cannabisnews.com: NM Governor Says He'll Keep Up Drug Debate! 





NM Governor Says He'll Keep Up Drug Debate! 
Posted by FoM on August 27, 1999 at 05:38:37 PT
No political support for decriminalization, he say
Source: Dallas Morning News
SANTA FE - Gov. Gary Johnson said Thursday he's still all alone among politicians when it comes to reconsidering anti-drug laws, although his push for a drug-policy debate has gained nationwide attention.
But the Republican governor isn't giving up."There is absolutely zero political support. None. It's nonexistent," Mr. Johnson said Thursday.But he said the public has been more supportive. Mr. Johnson contends decriminalization of some drugs, such as marijuana, should be considered, and he says too much money goes to law enforcement efforts to stop the flow of drugs rather than treating and preventing illegal drug use."Since Monday, we have received approximately 500 e-mails. I want to say that 10 of those 500 e-mails are negative. That surprises me," said Mr. Johnson.He continues to draw criticism from law enforcement officials, including Tuesday at an El Paso conference sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Coalition On a Substance Abuse Free Environment. They favor battling drugs through enforcement and treatment.Decriminalization "is a rubber stamp of approval for poison. I would tell him I think it is not a good choice for children and it sends a bad message about New Mexico," San Antonio drug expert Susan Dalterio said. Mr. Johnson said he was isn't advocating drug use, especially by children."I am certainly well-intentioned here with this issue. It's something I really believe in," Mr. Johnson said. But he added, "I wouldn't presume to tell you that I am not a kook."Mr. Johnson acknowledged that he has pardoned 18 people for drug-related crimes since 1995 and 17 for burglary, robbery or larceny. But he said all cases were handled the same way.Pubdate: 08/27/99©1999 The Dallas Morning NewsGov.'s Drug-War Policy Panned - 8/25/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread2610.shtml
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Comment #2 posted by Myrna Meshew on September 14, 2000 at 13:33:10 PT:
decriminalization of marijuana
I think this issue is long overdue. I believe we are kidding ourselves about having any control on the usage of this plant. I believe the American leaders do not want to deal with this issue, perhaps they do not want to take the time out to come up with a plan to tax, control or distribute marijuana. As a medical professional, I have read and seen the results that marijuana can have on patients undergoing chemotherapy, or glaucoma patients and even AIDS victims. I think it is interesting that you never read about anyone beating his spouse or abusing their children because they were high on marijuana. Unlike, alcohol which can radically change a person's behavior, marijuana does not have that effect. The scientific evidence is overwhelming and greatly documented in regards to the ill effects of alcohol and alchol related diseases, yet we have managed to legalize its use. In retrospect, I believe that the Prohibitionist's had a valid argument. In the end, I think it all comes down to money. Obviously, there is still a great demand in this country for marijuana. It remains one of the best recreational drugs. I believe in its medicinal usage and think that our legislators will continue to skirt the issues, because it is easier to do so.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on August 27, 1999 at 06:08:16 PT:
Related Article
Amarillo Globe NewsFriday, August 27, 19995:10 a.m. CThttp://www.amarillonet.com/Johnson Not Causing Political Conversion for Others on Drug Issue By BARRY MASSEY The Associated Press SANTA FE, N.M. - Gov. Gary Johnson said Thursday he's found no support among politicians so far for reconsidering anti-drug laws although his push for a drug policy debate has gained nationwide attention because of recent network television news and talk show appearances. The Republican governor isn't giving up, however. "There is absolutely zero political support. None. It's nonexistent," Johnson said at a news conference. But he said the public was more supportive of rethinking the nation's drug policy. Johnson contends decriminalization of some drugs, such as marijuana, should be considered and he says too much money goes to law enforcement efforts to stop the flow of drugs rather than treatment and prevention of illegal drug use. Since drawing national attention from the networks and national news organizations about his drug policy crusade, Johnson said he's been surprised by what he described as "overwhelming" support among citizens for at least debating drug policy and looking at changing anti-drug laws. "I would have thought prior to doing this that what we received in this office would have a run a bit more negative than positive," said Johnson. "Since Monday, we have received approximately 500 e-mails. I want to say that 10 of those 500 e-mails are negative. That surprises me." However, a majority of Americans continue to oppose legalizing marijuana, according to a Gallup poll earlier this year, although those surveyed were in favor of the medical use of marijuana by almost 3-to-1. Johnson continues to draw criticism from law enforcement, including at a conference Tuesday in El Paso co-sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Coalition On a Substance Abuse Free Environment, which contends the key to battling drugs is aggressive enforcement and treatment. "(Decriminalization) is a rubber stamp of approval for poison. I would tell him (Johnson) I think it is not a good choice for children and it sends a bad message about New Mexico. Besides, it is a mind-altering toxin," San Antonio drug expert Susan Dalterio said. Johnson, asked about the criticism at the DEA conference, said he was not advocating the use of drugs, especially by children. He acknowledged that some GOP legislators are unhappy he's raising the drug issue and other people may simply think he's a "kook." "I am certainly well intentioned here with this issue. It's something I really believe in," Johnson said. "I wouldn't presume to tell you that I am not a kook." At the news conference, Johnson acknowledged that most of the ex-convicts he has pardoned were convicted of drug-related crimes but he said they were handled the same as non-drug cases. Pardons restore the citizenship rights, such as the right to vote, for ex-convicts. Johnson said he generally considered pardons only for those who have been out of prison at least 10 years and have made improvements in their lives. The governor has granted 53 pardons since 1995. Eighteen were for persons with drug-related convictions, while 17 were for burglary, robbery or larceny. Johnson said he hasn't developed any new strategy to try to keep the public's attention on the drug policy issue. He continues to plan several public forums in New Mexico on drug policy changes. The first may occur at the end of September, possibly at the University of New Mexico. However, Johnson said the date and location were not yet definite. The governor will appear in October at a national conference titled "Beyond Prohibition: An Adult Approach to Drug Policies in the 21st Century." The conference in Washington, D.C. is sponsored by the libertarian Cato Institute, which has advocated legalizing drugs since it was established in 1977. 
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