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Maryland Senate President Supports Legalization 
Posted by CN Staff on January 04, 2014 at 12:37:28 PT
By John Wagner
Source: Washington Post
Maryland -- The move to legalize marijuana in Maryland has a powerful ally: Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Miller (D-Calvert), who has presided over his chamber for more than a quarter century, said in an interview Friday that he would support legislation allowing the regulated sale of marijuana, similar to what is now taking place in Colorado. “I favor the legalization and taxation of marijuana, with restrictions,” Miller said, adding that he thinks his position will only grow in popularity in coming years. “I know where people are going to be a generation or two from now.”
Miller was less confident, however, at the prospect of a bill passing in the 90-day legislative session that starts next week.While he said a legalization bill would stand a good chance in the Senate, he thinks the odds are much longer in the House and said that Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) — who rose to prominence as a tough-on-crime mayor of Baltimore — is “always slow on issues like this.”“Quite frankly, I don’t see it passing,” said Miller, who has a relatively conservative record on social issues. In recent years, he opposed the legalization of same-sex marriage and repeal of the death penalty.Last year, the Senate voted 30 to 16 for a bill that would have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, subjecting those caught to only a civil fine of up to $100.That measure died in the House.Lawmakers instead passed a bill that legalizes marijuana for medical purposes but limits distribution to a small number of qualified academic medical centers. That program has yet to launch.In a separate interview later Friday, House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) said he believes the state should wait to see how things play out in Colorado before seriously considering expanding the legal availability of marijuana in Maryland.“The whole idea of transitioning into a recreational use of marijuana, I think, needs quite a bit more discussion and debate and understanding of what the practical implications would be,” Busch said.It’s certain there will be some robust debate this year over legalizing pot in the Free State.Del. Heather R. Mizeur (D-Montgomery), who is running for governor, has proposed legalizing marijuana and using the tax revenue it generates to fund pre-kindergarten education.Del. Curtis S. Anderson (D-Baltimore), meanwhile, told WBAL-TV this week that he plans to push for a bill again this year in the House of Delegates.Newshawk: UniverserSource: Washington Post (DC) Author: John WagnerPublished: January 4, 2014Copyright: 2014 Washington Post CompanyContact: letters washpost.com Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/ URL: http://drugsense.org/url/bfLptJEKCannabisNews  -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml 
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Comment #6 posted by Hope on January 04, 2014 at 20:00:18 PT
Universer
I have been worried about you. I'm glad you didn't have to go to jail. And, I, too, am sorry about the persecution and prosecution.I'm at least glad that you're alive and not in a cage.
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on January 04, 2014 at 19:43:39 PT
Universer
I am glad you didn't get jail time but I am sorry for the long probation.
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Comment #4 posted by Universer on January 04, 2014 at 18:30:55 PT
FoM & Hope
FoM: It's good to be seen. While my court situation sucked (it couldn't have done anything else), I did no jail and just have to abstain for a year. So I'll let everyone else have their fun in Colorado, Washington, etc., and let the good times keep rolling in 2014 as we correct Cannabis Prohibition in California, Oregon, Alaska, and who knows where else.But come next December, I'm definitely rolling my own good times.Hope: "Legalize" is a great word. "Re-legalize" is even better. But the term I prefer to use is "correct." As in, ameliorate what never should have been.
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on January 04, 2014 at 15:08:08 PT
Universer
I have it posted now. It's good to see you!
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Comment #2 posted by Hope on January 04, 2014 at 14:48:19 PT
Legalize
You know I like that word. Other people seem to, now, too.I'm so glad. Legalization. Legalizer. Legalize.Our weapons of resistance to unjust laws have always been words. Many people have been very reluctant to use the word in their letters and online comments. It, supposedly, "Scares" the other side.Maybe that's why they are using the word now. Scaring people? I don't know. But how else are we really going to get them to stop hurting people over it and to stop their "Crazy generous" plan of enriching a "Cartel" of people that operate on the basis of 'might makes right and terror is alright', to use as a means to their end... kind of like the governments... but even worse. I think, I hope, our government isn't directly melting people in vats of acid.
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Comment #1 posted by Universer on January 04, 2014 at 14:16:10 PT
Legislator Wants NM To Legalize Marijuana
FoM, if I may offer another article of potential interest:Legislator Wants NM To Legalize Marijuana - http://www.abqjournal.com/330203/news/legislator-wants-nm-constitutional-amendment-to-legalize-pot.htmlWe're moving the ball down the field. But no one should be doing any end-zone dances yet. We just got to the 20-yard line.
Legislator Wants NM To Legalize Marijuana
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