cannabisnews.com: Bill Would Make Pot Legal in State










  Bill Would Make Pot Legal in State

Posted by CN Staff on January 19, 2007 at 10:50:14 PT
Editorial 
Source: Portsmouth Herald  

Concord, NH -- Using and selling marijuana would be legal under a bill debated by state legislators. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Charles Weed of Keene, told colleagues Wednesday that legalizing marijuana would give police more resources to tackle violent crime. He also said that existing laws governing marijuana are too harsh and lead to users being jailed with people who use or sell much more dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and heroin.
"If people are convicted for soft-drug use, they're in a problem for the rest of their lives," Weed, a Democrat, told the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. The bill is co-sponsored by two Republicans: Rep. Steve Vaillancourt, of Manchester, and Rep. Paul Ingbretson, of Pike. Weed and Ingbretson are also sponsoring bills to legalize medical marijuana use and allow farmers to grow industrial hemp, which is not a drug. Vaillancourt called marijuana possession a "victimless crime" and said the drug is less harmful than legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco. However, even some advocates said the bill goes too far. Matt Simon, a spokesman for the Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy, said it should be amended, although the group is collecting signatures in support of the bill. "The way it is now, you could grow a field of marijuana, drive it across into Massachusetts," he said. "This is a place to start the discussion of what the best way is to change the policies." Similar proposals have failed before. The attorney general's office and state health officials oppose the bill, along with groups representing police chiefs and county sheriffs. State police Maj. David Kelly said marijuana use often leads to people trying harder drugs. "Decriminalization will come at the expense of society, of public safety, of children and of you," he said. Simon Brown, head of the attorney general's criminal justice bureau, said police resources would be further stretched by legalization, not decreased, as supporters argued. He also said marijuana use has been shown by researchers to impair driving and can even lead to violence. But police Officer Bradley Jardis, speaking on behalf of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, a national group the supports legalization of marijuana, questioned the link to violence. "In my experience, I've never gone to a fight call or domestic violence call where it's only because of marijuana," he said. He also cited federal statistics showing that marijuana use has never been a primary cause of death. State Health and Human Services offficials say about 10 percent of state residents use marijuana, with higher numbers among teenagers and young adults. Source: Portsmouth Herald (NH)Published: January 19, 2007Copyright: 2007 Seacoast NewspapersContact: news seacoastonline.comWebsite: http://www.seacoastonline.com/Related Articles & Web Sites:LEAPhttp://www.leap.cc/Common Sense Marijuana Policyhttp://www.nhcommonsense.org/Bill Would Allow Marijuana Saleshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22527.shtmlLawmakers Aiming To Legalize Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22520.shtml 

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Comment #16 posted by rchandar on January 20, 2007 at 13:57:03 PT:
HadEnough
This is pretty barbaric stuff. Very, very unacceptable, shameful, disgusting. All these people wanted was a place to live, and they didn't ask for accomodations.This kind of miserable, unjust, sinister treatment of the have-nots must stop. We are egging on our authority to become vicious criminals and oppressors with neither a concept of democracy nor human dignity. Seeing this kind of stuff just rankles with me in my bones. When a nation begins to persecute its poor, it displays its own shameful lack of humanity and worth. The decline has come.--rchandar
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Comment #15 posted by Toker00 on January 20, 2007 at 09:54:27 PT
Mayan
If that's the case, then he won't support cannabis law reform either. After all, the Supreme(ly) Cour(rup)t decision is in the "past". It's definitely third party time. Green? Let's investigate. If NO one wants to run on 9-11 expose', then we'll gather. I hope. WE will establish where they can stick the "Free Speech Zones". They are calling our (perceived) bluff. We will either put up, or be shut up. It's time to shout down a war with Iran and impeach a president to bring down a corrupt American Congress. Past time. Let's see if We are the People!Toke.
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Comment #14 posted by mayan on January 20, 2007 at 06:57:32 PT
Toker
Open Letter: Kucinich Office says, "9/11 is over...it's passed" -- Review of 9/11 Report not a priority: http://www.911citizenswatch.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=991Kucinich just lost my support. I bet he proceeds to kiss Hillary's ass now. 
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Comment #13 posted by Had Enough on January 20, 2007 at 06:35:38 PT
Compassion runs Deep
Police slash open tents to roust the homelessBy ABHI RAGHUNATHAN and ALISA ULFERTS
Published January 20, 2007ST. PETERSBURG - City officials raided two homeless camps Friday afternoon, seizing more than 20 tents and further rattling a community still shaken from the slayings of two of its own.Those who refused to get out of their tents or remove their belongings watched as two dozen police and fire officials sliced the tops of the tents away from their bases, tossed them into a truck and drove off. Some said they didn't have enough time to get out before the officials began to cut with scissors, box cutters and other blades."I was in the tent when they started cutting," said Ken Argo, 54, who said he was asleep when police arrived. "It was very reckless of them."The whole operation took less than 10 minutes.The raid was the city's latest attempt to deal with the highly visible tent camps that have sprung up in recent weeks and a homeless population that is becoming increasingly organized and close-knit. Last week the city shut down a tent city on Fourth Avenue N after it said it helped about 100 of its residents get social services, including rent vouchers and bus tickets to cities where relatives or friends could help.Those who didn't get or refused services soon set up their tents at one of two locations, Fifth Avenue N at 15th Street or Fifth Avenue N at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street.But fire officials soon observed a host of fire code violations at the two satellite tent cities, said Lt. Rick Feinberg, a spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department. People were smoking and cooking in their tents, he said. The tents were too close together, too close to public thoroughfares, and they didn't have fire extinguishers, he said.Feinberg said the homeless also failed to get the required permits for their tents, which were set up on the public right of way."They were all in violation of codes," Feinberg said. "No one submitted plans for preparations for these two tent cities."It's not clear if all the fire codes the city cited indeed apply. The code requiring a permit specifies tents greater than 120 square feet, which is larger than the tents used by most of the homeless. And a state fire statute initially cited by the city doesn't deal with tents, said a spokeswoman for the state fire marshal.and the rest of the story…http://www.sptimes.com/2007/01/20/Southpinellas/Police_slash_open_ten.shtmlTake a good look at what’s going down. Truly a government war on it’s own people. You would think firefighters of all people, would want to help, not harrass. Why didn't the fire department work with these people instead of sending them back to the streets and back alleys again???
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Comment #12 posted by mayan on January 20, 2007 at 06:26:15 PT
Reuters
I just found the actual Reuters article...  U.S. plans envision broad attack on Iran: analyst
http://tinyurl.com/2wcfg3
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Comment #11 posted by mayan on January 20, 2007 at 06:19:45 PT
Toker
Now is not the time for silence. We must stop the next war or the situation in the Middle East will get way out of control. The neo-cons know that the only way they can avoid prison is to start WWIII. Once it starts it will be hell on earth. If there are any mainstream journalists or editors reading this it is up to you to help us expose the 9/11 inside job. I know you are afraid but when the Iran invasion takes place and our economy tanks you will wish you were dead anyway. Time is running out!PLEASE HELP US!!! S.O.S.
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Comment #10 posted by mayan on January 20, 2007 at 06:07:36 PT
Iran
US lawmakers demand Bush ask Congress before invading Iran: 
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070118/ts_alt_afp/usiranmilitary_070118183348From the above linked article..."The bill, introduced by longtime Iraq war critic Walter Jones,a Republican, and five other US lawmakers calls on the president obtain authorization for an attack on Iran, unless the United States or US interests are attacked first." Look out. The beast is ready to strike again...U.S. plans envision broad attack on Iran: analyst 
http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=66642Iran: Pieces in Place for Escalation:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=GAR20070116&articleId=4483THE WAY OUT...Prez explorer Paul: Investigate 9/11 'cover-up':
http://www.total911.info/2007/01/prez-explorer-paul-investigate-911.htmlCarolyn Baker interviewed by Jason Miller:
http://911blogger.com/node/564625 Reasons Why "White Collar Terrorists" Are To Blame for 9-11, "America's New War," and the Impending World War III:
http://www.tetrahedron.org/articles/apocalypse/25_reasons.htmlScholars for 9/11 Truth & Justice:
http://stj911.org/DC 9/11 Truth:
http://www.dc911truth.org/
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Comment #9 posted by Toker00 on January 20, 2007 at 05:35:11 PT
Mayan
Thanks for the 9-11 Fix. I was starting to Schitz!Toke.
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Comment #8 posted by Toker00 on January 20, 2007 at 05:30:46 PT
A friend named Weed is a friend indeed.
Peace, Denny.Mayan, that is going to be a great march. Peace and Truth. Powerful. End the Wars, Tell the Truth. No Drug War! No Iraq War! No Afghanistan War! No Terror War! Peace Through Truth!Toke.
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Comment #7 posted by Hope on January 19, 2007 at 20:30:25 PT
New Hampshire
Still got some of those brave patriots known as "Yanks" to the British back a couple of hundred years or so ago, who had to realize the people they called "Yanks" or "Yankees" were serious about their freedom and rights as free people.This makes me feel that at least that might be a few more politicians that aren't insane.Way to go Rep. Weed. Way to go. You look like a hero, and a good man with a bit of sense and it's sooooooo refreshing. Thank you.This is so good and may these Representatives that are sponsoring and backing this bill be mightily blessed.
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on January 19, 2007 at 18:29:23 PT

California Dreamin'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wI6uAOHzvo
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Comment #5 posted by mayan on January 19, 2007 at 18:24:23 PT

California Dreamin'
One of the best songs of all time, Imho. R.I.P., Denny Doherty. THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...Minnesota Daily Launches Series of 9/11 Truth Columns: 
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/january2007/190107Columns.htmClaim: Bin Laden Told Hamza Al-Qaeda Not Behind 9/11: 
http://infowars.com/articles/sept11/bin_laden_to_hamza_al_qaeda_not_behind_911.htm9/11 Truth Outreach to the Peace Movement:
http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=200701182318354649/11 Accountability: Strategies and Solutions Conference -
Chandler, Arizona - February 23-25:
http://911accountability.org/accountability/9/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB - OUR NATION IS IN PERIL:
http://www.911sharethetruth.com/
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on January 19, 2007 at 16:39:44 PT

Off Topic: Mamas and the Papas
For those who remember the Mamas and the Papas, Denny Doherty passed away today. I always loved their music.http://www.dennydoherty.com/
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on January 19, 2007 at 14:07:41 PT

Dankhank
Isn't that the neatest thing! LOL!
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Comment #2 posted by Dankhank on January 19, 2007 at 14:01:02 PT

Believe It?
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Charles Weed of Keene.....does it get any better than that?surely there is Karma ...Peace to Weed ...so much in that ...
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on January 19, 2007 at 11:17:09 PT

Related Article from The Drug War Chronicle
Marijuana: Decriminalization Bills Filed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire*** Drug War Chronicle, Issue #469January 19, 2007Twelve states (Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oregon) have enacted some form of marijuana decriminalization, all of them during the 1970s, but if legislators in Massachusetts and New Hampshire have their way, that number will grow again this year for the first time in decades. In the former, friendly legislators are reintroducing a decrim bill, while in the latter, a local group is allying with legislators to push new legislation.In Massachusetts, Senate Bill 881, sponsored by Sen. Pat Jehlen, with four cosponsors, is a refilling of a bill that was approved last year in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee. It specifies a civil penalty for the possession of one ounce of less of marijuana of $250.The Massachusetts effort builds on years of work by the Drug Policy Forum of Massachusetts and the Bay State NORML affiliate, MassCann. The two groups have brought ballot questions urging their representatives to support various marijuana reform measures before more than 400,000 Bay State voters, and won every one of them. It remains to be seen if the popular support for reform can be translated into a new decrim law.In New Hampshire, a new grassroots group, the Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy is urging support for HB 92, which was set for a Wednesday hearing in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee."Despite the threat of severe penalties, many responsible, productive New Hampshire citizens continue to use marijuana. As long as these individuals do not harm others, we believe it is unwise and unjust to continue persecuting them as enemies of the state," the group declared.Hopeful that the Granite State's "Live Free or Die" motto will resonate with their peers, Reps. Chuck Weed (D-Keene), Paul Ingbretson (R-Haverill), and Steve Vailancourt (R-Manchester) sponsored the bill. But even though Democrats took over both houses in the November elections, the measure's chances are uncertain. It will be opposed by the usual suspects in law enforcement and the Attorney General's office. The fate of a 2001 medical marijuana bill, which was overwhelmingly defeated, also signals potential problems.Still, despite a decades-long hiatus since the decrim glories of the Carter years, legislators in at least two states will have the opportunity to renew a long dormant reform movement.http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/469/marijuana_decriminalization_bills_filed_massachusetts_new_hampshire
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