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  Schwarzenegger Welcomes Debate Over Legalizing Pot

Posted by CN Staff on May 05, 2009 at 18:05:33 PT
By Steve Gorman 
Source: Reuters 

Los Angeles -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said on Tuesday he welcomes a public debate on proposals to legalize and tax marijuana, which some suggest could provide a lucrative new revenue source for the cash-strapped state.The Republican governor, whose term in office expires at the end of next year, was asked about the idea of treating pot like alcohol at an appearance in northern California to promote wildfire preparedness.
'No, I don't think it's time for that, but I think it's time for a debate,' he said. 'And I think we ought to study very carefully what other countries are doing that have legalized marijuana and other drugs, what affect it had on those countries, and are they happy with that decision.'The former Hollywood actor, who has admitted smoking marijuana in the past, cited his native Austria as a country where 'they want to roll back some of the decisions that were made in European countries.'He said a decision to legalize marijuana, which has been outlawed in the United States since 1937, should not be made on the basis of raising revenues alone.Schwarzenegger's comments come days after a statewide Field Poll found that 56 percent of California voters support the idea of legalizing cannabis for recreational use and taxing its proceeds.A bill introduced in the state Legislature by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, a Democrat from San Francisco, would do just that -- permitting taxed sales of marijuana to adults while barring sales to or possession by anyone under age 21. A similar regulatory structure already exists for alcoholic beverages.Ammiano said his proposal would generate up to $1.3 billion in revenue for the state, which faces another multibillion-dollar budget shortfall just weeks after a landmark deal closing a $42 billion deficit.He and others who support legalizing pot say such a move also would improve public safety by redirecting law enforcement efforts to more serious crimes and would end environmental damage to public lands used for illicit cannabis cultivation.But in 2004, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have eased rules on how much medical marijuana patients can possess in California.Voters in California, the nation's most populous state, became the first to approve the use of marijuana for medical purposes in 1996, putting the state at odds with federal law.Under the Bush administration federal agents stepped up raids against medical marijuana dispensaries in California and other states that have passed similar laws.But U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said in March that the Justice Department under President Barack Obama has no plans to prosecute such dispensaries in those states in the future. However, Obama, who also has acknowledged smoking pot in his younger days, recently dismissed the idea of legalizing marijuana on a national level.Editing by Dan Whitcomb Source: Reuters (Wire)Author: Steve GormanPublished: Wednesday, May 6, 2009Copyright: 2009 Thomson ReutersCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml

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Comment #91 posted by afterburner on May 07, 2009 at 17:14:10 PT
museman #84
I watched Quantum of Solace, the latest James Bond, last night. I was struck by the underlying subplot that the US government, through the CIA and such, will do business with any tyrant who promises to further the economic, political and military interests of the USA. To them morality not an issue.
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Comment #90 posted by Hope on May 07, 2009 at 13:56:24 PT
Considering recent accusations made 
against reformers, I cringe at the idea.I can accept your explanation... and apology.Thanks.
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Comment #89 posted by bionic man on May 07, 2009 at 13:29:58 PT
poll
It was a poor attempt at humor. sorry.
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Comment #88 posted by Hope on May 07, 2009 at 13:19:12 PT
Sorry, Bionic Man.
I have a bit of a problem with the "Often" part of your admonishment.
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Comment #87 posted by bionic man on May 07, 2009 at 13:13:24 PT
poll
Still open. I voted again. Vote early and often.
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Comment #86 posted by bionic man on May 07, 2009 at 12:59:38 PT
Poll
I am able to watch the DFW fox station and I forced myself to watch them this morning to see if they would mention the poll. They did not.
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Comment #85 posted by Hope on May 07, 2009 at 11:32:13 PT
I pretty much expect "They" would.
BGreen, you said, ""They" wouldn't be lying to us, now would they?"
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Comment #84 posted by museman on May 07, 2009 at 11:24:59 PT
Afterburner
We're gettin' there.I'd like to quote myself, in relation to that article, from the reply I made to Sam;"The healing, medicinal effect of cannabis, for example, is real, inherent, true value. The weight and mass of cannabis, growing, or sitting in a warehouse only has potential value. That value is never realized until it is actually used. To predicate the value of something before it is actually used, is the root of waste and corruption."The theory and concept of the 'free market' as propagandized by the status-quo to justify their corrupt existence, is just another 'naked emperor' scenario. Non-real values created within a system of 'economics' that is biased, unbalanced, and based on illusory values.People, somewhere deep inside, know that these things are all fake, but so many have literally 'bought into it' that they can't see clearly past their fear of losing what they think they have. That is the revelation of the story "The Emperor's New Clothes." Even a child can see the error of this system, but we go out of our way to depress, and repress that natural, innocent, clear view of reality, with all the half truths (lies) of the various systems in place.The truth is being revealed however, and the time we live in is all about that. The truth will not be put back in the box, no matter how much status-quo false 'logic' is used to make the attempt.There is simply no going back. After decades of feeling like it was never going to happen in my lifetime (even though I intuitively knew it would) the current movements towards the light of truth, away from the narrow-minded systems of errant thought and values- taught (criminally in my mind -if those 'teachers' actually know what they are doing) to the children in the various stats-quo institutions, are exciting to me.We live in some exciting times concerning the coming of truth to the hostage earth. That which detracts from the new that is here and rising, is of the old, and will pass away with a whimper, not a bang. Oh the earth will shake, many cities will crumble, and until a significant number of aware humans openly embrace the truth, and deny the corruption, many will suffer, but all any one has to do is stop fueling the beast, and it will die that much quicker."Don't Feed The Beast."FREE CANNABIS FOR EVERYONE
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Comment #83 posted by Hope on May 07, 2009 at 11:21:09 PT
BGreen Comment 80
Lol!
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Comment #82 posted by BGreen on May 07, 2009 at 11:20:31 PT
What does 1,067 votes mean?
That's 1,024 saying "Yes" and 43 saying "No," assuming the vote is really 96% to 4%.How in the world can the "no" votes be so low on a Fox station in Dallas, TX if the people aren't really in favor of cannabis re-legalization?"They" wouldn't be lying to us, now would they?Bro. Bud
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Comment #81 posted by FoM on May 07, 2009 at 11:17:25 PT
2010 Budget Details: Agency by Agency
Excerpt: The plan would cut about $295 million in grants to states under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools program. Schools have used the money for anti-drug and violence-prevention activities, including installation of metal detectors.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/budget2010/agency_by_agency_050709.html?hpid=topnews
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Comment #80 posted by BGreen on May 07, 2009 at 11:13:22 PT
I know, Hope
It's a daily poll, but just like that cop and his wife who ate the brownies, time is going by really really really really slow. LOLBro. Bud
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Comment #79 posted by Hope on May 07, 2009 at 10:56:01 PT
About that poll.
Since it says "Today's Poll" is why I thought it would end this morning.Hmmm.
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Comment #78 posted by Hope on May 07, 2009 at 10:55:08 PT
1,067 votes at the poll now.
Still 96% percent "Yes".
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Comment #77 posted by FoM on May 07, 2009 at 10:48:19 PT
Paint with Light
I appreciate the input. I call this brainstorming. That's how things change.
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Comment #76 posted by museman on May 07, 2009 at 10:42:02 PT
Sam
Yes, you must have a license from the ATF, and it costs over a thousand dollars, or at least it did when we tried to grow our own tobacco back in the 80's. Of course we gave that about as much consideration as we did the 'marijuana tax act,' and grew it anyway. Even though the likelihood that we'd get caught was slim to none -no one was looking for illegal tobacco grows.If I had any belief left in me concerning this government, and the systems it forces down everyones throat whether they like it or not, I would agree in principle to the taxation of those who wish to produce cannabis on large scale and sell it to make a living. But since there is nothing in this government worthy of MY trust, how could I feel good about having to trust that they won't just do the same things they've always done -and given the chance they will. The fact that whatever taxes are garnered from the government, are used to fund conquest, and corporate dynasties -without the will and consent of those who are taxed is why they shouldn't be allowed to tax anything, let alone cannabis.Creating a 'tax law' concerning cannabis is just another form of prohibition.It is a phenomenon I have witnessed in this country, since I came back from the Mediterranean in the 70's with my eyes opened, that america has been used to its affluence for so long, the middle-class to upper-class take-it-for-granted attitude, is that all americans have the same economic opportunity, and that if one doesn't succeed, its because they are 'lazy' or somehow 'deficient' in their faculties.The fact that resource and opportunity is simply not there for millions of poor americans doesn't phase those whose family resources put them out of range of the experience of 'not having', so they arrogantly think their situation -practicly given to them - is the norm.Our system of economic values is based on an illusion. An invention of the minds of ancient rulers who concieved many schemes to 'regulate and control' the population that they captured and enslaved to build those first cities, the concept of which man has yet to let go of.The healing, medicinal effect of cannabis, for example, is real, inherent, true value. The weight and mass of cannabis, growing, or sitting in a warehouse only has potential value. That value is never realized until it is actually used. To predicate the value of something before it is actually used, is the root of waste and corruption.The value of joy, of contentment, of the rapture of good music, of sharing, just cannot be boxed, labled and a price tag affixed to it. Oh they've surely tried, but the human aspects of true and real value cannot be quantized without corruption.This country had a revolution that had a slogan given to the people by the rich merchants and bankers who funded it, and wished to free themselves of the burden of the Kings taxes, and shift the profit over to their own pockets. But the slogan was embraced by the people, because it was simple and clear; "No taxation without representation."One time, and one time only were the interests of the people put in first priority in the works of this government, and that was when Tom and John fought for and got the Bill of Rights. Otherwise the status-quo agenda of the "New World Order" "Novus Ordo Unum" would have been even more entrenched and established than it is.To me, cannabis freedom is directly linked to all civil liberties, and is the lynch-pin of that very same concept. And it is a concept, not a fact.The power, authority, and systems of the ruling factions deserve no compromise, no capitulation, no acceptability, and they deserve least of all CREDIBILITY.Here we are on the forefront of a wave. That wave has many aspects fueling it and pushing it on. But many are intuiting that now is the time to get on that wave and ride. That wave is about becoming real, about revealing all the eaons of falseness that have perpetuated and maintained mans ignorance and bondage. That wave is about true freedom and liberty. That wave is breaking down the 'dam' that so many status quo perpetrators are trying so hard to shore up. Its a lost cause. There's no stopping that wave. It may seem to idle down, but too much has been revealed for them to put it back in their 'control' box. So we must be wary of the 'gifts' of politics, because the strings they attach to their 'gifts' are tied around Satans fingers-(or at least 'satanic' spirit).FREE, FREE, FREE, CANNABIS
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Comment #75 posted by Paint with light on May 07, 2009 at 09:56:12 PT
FoM
I agree with keeping the big corporations out of the production.I agree the initial registration($5000), and yearly(2500), and per ounce(50), is way excessive.I once thought that putting a limit on the number of plants any indiviual license could grow would be one way of stopping the 200 acre fields from becomming a reality.Each individual license would be based on use of the end product.The license could also be linked to income level of the individual in that people on limited income could get their license free.I would also put the medical cases on a free or almost free basis.Hemp would be licensed for a lot more plants than medical or recreational use.For larger tracts or for economics sake, cooperatives could be formed where people could pool their resources.Putting a limit on the number of members of a licensed cooperative could prevent the mega growers you are opposed to.Only the actual sales would be taxed and only at the local sales tax rate.Non-profit transfer, medical, or nutritional uses would not be taxed(sharing, or, medicine, or food).I had rather not have any limits at all, but this might be one way to deal with the danger of large corporations putting out an inferior product and robbing the legacy of the growers that have been paying their dues for decades.Legalization is coming in some form.I hope it happens without taxes or licenses but the reality is it won't.All the legislators are not going to wake up in a state of profound enlightenment anytime soon.The possibility of taxes woke up this pit of vipers from their winter of denial and it is now our job to keep stirring the snakes.Is is up to those of us who do see the truth to keep chipping away at those who don't.This is the best year yet for our movement so let's not lose the momentum.A logical and fair system is the best we can hope for, and it is our responsibility as activists to brainstorm our ideas for that eventuality.Legal like alcohol is all I ask.
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Comment #74 posted by AdaptBones on May 07, 2009 at 09:43:33 PT:
Afterburner #60
I absolutly agree with that article. Free market does not work because the world does not work in that ideal (as much as many of us would like it to). In my opinion one of the biggest problems stems from over population. That type of market can only be sustained in a small, like minded society because beyond that we get what we have now. There are plenty of people out there that know and believe in fairness and justice and freedom; but often times they have either been beaten down by the status quo to the point they are afraid to speak or they are attempting to live what they speak and do there best to stay away and out of sight of normal society. In either case they do not speak out for what they believe because, in my opinion, they don't think the status quo can be changed. The other major problem I see is what the teach kids. Study any sociology and it becomes clear the only things that are taught in public school these days is how to obey the status quo. There is no critical thinking, no life skills, no practical skills. Kids are not taught to develop their own personalities they are taught how to be a cookie cutter mold. 
 So again the main problem has several points to it. Kids are raised to not question the status quo because they are taught they can not change it. Then you have too many people in one place to have the system we have work correctly. If you wanted to keep the current system you would need to break up the united states into several sections (Northwest, Northeast, central plains, ect...) because those demographics normally have similar views on issues. The other choice would be to find a new system because this one does not work the way it is, bottom line. Blessed be everyone.
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Comment #73 posted by FoM on May 07, 2009 at 07:17:53 PT
A Question
How much does a farmer that grows grapes just for wine production pay in tax? How about Hops? How about Tobacco? Those figures could be a guide for taxing at the growing level when cannabis becomes legal.
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Comment #72 posted by FoM on May 07, 2009 at 05:36:47 PT
Paint with light 
I think that people who are not leaning right but leaning towards a progressive agenda aren't wrapped up in the tax issue. I personally work towards reform because my heart tells me it is the right thing to do. If I ever felt that this was the wrong direction I would stop dead in my tracks. I don't want to lose the spirit of cannabis that since the 60s and hippies was established and turn this into a money hungry issue. Cannabis is a beautiful plant given to us by our Creator and that is my approach. Tax on products made from hemp and cannabis are fine but not what this Bill in California is trying to do. It is wrong and would put cannabis in the hands of tobacco companies instead of those who have labored under the radar to develop quality cannabis. That would be totally unfair.
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Comment #71 posted by BGreen on May 07, 2009 at 03:28:30 PT
Current Texas poll numbers
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/subindex/good_dayShould marijuana be legalized for adults over 21?662 Votes96% Yes 636 votes3% No 20 votesThe number of yes and no votes don't total 662 because the percentages given don't total 100%. That's pretty much impossible with only two available choices, but it IS a Fox News Channel so accuracy isn't their strong point. ;pOne has to wonder what happened to the other six votes, but even if they all went to the "no" side, 636 to 26 is still a major a$$ whoopin'. LOLThis is on the Fox affiliate in the town where GW Bush now lives.That doofus is so insignificant these days. It's a shame more people didn't realize that nine or ten years ago.It's also a shame that current governor Rick Perry resembles GWB so much it makes my skin crawl.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #70 posted by BGreen on May 06, 2009 at 23:11:21 PT
Yay, Texas!
Must be a lot of "potheads" watching the FOX channel in the D/FW area. LOLMy niece's husband is now a SWAT shot in the D/FW area so it's clear that the general population is NOT in support of him and his buddies launching militaristic attacks on people for cannabis.It's too bad that that won't slow them down a bit in their terroristic endeavors. :(The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #69 posted by Paint with light on May 06, 2009 at 22:21:27 PT
Poll
After I voted earlier the vote total was 420.Legal like alcohol!
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Comment #68 posted by Hope on May 06, 2009 at 22:21:13 PT
Texas Poll
96% voting "Yes", now!It's not closed yet.
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Comment #67 posted by Paint with light on May 06, 2009 at 22:16:57 PT
Taxes
Taxes are the gateway drug for the legislative system to accept deregulation of cannabis in any form.Legalization of cannabis is only being discussed by our politicians because there is a possibility of taxing it.Decades of people dying wasn't enough for the medical cause to get legalization on the public square docket.Cannabis hemp and all its many uses haven't broken through the wall of denial.(FoM, I believe the uses of hemp alone, not counting the medical and recreational economics of cannabis has a very large earning potential.)Give a politician a chance for raising revenue, and especially spending that revenue, and you have just touched political "heroin".Hoping for the tomato model......willing to settle for the wine model....for now.closing version 1.2........Legal like alcohol!
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Comment #66 posted by Hope on May 06, 2009 at 21:55:06 PT
Poll
It's been holding at 95% with more people voting, so it could have gone either way. It went back up shortly after my last post about it.These media polls, in the legal scheme of things, don't mean much, but they are encouraging and good to see.
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Comment #65 posted by Hope on May 06, 2009 at 21:49:47 PT
Bionic Man
It's good to hear your hip isn't failing. I can rejoice with you about that.I'm sorry about the pain for you, though, and having no access to a gentle medicine that really helps you.
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Comment #64 posted by ekim on May 06, 2009 at 20:41:51 PT
Anderson Cooper 360 CNN
Last night and tonight has had a story on a small Texas town seems that the police stop and take money from drivers and are never charged with a crime.seems some one wants there money back.and is asking how this law is allowed to happen.
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Comment #63 posted by Sam Adams on May 06, 2009 at 20:36:37 PT
Profit
One more note. I hope that whoever sells cannabis makes tons of MONEY! You know why? Because that's how I'll get the best product as a consumer.Look at the whining about medical MJ clubs making millions of dollars.  Yet those same clubs are providing some of the best organic cannabis medicine ever on Earth, if not the best. Patients can buy 100% organic tinctures, massage oil, candy, gum, etc. Unbelievable selection of quality products. And none of it interferes with patients growing their own.You start regulating and having the government decide who grows what cannabis and you get Univ. of Mississippi schwag. You get the equivalent of a Soviet-era Communist automobile. Whoever bribes the local govt. official gets to sell herb.
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Comment #62 posted by Sam Adams on May 06, 2009 at 20:30:12 PT
Tobacco
Is a license required to grow your own tobacco? I've never heard that before.You have to admit that 95% of smokers go for sh*tty commercial cigs when brands like Drum are way better and actually cost less. Of course you have to roll your own.The thing is that I think we all agree on - I'm saying we should have the "tomato model" - anyone can grow cannabis and share it with their friends. NO regulation or tax whatsoever!But I still think that even in the tomato model most people will be smoking the cheapest mass-produced cannabis cigarette. Just look at beer! Most choose horrible swill that's made with rice filler (Bud, miller, etc), turning down the many excellent micro-brews that are around. I say again that using government force to stop certain people or entities from growing and selling cannabis is totally wrong. That is in fact regulation, which I am 100% against.Now, I would be in favor of something like a "pesticide tax" or "non-sustainable farming" tax on chemical nutes and pesticides.  That would allow corporate cannabis while providing major incentive for sustainable farming practices and healthier herb, not to mention healthier air, water and soil.
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Comment #61 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 20:01:11 PT
cliff
Thank you for the link. Neil could hit such high notes when he was young. He is an amazing man with an amazing life story. Take care of yourself.
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Comment #60 posted by afterburner on May 06, 2009 at 19:52:40 PT
Synchronicity - Museman #33 & AdaptBones #36
Why the Free Market Doesn't Work: Consumption vs. Conservation
http://www.naturalnews.com/026108.html
(NaturalNews) { I'm a big free market proponent. I love the "freedom"
in it... the individual decisions of hundreds of millions of people
coalescing into an "invisible hand" of efficiency improvements,
quality of life enhancements and unlimited abundance... }A maturing look at free markets and libertarianism, taking into account the true costs of production and disposal, preserving the environment, a selfful (mindful) approach rather than the current selfish greed-based approach.
 
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Comment #59 posted by cliff on May 06, 2009 at 19:52:26 PT
-good neil.
saw this elsewhere on the web, neil that I can actually like:old man - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWovzUEe4l8on medical use, as a insomniac alcoholic, both are solved with access to medicine, unf its 200-240 min 'round here. so can't afford to get medicine, but at the same time can't afford not to as being a drunk will kill me some day.=(best of luck to all. g'nite!
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Comment #58 posted by Hope on May 06, 2009 at 19:42:36 PT
Josephlacerenza
Thank you. Thank you to everyone that went over there and voted.
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Comment #57 posted by Hope on May 06, 2009 at 19:41:10 PT
oops
Poll went down to 94% voting yes.
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Comment #56 posted by josephlacerenza on May 06, 2009 at 19:38:04 PT
Well Hope
I voted too!!! Couldn't help but to!! I will see the day cannabis is re-legalized, I believe it!!
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Comment #55 posted by Hope on May 06, 2009 at 19:26:15 PT
Poll
95% voting yes at this point. Amazing. I don't think I've ever seen a poll showing this high a percentage for legalization... ever... anywhere. But in Texas? I'm impressed. I'm happy to see this.
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Comment #54 posted by John Tyler on May 06, 2009 at 17:58:49 PT
94% for
Just voted
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Comment #53 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 17:54:48 PT
Legalize Pot? Governor Set To Debate
Legalize Pot? Governor Schwarzenegger Set To DebateReported by: Jeff PowersMay 6, 2009EL CAJON -  California voters passed Prop 215 in 1996, legalizing medical marijuana in the state. But now, Governor Schwarzenegger is taking the argument a step further, saying he is ready to debate legalizing and taxing marijuana to get the state out its budget crisis."I think it's time for a debate," Schwarzenegger said. "I think all of those ideas of creating extra revenues, I'm always for an open debate on it." San Diego 6 News asked the governor about the issue at a news conference."I think that this is a discussion that we can have some time after May 19th," he told us.May 19th is the Special Election aimed at curing California's budget woes. County supervisor Dianne Jacob, who has opposed Proposition 215, was much more direct.The county supervisor said, "Marijuana -- in my opinion and in the opinion of others -- is a gateway drug. I think its wrong to legalize marijuana." A recent poll showed 56% of Californians would support an initiative to legalize marijuana."The tide is turning. Public opinion is against her," said Aaron Klein of Hope Unlimited, a group that supports Proposition 215 and the legalization of marijuana. "I will be here fighting with the group and for the group. We're not going anywhere and we look forward to a vigorous debate." 
Copyright: 2009 Bay City URL: http://drugsense.org/url/h293WfKE
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Comment #52 posted by AdaptBones on May 06, 2009 at 16:56:18 PT:
The Tides Are Turning
The tides are indeed turning more and more every day. Just look, the status quo made one comment about how they would not opress the will of the people and now 13+ states had declared they have little to no problem with cannabis or drugs in general. If that is not the will of the people breaking the dam of prohibition I don't know what is! Let's keep the pressure up because I think we've all seen what is coming so let's help it along in the right direction. The tides are in our favor so let's sail this ship right into the prohibs harbor and ring that freedom bell. Blessed be everyone.
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Comment #51 posted by George Servantes on May 06, 2009 at 16:55:30 PT
bionic man
I know how you feel, sometimes I go dry too and I would rather not take prescription narcotic and sleep deep into depresion because of constant discomfort.I don't like big pharma or tobacco taking over, I hope they get this law straight so everyone can easily get a permit and sell, cause it's so easy to grow it once it's legal, everyone can do it.
We should not let government favor only big corporations cause they will inevitably ruin our economy.
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Comment #50 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 16:44:09 PT
bionic man 
I'm sorry to read about your health problems. I don't want tobacco companies to come in and ruin the spirit of cannabis for lack of a better way of saying it. It makes me feel cold inside not happy and hopeful.
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Comment #49 posted by dankhank on May 06, 2009 at 14:41:51 PT
Bionic Man ... or .... Cyborg
I like Cyborg, as that is what I am.Definitions of cyborg on the Web:a human who has certain physiological processes aided or controlled by mechanical or electronic deviceslibrary.thinkquest.org/06aug/00861/glossary.htmand I will ...':-)
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Comment #48 posted by bionic man on May 06, 2009 at 14:29:48 PT
NO marlboro in my marijuana!
I'm with museman, keep tobacco companies out. All I want to do is grow my own medicine. My medicine vendor moved away a few months ago. So I am having to use big pharma for my pain management and it sucks and it costs a lot. A script for oxycontin 20mg #60 is $240.00. The side effects are so bad I wonder which is worse, the pain or the side effects. I just keep on hoping it will change. I just want to share about my good day yesterday. I have been having some severe pain related to one of my artificial hips and I was concerned that part of it may have loosened and would have required surgery. It would have been my sixth hip replacement surgery. The hip is fine. Pain is from sciatic nerve which I can deal with. I just wanted to share my happiness with somebody, and spark one up for me!
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Comment #47 posted by NikoKun on May 06, 2009 at 14:27:00 PT
Some good news!
http://www.salem-news.com/articles/may062009/mj_zogby_5-6-09.php"A new Zogby poll commissioned by the conservative-leaning O'Leary Report has found 52 percent voter support for treating marijuana as a legal, taxed, regulated substance."Over the last few months I've seen polls starting at 40%, then 42%, 44%, 46%, and now 52% of national voters seems to support legalization! WooHoo!
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Comment #46 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 14:17:55 PT
The Tide Is Turning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzIVAuhWxDY
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Comment #45 posted by Dankhank on May 06, 2009 at 13:55:17 PT
I voted, too
88% yes11% no1%  baked, I guessI had to spark after last comment.
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Comment #44 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 13:53:06 PT

Dankhank
I don't know if we all will live long enough to see the laws changed but this song sums it up for me.The living soul within us will carry on.http://www.neilyoung.com/forkintheroad/lightacandlevideo.html
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Comment #43 posted by Dankhank on May 06, 2009 at 13:45:51 PT

yes ... short blurb
rooting for MSNBC ...and I'm with Dr Ganjwill I live long enough to see?
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 13:45:09 PT

Dr Ganj 
Now that we have this new administration we aren't afraid to speak out like we have been for the last 8 years. 
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Comment #41 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 13:43:55 PT

I Loved CNN's Background
It was beautiful!
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Comment #40 posted by Dr Ganj on May 06, 2009 at 13:41:56 PT

Progress
Sure seems similar to the Berlin Wall.
Maybe I will live long enough to see reason finally prevail. 
So much money wasted for so many decades, it just can't continue like it has in perpetuity."Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" 
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 13:37:56 PT

Dankhank
They showed The Governor saying he is open to discussion but that's about all. I am watching CNN to see if they say something more then they did on MSNBC.
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 13:22:42 PT

DankHank
Thank you. It's is coming on MSNBC soon too.
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Comment #37 posted by Dankhank on May 06, 2009 at 13:21:34 PT

legal Cannabis discussion on CNN
soon ...
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Comment #36 posted by AdaptBones on May 06, 2009 at 13:11:16 PT

Very welcome
Museman, FoM, I am very happy I was able to articulate my thoughts well so you are most welcome. The status of "legal" or laws in general are repressive. Taxes without complete transperancy and control by the people are repressive in my opinion. I don't disagree with the idea of taxes for a society as a whole but I certainly say that showing what the money is going for and allowing the people who are paying that money to say where they want their money to go has to be a must in any free society. The main problem I see is many people lack reason and common sense in this day and age. We all know what fundamental fairness is and it is not setting up society in such a way that the general masses are forced into a certain way by default because the society has been set up in such a way that "freedom" can only be obtained by a select few at the top. Fairness and freedom must be defined by the bottom of the society. Only when the least of us has the freedom to live full lives by their own power can we be considered "free". We need to remember that the only reason they have this power in the first place is because they were manipulative and powerhungry enough in the beginning to pull the wool over the rest of the sheeps eyes so they could not see the truth and then call themselves shepards. They were and are tenacious enough to hold onto their own interests at the expense of anyone and everyone else. Everyone needs to remember the fundamental truths in life: what is natural is the only will and law you should obey. With that in mind think long and hard on what is natural in this world, both on this planet and within yourself. If you were born outside of the status quo society what would yo uhave and how would you act? That is the only true definition of what "laws" you should feel compelled to obey. Everything else is a false idol and should hold no power over you. "What you do for your brother you do for yourself"; that needs to be the thought EVERYONE in a free society should keep in mind with all their actions. Blessed be everyone and we will wake up to a new day in the near future, don't ever let go of that hope because the prohibs will have you if you do.
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 11:20:18 PT

Museman and AdaptBones
Thank you very much. I don't like tax as an issue for reform. It makes me feel sick. It really does. 
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Comment #34 posted by museman on May 06, 2009 at 11:11:56 PT

Adapt bones
Well said. Wavelength synchronicity, gotta love it!
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Comment #33 posted by museman on May 06, 2009 at 11:07:54 PT

no taxation without representation
"Legality" has become a power word for the elite. Attached to the 'legally accepted definition' of that word is 'economics' "religious moralilty' 'social restraint' and probably a whole lot more included in the Planet Rapers Handbook -standard reading for all 'public servants.'What are the taxes used for? For better education? For healthcare? Or for bolstering the economics of a failed system-which is all about the support and sovency of the rich and all their planet-raping agendas.And anybody who believes that 'regulation' is anything other than the 'new' definition of 'legality' being used to shore up the leaking dam of false values called economics, should just stand there with their finger in the dike for a while.Cannabis is a gift from our Creator, as are the foods we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. Who owns these gifts? Not Monsanto, not DOW chemical, not the banking system, and certainly not the government.Who gives them the right to usurp the natural system of things and replace it with a failed, corrupted system that produces only death, disease, war, and destruction? Do you? Certainly I don't, and though I have little choice in the resources that are available to me, for these very reasons, I still refuse to believe in the naked emperor.Some have used the example of the tobacco companies-as cannabis producers- as some kind of acceptable situation. Try growing tobacco in your backyard without the license that costs so much only a corporation could afford it. The result is the same as if it weren't 'legal' because the terms and conditions of its 'legality' makes it so that -if you are a tobacco smoker, you cannot obtain tobacco from any other source than that sanctioned by the state and federal government. DO it without that sanction, and get caught, guess what happens?The idea that its ok to continue such practices as supplying fake food for bargain prices, and real, organic food for exhorbitant prices that only the well-off can afford, in my mind that is criminal insidiousness. So to do the same with cannabis, is just more prohibition-only the profit is brought back to the rich people 'where it belongs.'I as a medical user, am disabled, I cannot work at any job I could possibly be hired for (not enough paper on my wall), and the jobs that I can do I could not work at long enough for an employer to want to employ me. And even if I could, the 'benevolent' nature of the government that tried to murder me while using me as a guinea pig in the 70's won't let me make any money above the fixed income they begrudgingly give me for ruining my life. Even though I was abused and damaged -because it was a covert, clandestine, 'classified' action, they still refuse to admit what they did, so I am treated like I was on welfare.I cannot afford $50 an ounce, let alone the $250 + it now sells for. If it weren't for for friends and good cannabis kharma, I would be in bad shape.So, I should just buck up and feel thankful that the rich people will stil be able to buy good pot, while the rest of us have to buy R.J. Reynolds cut-rate blend? Not on your f-in life.Its times like these I thank Yah he got me out of California.LEGALIZE FREEDOM (without condition) FREE (as in NO MONEY NECESSARY) CANNABIS FOREVER 
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Comment #32 posted by AdaptBones on May 06, 2009 at 11:03:46 PT:

A few things
First off wasn't the question to Obama about wether or not cannabis could help "rescue", or some other word like that to imply it would solve all the economy woes, the economy? Isn't that the question he answered? And in that respect I agree with him. Legal cannabis would NOT solve ALL the economy woes, for that we need to regulate the financial industry, disolve the illegal federal reserve, over haul the justice system, and educate people (well that would solve more than just the economy). We also need to change the way we think about problems as a country and stop trying to impose our own will on another person. I know that is realistically a very hard thing to do but even we need to stay vigilant and police ourselves so we are not taking away choice from anyone, again within reason. Only at that time will our country truly be a free society with sensable laws that do not restrict and opress. For now, I feel that we should certainly accept any concessions they are willing to make because that is still a step in the correct direction to freedom. However we can not forget the ultimate goal for many of us is complete social overhaul and the regaining of freedoms that were taken from us at birth. So accept what they offer (so long as it's sensable and within reason) but do not forget and do not let them stop short of that ultimate goal.Now to address the other concerns. The first is big tabacco jumping in and selling to make money. Myself, and many others I know, do NOT want big tabacco anywhere near this plant because they will do horrible things to it in our opinion. Think about it like this: if they managed to jump on the wagon and do to cannabis what they did to tabacco it could prove a disaster. As it stands right now there have been NO deaths with natural cannabis; but allow big tabacco to get ahold of it and they are highly likly to add extra chemicals to it, mix around the existing chemicals and do all sorts of crazy stuff. Now imagine if we win this freedom and then big tabacco has their way and people start dying from cannabis like they do with tabacco currently. The prohibs are highly likly to creep back in and try and exert control down to a select few again in the interest of "public safety". We could come full circle and not get another chance for another 50+ years. You have to remember that many of these people work together to maintain the power that exists currently. So the prohibs could go to big tabacco after they get their paws on our plant and say to them, "make cannabis kill people so our argument holds water". I for one do not want that. These people want power, they want it bad and if we manage to take back part of our power that is less power for them and they will fight that. We need to tread carefully and think our actions through so that any ground we gain will not be lost because they thought of some way to take back control that we did not think to block. We need to be thoughtful and be the movement that brings balance back to society, cannabis reform is but one issue in that larger ideal. We also need to be honest with ourselves and others about the potential dangers of cannabis and all its benefits. We need to keep drawing comparisons between the things the status quo has already endorsed (alcohol, pharm drugs and tabacco)and educate people about the reality of cannabis and other ethogens. Educate and then allow to make their own choices, that should be the ultimate goal in my mind for drug reform. There were some other things I meant to say as well but they escape me currently. So blessed be everyone and let's keep the pressure up because the dam IS breaking, I see more and more leaks each day.
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 10:47:10 PT

Related Article From The CBSNews Blog
Schwarzenegger: Time To Debate Legalizing PotMay 6, 2009 URL: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/05/06/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4996114.shtml
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Comment #30 posted by Hope on May 06, 2009 at 10:02:02 PT

Comment 18 BGreen
So true!It hasn't been that many years since there was talk among prohibitionist and their legislative lap dogs that maybe they could make us not talk by charging and arresting all of us that talk online about ending prohibition, under RICO with a conspiracy to break the law.Some laws need "breaking". This one, cannabis prohibition, should be broken into many tiny, irreparable pieces and tossed into the furnace of really bad ideas and unjust laws that just keep cropping up through out mankind's history.There was a time, about the time of the RICO charges talk, that I realized that all this was either going to have to get better... or infinitely worse. Somebody was going to hear us... or they were going to stifle us all, somehow.Thank goodness... it seems like maybe the better, freer, less idiotic and dictatorial way is going to be the way it goes.I felt I had to consider that it could go either way. And it could have... which is why I didn't like to see people like mothers and fathers with young children taking the risk of poking their heads up into the prohibitionists' line of fire.What we've been up against has been an evil, dark thing that hurts people left and right. Never forget your sense of caution when dealing with something or someone dangerous. "Be gentle as doves and wary as serpents." ("Don't Tread on Me"). And as we all know, prohibitionists and their enforcers are dangerous people wielding hideous power to kill and maim. 
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 09:52:48 PT

Had Enough
Thank you!
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Comment #28 posted by Had Enough on May 06, 2009 at 09:52:02 PT

Texas Poll
Should marijuana be legalized for adults over 21?Yes…86%No...13%Total Votes…82

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Comment #27 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 09:51:58 PT

Hope
You're welcome. I voted but the poll results don't show up on my computer. I only get a white page after voting. How is the vote going?

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Comment #26 posted by Hope on May 06, 2009 at 09:44:57 PT

Comment 22 FoM
Thank you!
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Comment #25 posted by Hope on May 06, 2009 at 09:43:55 PT

That poll in Texas
only lasts for today... so let people know about it. 
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 09:33:14 PT

mykeyb420
You make sense to me.
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Comment #23 posted by mykeyb420 on May 06, 2009 at 09:23:41 PT

taxes
a tax is levied for a service rendered,,in this case the service is " Pay the tax and we wont arrest you " .this sounds like blackmail.Anyway, pot is already taxed in California,, we have sales tax included in the price at clubs. This would be double taxing. 
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 09:23:27 PT

Hope
I voted.
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Comment #21 posted by Hope on May 06, 2009 at 09:06:01 PT

A poll in major Texas media... this is new!
Should marijuana be legalized for adults over 21?http://www.myfoxdfw.com/subindex/good_dayPlease vote.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 08:14:11 PT

BGreen
We finally can talk and it's wonderful! 
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 08:12:46 PT

This Seems Like A Lot of Money
25401. (a) The department shall license commercial cultivators of marijuana. The fee for the license shall be set at an amount that will reasonably cover to costs of assuring compliance with the regulations to be issued, but may not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for an initial application, or two thousand five hundred
dollars ($2,500) per year for each annual renewal.http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0351-0400/ab_390_bill_20090223_introduced.html
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Comment #18 posted by BGreen on May 06, 2009 at 07:59:15 PT

You're right, FoM
It wasn't too long ago that the congress critters were talking about banning any mention of cannabis on the internet under the guise of prohibiting information on the manufacturing of any illegal substance, and we really haven't had any serious discussions about cannabis since the Carter administration.The truth is self-evident when it is allowed to be presented. That's why they wanted to stifle ANY debate, choosing to disseminate their lies in a manner more closely resembling a drive-by shooting than an intelligent and thoughtful debate.I don't care if they say they're against us as long as our voices will be heard without the threat of violent retaliation.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #17 posted by Sam Adams on May 06, 2009 at 07:58:19 PT

Legalization
I'm not afraid of corporate cannabis, unless the government only allows big corporations to sell it.Most of the population will choose cheap-o cannabis in Marlboro-type cigarettes with pesticides, chemical fertilizers, THC that's been removed and added back in (like nicotine in cigs).It's like organic food. You have to recognize that much of the population will always want the cheapest food available, no matter how awful it is. IMO saying they can't have it is just another form of tyranny. It shouldn't be up to one group of people (us) to decide what type of cannabis will be allowed.But I think the best analogy for legal cannabis is wine. Most wine purchased is probably less than $5 per bottle. But we have thriving markets for mid- and high-priced wine, and California is world-renowned for the quality of its wines.At the same time, Gallo is pumping out big jugs of swill for the masses. This is what legal cannabis will eventually look like.If we were to legalize, California and the northwest would immediately assume their rightful positions as the worldwide center of premier cannabis production. It'll be like wine with no Europe. That's the sad part about Prohibition, America has the best innovation in cannabis and our expertise is something we could sell to the rest of the world. So we keep illegal, great job guys.Just look at the market in HOlland - most pre-rolled joints are 80% tobacco, which totally grosses me out. But that's what the customers want, and therefore that is what keeps the coffeeshops in business and offering higher-end cannabis as well.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 07:43:58 PT

George
Quality herb isn't expensive in my state. If it could be grown outside it would be very cheap but my state decriminalized and it isn't a big issue.
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 07:39:53 PT

Legalization of Cannabis
I am for the legalization of marijuana but against making it almost impossible for small time growers to compete with big tobacco. The quality of cannabis has been developed under the radar by dedicated people. Think about people who buy a puppy from a puppy mill compared to a puppy bred with the concern for the dog and the future of the breed and the people that purchase a pup. Quality is very important since many people use cannabis legally or illegally for medical purposes. I am glad we might get a discussion going now since the Governor at least said lets talk. 
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Comment #14 posted by George Servantes on May 06, 2009 at 07:38:55 PT

FoM
People are already paying higher price for crap weed on the street / so that money is spent anyways. I know how it feel to pay several hundred dollars a month for crap herb. So that money is spent anyways and it goes to criminals. I would if rather that money goes to a business man who hires people and pay taxes. It should help economy. It's a simple fact.
Plus this way we can grow up to 10 plants or have somebody else do it for you, so why worry if some lazy people need to pay top dollar?
I mean I know it's not perfect but we don't live in perfect world, we live in suffering realm, and compared to our current situation this is heaven. We have to be rational and smart on this issue. It's easy for us to criticize and complain but that's not going to help us at all. We must move forward, baby steps... We must think only positive. That way we do succeed. 
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Comment #13 posted by Sam Adams on May 06, 2009 at 07:13:55 PT

Governator
oh how full of crap he is! He vetoed industrial hemp! Why doesn't he talk about that? He's been 100% anti-cannabis for 7 years. I hope he and the Republicans are voted out of there, never to be heard or seen again.
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Comment #12 posted by CanadianGanjaman on May 06, 2009 at 06:44:29 PT

Canada.
In Canada there had been some recent legal confusion over possession involving a judge declaring it was unlawful to confiscate a persons marijuana, since that incidents clearing up, Arrest rates have nearly doubled.The need to decriminalize was mitigated by this event previous to its resolution, and the one bill that could have decriminlaized 30 grams made itself available at the EXACT wrong time, it was never even reviewed by parliment.Canada had decriminalized it socially previous to our fixing the misunderstanding generated by the court.Now that the arrest rates have doubled and the police are cracking down, decriminalization seems to be JUST out of Reach...
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 06:10:54 PT

George
If the price didn't start at $50 an ounce it could help the economy. I thought that $50 an ounce would be about the maximum for good quality herb when it is legal. That means it will stay much higher in price then it should. That takes money out of ordinary people's pocket and that won't help people's money stretch further. The tax would be passed on to the consumers.
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Comment #10 posted by George Servantes on May 06, 2009 at 06:05:11 PT

FoM
You still didn't say why you think it wouldn't help our economy? Government could come up with regulations for big corporations so they can't have monopoly, or ship jobs overseas, close tax loop holes - so we can have a lot small business.But even local farmers care about money, I mean most people do so we can't jump up to criticize others when most of us are greedy too.
I am vegetarian and health food nuts and I don't like too when they charge me so much for food that should be organic and natural. All our food should be healthy and organic by default like it used to be centuries ago. But it's all greed and let's face it, for most people it's a lot better to legally buy your herb then to deal with shady people on the street.What makes you think that some local farmers can't grow their high quality marijuana and sell it? I know big tobacco will grow it cheaper and sell it cheaper but that's the way it is with everything. Most of us only care if it's cheap. Me don't care, I want quality products not some el cheepo stuff.
So I see big business will take over and sell it cheaper then our local organic marijuana farmer. But that's because most people want it cheap, they want to save money and all that stuff they brainwash them with advertising media.
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 06:02:26 PT

OverwhelmSam
When Canada voted in a Conservative I knew this would happen. I never understood why they voted him in. 
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Comment #8 posted by OverwhelmSam on May 06, 2009 at 05:57:22 PT

Canada is Last?!  Who whoulda thunk it.
Gee with Mexico decriminalizing marijuana and other drugs, and the current trends of legalization in America, it looks like Canada will be the last country to decriminalize drugs. Oh Canada, I honestly thought you would be first. Evidently, there needs to be a few de-elections of your so called "representatives."
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 05:33:27 PT

George
I hope what I said makes sense. I think like the people from Farm-Aid that factory farms aren't good for us but local farmers that care about their livestock and produce are important. I am not into big business but I am into local business. I have watched our local small town fall apart because big business has sent the factories to other countries and I fear the same thing would happen if the tobacco companies take over.
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 05:18:03 PT

George
If Marijuana was taxed high like is being presented the Tobacco Companies would jump in and take over like we thought would happen back in the 70s. I don't know how many people really want cigarette companies to run the show but dangle money in front of them and they'll jump on board. If marijuana is treated like any other good medicinal herb products could be developed and mom and pops won't be cast to the wind by big business in my opinion.
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 05:07:41 PT

A Question
Since it won't be long until California has a new Governor and it could be Newsom or Brown I wonder how they feel about taxing marijuana. I don't think Gavin Newsom is for it but he is for medical marijuana. I don't know about Jerry Brown.
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Comment #4 posted by George Servantes on May 06, 2009 at 05:03:07 PT

FoM
Obama didn't say why he thinks it wouldn't help economy. I would really like to know why you think it wouldn't help our economy?Me thinks it would really help not just economy but it will also help cut government budget since they spend so many billions on fighting against marijuana users.
It will help:improve our economy, why buy from dealer some compressed really bad marijuana when you can buy it legally at any store.we could then grow hemp again, it would create many jobs and we could expand green technology. even China government is giving free seeds and education to poor farmers how to grow hemp. they want to improve lives of those poor farmers, that's better then welfare.it would help government budget in this times when they receive less and less tax, and are forced to cut many government services like police number, library number and schools employees. I think it would help us in many ways, I would really like to know why you agree with Obama.
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on May 06, 2009 at 05:02:36 PT

Governor Says He's Open to Debate on Legal Pot
By Wyatt Buchanan, Chronicle Staff WriterWednesday, May 6, 2009URL: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/06/MNO617F929.DTL
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Comment #2 posted by kenincali on May 05, 2009 at 20:40:12 PT:

May 19 Special election in California
I believe it is important to send a message to our legislators in California on May 19th, letting them know we are tired of being taxed to death to put a band aid on our budget problems. We need new and creative ideas to raise money for the state. Legalizing, taxing and regulating Cannabis could help significantly. Not only will the taxes from the sale of cannabis bring in roughly 1 billion dollars, the industry that would be created by the legalization, regulation and taxation would bring in many more dollars to our state.With this in mind, I plan to vote no on all measures except for measure F which will prevent our government officials from getting raises when we are in a deficit. I realize this may be unpopular with many folks when our state is in such a bad deficit, but if we allow our taxes to be raised unchecked, and we do not force our government to come up with new and creative ways to bring money in to the state, the government will just continue to raise taxes to band aid the problems. I am not so naïve to think this will solve all of our problems, but I do see it as a step in creative thinking when it comes to finding solutions to our problems. Along with the income generated by the legalization, taxation and regulation, we get the savings from all the people who would be thrown in jail for minor possession charges, court cost and law enforcement. Just my 10 cents, 2 cents + all the new tax hikes we have seen lately. 

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Comment #1 posted by FoM on May 05, 2009 at 18:19:26 PT

Why Do They Keep Writing This?
Excerpt: However, Obama, who also has acknowledged smoking pot in his younger days, recently dismissed the idea of legalizing marijuana on a national level.***He only said taxing marijuana wouldn't help the economy. I agree with President Obama on that one.
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