cannabisnews.com: Marijuana Initiative Passes





Marijuana Initiative Passes
Posted by CN Staff on November 08, 2006 at 06:34:44 PT
By Tristan Scott of the Missoulian
Source: Missoulian 
Montana -- A ballot measure recommending Missoula County law enforcement officials make adult marijuana offenses their lowest priority passed Tuesday night.The measure, dubbed Initiative 2, won the support of 22,502 Missoula voters, or 53 percent. Opponents of the initiative totaled 19,565, or 46 percent, and included some of Missoula County’s top law enforcement officials.
The initiative will make marijuana crimes the single lowest priority for Missoula County authorities, but won’t include marijuana sales or drug use by minors as low-priority offenses.In no way will Tuesday’s passage of Initiative 2 legalize the drug, according to Angela Goodhope, a spokeswoman with Citizens for Responsible Crime Policy, the group that proposed the measure and landed it on the ballot.Proponents of the initiative, sponsored by Citizens for Responsible Crime Policy, say Initiative 2 strives to place increased emphasis on crimes that threaten people’s lives and property and on other, more pressing drug issues. The proposal calls for a Community Oversight Committee that would consist of community members, criminal defense attorneys and a drug rehabilitation counselor who would investigate marijuana arrests and produce a report on the initiative’s effects seven months after its passage.“We are very pleased that Missoula voters approved a clearer, safer and smarter crime policy,” Goodhope said.Police Chief Rusty Wickman and Sheriff Mike McMeekin have publicly voiced their concern about the initiative, saying they worry federal dollars could be yanked from Missoula’s drug enforcement programs in retaliation to the measure.Goodhope said all evidence suggested the contrary, pointing to Seattle’s passage of a similar measure several years ago as evidence.In Missoula, like Seattle, the measure strives to place increased emphasis on crimes that threaten people’s lives and property and on other, more pressing drug issues.“None of the negative outcomes our opponents predicted will come true,” Goodhope said. “We know that for a fact.”Source: Missoulian (MT)Author: Tristan Scott of the MissoulianPublished: November 8, 2006Copyright: 2006 MissoulianContact: oped missoulian.comWebsite: http://www.missoulian.com/Related Article & Web Site:Citizens for Responsible Crime Policyhttp://www.responsiblecrimepolicy.org/Marijuana Initiative Qualifies for Ballothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22114.shtmlCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml 
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Comment #25 posted by Dankhank on November 09, 2006 at 11:46:59 PT
Hope
I like your analysis ...I'm trying to do better in rebuting the madmen/women.As Maccaca, Foley and Haggard showed when they were "outed," it's the "hypocrisy, stupid."My comment could have been a bit smoother, but the message was clear as I needed, I guess.I have copied my comment and will flesh it out, smooth it out, and reuse where required.I have little tolerance for hypocritical, hateful, venal, vapid, vicious, vituperative, virulent, vitrolic religious kant.We have such a short time on this earth when measured against infinity that it shocks me to see people of cloth advocating hate.thanks for commenting ...
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Comment #24 posted by Hope on November 08, 2006 at 22:55:35 PT
Dankhank ....shutting down a thread.
It's weird, isn't it? You didn't even mention Nazis or Hitler, either.Hmmm. Maybe you just said all there is to say, and there's just no arguing with it or disagreeing with it...or...
I don't know....but you did it, looks like.Maybe it was the "stem cells" that shut it down.
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 21:35:08 PT
Dankhank 
Yes I think we do agree. 
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Comment #22 posted by Dankhank on November 08, 2006 at 21:30:25 PT
FoM I think we agree ...
that the new testament supersedes the old testament and the old should hold little sway these days.The new testament is the story of the prince of peace.The Evangelicals and many christian denominnations cherry-pick stuff from the old testament to basically skew the message and to introduce hate and pain. This policy makes christianity suspect.Hold up the prince of peace while you figure ways to stifle science, medicine, love, compassion, hope, life ... it's scary how long this list could be.I have few answers, many questions and only want peace and love to rule the world ...
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Comment #21 posted by mayan on November 08, 2006 at 18:11:09 PT
Rumsfeld
I am very puzzled as to why he would "step down" AFTER the election. The republicans couldn't even garner the military vote because of him. If the neo-cons are planning another false flag attack to suspend the power shift and justify an invasion of Iran they would want to get rid of Rumsfeld, who is absolutely despised by our military. If Rumsfeld were to remain in power while there was another attack there would possibly be a military coup or citizen insurrection. I just can't think of any other reason why they made this move now. Unless... Would Americans support another war while republicans control all three branches of government? Hell no!!! I believe there is an even greater chance of us going into Iran with Rumsfeld gone and the democrats controlling the legislative. Both parties are controlled by the very same international corporations. We will soon find out if there are one or two political parties in this country.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 14:34:02 PT
Dankhank
I use to watch a Jewish man who became a Christian on tv and his name was Zola Levitt. Leviticus he explained is a book of health more then a book of judgement. I don't follow the Old Testament but will find the completion of the Old Testament in the New Testament so legislating morality shouldn't be done by any Christian since it isn't our job. We are to judge not or we will be judged it says in the New Testament.
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Comment #19 posted by Dankhank on November 08, 2006 at 14:12:21 PT
do what the book says ...
That's the whole problem, FoMNo one does all that the book says, only what's convenient.No stoning of unruly children, but it says to ...the section of Leveticus that addresses Gay behavior holds adultery and some other stuff as equally wrong, we don't hear about those much, but we pitched the laws about adultery, it's not a legal matter, it's a moral one.Many millions have been and are now destroyed by people who would legislate "morality."separation of church and state is a good idea, too bad we don't got it ...http://www.slate.com/id/2150150/check out Leveticus
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 13:57:03 PT
Dankhank
I'm not sure I understand because I don't follow blogs or how people feel about the election except on here. I have seen plenty of grumbling in years past and I decided a long time ago to do what the Bible said to do and brush the dust off my feet and move on. I think that's right. A sincere fundamentalist christian would be crushed by what has happened and probably didn't vote or jumped to the Democrats because they can't handle the "sin" and corruption within the Republican Party. That's my thoughts.
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Comment #17 posted by whig on November 08, 2006 at 13:40:15 PT
Dankhank
I'll reply. :)
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Comment #16 posted by Dankhank on November 08, 2006 at 13:27:17 PT
venting ...
recall comments here in the past re: why a comment seems to shut down a thread ...we all have experienced it once or twice or so ...guess it happened to me on Alternet.don't care, much, but it's interesting ...I was up late last night, and woke early this morning happy to hear the results ...A story by a staffer about how Evangelicals voted Blue in large numbers. Holding the nose, I guess. One comment early about how Dems have to keep EVs in mind.My rebut, written while disgusted, pissed, tired, happy ...Here for your perusal ...Be Kind ...m  :-)http://alternet.org/blogs/peek/44024/shut that thread down, I guess ...  :-)
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Comment #15 posted by paul armentano on November 08, 2006 at 10:49:41 PT
NORML PR re: Election results [excerpt]
2006 Mid-Term Election Results Offer Mixed Bag For Marijuana Law ReformNovember 8, 2006 - Washington, DC, USAWashington, DC: The 2006 mid-term elections offered mixed results for marijuana law reformers, with voters rejecting three statewide liberalization efforts, but approving numerous local measures to 'deprioritize' pot law enforcement....."What these results tell us is that citizens strongly support reforming America's marijuana laws, but that they prefer to do so incrementally," he said. "These successes on the municipal level, once again, affirm that a majority of US citizens don't want adults who use marijuana responsibly to face arrest or jail, and they do not want their tax dollars spent on policies that prioritize targeting and prosecuting marijuana offenders."
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7084
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 10:14:13 PT
Dems Claim They Now Control The Senate
By Glenn Thrush, Washington Bureau November 8, 2006  
 
 
 
Senate Democrats are declaring they have won the six seats needed to take control of the Senate, even though Republicans may demand recounts in two neck-and-neck races led by Democratic challengers in Montana and Virginia."Jon Tester and Jim Webb have won their races in Montana and Virginia but want to make sure every vote is counted," said Phil Singer, spokesman for Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.). "We expect to have official results soon but can happily declare today that Democrats have taken the majority in the U.S. Senate."http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/ny-ussen1109,0,2701448.story?coll=orl-news-headlines
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 09:58:34 PT
Whig
Good one. I'm singing along with you now!
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 09:57:17 PT
Press Release from MPP
Record Vote to End Marijuana Prohibition Signals Progress Toward ReformVotes in Nevada, Montana, California, Massachusetts Show Trend Toward Rethinking LawsWASHINGTON, D.C. — Strong results for state and local marijuana reform ballot initiatives, including an apparent all-time record vote in Nevada to end marijuana prohibition completely, demonstrate increasing voter willingness to reconsider our marijuana laws, officials of the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) in Washington, D.C., said tonight.Despite intense campaigning by officials from the White House drug czar's office, Nevadans appeared to have cast an all-time record vote for a complete end to marijuana prohibition. With 85 percent of precincts reporting, over 44 percent of Nevada voters backed Question 7, an MPP-sponsored initiative to tax and regulate marijuana much like alcohol. Meanwhile, local reform measures were heading toward victory across the country."Today, a record number of Nevada voters called for an end to marijuana prohibition, the highest vote ever to end prohibition, and local voters in Montana, Massachusetts, and California called for major changes in marijuana policies," said MPP Executive Director Rob Kampia. "The momentum is with us. Major social change never comes easily, but change in our failed marijuana laws is coming because prohibition does nothing but harm. Prohibition funds criminals and guarantees that teens have easy access to marijuana, and voters have begun to see through the drug czar’s lies. We've made huge progress since our 39 percent to 61 percent loss on a similar ballot measure in Nevada four years ago. We plan to try again with another marijuana initiative in Nevada in November 2008 or 2010."In Massachusetts, voters in the first and twelfth Plymouth Representative Districts overwhelmingly passed nonbinding measures urging that possession of up to one ounce of marijuana be a civil violation subject only to a $100 fine. Voters in Missoula County, Montana, passed a law directing local law enforcement agencies to make marijuana possession arrests their lowest priority by a 53-47 percent margin, while similar measures were headed toward landslides wins in Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and Santa Monica, California.With more than 20,000 members and 120,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP works to minimize the harm associated with marijuana—both the consumption of marijuana and the laws that are intended to prohibit such use. MPP believes that the greatest harm associated with marijuana is imprisonment. For more information, see www.MarijuanaPolicy.org.Date: 11/8/2006http://www.mpp.org/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=glKZLeMQIsG&b=1157875&ct=3237481
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Comment #11 posted by whig on November 08, 2006 at 09:57:06 PT
Na na na na na na na na hey hey goodbye
Donald Rumsfeld. Heh.
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Comment #10 posted by whig on November 08, 2006 at 09:53:49 PT
Ballot measure
My plan was to go to City Hall again and tell them how I would have voted if I had been permitted to on the advisory ballot question. Fortunately the ballot question won.
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 09:51:14 PT
Wayne
I love it! 
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Comment #8 posted by Wayne on November 08, 2006 at 09:49:27 PT
things just REALLY got shaken up
NBC just said 30 seconds ago that Donald Rumsfeld is stepping down!! This is HUGE!!!! Everyone needs to check this out!
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Comment #7 posted by jasgrave333 on November 08, 2006 at 08:36:22 PT:
lol - OverwhelmSam;
"
On the heels of the latest Congressional scandals, I think the public would overwhelmsingly support an initiative to piss test every congressman, executive, and judge. 
"lol......who would be left to run tings tho? Oh yeah, sane, loving, altruistic adults... wow, that would shake tings up!
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 08:31:22 PT
AP: Nevada Article
Voters Approve Smoking Ban***Voters say no to pot, eminent domain, raise minimum wage Sandra Chereb, Associated PressNovember 8, 2006 Nevada decided Tuesday they didn't want legalized marijuana sold at state-sanctioned pot shops and approved constitutional amendments raising Nevada's minimum wage and curbing government seizures of private property.Question 7, to legalize adult possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana and require the state to set up procedures to tax and regulate its sale failed, 58 percent to 42 percent with more than half the expected votes counted.Complete Article: http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20061108/ELECTIONS/111080104&SearchID=73262334216666
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Comment #5 posted by OverwhelmSam on November 08, 2006 at 07:38:28 PT
To Get Congress Piss Tested
On the heels of the latest Congressional scandals, I think the public would overwhelmsingly support an initiative to piss test every congressman, executive, and judge. Let's give them a taste of their own medicine. What would it take to get an initiative like this off the ground?
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 07:36:24 PT
South Dakotans Defeat Medical Marijuana Measure
Associated PressSIOUX FALLS, S.D. - South Dakota's medical marijuana measure went up in smoke Tuesday, as voters decided not to allow patients to use the substance as a relief from chronic pain.With 96 percent of precincts reporting, 158,206 people or 53 percent of voters, shot down the ballot measure, with 142,247 voters, or 47 percent, showing their support.Proponents wanted South Dakota to become the 12th state to allow some medical patients to smoke marijuana to ease their pain.Opponents, led by law enforcement officials, said allowing medical marijuana would send a mixed message to children concerning drug use. They also said people other than the patient could get their hands on the marijuana - as many teens do now with alcohol.The law would have allowed each patient and caregiver up to six plants, which could produce from 2,700 to more than 13,000 joints every year.Copyright: 2006 Associated Presshttp://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/15954962.htm
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 07:32:47 PT
LA Times: Voters Take on Pot
Voters Take on Pot, Sick Pay, Minimum wage and Healthcare***By Lee Romney and Steve Chawkins, Times Staff WritersNovember 8, 2006 Voters on Tuesday weighed in on a vast array of local issues, with three cities leaning toward relaxed marijuana enforcement and San Francisco on the verge of becoming the first U.S. city to require all employers — regardless of size — to provide paid sick leave.In San Francisco and Berkeley, voters were voicing their disapproval of the current administration in measures calling for the impeachment of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney on grounds including warrantless spying and what were presented as other wartime civil rights violations.In returns from Santa Monica, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz, voters were siding with proposals requiring local police to make marijuana arrests their lowest priority. Financed largely by Ohio insurance magnate Peter Lewis, the measures were opposed by many police officers, who described the issues as unnecessary and a possible obstacle to investigating major crimes. Complete Article: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-me-state8nov08,1,3740534.story
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Comment #2 posted by jasgrave333 on November 08, 2006 at 06:51:21 PT:
how about Cannabis "crime", off the list?
Ya, I was bitten by a plant the other day, should I call 911 and eventually have it put down and destroyed?WHO called cannabis illegal again? God or man?"
The initiative will make marijuana crimes the single lowest priority for Missoula County authorities, but won’t include marijuana sales or drug use by minors as low-priority offenses.
"Regulation, licensing, moderation. Why is legality such a big potty bunging event for these soo called leaders of scociety?Alchohol sold to over 18's (UK law) Tobbacco to over 16 year olds....Cannabis to over 21 year olds? It's not a hard step...!Prohibition and illegality is like taxing people for each erotic thought that enters their head... it's crazy regulation of mental/medical freedom.And what if the police-man is just bored or keeping his employment record busy?It should be off the list of crimes. Putting farmers in jail for growing and consuming vegetable matter is the crime! "
In Missoula, like Seattle, the measure strives to place increased emphasis on crimes that threaten people’s lives and property and on other, more pressing drug issues.
"Ya - look over there a real burglar; in fact it's Karl Rove burying gold bars under his bed...
Got OIL?
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on November 08, 2006 at 06:41:53 PT
Pot Effectively Legalized in Santa Cruz
Hopefully we will get a marijuana only article later today. Go Santa Cruz!http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/elections/15957006.htm
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