cannabisnews.com: California To Vote on Legalizing Marijuana
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California To Vote on Legalizing Marijuana
Posted by CN Staff on March 25, 2010 at 12:45:02 PT
By The Associated Press
Source: Associated Press
Sacramento, Calif. -- When California voters head to the polls in November, they will decide whether the state will make history again — this time by legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults.The state was the first to legalize medicinal marijuana use, with voters passing it in 1996. Since then, 14 states have followed California's lead, even though marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
"This is a watershed moment in the decades-long struggle to end failed marijuana prohibition in this country," said Stephen Gutwillig, California director for the Drug Policy Alliance. "We really can't overstate the significance of Californians being the first to have the opportunity to end this public policy disaster."California is not alone in the push to expand legal use of marijuana. Legislators in Rhode Island, another state hit hard by the economic downturn, are considering a plan to decriminalize possession of an ounce or less by anyone 18 or older.A proposal to legalize the sale and use of marijuana in Washington was recently defeated in that state's legislature, though lawmakers there did expand the pool of medical professionals that could prescribe the drug for medicinal use.And a group in Nevada is pushing an initiative that marks the state's fourth attempt in a decade to legalize the drug.The California secretary of state's office certified the initiative for the general election ballot Wednesday after it was determined that supporters had gathered enough valid signatures.The initiative would allow those 21 years and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, enough to roll dozens of marijuana cigarettes. Residents also could grow their own crop of the plant in gardens measuring up to 25 square feet.The proposal would ban users from ingesting marijuana in public or smoking it while minors are present. It also would make it illegal to possess the drug on school grounds or drive while under its influence.Local governments would decide whether to permit and tax marijuana sales.Proponents of the measure say legalizing marijuana could save the state $200 million a year by reducing public safety costs. At the same time, it could generate tax revenue for local governments.A Field Poll taken in April found a slim majority of California voters supported legalizing and taxing marijuana to help bridge the state budget deficit.Those who grow and sell it illegally fear legalization would drive down the price and force them to compete against corporate marijuana cultivators.Other opponents view marijuana as a "gateway drug" that, when used by young people, could lead them to try other, harder drugs. They worry that legalization would persuade more people to try it, worsening the nation's drug culture."We are quite concerned that by legalizing marijuana, it will definitely lower the perception of risk, and we will see youth use go through the roof," said Aimee Hendle, a spokeswoman for Californians for Drug Free Youth.The initiative is the second proposal to qualify for the November ballot. The other is an $11.1 billion water bond measure championed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state Legislature.Associated Press Writers Lisa Leff and Marcus Wohlsen in San Francisco contributed to this reportSource: Associated Press (Wire)Published: March 25, 2010 Copyright: 2010 The Associated PressURL: http://drugsense.org/url/dHLnQVBLCannabisNews  -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml
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Comment #14 posted by WolfieWylde on March 27, 2010 at 01:36:44 PT
Grower prices...
...could be a concern, I suppose. But people in cages trumps that by a wide margin.
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on March 25, 2010 at 16:01:45 PT
cheebs1 
If people feel that way then they just better move over and get out of the way. The whole purpose of changing the laws on marijuana are to make it non criminal and to drop the price so people will be able to afford it. I don't know what other purposes there are.
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on March 25, 2010 at 15:58:29 PT
greenmed
We have come a long way in this past year.
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Comment #11 posted by cheebs1 on March 25, 2010 at 15:31:10 PT:
Terrible Thought
I was just sitting here and thinking about some comments on another site. Some growers in California are worried about the prices dropping if cannabis becomes illegal. I can see the prohibs latching onto that idea and promoting it so that a large portion of our own voting block might be voting against this. That would be so sad because then those folks wouldn't be any better than a large company telling lies so that it can continue to make obscene profits. Hope it doesn't happen. Peace, Love, and Pot
Cheebs
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Comment #10 posted by greenmed on March 25, 2010 at 15:28:44 PT
FoM
Thanks. We have come a really long way in just one year!
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on March 25, 2010 at 15:23:30 PT
greenmed
Marijuana Inc. was a good program. I think it was people talking about legalizing marijuana rather then the documentary. Today they have been covering the CA Initiative on CNN. Cannabis is everywhere in a much better light these days. We really have past the point of no return in my opinion.
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Comment #8 posted by greenmed on March 25, 2010 at 15:14:03 PT
'Marijuana Inc.'
The documentary is also available online at www.fancast.com (search Marijuana Inc.). I am unable to get it to play, but others may have better luck.
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Comment #7 posted by greenmed on March 25, 2010 at 15:02:45 PT
CNBC: 'Marijuana Inc.'
FoM, you mentioned an upcoming show on CNBC, might this be it? It is scheduled for later this evening at midnight EDT:Marijuana Inc.: Inside America's Pot Industry
Fri, Mar 26, 12:00a - 1:00a  2009 | 60 mins"The inner workings of a thriving American marijuana trade."Though it's not traded on Wall Street, marijuana is a booming cash crop that rakes in billions of dollars in cash-strapped California - and an estimated tens of billions of dollars nationwide. 'Marijuana Inc: Inside America's Pot Industry' goes inside California's 'Emerald Triangle' - the marijuana capital of the U.S. - and reports the personal stories of growers, buyers, and retailers... many of whom are otherwise everyday, law-abiding citizens.'Marijuana Inc' is a fascinating documentary that exposes the multi-billion dollar under-ground industry. In Mendocino County (CA) alone, the marijuana industry may account for two thirds of the local economy. From seasoned growers to determined cops to frustrated residents, 'Marijuana Inc' looks at all sides of the ever-flourishing marijuana industry.
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Comment #6 posted by observer on March 25, 2010 at 13:53:37 PT
illegal under feral law
...even though marijuana remains illegal under federal law.Oh my word! "Even though"! An Operation Mockingbird taking point? This would get the feds in a lather, wouldn't it? Other opponents view marijuana as a "gateway drug" that, when used by young people, could lead them to try other, harder drugs.Funny, they never mentioned jail or prison in this piece. (Which, of course, is what this proposed measure is all about: not jailing pot smokers.) Time and time again, such professional journalists (government/corporate shills) leave out teensy who-what-where-when details like "prison" or "jail" and instead play up "LEGALIZATION" all they can. Apparently, there are still significant numbers of Americans who's knees instantly jerk upon hearing the bugaboo scare words of "LEGALIZE MARIJUANA". Mockingbird prohibitionist propagandists know this very wellWhen pressed, I've seen and heard many a prohibitionist deny pot smokers are even jailed in the first place. Like naughty puppies*, prohibitionists need to have their snoots pointed in the direction of their smelly messes again and again, lest they forget. Other opponents view marijuana as a "gateway drug" that, when used by young people, could lead them to try other, harder drugs.Did the AP mention the vested financial interest police themselves have in upholding the arrests and jailings of adults for pot? This piece waxes long on prohibitionist and police-state talking points, but misses a number of elephants in the room. Why is that, I wonder?___* So none will become confused: I'm not suggesting this as method of training real, literal, puppies. 
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on March 25, 2010 at 13:38:00 PT
WolfieWylde
It's nice to see you.
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Comment #4 posted by WolfieWylde on March 25, 2010 at 13:21:35 PT:
Could be interesting...and the timing is right...
...mostly driven by economics. We're at a point where we could get it done, based on States needing the revenue. But I lived through late 70's, when we had a chance to get it wrapped up during the Carter years, and we let it slip away. Gotta push hard now, because IF the economy recovers, this window will close.
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Comment #3 posted by Sam Adams on March 25, 2010 at 13:02:32 PT
easier for teens to get herb than beer
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=teenagers+marijuana+easier+than+beer&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=bcdf8cbbf06dc4f
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Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on March 25, 2010 at 13:01:19 PT
excerpt
"Even more striking is what the researchers found when they asked young adults when they had started using marijuana. Again, the United States led the world, with 20.2 percent trying marijuana by age 15. No other country was even close, and in the Netherlands, just 7 percent used marijuana by 15 -- roughly one-third of the U.S. figure."
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Comment #1 posted by Sam Adams on March 25, 2010 at 13:00:31 PT
youth
I wonder if this "youth" thing will by the Prohib's #1 talking point? If I was Richard Lee I'd be pushing the 2008 WHO study of usage at every opportunity. I think minors in Holland use cannabis at 1/3rd the rate they do in the US. I would lead every single interaction with the media with "We need to do this to reduce teen usage, as they have in Holland"http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/90295/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/01/health/webmd/main4222322.shtml
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