I saw Jerry Lee Lewis on TV I thought I saw my first really insane person because he shocked me so when he did Great Balls of Fire but I thought it was great and I was very young. I remember that first impression. He must be a little wacky since Jimmy Swaggart is his cousin. http://farmaid2006.rusties.net/
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #24 posted by Had Enough on October 01, 2006 at 08:33:02 PT
FoM re: #11
The Farm Aid video was the same for me. Choppy. I really wanted to see Neil play some of his new tunes live. Looked on TV Ad Machine, nothing. Tried Radio Ad Machine, same results.But there was an outdoor concert at one of the local parks; the band shell faces this direction. The bands sounded ok, but not really rockin. Mediocre but still good. I had things to do outside, so I settled for that.In the days of my youth, my travels took me to a place where Jerry Lee Lewis was playing in a building that held about 800 people. A spur of the moment kinda thing.  Driving thru, saw on a marquee, “Jerry Lee Lewis, Last Show Tonight”. There was still time to see that last show, so I turned around and did it. It was in a diner theater type building. You could order a steak if you wanted to.  They had waitresses and all that, making their rounds. I was about 30 feet from the stage, sitting at a dinner table to myself, not jammed shoulder to shoulder in some arena, or club. Closest person was about 10 feet away. The acoustic properties of that building were perfect; it had been engineered and built for stage performances. He really blew the place apart. Excellent show. I somehow continue to think of that night all these years later. Cool.******************Well come along my baby whole lotta shakin' goin' onWell come along my baby baby you can't go wrongWe're fakin' whole lotta shakin' goin' onWell now come along my baby we've got chicken in the barnCome along my baby really got the bull by the hornWe're fakin' whole lotta shakin' goin' onWell shake baby shake I said shake baby shakeShake baby shake yeah shake baby shakeCome on over whole lotta shakin' goin' on[ guitar ]Well now come along my baby we've got chicken in the barnHoney come along my baby feel you can't go wrongWe're fakin' whole lotta shakin' goin' on***********more info..http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6595906/whole_lotta_shakin_goin_on
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #23 posted by The GCW on October 01, 2006 at 05:29:38 PT
Larger movement?
Perhaps it is proponents that are part of a larger movement;One that supports caging all people of color,That supports alcohol prohibition II,that supports jailing unwed people for having sex etc...---I just read Arnold vetoed the hemp farming bill in Cal...
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #22 posted by potpal on October 01, 2006 at 05:02:53 PT
Mason Tvert squashes another prohibitionist lie
Potheads are lazy people....NOT."Basically I work 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.," Tvert said. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #21 posted by Wayne on September 30, 2006 at 22:29:07 PT
re: RevRay #18
Well that figures. Where did you read it at? I can't seem to find it. Does anyone out there think that the legislature will try to pass it again?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #20 posted by whig on September 30, 2006 at 21:46:44 PT
mayan
The Fred Gardner link was not off-topic.Here's my excerpt: http://tinyurl.com/rkj94Cannabis treats Meniere's disease
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #19 posted by whig on September 30, 2006 at 21:22:31 PT
RevRayGreen
He's a Republican. No Republican would allow a bill ending prohibition of hemp or cannabis of any kind to pass into law unless over a veto.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #18 posted by RevRayGreen on September 30, 2006 at 20:33:52 PT:
Cali Hemp Bill DEAD
Comment #13 posted by mayan on September 30, 2006 at 17:13:50 PT 
California Hemp 
Wasn't Arnold supposed to act (or not) on the hemp bill by today? Anyone heard anything?I just read he vetoed it...........fucker.
 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #17 posted by FoM on September 30, 2006 at 19:49:20 PT
Celaya
I am amazed too. We are still listening to Farm-Aid on X Country. He first sang Field of Opportunity, then Homegrown and with Willie to boot, then After The Garden is Gone, then 4 Strong Winds, then Harvest Moon and finally Human Highway. I think I got the order right. God Bless all of them.****In the field of opportunityIt's plowing time again****Homegrowns all right with meHomegrown that's the way it should be****
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #16 posted by Celaya on September 30, 2006 at 19:34:48 PT
FoM
This is amazing! Neil kicked it! I haven't seen him live since the CSNY tour in 2000. Home Grown with Willie 8^) Harvest Moon a haunting, delicate masterpiece. He's still got it! -- Now Willie's coming back!----------------------BGreenAmen!
Illuminating Cannabis
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #15 posted by BGreen on September 30, 2006 at 19:09:26 PT
I beg to differ
"Eric Sondermann, a Denver-based political consultant, said that just because two statewide ballot measures are seeking to legalize marijuana for recreational use simultaneously doesn't mean the drug is emerging from the shadows and gearing up as a prime-time political issue."The fact that these two states are voting on the issue of legalization of cannabis, considering the hostile nature and the lies of the federal and state governments, is proof positive that cannabis is here to stay as a permanent part of human civilization.Cannabis is out of the shadows and is illuminated by the lights. Can I have a click of the bic and an Amen?I enjoy illuminating cannabis. (grin)The Reverend Bud Green
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #14 posted by mayan on September 30, 2006 at 17:30:00 PT
Off Topic
Pot Shots: The Chancellor's Wife - By FRED GARDNER:
http://www.counterpunch.org/gardner09302006.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #13 posted by mayan on September 30, 2006 at 17:13:50 PT
California Hemp
Wasn't Arnold supposed to act (or not) on the hemp bill by today? Anyone heard anything?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #12 posted by lombar on September 30, 2006 at 16:27:44 PT
Max
Its a load alright. Maybe my attempt to prepare you is doing legwork for the ONDCP.. oh, what am I saying, they probably paid for it!1) What is the sample size?(3 guys?)2) Where was the sample taken? (Prison mental ward?)3) Have they ruled out genetics?(Good Luck)4) Why is there only a positive correlation for 20 Hz(MKII Ultra frequencies?) and why does that matter?5) Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire is a qualitative measure.(Modern Mumbo Jumbo to describe the not fully understood psyche, soul doctoring)6) Did they make the measurements while the person was high?(Perhaps the researchers were drunk?) 7) My nose works well enough to smell BS and my ears work well enough to hear lies.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #11 posted by FoM on September 30, 2006 at 16:22:25 PT
Farm Aid
I sure hope some are able to hear and see this concert. The video keeps buffering but on XM Radio the sound is great. Jerry Lee Lewis just blew the doors off the place. Amazing performance. I guess drugs don't always kill. LOL!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #10 posted by Max Flowers on September 30, 2006 at 15:47:25 PT
lombar - regarding #7
I read the abstract of that "study", and wow, it was the biggest bunch of crap I've ever read! Fake science.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #9 posted by global_warming on September 30, 2006 at 15:15:15 PT
re: Enjoy your Life
Make it, count, To end this time of spiritual darknessThe Universe Awaits,Our Hand and SoulIt is the correct time To be Born and WitnessCannabis is MedicineCannabis is from GodI am from GodYou are from God
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #8 posted by global_warming on September 30, 2006 at 14:58:17 PT
Could Be
A healthier population, with Cannabis,Alcohol is very nice, and feeling good,Robbery is a crime, has been, for centuries,Good Citizenship, healthy states and HistoryBind 'all of usTime for changeCannabis is here, has been for many centuries,Enjoy your Life,
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #7 posted by lombar on September 30, 2006 at 14:28:12 PT
Should be
Save Our Urban Society from Enthnoeogenic Drugs, or SOUSED, as in that is what you would have to be to disagree to the assertion that alcohol is more dangerous than cannabis.Get ready for the next round of reefer madness.. the modern witch doctors are out to justify their continued search to demonize the cannabis plant.
Psychophysiological Evidence of Altered Neural Synchronization in Cannabis Use: 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #6 posted by global_warming on September 30, 2006 at 13:42:26 PT
re: above article
"Eric Sondermann, a Denver-based political consultant, said that just because two statewide ballot measures are seeking to legalize marijuana for recreational use simultaneously doesn't mean the drug is emerging from the shadows and gearing up as a prime-time political issue."Don't bet the farm Sondermann, you will never see people organizing to legalize heroin or meth, but you can be sure that the healing nature of Cannabis has been here on planet Earth for thousands of years, and if you think that seventy years of ansingers and nixons can change a good thing, than you need to re-examine the "lie" that you bought.Time for change
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #5 posted by FoM on September 30, 2006 at 13:33:41 PT
Celaya
I am totally enjoying Farm-Aid. I watch a little of the webcast and then just turn up X Country on the satellite and listen to it thru our 8 speakers thru out the house. I can crank it up! LOL! I guess I love music but you all know that. About 7 ET it should be getting really good. I am not a John Cougar Mellencamp fan but I love Little Pink Houses I think it's called. I want to see Jerry Lee Lewis too. Arlo Guthrie won't be there now because he is in the hospital and having surgery they said. I hope it isn't serious. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by Celaya on September 30, 2006 at 13:18:22 PT
Prohibition Speak
"opponents of both measures say each is equally harmful, contending they are part of a larger movement"If it's the right thing to do in these states, it's right elsewhere. - one to legalize drugs nationally. 
They deceptively build the fear. Marijuana suddenly converts to "drugs!" And if either passes, opponents of pot legalization fear it will embolden more legalization movements around the country. 
We're counting on it. The opponents are inquisitors and/or parasites that destroy their hosts. That's why Robert McGuire, Colorado's campaign director for Save Our Society from Drugs, believes his side must succeed Nov. 7 in Colorado. 
i.e. - That's how McGuire works at kindling irrational fear. "Everybody likes to look at the states as laboratories," McGuire said. "One state has a lower tax rate, so it has a leg up on competition for attracting business. Same is true with the legalization of marijuana. If they succeed here, Colorado becomes a drug destination and other movements in other states see it as they have a chance now." Not a "drug" destination - possibly a marijuana destination. If nothing else, this campaign has put the truth on the table that marijuana is the safer alternative to alcohol. So there should be no problem with tourists coming to Colorado for that reason, since tourists go there for beer and wine festivals that are so heavily promoted. When looked at closely, fear scores zero. ---------------------------Farm Aid is great. The Internet is achieving a higher potential!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by FoM on September 30, 2006 at 12:18:46 PT
Copper Head Road
Steve Earle is starting off Farm-Aid with Copper Head Road. Wow!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #2 posted by FoM on September 30, 2006 at 11:54:06 PT
Medical Marijuana Festival Held In West Hollywood
September 30, 2006 LOS ANGELES -- The first medical marijuana festival is expected to be held Saturday in West Hollywood.The event celebrates the 10th anniversary of the legalization of the drug for medical purposes.It's being held at the West Hollywood Park Auditorium, hosted by Assemblyman Paul Koretz. 
 People with HIV, cancer or glaucoma use medical marijuana to combat pain and nausea. Copyright 2006 by The Associated Presshttp://www.nbc4.tv/news/9971357/detail.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #1 posted by FoM on September 30, 2006 at 11:41:27 PT
Friendly Reminder: Farm-Aid Live Webcast 3:30 ET
Farm-Aid will be broadcast also on XM Radio and the channel is called X Country. I'm looking forward to seeing and or hearing the music today. It also starts at 3:30 ET. Enjoy!Webcast: http://www.farmaid.org/site/PageServer
Farm-Aid 2006 - Camden, New Jersey
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment